Hot rumours are starting to spread about the upcoming operating system Windows 8. According to news site Insiders, Microsoft's new OS could be able to play Xbox 360 games. I think I will take that with a truckload of salt myself, but if it is true, it would explain the totally bizarre recent move of Games for Windows Live over to Xbox marketplace...

So, what do you folks make of it: Fact or bust? Exciting? Interesting? Maybe?

The rumor has been floating around for a few weeks now. General feeling from people is it's possible but highly unlikely. This seems to have all grown from the fact Microsoft have effectively killed GFWL and moved the PC operation to Xbox.com

Oops, only now I see it was posted back in May. I thought it was more recent. My bad, sorry. *facepalm self*

It's only getting media attention now because the main media have finally copped on to it. It's speculation at best. I wouldn't expect anything concrete from Microsoft until the end of the year building to Win8's 2012 release.

Some say it makes sense: promoting the xbox 360 with exclusivities, which then pass on windows 8. It is a form of promotion.

I don't think this will happen. Although I wish it will, I wish I could play Fable II

If this is true, this would provide the only reason so far for me to upgrade from 7.

The only issue I could see is I don't know how much freedom X360 developers have with the system. If they're allowed to use system-specific optimizations like PPC assembly, then it could be a problem. If they're forced to code against DirectX only, then should be easy.

so any huge xbox exclusives other than the halo series that needs to be played on the pc?

Well there it is. Now what?

I remember the hype about the original Xbox. While you and I might think it sounds like a good move, consoles exist in there own little bubble and they like it that way.
I wonder what would happen to pc ports, though. I am no longer sure I want this.

Doesn't have to be xbox exclusive. RDR anyone ?

Would be a good move for Microsoft. Many people (gamers) are reluctant to change to a new system due to compatibility issues. Have Xbox games work on Windows 8 and many would switch to it. That and the fact they make money from selling the games unlike "regular" games where they don't get a cut just from running on Windows.

Not sure it would be a good move for gamers.

Well, that's the thing: my first question is "How"? Surely running games developed for a platform run on the PPC would need some sort of Rosetta-esque system to run on Windows on x86, and that's bound to lead to a performance hit of some degree (though admittedly the power of today's hardware makes that more and more of a moot issue).

But that leads me to my other question: "Why"? If you're going to go to the trouble of getting XBox 360 games to run on Windows...why not just get the developers to natively release the game on Windows? PC gamers are all complaining about suffering the indignance of playing sub-par console ports on the PC (and rightfully so!) - the answer is to vote with our wallets and support developers who give PC users proper games; maybe it's just me but I don't think the answer is to start playing console games on our PCs...

I really get the feeling that this is more just wishful thinking, and less substantive rumour.

The new Xbox will revolutionize gaming.
It will run Windows 8.
Support any USB controller (gamepad, mouse, joystick).
Browse the internet.
Supports MS Office and other MS compatible software.
Opening it does not break the warranty.
You can upgrade the parts to extend life.
Download freely from the internet.

I hear Apple will release something similar but higher priced, incompatible with everything else, and you can't touch it.

In other words: it will be a PC.
The good thing about the last console generation was, that you could insert a disc and play without micromanaging anything.
Why do we need a second PC?

I'd wager good money (read: not mine), that he was attempting a joke.

I see; but who are the jokesters, that bought the millions of that red ring crap?