What the 360 should improve on.

The 360 does a shit ton for a game system. It plays movies, music, and even games! Microsoft's box is a great system, but it can do some things a bit better for say, the Xbox 360-2. Or the Xbox 720, or Kinect 3D...wait Xbox 3...D! Why aren't I working for a marketing department!? Or how about an update?

 

Interface:

The general idea of the 360's interface is as awesome as it is modern. In practice though, the way every section presents itself makes it easy for content to get lost in the shuffle. The main problem is that when you're in the Arcade section, your attention is on one game. How can Microsoft advertise features or even show you important information when each page is very obviously dedicated to one item at a time? Of course I know Shadow Complex is out and one of the best games, ever, but how is Joe Gamer supposed to discover it? Especially since it's a older title. Why is the link to Netflix overshadowing the stand-alone movies on the video marketplace? The 360 does have a highest rated game section, but hey can do better to showcase their titles.
 
The entire dashboard is a mess and ails at displaying vital information to the user. It's easy to miss content for those that don't follow games as much as we do, and even easy to miss out on basic Xbox features. Each game's specific page on the marketplace should actually have some decent-quality screenshots and steaming trailers as well. I'm a big believer that a machine is as good as its interface. I really enjoy the dashboard, but Microsoft can communicate with the consumer a lot better. Oh, and how about a calender to show new retail and XBLA releases somewhere? Just sayin'.
 

Make Features More Obvious:

If my job at GameStop taught me on thing it's that the average consumer doesn't know what the fuck their console is even capable of. You would be surprised at how many conversations I've had with people buying RockBand and telling them about how they can buy more songs via Xbox Live and are shocked. A lot of my customers didn't know about Netflix, the ability to hook-up your iPod, Last fm, or even DVD playback! I actually recently learned about Xbox 101, but it's so buried in menus to the point that if someone actually found these tutorials they probably know all about the 360's functionality. 
 

Real IM

I have a bad habit of getting into text message conversations while playing games. Why can't I just have a chat window on the screen? Or even a lobby on the dashboard that allows voice and text chat? 

Better Voice Quality:

Keyboard and Mouse Support:

Here's the big one. If PC games can instantaneously switch between keyboard and 360 controller, why not have that functionality on a console? A big argument against this is that different forms of control will throw off game balancing. Well, why not have specific game lobbies for different control schemes?

With this functionality, I would've actually bought some strategy games for my 360. There's nothing wrong with giving consumers more options.It's cool FFXI allows you to use Keyboard and mouse, but that's about it.   
 

Day 1 Marketplace releases

Here's the big one. I'm eager to ditch the bookcase of games that's taking up space. Lets download some games day and date with retail release. The staff said they were given Crackdown 2 through a download code. So it's possible, we also have the space to do it. I'd imagine Microsoft will do this with either a random title or a major title to test the waters. I honestly thought Crackdown 2 would be the perfect game to test this concept with, it's a impulse purchase game, the game itself isn't a huge file compared to others, and it showcases many LIVE features like co-op, competitive multiplayer and DLC down the road. Not to mention that it's a sequel. However, Crackdown 2 isn't the type of game that would break midnight release records so retailers wont get pissed. Perfect game to try this with, but it didn't happen. I'm all about saving time, gas, and house space.

Explosions, Strippers, and Smoothies:

The 360 does a shit ton for a game system. It plays movies, music, and even games! Microsoft's box is a great system, but it can do some things a bit better for say, the Xbox 360-2. Or the Xbox 720, or Kinect 3D...wait Xbox 3...D! Why aren't I working for a marketing department!? Or how about an update?

 

Interface:

The general idea of the 360's interface is as awesome as it is modern. In practice though, the way every section presents itself makes it easy for content to get lost in the shuffle. The main problem is that when you're in the Arcade section, your attention is on one game. How can Microsoft advertise features or even show you important information when each page is very obviously dedicated to one item at a time? Of course I know Shadow Complex is out and one of the best games, ever, but how is Joe Gamer supposed to discover it? Especially since it's a older title. Why is the link to Netflix overshadowing the stand-alone movies on the video marketplace? The 360 does have a highest rated game section, but hey can do better to showcase their titles.
 
The entire dashboard is a mess and ails at displaying vital information to the user. It's easy to miss content for those that don't follow games as much as we do, and even easy to miss out on basic Xbox features. Each game's specific page on the marketplace should actually have some decent-quality screenshots and steaming trailers as well. I'm a big believer that a machine is as good as its interface. I really enjoy the dashboard, but Microsoft can communicate with the consumer a lot better. Oh, and how about a calender to show new retail and XBLA releases somewhere? Just sayin'.
 

Make Features More Obvious:

If my job at GameStop taught me on thing it's that the average consumer doesn't know what the fuck their console is even capable of. You would be surprised at how many conversations I've had with people buying RockBand and telling them about how they can buy more songs via Xbox Live and are shocked. A lot of my customers didn't know about Netflix, the ability to hook-up your iPod, Last fm, or even DVD playback! I actually recently learned about Xbox 101, but it's so buried in menus to the point that if someone actually found these tutorials they probably know all about the 360's functionality. 
 

Real IM

I have a bad habit of getting into text message conversations while playing games. Why can't I just have a chat window on the screen? Or even a lobby on the dashboard that allows voice and text chat? 

Better Voice Quality:

Keyboard and Mouse Support:

Here's the big one. If PC games can instantaneously switch between keyboard and 360 controller, why not have that functionality on a console? A big argument against this is that different forms of control will throw off game balancing. Well, why not have specific game lobbies for different control schemes?

With this functionality, I would've actually bought some strategy games for my 360. There's nothing wrong with giving consumers more options.It's cool FFXI allows you to use Keyboard and mouse, but that's about it.   
 

Day 1 Marketplace releases

Here's the big one. I'm eager to ditch the bookcase of games that's taking up space. Lets download some games day and date with retail release. The staff said they were given Crackdown 2 through a download code. So it's possible, we also have the space to do it. I'd imagine Microsoft will do this with either a random title or a major title to test the waters. I honestly thought Crackdown 2 would be the perfect game to test this concept with, it's a impulse purchase game, the game itself isn't a huge file compared to others, and it showcases many LIVE features like co-op, competitive multiplayer and DLC down the road. Not to mention that it's a sequel. However, Crackdown 2 isn't the type of game that would break midnight release records so retailers wont get pissed. Perfect game to try this with, but it didn't happen. I'm all about saving time, gas, and house space.

Explosions, Strippers, and Smoothies:

Those are some damn good ideas. Especially the keyboard/mouse one. If only you worked at Microsoft...

The only thing I don't like about the 360 are the games...

they need a less clunky add filled menu. i liked the add filled blade menus better than the slow wooshy assed add filled thing that they have now.
id like to see a menu that I can customize to whatever i want it to have.

Definetly some valid points.  For the Xbox bladeless interface, I have had mixed feelings since day 1.  I would have rather they done something that has the focus more in the middle, always having the eye drawn to the left of the tv is very annoying.  I think it was there version of the Ipods flow interface but just to not seem like they were totally  ripping it off they chose to make it's main focus on the left...  Big mistake imo.

" Your Playstation is wayy harder to use. At least the Xbox works. "

Owning a ps3, 360, and wii what they should have done for me a long time ago is tested the hardware more and improved it, I keep it around for exclusives and for games that are supposed to run better on it but after 3 red rings it's only a matter of time before it happens again. 

1. Don't break

I never understood the hate the current XBLA interface gets. You can find pretty much all of the best XBLA games in either the Top Rated or Best Seller tabs. 

Stevie E. You hit it again! perfect.

I am totally against keyboard and mouse. It's a control system that developed out of a need for one based on standard PC elements. The Xbox has a far better, ergonomically-designed option. If you played Xbox with a keyboard and mouse, you'd need to sit at a desk to play it. I want to lie in bed, or on my sofa, and game away like the lazy toad that I am. 
 
I do, however, think some sort of Stripper Explosion would be great on the Dash. If I can hit that (geddit?) and some Swedish babe bursts in and starts getting all up in my grill, that is something I could deal with. Assuming it's no more than 400 M$ Points...

My problem is whenever I go into a a store to try out an Xbox360, they have a few racing demos, games like Guitar Hero demo and some sub-par demos.  Why can't they highlight their supposedly Cream of the Crop games like Halo, Mass Effect or Gears of War?  It doesn't make much sense to me personally.

Yeah, the menus can be pretty tough to navigate. I agree that they really need to work on that stuff. I also really love the idea of a calendar addition. Also, yeah, voice chats can be a pain, hopefully they can fix that up for their next console. Anyway, great post, man. Most importantly, what I'd like to see is better hardware. I'm on my 3rd 360, which occasionally fails to read any games and has some other problems. Plus I've had quite a few problems with the controllers, which aren't all that reliable.

Day 1 Games on Demand I want so, so bad.

All the music dlc should only appear in the Music marketplace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Or only have one 'link' appear for each game.

I miss being able to put skins on the Guide.

Marketplace needs the option to buy all content using 'real' money like you can with the Games On Demand.

When you file a complaint I want an option to write why i reported the individual and a confirmation that it's being looked into! 

An overall age filter for xbox live so that i never have to play against or listen to annoying kids.

Update to the system so that the disc in the drive doesn't spin when not in use and doesn't have to read every time you quit back to dashboard.

An option to clear cache without also clearing title updates

Overall pricing on Marketplace is horrible with old content never dropping in price.

I want S ranks to only apply to the original achievements and not dlc

And a whole lot more more but this post is a fucking mess already :)

" Your Playstation is wayy harder to use. At least the Xbox works. "

Good post. I have very similar feelings about the voice quality and the messaging however I think having mouse and keyboard support is pushing it a little. It would be cool but I doubt it would ever happen.    

" @Jenny101 said:

" Your Playstation is wayy harder to use. At least the Xbox works. "

That's a joke, right? "

Pretty nice. That's everything I would like to see on the 360. How about making a list of interface changes on the PS3? I'd like to see that too. Oh and you should also add this to the Luchazine.

" Pretty nice. That's everything I would like to see on the 360. How about making a list of interface changes on the PS3? I'd like to see that too. Oh and you should also add this to the Luchazine. "

their optimum resolution setting.
for games that have vertical black bars, it should expand it one to one, and not just be lazy.
 
 http://mugugipan.webs.com/hdtvproblems.htm

" @ch13696 said:

" Pretty nice. That's everything I would like to see on the 360. How about making a list of interface changes on the PS3? I'd like to see that too. Oh and you should also add this to the Luchazine. "

Probably not. My blog was kinda half-assed in terms of quality. Besides, Goran has been clear that nothing gets posted on GiantBomb before going in the Luchazine. "

" @Donkey said:

" @Jenny101 said:

" Your Playstation is wayy harder to use. At least the Xbox works. "

That's a joke, right? "

I agree with her. The PS3 is a whole new story on system functionality and navigation. Weird enough, Future Cop was stuck in my system for 3 weeks until i magically came out. My connection barely works on my PS3, the updates are annoying, there's always something wrong when I turn on my Playstation. "

I just want keyboard functionality so I can type out messages quickly, rather than slowly scrolling over to them with the controller

The only thing about the Xbox that I wish was better was the overall build quality. I have a new slim, and I really don't feel its as good as my old PS3-fat. I hate the disc tray, give me a loading slot.

" I just want keyboard functionality so I can type out messages quickly, rather than slowly scrolling over to them with the controller "

Definitely needs explosions, strippers, and smoothies.

Oh jesus if they added Keyboard and Mouse support I would embrace Steve Ballmer myself, regardless of whether he was drenched in sweat, or had anything at all to do with the implementation.

The 360 does support USB keyboards for messaging, and you can buy that chat pad for the controller. "

I like a lot of the ideas, but I can see why a lot of them aren't implemented. Like the Day 1 Downaloadable games, but I agree that they should test the waters (even though I prefer to have a large collection of physical games). Also while I agree the interface does need a little tweaking, I have never had a drastic problem navigating it. It could use a few less dumb advertisements though.
 
However I 100% agree with the strippers part.

" @Donkey said:

" @Jenny101 said:

" Your Playstation is wayy harder to use. At least the Xbox works. "

That's a joke, right? "

I agree with her. The PS3 is a whole new story on system functionality and navigation. Weird enough, Future Cop was stuck in my system for 3 weeks until i magically came out. My connection barely works on my PS3, the updates are annoying, there's always something wrong when I turn on my Playstation. "

" Definitely needs explosions, strippers, and smoothies. "

I like your ideas very much. 
 
Especially that calender idea. I'd love to know when releases will be set!

" @EpicSteve said:

The 360 does support USB keyboards for messaging, and you can buy that chat pad for the controller. "

It supports keyboards? Since when? "

all i want is the blades interface back. i don't like the NXE >< 

Some pretty good ideas that I can't argue against. The NXE will need to have another interface overhaul soon, because it was negligible improvement over the blades interface. Also I agree with the keyboard and mouse support, it will be helpful to have something like that for instant messaging on the 360 or just type some shit. Hell might as well add browser functionality while we're at it.

These should have been included for the Xbox slim.

" My problem is whenever I go into a a store to try out an Xbox360, they have a few racing demos, games like Guitar Hero demo and some sub-par demos.  Why can't they highlight their supposedly Cream of the Crop games like Halo, Mass Effect or Gears of War?  It doesn't make much sense to me personally. "

" My problem is whenever I go into a a store to try out an Xbox360, they have a few racing demos, games like Guitar Hero demo and some sub-par demos.  Why can't they highlight their supposedly Cream of the Crop games like Halo, Mass Effect or Gears of War?  It doesn't make much sense to me personally. "

Great ideas, but the big one you should of added in there was the interface actually being fast. That's the thing that pisses me off about my Xbox, it's that whenever I get a message via text or voice I have to hit the guide button and after it's taken like 3 seconds to load the interface overlay, I then have to wait for the actual message to load. I wouldn't even mind buying a little RAM addon that goes through USB and has another USB on it (so I don't lose any slots), that would only be used for the interface.

pretty good :)

How about: customer appreciation.

I love strippers!

KinextBox 3D-60......bam...

How about just replacing the NXE with the XMB.

Some of these are also problems that the Playstation 3 has.