Xbox | 360-Pro
“Microsoft Xbox | 360-Pro”
Manufacturer.| Microsoft
Developer.| Flextronics / Foxconn
Type. | Home Video Games Console
Generation.| Seventh (7th)
The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. As the successor to the original Xbox , it is the second console in the Xbox series. It competed with Sony 's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo 's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles. It was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information announced later that month at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]
The Xbox 360 features an online service, Xbox Live , which was expanded from its previous iteration on the original Xbox and received regular updates during the console's lifetime. Available in free and subscription-based varieties, Xbox Live allows users to: play games online ; download games (through Xbox Live Arcade ) and game demos; purchase and stream music, television programs, and films through the Xbox Music and Xbox Video portals; and access third-party content services through media streaming applications. In addition to online multimedia features, it allows users to stream media from local PCs. Several peripherals have been released, including wireless controllers , expanded hard drive storage, and the Kinect motion sensing camera. The release of these additional services and peripherals helped the Xbox brand grow from gaming-only to encompassing all multimedia, turning it into a hub for living-room computing entertainment. [23] [24] [25] [26] [27]
Launched worldwide across 2005–2006, the Xbox 360 was initially in short supply in many regions, including North America and Europe. The earliest versions of the console suffered from a high failure rate , indicated by the so-called " Red Ring of Death ", necessitating an extension of the device's warranty period. Microsoft released two redesigned models of the console: the Xbox 360 S in 2010, [28] and the Xbox 360 E in 2013. [29] Xbox 360 is the ninth-highest-selling home video game console in history , and the highest-selling console made by an American company. Although not the best-selling console of its generation, the Xbox 360 was deemed by TechRadar to be the most influential through its emphasis on digital media distribution and multiplayer gaming on Xbox Live. [27] [30]
The Xbox 360's successor, the Xbox One , was released on November 22, 2013. [31] On April 20, 2016, Microsoft announced that it would end the production of new Xbox 360 hardware, although the company will continue to support the platform. [7]
History
Development
Known during development as Xbox Next, Xenon, Xbox 2, Xbox FS or NextBox, [32] the Xbox 360 was conceived in early 2003. [33] In February 2003, planning for the Xenon software platform began, and was headed by Microsoft's Vice President J Allard. [33] That month, Microsoft held an event for 400 developers in Bellevue, Washington to recruit support for the system. [33] Also that month, Peter Moore , former president of Sega of America, joined Microsoft. On August 12, 2003, ATI signed on to produce the graphic processing unit for the new console, a deal that was publicly announced two days later. [34] Before the launch of the Xbox 360, several Alpha development kits were spotted using Apple's Power Mac G5 hardware. This was because the system's PowerPC 970 processor was running the same PowerPC architecture that the Xbox 360 would eventually run under IBM 's Xenon processor. The cores of the Xenon processor were developed using a slightly modified version of the PlayStation 3 's Cell Processor PPE architecture. According to David Shippy and Mickie Phipps, the IBM employees were "hiding" their work from Sony and Toshiba, IBM's partners in developing the Cell Processor. [35] Jeff Minter created the music visualization program Neon which is included with the Xbox 360. [36]
Launch
The Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005, in the United States and Canada; [5] December 2, 2005, in Europe and December 10, 2005, in Japan. It was later launched in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Russia. In its first year in the market, the system was launched in 36 countries, more countries than any other console has launched in a single year. [37]
Critical reception
In 2009, IGN named the Xbox 360 the sixth-greatest video game console of all time, out of a field of 25. [38] Although not the best-selling console of the seventh generation, the Xbox 360 was deemed by TechRadar to be the most influential, by emphasizing digital media distribution and online gaming through Xbox Live, and by popularizing game achievement awards. [27] PC Magazine considered the Xbox 360 the prototype for online gaming as it "proved that online gaming communities could thrive in the console space". [23] Five years after the Xbox 360's debut, the well-received Kinect motion capture camera was released, which set the record of being the fastest selling consumer electronic device in history, and extended the life of the console. [39] Edge ranked Xbox 360 the second-best console of the 1993–2013 period, stating "It had its own social network, cross-game chat, new indie games every week, and the best version of just about every multiformat game ... Killzone is no Halo and nowadays Gran Turismo is no Forza , but it's not about the exclusives—there's nothing to trump Naughty Dog 's PS3 output, after all. Rather, it's about the choices Microsoft made back in the original Xbox's lifetime. The PC-like architecture meant the early EA Sports games ran at 60fps compared to only 30 on PS3, Xbox Live meant every dedicated player had an existing friends list, and Halo meant Microsoft had the killer next-generation exclusive. And when developers demo games on PC now they do it with a 360 pad—another industry benchmark, and a critical one."
The Xbox 360 video game console has appeared in various retail configurations during its life-cycle. At its launch, the Xbox 360 was available in two retail configurations: the morning "Xbox 360" package (unofficially known as the 20 GB Pro or Premium), priced at US$ 399.99 or £ 279.99, and the "Xbox 360 Core," priced at US$299.99 and £209.99. The original shipment of Xbox 360s included a cut-down version of the Media Remote as a promotion. The Elite package was launched later at a retail price of US$479.99. The "Xbox 360 Core" was replaced by the "Xbox 360 Arcade" in October 2007 [1] and a 60 GB version of the Xbox 360 Pro was released on August 1, 2008. The Pro package was discontinued and marked down to US$249.99 on August 28, 2009 to be sold until stock ran out, while the Elite was also marked down in price to US$299.99. [2] In June 2010, Microsoft announced a new, redesigned model and the discontinuation of the Elite and Arcade models.
Xbox 360 [ edit ]
The Xbox 360 [4] (also known as Pro or Premium and packaged as simply Xbox 360 with the subheading "Go Pro") included all the features of the Xbox 360 Core (with the exception of the disc tray which is silver instead of white) and included a hybrid composite / component cable with optional optical out instead of the composite A/V cable included with the Core. This model also included a detachable hard disk drive (initially 20 GB, while later models had 60 GB) to store downloaded content, provide compatibility with original Xbox games, and store game data. The included hard drive came with game demos, video clips and a free Live Arcade game, Hexic HD . In July 2007, this version of the Xbox 360 began appearing with the Zephyr motherboard (the motherboard used in the Elite) which features an HDMI output and an improved GPU heatsink. Although this model did include an HDMI output, [5] [6] it did not come with an HDMI cable. [ citation needed ] Starting at the end of September 2007, the newest systems were shipped with the new "Falcon" motherboard. This motherboard includes the new 65 nm CPUs, making them quieter and cooler than the older systems. [7] On August 1, 2008, the 20 GB version was discontinued and was replaced by a 60 GB HDD model at the same price. Holiday 2007 consoles were bundled with Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance . [8] Holiday 2008 consoles were bundled with Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Kung Fu Panda . [9] Price cuts that took effect on September 4, 2008 reduced the price from $349 to $299. [10] The Xbox 360 configuration, following its discontinuation, retailed for $250 until stocks were exhausted.
Xbox 360 Core [ edit ]
The Xbox 360 Core was an entry level Xbox 360 which was later replaced with the "Arcade". Although available at launch in other regions, it was not available in Japan until November 2, 2006. [11] The Core system came bundled with a composite video cable, capable of only SDTV resolutions. The console was however capable of the same HDTV resolutions (up to 1080i ) as the other models when connected to a separately sold component / d-terminal cable. In October 2006, 1080p support was added for all models in a system update, [12] including the "Core" using either the component/d-terminal cable, or the new VGA cable (although 1080p via component was not widely supported by televisions). It also has a white disc tray that matches the console, while it may also utilize a separately sold Xbox 360 hard disk drive. Unlike all other SKUs, it shipped with a wired version of the Xbox 360 controller, instead of the wireless version found in other SKUs.
Xbox 360 Arcade [ edit ]
The Xbox 360 Arcade(packaged with the subheading "Go Play") [13] replaced the Xbox 360 Core as the entry-level Xbox 360 on September 20, 2007, while retaining the Core's price of US$ 279.99. [14] It was publicly revealed by Microsoft's president of Entertainment Devices division Robbie Bach to the Financial Times on October 18, 2007, [15] and officially announced on October 22, 2007, [1] although it was available in stores far earlier. [13] It included a wireless controller, a composite A/V cable, an HDMI output, a 256 MB memory unit and five Xbox Live Arcade titles: [16] Boom Boom Rocket , Feeding Frenzy , Luxor 2 , Pac-Man Championship Edition , and Uno on a single disc, which also included a "Welcome Video" and several game trailers and demos. [17] Like its predecessor the "Core", it has a white disc tray, and may utilize a separately sold Xbox 360 hard disk drive, which is required for Xbox software backwards compatibility. The main difference between the Arcade and the Core is that the Arcade has an HDMi port, while the Core doesn't. In Fall 2008, with the introduction of the Jasper motherboard revision, the memory unit was removed from the package and replaced with a 256 MB internal memory chip. [18] This was later upgraded to a 512 MB chip in Summer 2009. [19] Holiday 2008 consoles were bundled with Sega Superstars Tennis . [9] With the price cuts on September 4, 2008, the Arcade fell from US$279 to US$199 in the US. [10] In the UK, with the 2009 Elite price drop and discontinuation of the Pro SKU , the Arcade price rose from £ 129.99 to £159.99. [20] With the announcement of the new 4 GB Xbox 360 model, the Arcade dropped in price to US$149.99 for remaining units until stocks are exhausted. [3]
Xbox 360 Elite [ edit ]
The Xbox 360 Elite(sometimes packaged with the subheading "Go Big") included a 120 GB hard drive and a matte black finish. The Elite retail package also included a controller and headset that match the system's black finish. All Elites made before September 2009 also came with a component HD A/V cable and an HDMI cable. [21] The initial release price was US$479.99, [22] C$ 549.99, [22] £ 299.99, and A$ 729.95. The Elite was released in North America on April 29, 2007, [23] Europe on August 24, 2007, and Australia on August 30, 2007. These Elites (and other Xbox 360 models using the Falcon motherboard) can be identified from earlier versions by a re-designed power connector and a power supply rated to 175 W. In 2009, Elite models using the Jasper motherboard became available. These can also be identified by their power supply, which is rated at 150W and has a 12.1A 12v rail. Holiday 2007 consoles were bundled with Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance . [8] Holiday 2008 consoles were bundled with Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Kung Fu Panda . [9] Holiday 2009 consoles were bundled with LEGO Batman and Pure . [24] The Elite's price tag was cut from $449 to $399 on September 4, 2008. [2] [25] With the announcement of the new 250 GB Xbox 360 model, the Elite dropped in price to US$249.99 for remaining units until stocks were exhausted.
Xbox 360 Pro special editions [ edit ]
- At the E3 2007 press conference , Microsoft announced the Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360 Pro console, released September 25, 2007, along with the game. It sports a Halo 3 theme on the console, a wired headset , a wireless controller, and a Play & Charge Kit. Other than the unique "Spartan green-and-gold" color scheme , it also features an exclusive dashboard theme and downloads, and an HDMI output, [64] its features were unusual in that it had the HDMI output present only on the Elite, but the 20 GB hard drive of the Pro ( Halo 3 imprinted where HDD size imprint goes). [65] It is priced at US$399.99 and £279.99 (the original price of the Xbox 360). [66]
- To promote The Simpsons Movie , Microsoft created a specially designed, yellow Xbox 360 Pro console with The Simpsons Movie based artwork. [67] The configuration was based on the Xbox 360 package of the time, the only difference being the color scheme of the Xbox 360 console and wireless controller. The consoles were to be given out to winners of drawings taking place between July 18, 2007 and July 27, 2007, in which a name was randomly drawn each day in the "10 Days and 10 Chances to Win" sweepstakes. [68] 100 consoles were produced in total. [69]
Xbox 360 Elite special editions [ edit ]
120 GB models [ edit ]
- A Resident Evil 5 limited edition bundle was released on March 13, 2009, coinciding with the release of the game. [70] The bundle contains a red 120 GB Xbox 360 Elite, a red wireless controller, a black wired headset, an ethernet cable, a standard definition composite A/V cable, an HDMI cable, a physical copy of the game, an exclusive dashboard theme, and a digital voucher to download Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix from the Xbox Live Marketplace. [71]
250 GB models [ edit ]
- On September 15, 2009 Microsoft announced a special 250 GB hard disk limited edition version of the Xbox 360 Elite for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 . The unit is highlighted by special game product branding and includes two black wireless controllers, a black wired headset, an ethernet cable, a standard definition composite A/V cable, and the standard edition version of the game. This was the first Xbox 360 announced to come with a 250 GB hard drive. [72]
- On September 17, 2009, Microsoft announced a special limited edition black Xbox 360 Elite console for Forza Motorsport 3 . The unit includes a 250 GB hard drive, two black wireless controllers, a black wired headset, an ethernet cable, a standard definition composite A/V cable, and the standard edition version of the game. [73]
- In January 2010, Microsoft announced a Canadian special limited edition black Xbox 360 Elite console. The unit includes a 250 GB hard drive, two black wireless controllers, a black wired headset, an ethernet cable, a standard definition composite A/V cable, and a copy of Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST . [74]
- A Final Fantasy XIII limited edition bundle was announced on February 11, 2010 and was released to coincide with the release of Final Fantasy XIII (March 9, 2010). The bundle includes an imprinted white 250 GB Xbox 360 Elite ( Final Fantasy XIII imprinted where HDD size imprint goes), two white wireless controllers, a black wired headset, an ethernet cable, a standard definition composite A/V cable, an additional faceplate with Final Fantasy XIII based artwork, a copy of the game, and exclusive downloadable avatar items. Other than the HDD imprint, this console is cosmetically identical to the discontinued Pro models. [75]
- In March 2010, Microsoft announced a special limited edition black Xbox 360 Elite console for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction . The unit includes a 250 GB hard drive, two black wireless controllers, a black wired headset, an ethernet cable, a standard definition composite A/V cable, and the standard edition version of the game.
Xbox 360 Launch Team Edition [ edit ]
A white console with green accents was released in 2005 only to the Xbox 360 Launch Team as a gift from Microsoft. The consoles came complete with a 20 GB HDD also in green to match the top and bottom sections that are typically grey in color. The HDD plate was also personalized and engraved with the team member's gamertag , with a few examples of non-gamertag engravings such as the console release date "November 22, 2005" or "3 Years of Pain". [84] The consoles came with a limited issue controller to accompany the console. The grey trim on the controller is also replaced with molded green plastic to match the console. Each console came with a plain white faceplate. However, as an additional gift, each team member was given an additional packaged faceplate with one of a kind art with the caption "I Made This" on the USB door of the faceplate. Very few examples have been sold off from original team members' collections. Larry Hryb , better known as "Major Nelson", is known to own one which he displays pictures of on his website has been a member of the Launch Team. [85] The special edition Launch Team console, hard drive, controller and the special faceplate were never sold in stores or meant for the general public. It is unknown how many of these very rare consoles exist today. It was originally made in 2005.
Legacy
The Xbox 360 sold much better than its predecessor, and although not the best-selling console of the seventh generation, it is regarded as a success since it strengthened Microsoft as a major force in the console market at the expense of well-established rivals. [30] The inexpensive Wii did sell the most console units but eventually saw a collapse of third-party software support in its later years, and it has been viewed by some as a fad since the succeeding Wii U had a poor debut in 2012. [27] [73] [74] [75] [76] [77] The PlayStation 3 struggled for a time due to being too expensive and initially lacking quality games, [78] making it far less dominant than its predecessor, the PlayStation 2 , and it took until late in the PlayStation 3's lifespan for its sales and games to reach parity with the Xbox 360. TechRadar proclaimed that "Xbox 360 passes the baton as the king of the hill – a position that puts all the more pressure on its successor, Xbox One". [27]
The Xbox 360's advantage over its competitors was due to the release of high-profile games from both first party and third-party developers. The 2007 Game Critics Awards honored the platform with 38 nominations and 12 wins – more than any other platform. [79] [80] By March 2008, the Xbox 360 had reached a software attach rate of 7.5 games per console in the US; the rate was 7.0 in Europe, while its competitors were 3.8 (PS3) and 3.5 (Wii), according to Microsoft. [81] At the 2008 Game Developers Conference , Microsoft announced that it expected over 1,000 games available for Xbox 360 by the end of the year. [82] As well as enjoying exclusives such as additions to the Halo franchise and Gears of War , the Xbox 360 has managed to gain a simultaneous release of games that were initially planned to be PS3 exclusives, including Devil May Cry 4 , [83] Ace Combat 6 , [84] Virtua Fighter 5 , [85] Grand Theft Auto IV , [86] Final Fantasy XIII , [87] Tekken 6 , [88] Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance , [89] and L.A. Noire . [90] In addition, Xbox 360 versions of cross-platform games were generally considered superior to their PS3 counterparts in 2006 and 2007, due in part to the difficulties of programming for the PS3. [91]
TechRadar deemed the Xbox 360 as the most influential game system through its emphasis of digital media distribution, Xbox Live online gaming service, and game achievement feature. [27] During the console's lifetime, the Xbox brand has grown from gaming-only to encompassing all multimedia, turning it into a hub for "living-room computing environment". [24] [25] [26]
Microsoft announced the successor to the Xbox 360, the Xbox One , on May 21, 2013. [92] On April 20, 2016, Microsoft announced the end of production of new Xbox 360 hardware, though the company will continue to provide hardware and software support for the platform as selected Xbox 360 games are playable on Xbox One. [93] The Xbox 360 continued to be supported by major publishers with new games well into the Xbox One's lifecycle. New titles were still being released in 2018. [94] The Xbox 360 continues to have an active player base years after the system's discontinuation. Speaking to Engadget at E3 2019 after the announcement of Project Scarlett , the next-generation of Xbox consoles after the Xbox One, Phil Spencer stated that there were still "millions and millions of players" active on the Xbox 360. [95] After the launch of the Xbox Series X and S by the end of 2020, the Xbox 360 still had a 17.7% market share of all consoles in use in Mexico; comparatively, newer systems like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 stood at 36.9% and 18.0% market share, respectively.
Released Date.| 2005 Worldwide
Discontinued.| 2016 Worldwide
Worldwide Units Sold.| 84 Million (2014)
Predecessor.| Xbox
Successor.| Xbox One