XBOX 360 REVIEW: XBOX 360 SYSTEM
Dave Allison
Vaughn Smith
OVERALL
3.0 out of 5.0
BEFORE X360 CRASH
3.5 out of 5.0
AFTER X360 CRASH
Don't Even Ask

Well, the time is here. Microsoft finally sent us the Xbox 360 and we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it so we could report back to you what we discovered.

We hooked the console up to a 42" Sharp Aquos flatscreen that supports up to 1080p. All Xbox 360 games have resolutions of 720p or 1080i so we were hoping for some awesome graphics! Unfortunately, the console didn’t live up to what we had hoped in this area. The graphics were definitely better than the graphics for the Xbox, but they weren’t mind-blowing.

We were impressed with the controller which fit perfectly into our hands and was easy to play with. Microsoft has replaced it’s black and white buttons that were by the four colored buttons on the Xbox controller with one button on each side of the controller above the left and right triggers (similar to where the L1 and R1 are on the PlayStation controller). We liked the feel of these buttons labeled LB and RB. They made the controller easier to play with. Another awesome feature of the controller is a headset hook-up that allows you to plug your headset right into the wireless controller and use them both at the same time.

Our favorite part of the console was Xbox Live. The online capabilities have definitely given Microsoft an edge over the competition. Although they were already leaders in online capability, Xbox Live steps it up another notch. The Xbox Live Marketplace was a little disappointing. We didn’t think most of the options available were worth our time or money. This section could be improved by selling things like characters, tracks, and levels. Yet, who wants to pay for these things when you’ve already dished out hard earned money for the console, the game, and the Xbox Live membership? Of course, we did think it was sweet to be able to download free demos of games.

At any point during game play (and we really mean any point, even while the game is loading), you can push the Xbox guide button (that glowing green button in the center of the controller) to pause the game. At this point, a screen comes up that allows you to do many things. You may chat with friends, see who is online, change your themes, check your reputation and gamer profile, or look at all the games you have played and your achievements in the games. You can also choose any music on your hard drive to play during the game.

Gamers are able to set defaults for the games they play. You can choose the level of difficulty you want to always play at, primary and secondary colors, and controller sensitivity. You can choose to auto-aim and auto-center during action games. During racing games, you can set defaults for automatic or manual transmission, camera views, and whether you would like to use a trigger or a button for your brakes and accelerator.

Another positive thing was that the load time on games seems faster than the Xbox.

A downside to the console is it’s lack of backwards compatibility. If we don’t focus on the mere one hundred and fifty-six games that are backwards compatible in Europe or worse, the twelve games that are backwards compatible in Japan, we have over two hundred titles that will be backwards compatible at the North American launch. Microsoft promises that all these lists will continue to grow, but two hundred games still isn’t even half of the games for the Xbox. After Sony spoiled us with full backwards compatibility on the PlayStation 2, we expect better.

The launch games are mediocre, at best. For a game with only somewhat better graphics priced at $59.95, we aren’t racing to the store to pick up a game that we can already play on a system we already own. The Xbox 360 is only launching with five exclusive titles (six if you count Condemned: Criminal Origins which is set to come out on the PC but does not yet have a launch date). The exclusive titles are Amped 3, Kameo: Elements of Power, Perfect Dark Zero, Ridge Racer 6, and Project Gotham Racing 3.

Our conclusion is that Microsoft may have rushed their launch. It has only been four years since the Xbox was released. The life of a console could be much longer than that. Sony waited five years between the launch of the PlayStation and the PlayStation 2. It will be six years between the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation 3. We feel that instead of shocking us with awesome graphics and a killer game line-up, Microsoft is bringing us from the Xbox to the Xbox 1.5.

Our closest comparison is to the introduction of the Sega 32X Upgrade for the Sega Genesis. The upgrade was supposed to make better graphics by moving from 16 bit to 32 bit. The graphics were better, but it didn’t warrant an entirely new console. At this time, we would like to give the Xbox 360 three stars out of five.

Now remember things could change. We have only had the console in our possession for twenty-five and a half hours thus far (no, we aren’t counting...). At this point, we don’t feel that the Xbox 360 had anything fantastic that makes us want to tell you to run to your nearest Best Buy and pitch a tent to be first in line on November 22. The Xbox 360 may be the console for you, but we would recommend that you wait and see what Sony and Nintendo have to offer.

Having played the Xbox 360 for close to a month, Dave has occasionally asked me, "When are you going to do a review for the system?" I've been busy of course with all of the 4th quarter reviews needing attention, Xbox 360 and otherwise. I just haven't been able to get around to actually reviewing the system.

I've been impressed with the system thus far, primarily because up until now I haven't been playing games in high res. Having found a rare VGA adapter just after launch, I have the Xbox 360 running on my 19" flat screen monitor and it looks wonderful. None of the games have taken advantage of the added horsepower of the X360, so it's hard to accurately judge the visuals. Even Perfect Dark Zero and Kameo, two Xbox 360 exclusive titles, originated on inferior systems until development was switched over to Microsoft's new toy. As Dave mentioned in his review with regards to the graphics, my mind hasn't been blown just yet. I expect it will be down the road however.

The two tiers of XBL is decent but Gold is where it's at. Connecting to XBL and playing a match is usually painless and that goes a long way with me. Even though some people whine and moan about paying for the online experience, it's just so well thought out and expertly executed that I don't mind paying for the service. The Marketplace isn't quite as worthy. In fact I think it's completely useless. I'm not going to pay for extras. I never will. I don't need Gamer Pictures that badly.

I love the wireless controller and the added functionality. The controller is excellent and I heartily applaud Microsoft for adding the L and R bumper buttons, in effect making the controller a bulky cousin to Sony's Dual Shock 2. Hey, when in Rome...

But here's the problem and it's a BIG PROBLEM. No I mean BIG PROBLEM!

I received a Mad Catz X360 USB controller for review so naturally I decided to be professional and review it. I removed it from the plastic packaging almost severing a couple of my digits in the process but that's besides the point. I thought I would take Tony Hawk's American Wasteland for a spin. But there was a problemo. No wait a BIG PROBLEM!

The Xbox 360 wouldn't load the game. It just sat there giving me 3 red blinking lights on the Power button. Uh oh. I thought. BIG PROBLEM!

I discovered via the magic of the internet that the 3 blinking red lights on the Power button basically means "You're F*******!!!!!!!!!" 3 blinking lights is Microsoft's way of saying your $500 Xbox 360 is experiencing a hardware failure. AWESOME!! So there you have it. I bought the game system on November 22 and in all honesty haven't touched it in a week or so. That means I received one month of service out of my $500 system. ONE MONTH! Perusing Microsoft website support they recommend some fixes but those really are just time wasters, filler if you will. Some useless busy work to give you false hope and maybe calm your nerves before you pick up the phone and scream at some poor undeserving guy at 1-800-4-MYXBOX. But that's what I decided to do anyway. So I called Xbox support and had to call back three times to get someone who spoke my language. English.

I finally reached James and he was extremely cheerful. James the Xbox 360 tech support guy chuckled when I said "I got the three blinking lights of doom!" He responded with..."Heh heh....that's what I call it too!" YAY! Even he finds it amusing! Did I make a funny? Is it hilarious that my $500 system doesn't work a month after I bought it? Come to think of it, it's not that funny at all. It's PATHETIC!

James didn't toy with me in regards to the "official fixes". He knows what the 3 blinking lights stand for. He knows that all he needs to do is send me a box so I can send my system in for repair. How long it takes for me to get back to reviewing, remains to be seen.

I asked James if I could keep my hard drive as all of my saves were on it as it appeared the hard drive was still in working condition. No response. I asked him again and nothing. Then I asked him again and he apologized and said that he didn't hear me because his boss was making fun of the way he spoke on the phone! So now, no one is even listening to me, they're just so busy yukking it up and having injokes while I'm trying to get some answers! Hilarious! I still don't know the answer to that question. I finally had to ask James if we were done, because he had stopped talking to me and I could hear him talking to his supervisor. And he says "Yup. That's all for now."

All I know is that Xbox is sending me a box and that I can send it back to them. Oh and James also took the time to tell me him and his buds are planning on coming to Canada on a road trip. He says that maybe they might even come to Vancouver where I live. Maybe James and his friends can bring me a new Xbox 360! Wouldn't that be awesome?

For the record I also called EB where I purchased the system. Of course, they don't have any systems nor would they exchange it even if they did. They asked "Did you buy the extended warranty?" as though if I hadn't bought it, NOTHING could be done, which isn't accurate as the system has a 90 day warranty anyway and I've only had it for 37 freakin' days! Of course I bought the extended warranty!! Do you think I'm hard of learning? When you have to buy two PS2's because they don't work and two Xbox systems because they don't work, you tend to BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY!!!!! I'm so gunshy of shoddy products because of my past experiences I asked the woman at Safeway if I could get an extended warranty for the bottle of ketchup I was buying. I could not.

This hardware failure which I like to call "complete and utter design failure" has really thrown my plans into a tizzy. I can't review some of the Xbox 360 product that I was hoping to get my hands on. So much for picking up Dead Or Alive 4 that I have on hold when it comes in today or tomorrow. I have to send out a steady stream of emails to companies who are expecting CCC to review their products. I'm so incredibly unimpressed you have no idea.

So what do you give a system that dies after a month? How do you rate it? With many other people having the same problems and taking into consideration that I've already bought two Xbox systems because one of them didn't work and wasn't on warranty, I just can't go ahead and say "Yeah, it's great!" Telling you to "beware" isn't even useful because there aren't any to buy anyway. I truly don't believe the next shipment is going to work any better.

Due to my frustration, my past experience (including having already purchased 2 Xbox systems due to one dying) and the PITA factor (pain in the a...) of having a system for a month which now requires a severe mechanical operation, I can't even rate the system after the crash because it honestly doesn't even register on my scale. It's inexcusable. It's unprofessional. It's frustrating. It's maddening. And most accurately, it's far too common these days.

Click For Media
Click For Media
System: X360
Dev: Microsoft
Release: Nov 22, 2005
Preview By Vaughn
  

It's officially official and some of you might remember that CCC brought this info to you first, before IGN, before Gamespot. We broke the story on this a couple of weeks back. Yeah, we're great. What can we say?

Official Xbox 360 Press Release

Ending weeks of speculation about which upcoming video game platform will give gamers the most bang for their buck, today at the German Games Convention, Microsoft Corp. revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360 -- the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system -- for as little as $299.99 U.S./299.99 euro/209.99 pounds starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S./399.99 euro/279.99 pounds, giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.

The Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System -- along with an impressive lineup of high-definition game titles from the world's best publishers and developers -- will make their debut in North America, Europe and Japan in time for this Christmas holiday, several months ahead of the competition. Although details for the Japan launch will be addressed at the Tokyo Game Show in September, the unprecedented three-region launch signifies an industry first. The Xbox 360 platform will deliver the most powerful console, the best games, the next generation of the Xbox Live service, and amazing digital entertainment experiences never seen in console entertainment.

"The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated," said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft. "While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it's also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras."

With its built-in Ethernet port and free Silver level of service right out of the box, Xbox 360 also connects players to Xbox Live, the premier global online console games and entertainment network. With Xbox Live, gamers can chat with friends online, build and share gamer profiles, send and receive text and voice messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace for new content such as game demos, trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. Subscribers to the Gold level of service will also enjoy access to online multiplayer gaming in their favorite games, as well as great promotional programs such as worldwide tournaments, the chance to play online with their favorite celebrities, and opportunities to win big prizes.

Xbox 360 Premium Package

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./399.99 euro/279.99 pounds Xbox 360 console. This premium edition distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself -- comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:

  • Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch -- three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
  • Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
  • Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.
  • Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish "chill" (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.
    Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
  • Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
  • Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
  • A bonus Media Remote. Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC's controls with a single remote.

Xbox 360 Core Package

At $299.99 U.S./299.99 euro/209.99 pounds, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

  • Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
  • Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
  • Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish "chill" (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.
  • Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./19.99 euro/14.99 pounds), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./34.99 euro/24.99 pounds*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./29.99 euro/19.99 pounds*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

  • Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./99.99 euro/69.99 pounds*).
    Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./34.99 euro/22.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./44.99 euro/32.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./19.99 euro/14.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./14.99 euro/9.99 pounds*).
    Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./79.99 euro/59.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./19.99 euro/14.99 pounds*).
    Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./29.99 euro/19.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./24.99 euro/17.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./29.99 euro/19.99 pounds*).
"With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we're offering consumers real choice and real value," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. "We're bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers' living rooms this Christmas holiday." 		 
   

Click to enlargeThe Xbox 360 was unveiled during an MTV broadcast, which by all definitions, was a spectacular joke. The Xbox product is already hip. Trying to make it appear even hipper just makes it look desperate. Like a geek wearing a leather jacket, leather pants, leather tie and a leather cap.

In any event, once they actually decided to show the system for that two seconds, it became instantly clear that for once in the history of the internet, the info we received beforehand actually turned out to be true.

The system will launch this Christmas season simultaneously in North America, Japan and the UK. While we don't have anything close to resembling a launch list, we were able to get a glimpse of the titles currently in development, some of which we knew of and some surprises.

Software in Development

  • NBA 2K6
  • Call of Duty 2
  • Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland*
  • Quake 4
  • Madden NFL 2006*
  • Need for Speed Most Wanted*
  • Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2006*
  • The Darkness
  • Perfect Dark: Zero*
  • Kameo : Elements of Power
  • Project Gotham Racing 3*
  • Gears of War
  • Saint’s Row
  • Ghost Recon 3
  • Ultimate Spider-Man*

*possible launch software

Media Capabilities

Expanding their horizons, Microsoft is integrating USB funtionality to create seamless Windows peripheral connectivity. The system will feature wireless controllers which will easily connect to a Windows PC so that you'll be comfortable playing games on either platform.

Like its predecessor the Xbox 360 will feature a progressive scan DVD player, which isn't quite the selling feature it once was, but is still an inexpensive bonus. Every MP3 player, digital camera and Windows XP-based PC with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 port can plug right into an Xbox 360 system to stream music, video and photos.

Never ones to miss an opportunity for more expansion, the Xbox 360 will fully integrate with the upcoming Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system. Media Center boasts that will turn the PC into a complete home entertainment package, complete with photo, music, movies on demand and Tivo-like television recording capabilities. The Xbox 360 will be able to control all of that seamlessly, streaming video, music or pictures to various TVs in the home once connected to your PC running Media Center software.

A detachable hard drive will be available (perhaps in various increments of storage space) which gives us the impression that the sytem won't be bundled with one. We take this to mean that those who are running Media Center OS, might be able to utilize their PCs hard drive rather than purchasing a separate unit. Those who prefer to keep everything self contained will have that option as well.

The Xbox 360 Cam will be used to integrate players faces into the games as well as sharing their photos with friends online etc. Not much has been said about the integration of this technology yet and we expect more info next week at E3.

Xbox Live

As we already mentioned in our first preview below, the XBL service will be available in two packages: Silver and Gold. The Silver service will be available to every Xbox 360 owner with cable/dsl ISP access and will not cost anything. Players can express their digital identity through their Gamer Profile; connect with friends anytime, anywhere through Xbox Live voice chat; send and receive text and voice message; and access Xbox Live Marketplace to download demos and trailers along with new game levels, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins, classic arcade and card and board games, community-created content, and more to the detachable Xbox 360 hard drive — all right out of the box at no extra cost. However, XBL Silver users will not be able to play online against friends. You'll need the Gold service for that.

XBL Gold will function much the same as the current XBL service. Gold users will be able to video message their friends via the 360 Cam, take part in special online events and be privvy to special downloads etc.

High Def

Each Xbox 360 will support high definition wide screen output (16:9 aspect ratio), and each game will support 780p and 1080i for the best possible visuals attained on a game system. If you don't have a high def television, you might want to start investigating the possibilites now.

Customization

Interchangeable face plates were shown on the MTV unveiling, which would allow gamers to "pimp their ride" as it were. While the idea is nice, it's one of those little perks that most likely will fall out of favor within a year of the launch. Unless Microsoft was going to go one step further and allow chassis replacement and customization I can't see this feature really taking off. Although I'm sure the modding scene will take off with that certain percentage of the tinkering population.

Price

Let's look at the facts here folks. Does Microsoft have to make the price appealing when it launches? No. Being the first ones out of the gate with possibly 3-6 months ahead of Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft knows they won't have to drop the price until Sony shows up in the game. I think it's wishful thinking that Microsoft will sell the 360 at a reduced rate to corner the market. I believe this package will include - 360 system, one controller. headset, cam and remote for $499 US. The hard drive will be extra and the Xbox Live Gold will be extra. But I do believe they will sell the cam and the headset with the bundle to ensure everyone has one. If you leave it up to the people, they won't get around to buying peripherals if they're extra and all of the uses for that technology become endangered and ultimately forgotten. If Microsoft doesn't bundle the system with the headset and the cam, I think they're making a huge mistake. HUGE.

On another note, watch for a price drop to $99 for the original Xbox this Fall. It only stands to reason.

Final Thoughts

It's really too early to tell just what kind of impact this system will have until we see more of the games in development and just how realistic it is to assume that everyone will be plugging the Xbox 360 into their Media Center Windows XP. Remember, getting online for the majority of people was hard enough, integrating their new game system with an upgraded OS for their PC is an entirely different species of monkey. And if we know Microsoft, we know it won't be as easy as they'd like you to believe. So right there, the technophobes in the universe will be nervous when it comes to the functionality of the Xbox 360 and that's never a good thing.
Preview By Vaughn

Faces
Unlike any console before, Xbox 360 puts gamers at the center and gives you the freedom to personalize your gaming experience however you see fit. Xbox 360 Faces make it easy and fun to change the face of your console. Change your Faces whenever you like to match your personality, your mood, or your wild side. So flip it, switch it, or leave it be, and express your unique sense of style.

  • Interchangeable faceplates allow you to express yourself and create a one-of-a-kind system.
  • Find cool, customizable, cutting-edge designs that are fun to change.
  • Faces are highly versatile, with multiple designs to choose from.
  • Faces are designed for easy switching.
  • Maintain full functionality of your system, regardless of which Face you choose.
  • Pick up copies of the collectable limited-edition Faces.

Memory Unit
Further enhancing the gaming experience, Xbox 360 Memory Units allow you to save your in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles. The Memory Units are easily portable and enable quick and easy access to previously established benchmarks, putting you in control of your games and your lifestyle. You can save your games, your Xbox Live profile, and more with Xbox 360 Memory Units.

  • Transport your Memory Unit in the portable carrying case that fits on your keychain.
  • The Memory Unit (64 MB) requires no setup. Just plug it in, and you can save your favorite games.
  • Xbox 360 holds up to two Memory Units, so you can easily upgrade to more storage space.

Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote was engineered to serve as your integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience. Enter a new world of digital entertainment with the touch of a single button. Play DVD movies and music, plus control your TV and your Media Center PC with one controller. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button gives you quick access to your digital movies, music, and games library, and backlit buttons make the keypad easy to see in a darkened home theater. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

  • Power your Xbox 360 system on or off without leaving the couch.
  • The Xbox Guide Button allows for easy navigation of the Xbox Gamer Guide.
  • The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote includes control buttons for your music, pictures, and more.
  • The Xbox 360 supports progressive-scan for DVD playback functionality, including a control for opening and closing the tray.
  • The remote supports universal TV and console functionality, including volume and mute buttons and up-and-down channel changing.
  • Windows XP Media Center Edition Button and Media Center Edition functionality are featured.
  • A, B, X, and Y buttons are included for basic control of your Xbox 360 system, even without a controller.
  • Numbered and backlight keypad gives you full functionality, even in the dark.


Peripherals Designed Specifically for Xbox Live

Xbox Live Camera
The Xbox Live Camera for Xbox 360 opens up a new world of gaming and entertainment on Xbox Live, the world’s premier online video games service. With the Xbox Live Camera, video chat and video messaging with your friends becomes more than just a feature set; it is an integrated part of the Xbox Live experience. Connect and communicate while playing the same or different games, watching movies, listening to music, and more.

The Xbox Live Camera also takes personalization to a whole new level and allows you to customize your gaming experience by putting your face on characters in your games, all while being able to video chat with your friends as you play online. And with next-generation online motion-detection-enabled games, the Xbox Live Camera puts you entirely in the game and in control of the on-screen characters over Xbox Live.

  • High-end online camera supports up to VGA 640x480 video at 30 frames per second and takes 1.3-megapixel still photos.
  • The camera includes a microphone that connects to the controller, so everyone in the room can chat online with their friends.
  • The camera supports built-in video chat and video messaging on Xbox Live.
  • Your face can be imported into games and can also be placed next to your name on leader boards for even more recognition or fame.
  • Chat with your friends while you play online in Xbox 360 games as well as in the Xbox Live Arcade.

Xbox 360 Headset
The Xbox 360 Headset heightens the experience of the unprecedented online gaming community, Xbox Live, allowing you to strategize with teammates, trash-talk opponents or just chat with friends while playing your favorite games. You can record and leave short voice messages for friends or family through the free Xbox Live Message Service or connect with buddies online using the headset in place of the phone. Turn it up or turn it down, and experience the most intense gaming experience possible.

* Boom microphone can be adjusted for optimal sound quality.
* In-line volume control and mute switch let users adjust the headset volume or switch mute on and off easily.
* Noise-canceling microphone improves game response to voice commands, and provides crisp and clear voice communication.
* Lightweight, over-the-head design enables comfortable use.
* The headset plugs directly into either the Xbox 360 Controller or Xbox Wireless Controller for easy use.

Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
Designed for versatility and ease, the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter enhances your Xbox 360 experience in the digital home, seamlessly synchronizing with the Xbox 360 system. You can easily transfer videos and music to your Xbox 360 system from your Media Center PC, chat with your friends, play games via Xbox Live, and more—all without the clutter of wires.

  • The Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter is highly versatile and supports 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a.
  • The Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter is powered seamlessly by your Xbox 360 gaming console, so there's no external power adapter to plug in.
  • You can transfer high-definition video and CD-quality music from your Media Center PC to your Xbox 360 via 802.11a wireless media support.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
High-performance wireless gaming is here! Using optimized technology, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller lets you enjoy a 30-foot range and up to 40 hours of life on two AA batteries—and when they run low, you're given ample warning so you can connect a Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play. Plug the Xbox 360 Headset into the controller for full duplex voice communication: a wireless first. With quick access to Xbox 360 features including DVDs, music, pictures, and more, along with the ability to support four wireless controllers simultaneously, gamers can experience wireless freedom, precision, high quality, and performance for endless gameplay.

  • It's cordless—no cables to plug in—with a 30-foot wireless range.
  • The controller features integrated 2.4GHz high-performance wireless technology.
  • New and improved ergonomic design enables maximum comfort and endless gameplay.
  • New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use.
  • Two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and one eight-way directional pad are included.
  • Experience an unprecedented level of Rumble Control. Set the Rumble Control to Full, Medium, Low, or Off to match your personal preference.
  • The Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller gives you quick access to all your favorite Xbox 360 system activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, contacting friends on Xbox Live, and customizing your gaming experiences. Easily jump to the Xbox Gamer Guide or Xbox Live Marketplace.

Xbox 360 Controller
Based on the acclaimed design of the Xbox Controller S, the Xbox 360 Controller features an extended nine-foot cable and an improved ergonomic design. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button grants you quick access to your digital movie, music, and games libraries. The ultimate in gamer flexibility, precision, control, quality, and comfort are all yours.

  • New and improved ergonomic design enables maximum comfort and endless gameplay.
  • New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use.
  • Two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and one eight-way directional pad are included.
  • The controller includes a nine-foot (nearly three-meter) break-away controller cable.
  • Experience an unprecedented level of Rumble Control. Set the Rumble Control to Full, Medium, Low, or Off to match your personal preference.
  • A port for your Xbox 360 Headset is included.
  • The Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller gives you quick access to all your favorite Xbox 360 system activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, contacting friends on Xbox Live, and customizing your gaming experiences. Easily jump to the Xbox Gamer Guide or Xbox Live Marketplace.

Xbox Live Features

2 types of Xbox Live:
Xbox Live Silver (no subscription required)
Xbox Live Gold (subscription benefits)

Features for Gold service
(S) Also for Silver
(O) Also for Offline

- Seamless transition to Xbox Live account from Xbox to Xbox 360
- Access to MMOs (additional fees may apply) (S)
- Free Xbox Live weekends (S)
- Multiplayer online gameplay
- Avatar for gamer profile(S)(O)
- Motto for gamer profile (S)(O)
- Personalized look for Xbox System Guide (S)(O)
- Offline achievments (S)(O)
- Online achievements (S)
- Access to other players' Gamer cards via Live (S)
- Cumulative gamer score (S)(O)
- Location/language profile (S)(O)
- Reputation (S)
- Enahnced matchmaking using above
- Skill level matchmaking
- Gameplay style profile (casual, competitive, etc.)
- Recent players list (S)
- Free and premium download game content(S)
- Free and premium downloadable movies, music, tv (S)
- Downloadable demos/trailers (S)
- Microtransactions (S)
- Custom playlist in every game (S)(O)
- Play music from portable devices (S)(O)
- View images from digital camera (S)(O)
- Strem media from Windows XP (S)(O)
- Interactive screen savers (S)(O)
- Track info for CDs (S) (O)
- Communication with voice, video or text (S)

Xbox 360 Hardware

1. Support for DVD-video, DVD-Rom, DVD-R/RW, CD-DA, CD-Rom, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 cd, JPEG photo CD
2. All games supported at 16:9, 720p and 1080i, anti-aliasing
3. Customizable face plates to change appearance
4. 3 USB 2.0 ports
5. Support for 4 wireless controllers
6. Detachable 20GB drive
7. Wi-Fi ready

Xbox 360 Specs

Custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU
- 3 symmetrical cores at 3.2 GHz each
- 2 hardware threads per core
- 1 VMX-128 vector unit per core
- 1 MB L2 cache

CPU Game Math Performance
- 9 billion dots per second

Custom ATI Graphics Processor
- 500 MNz
- 10 MB embedded DRAM
- 48-way parallel floating-point shader pipelines
- unified shader architecture

Memory
-512 MB GDDR3 RAM
- 700 MNz DDR

Memory Bandwidth
- 22.4 GB/s memory interface bus bandwidth
- 256 GB/s memory bandwidth to EDRAM
- 21.6 GB/s frontside bus

Audio
- Mulitchannel surround sond output
- Supports 48khz 16-bit audio
- 320 independent decompression channels
- 32 bit processing
- 256+ audio channels