Microsoft Corp. and IBM Corp.'s Technology Group announced today (Nov. 3) that the next- generation Xbox electronic game console will use a yet-to-be-designated IBM processor. IBM's chip will replace Intel Corp.'s Pentium III processor now in the current Xbox version. The Intel chip runs at 650 to 800MHz.

The win gives IBM a clean sweep with the three leading electronic game producers. IBM's projected Cell processor technology will be used by Sony Corp. in its next Sony PlayStation console, and IBM is supplying a PowerPC processor to Nintendo Corp. for its Game Cube player. Microsoft is expected to use an advanced version of IBM's PowerPC processor for its next Xbox, according to Richard Doherty, president of research firm Envisioneering Group. Bernie Meyerson, IBM fellow and chief technologist for IBM's Technology Group, said only that the next Xbox will use the latest IBM processor technology.

Doherty speculated that the next Xbox could possibly come to market in time for the 2004 holiday season.

By: DocMemory
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