The Xbox 360 Price - Features and Release Date

August 18th 2005

Microsoft will release the new Xbox 360 with two configurations in two price ranges.  The more expensive configuration will include a wireless controller, a 20 GB hard drive, headset and cable for hooking up to high definition TV’s.  It will retail for $399. 

The less expensive 360 will cost $299 and will only include a wired controller.  Microsoft refers to this configuration as the “Xbox 360 Core System.”  The buyers of this system will have to purchase a separate hard drive. 

Both configurations will include a free silver membership to Microsoft’s Xbox Live online service.  The silver membership will allow users to access other online player’s profiles, and voice / text messaging.  Users will be able to download demos and trailers.  An upgrade to the gold membership will allow users to play against each other online. 

Additional wireless controllers will cost $50 each.  Games can be saved by purchasing an additional 64 MB memory card.  Other optional accessories include rechargeable controller batteries and a stylized Xbox 360 faceplates.  The faceplates can be attached to the front of the Xbox to customize the look.

The new 360 will be capable of playing MP3’s via a play list and USB connection to iPods, PlayStation Portables and other devices.  According to 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,"

Expect to see the new Xbox in stores between November 8^th and 24^th.  Microsoft said 25 to 40 games will be in stores by the end of the year.  Project Gotham Racing 3, Perfect Dark Zero and Kameo Elements of Power are currently being developed.  Some analysts expect the new games to cost more. 

Expect Final Fantasy to be released for the new Xbox.  "We're honored that Square Enix will make games like 'FINAL FANTASY XI' for the millions of Xbox® fans who have anticipated this historical moment for quite some time," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president and chief Xbox officer in the Home and Entertainment Division at Microsoft. "Together, we will chart a new course for the future of video game entertainment."

Microsoft detailed more key platform experiences that come standard with every Xbox 360 system:

• An IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical cores running at 3.2 GHz each, packing the most advanced AI and physics processing available
• A custom ATI Graphics processor and more than 512 MB of memory for high-definition games and entertainment applications
• All games optimized for 16:9 aspect ratio, HD output (720p and 1080i), multichannel surround sound output, and full-screen anti-aliasing
• Detachable and expandable 20GB hard drive to download demos and trailers along with new game levels, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins, community-created content and more, to rip music for playback and to listen to custom playlists in every game
• A wireless controller with Microsoft®-patented wireless technology; Xbox Guide Button on every controller to instantly connect gamers to their games, friends and music, and to power on or power off Xbox 360 without their having to leave the couch
• Gamer Profile software that remembers what players have achieved in games
• Instant, out-of-the-box access to Xbox Live , including a built-in Ethernet port for connectivity; Xbox Live Marketplace for downloadable content; a Message Center to receive voice and video messages from friends; functionality that let users talk to friends, even while watching movies or listening to music; and an Xbox Live Headset
• Three USB 2.0 ports for Xbox Live Camera peripheral, to plug in wired game controllers that are also common for Windows®-based PCs; to stream media from a portable media device, digital camera and Windows XP-based PC
• Progressive-scan DVD movie playback out of the box; DVD and CD music and photo playback out of the box; support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, Windows Media® Audio CD, MP3 CD, JPEG Photo CD
• Media Center Extender built in to access recorded TV (including high-definition TV) and digital movies (including high-definition film), music, video and photos stored on Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PCs through any Xbox 360 system
• Support for up to four wireless game controllers and an optional Universal Media Remote with Windows XP Media Center Edition Button for Media Center Edition functionality
• Support for Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter via 802.11b, g and a
• Interactive, full-screen 3-D visualizers
• Two memory unit ports to save data on portable memory units, starting at 64 MB
• Detachable Face so each console can be personalized
• Parental Controls to help restrict the games and movies that are played; Xbox Live controls to manage Friends List, voice and video communication, and Gamer Profile sharing

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By Dan Wilson
Best Syndication Staff Writer

  Console Game Accessories

Keywords and misspellings: X box Play stasion staton