Xbox 360 (X360 or simply abbreviated as 360) is a video game console from Microsoft, developed in cooperation with IBM, ATI, Samsung and SiS. It succeeds the Xbox, the first name. A new version, lighter, quieter and more reliable Xbox 360 S, was released July 16, 2010 in Europe.
This is the first seventh generation console output to be in competition with the PlayStation 3 from Sony and Nintendo's Wii. It is initially available in a white version Release 22 November 2005 in North America, December 2, 2005 in Europe and December 10, 2005 in Japan, then an improved version called the Xbox 360 Elite black since August 24 2007 in Europe, this version has a 120 GB hard drive and HDMI. The HDMI port is now present on every console sold. On June 14, 2010, at E3, Microsoft unveiled the Xbox 360 S: comparable to the old model, however it has a new glossy black design and comes thinner, lighter and quieter. Now incorporating a 250 GB hard drive, it is equipped with WiFi and a port KINECTS dedicated to the new system to automatically detect movement.
The Xbox 360 is partially compatible with Xbox games. This compatibility requires a mandatory hard drive to store the patches needed to run Xbox games. These games have a graphical improvement (compatibility with HDTV’s).
Development and launch
In 2003, the development of the new version of the Xbox debut, his code name was «Xenon.» Several names have been definitively developed for this new version, Xbox Next, Xbox 2, Xbox FS, Xbox HD or Nextbox before finally official name is the Xbox 360. The presentation ceremony took place May 12, 2005 on MTV Released a year before the competition, the Xbox 360 marks the beginning of an era of high definition wireless (for joysticks). Desiring to make a maximum advance against its direct competitor Sony, Microsoft decided to release the console as soon as possible, and especially not to miss the holiday season. Released in November 2005 in the United States and December 2 in Europe and Japan, the Xbox 360 made the first global launch of a console in gaming history. This output has been some inconveniences, such as stock-outs in the U.S. and Europe, the Red Ring Of Death accompanied by delayed replenishments. The Japanese public has received a very frosty to the Microsoft machine (less than 40,000 consoles sold during the month of December)
Sales
Microsoft announced in April 2008 that 17.7 million Xbox 360 were sold worldwide since its launch in late 2005. The Redmond company also announced having sold 8.1 million copies of his playing Halo 3 event since its release in September 2007. Mass Effect also achieves a good score with 1.6 million copies sold. However, the Xbox 360 is closely followed by the PS3 and it is overtaken by the Wii.
Microsoft said that Xbox 360 owners buy more games and accessories that owners of other media information immediately denied by Nintendo at a press conference May 22, 2008 that this console was sold a year before the PS3 and Wii, which is why owners have the time to buy more.
In fact, 50 million Wii game console were sold in 18 months against 30 million for marketing the Xbox 360 and $ 23 million for the PlayStation 3. However this information is accurate if one considers the number of games sold per console as the Xbox 360 has an advantage over its rivals.
On September 22, 2008, Microsoft announced that Xbox 360 has surpassed 6 million units sold in Europe. And May 31, 2009, the Redmond company announced the 30 million consoles sold worldwide.
On June 19, 2010 Microsoft announced that the console has now sold 41.2 million copies, placing himself always in second place behind Nintendo and its Wii, and before the Sony Playstation 3.
The extension of the community
At GDC 2008 (Game Developer Conference), Microsoft Xbox announced its desire to extend the Xbox Live community. To do this, it was proposed a development kit «reduced» (XNA) to independent developers, professionals are not known ... The results come very soon as the games these independent developers are expected to arrive soon on Xbox Live Marketplace. The community extends even further since then Microsoft will offer Xbox 360 owners to download these games and evaluate them.
The conquest of the grand public
At E3 2009 Microsoft announced a revolutionary new technology in the world of video game, dubbed «Project Natal», to play without a joystick. And it's at E3 2010, a year later, as Microsoft unveils its new KINECTS renamed, and a new Xbox 360, smaller and thinner. This small camera that is placed facing the players is designed like the Wii and its Wiimote to capture an audience more «casual» hitherto neglected by the firm.
Console Features and Models
Old Models
Xbox 360 Core System
Release December 2, 2005 in U.S. priced at 320 $, it was the first entry-level model. The console is white, comes with a wired controller, and contains no memory. The wired-headset was not included. At the exit of the Elite version October 24, 2007, the console has dropped its prices 30 $, bringing to 290 $. This pack is no longer in production since the arrival of the Arcade version in November 2007.
Xbox 360 Premium
It was released in U.S. December 2, 2005 for 399 $ at the same time as the Core System model. It has in addition to this latest in a chrome finish and a 20 GB hard drive from 2006 this model has an HDMI output. The pack includes a headset and a wired-Ethernet jack. On October 24, 2007 model boasts a lower price of 50 $ following the announcement of the Elite version, and its price is 349 $. A further decline of 80 $ is made March 10, 2008, he then moved from 349 $ to 269 $. On August 14, 2008, the hard drive from 20 to 60 GB on 19 September 2008, a third drop is performed on this model which is now sold at 239 $. On August 27, 2009, Microsoft announced a new lower price on these models following the announcement of the PS3 Slim and decided to end this pack.
Xbox 360 Elite
Released August 24, 2007 in U.S. for 499 $, this version looks like a top model. Flat black and chrome finish, it boasts a 120 GB hard disk pack also updates the controller and the headset-wired, making them as black, and includes an HDMI cable. On March 10, 2008, the console is 369 $, a decrease of 80 $. September 19, it is now sold at 299 $, so she sees a drop of 70 $. At the output of the PS3 Slim, Microsoft decided to drop its price again, removing the HDMI cable from his pack, and it is August 27, 2009 that the Elite model goes to 249 $. Following the announcement, June 14, 2010, the Xbox 360 S, this pack is no longer produced and is priced at 199 $.
Xbox 360 Arcade
Released in U.S. Nov. 3, 2007, is an entry-level model that replaces the Core model System same price as the old one, that is 279 $. Like its predecessor, it is white, however, it has some new features like an internal memory of 128 MB It incorporates an HDMI port, and comes with a DVD containing five Xbox Live, a wireless controller, and without always-wired headset. On March 10, 2008, Microsoft announced a drop of 80 $ on all models, bringing the Arcade model at a price of 199 $ which becomes the New Generation console's cheapest market. September 16, a third drop of 20 $ is scheduled for Sept. 19, when the console is 179 $. In December 2008, the memory goes from 128MB to 256MB and is Revision Jasper. On August 27, 2009, the console increases for the first time to 199 $, but now includes the game Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts in his pack. Following the announcement of the Xbox 360 S June 14, 2010, this pack is now at a price of 199 € and no longer in production.
New Models
The new Xbox 360 was presented June 14 at E3 2010. It features a brand new black design, lacquered or matte depending on the model, and is more compact (270 x 264 x 75 mm instead of 309 x 258 x 83 mm) and weighs 600 grams less. Quieter and less prone to heating, it consumes 135 W, 68 W less than the very first Xbox 360. It features WiFi 802.11 b / g / n built and two more USB ports on the rear of the console, bringing to a total of five USB ports, complemented by a specially dedicated to KINECTS port. The button of the DVD as well as the lighting present on the front are now sensitive. The console comes with a controller also slightly redesigned and lighter. The different models do not bear any name, unlike the old Premium, Elite, Arcade or Core System. Two models are currently available on the market.
Xbox 360 S 250 GB
Presented at E3 2010, black lacquered finish, its package includes a wired headset, and its main feature is its 250 GB hard drive It emerged in the United States June 21, a week after its announcement, for a price of 299$ in Japan on June 24 for 29,800 yen and Europe on July 16 to 249 €.
Xbox 360 S 4 GB
21 July 2010, Microsoft announced a new version of the model S of its Xbox 360 Arcade to replace the old model. Matte black finish, it does not include hard disk and internal memory of 4GB (which must be subtracted 0 9 GB used by elements of the system), it does not wired-headset. It was released August 20, 2010, the price of 199 $. And a package that includes the Xbox 360 4 GB KINECTS is scheduled for November 10, 2010 in U.S. the prices of 299 $.
Official Xbox 360 Accessories
Removable hard disk 20, 60, 120 and 250 GB usable space is about 13 GB for 20 GB, 47 GB for 60 GB and 105 GB for the 120GB April 16, 2010 was released in US a new DD 250 GB and costs 99 $.
64 MB memory card with 51 MB used (34 $) 256 million (sold with the arcade pack) or 512 MB for backups (50 $).
Xbox Live headset to communicate on Xbox Live. Will probably also used in some games for speech recognition. Mini wireless headphones using the 2.4 GHz wireless technology has emerged in the month of December 2006 in UK.
Play'n'Charge kit. Allows charging an Xbox 360 Wireless In-game, as well as the pair quickly wireless controllers with the console.
Joystick wired or wireless.
Wireless Network Adapter Wi-Fi (80 $) to connect the console to a wireless network without using an Ethernet cable. It plugs into a dedicated USB port on the back of the machine (can also plug into the front USB port, thus limiting overheating of the device and connection problems).
Only the external HD DVD drive for playing movies in high definition.
Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows. This receiver allows up to four wireless controllers, four Xbox Live headsets Wireless and other wireless accessories to come together on a PC running Windows XP or Vista.
Wireless Racing Wheel with force feedback for games of car racing. Price: 99 $ including the demo of Forza Motorsport 2. The first games 100% compatible with the steering wheel were: Need for Speed Carbon, Project Gotham Racing 3 (the one sold with the wheel supports force feedback unlike the version sold separately), Test Drive Unlimited, Forza Motorsport 2 and Midnight Club: Los Angeles.
Xbox Live Vision Camera (Webcam 640 × 480 pixels, 30 fps, 1.3 megapixel)
Games supporting Xbox Live Vision (Visio-conference only): Bankshot Billiards 2, Battlezone, Hardwood Backgammon, Hardwood Hearts, Hardwood Spades, Uno, Texas Hold'em.
Games using the Xbox Live Vision as controller: Pinball FX TotemBall
Games offering to integrate its face: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 1 and 2, World Series of Poker Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, Burnout Paradise and Fight Night Round 4.
Games proposing to use the Xbox Live Vision to another use: Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise to import new piñatas using maps that are shown to the Xbox Live Vision.
Wireless Guitar Gibson for playing Guitar Hero 2 or Guitar Hero 3 or Rock Band.
Interchangeable faceplates.
Xbox 720: latest design
Despite a release date for the Xbox 720 in 2012 not before, we find ourselves here with a new design.
It is the work of young designer Miguel Duarte presented to us here. We note that Xbox 720 can be called little sister of the current 360. The general form is obviously close, one will notice any faith the setback on the sides that we would suggest to believe we can deliver it.
From a color standpoint, finished white or solid black, here we have a perfect marriage of two tones to give us a final product quality as well as modernist luxury. The outer shell appears to be ABS, which would offer good rigidity shock ... Notice therefore to awkward or excited to handle ... it's going to be strong!
Other changes are more visible this xbox720: replacement of the switch, which incorporates that which is present on the current controllers, but also becomes less central to the console that offers him a line and can be less symmetrical ( finally) to appear prominent «X» brand of the product, which replaces an aspect that is lacking on the current version.
Small flat, we would have liked to have a picture of the controller that would go with ..Unless the KINECT can replace this one definitely.
We therefore look forward to a press market to see even more crazy design of the Xbox 720 arise from the minds of these designers. Meanwhile, in order not to think about anything you can also view the future designs of the competing consoles, PlayStation 4, Sony and Nintendo Wii 2.
Xbox 720 and ... 3D!
According to the site Xbox, "a TV manufacturer boasted [to them] to have signed an agreement with Microsoft to ensure compatibility of its new 3D TV with 3D content from the console ... Xbox 720. "
The rumor swells: the person who would be added over the Xbox 360 is not compatible with the 3D content, but this is not the case with its competitor, the PS3, starting an update during the season summer.
XBOX 720, a new concept:
The new Xbox 720 is revealed in new images, and it is a concept Djeric. Visit the gallery down here for a picture of this new console very high quality.
Xbox 720, release date: 2012
The output of the Xbox 720, unlike its direct competitors, would not happen before the year 2012. The reason is simple: Microsoft is expanding its Project Natal.
For information about this revolution and how you buy now, go videogamesblogger.com.
I like the live headset. It's good that it can be used for speech recognition with some games. More and more innovative equipment is being produced for video gamest nowadays. Some of them will completely change the way that people play.
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