Looks like it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the next Xbox will be "always online."
"Microsoft Apologizes, But Refuses to Comment on 'Always On'"
"Always-Online, Always Connected Would Be A Terrible Business Decision For Microsoft's Next Generation Xbox"
I'm just going to say this as plainly as I can: Same as with games, I will never buy any console that uses a mandatory "always online" scheme. Optional online features that can be turned off or ignored at my whim without breaking anything is fine, because that's what current consoles use, but if your new console requires it, then you have lost a sale. That is how I will "deal with it."
I haven't yet completely sworn off next gen consoles altogether, mind you, but I'm very close to doing so, particularly if they keep this kind of crap up.
"Always-Online, Always Connected Would Be A Terrible Business Decision For Microsoft's Next Generation Xbox"
I'm just going to say this as plainly as I can: Same as with games, I will never buy any console that uses a mandatory "always online" scheme. Optional online features that can be turned off or ignored at my whim without breaking anything is fine, because that's what current consoles use, but if your new console requires it, then you have lost a sale. That is how I will "deal with it."
I haven't yet completely sworn off next gen consoles altogether, mind you, but I'm very close to doing so, particularly if they keep this kind of crap up.