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The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft, and was developed in cooperation with IBM, ATI, and SiS. Its Xbox Live service allows players to compete online and download arcade games and content such as game demos, trailers, TV shows, music videos, or rented movies. The Xbox 360 is the successor to the Xbox, and competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of gaming systems.

The Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information divulged later that month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the first console to provide a near-simultaneous launch across the three major regions, and to provide wireless controller support at launch.[citation needed] The console sold out completely at release (with the exception of Japan) and, as of September 30, 2007, 13.4 million units have been sold worldwide. It is available in three versions, and has shipped more units worldwide than either of its competitors as of September 30, 2007.

Development

 

Known during development as Xenon, Xbox 2, Xbox FS, Xbox Next or NextBox, the Xbox 360 was conceived in early 2003. In February 2003, planning for the Xenon software platform began, and was headed by Microsoft VP J Allard. That month, Microsoft held an event for 400 developers in Bellevue, Washington, to recruit support for the system. 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 which was publicly announced two days later. The following month, IBM signed on to develop the triple-core CPU for the console. Before the launch of the Xbox 360, several alpha development kits were spotted using Apple's Power Mac G5 hardware. This was due to the system's PowerPC 970 processor running the same PowerPC architecture that the Xbox 360 would eventually run under IBM's Xenon processor.

Launch

The Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005, in the United States and Canada; December 2, 2005, in Europe and December 10, 2005, in Japan. It was later launched in Mexico, Colombia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, India, Brazil, Poland, Czech Republic and Russia. Microsoft has additionally announced official launches in: Hungary, Slovakia, and the Philippines. In its first year on the market, the system launched in 36 countries, more countries than any console has launched in a single year. Due to its early launch, the Xbox 360 has a one-year lead on both of its competitors, Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii.

Retail configurations

The Xbox 360 is available in three standard variants; the "Xbox 360 Arcade", the "Xbox 360", and the "Xbox 360 Elite". A discontinued SKU, the "Xbox 360 Core", was replaced by the "Xbox 360 Arcade" in October 2007.

At launch, the Xbox 360 was available in two configurations: the "Xbox 360" package, priced at US$399, and the "Xbox 360 Core", priced at US$299. The Elite package was launched later at US$479, and the "Xbox 360 Arcade" replaced the "Xbox 360 Core" in October 2007 at US$279.

• The Xbox 360 Core was an entry level Xbox 360 priced at US$279.99. The "Core" is no longer being sold, being replaced by the Xbox 360 Arcade. It was not originally available in Japan, but was later released on November 2, 2006. The Core system comes bundled with composite video cables, capable of only SDTV resolutions, but newer models with lot number 0728 or greater have an HDMI 1.2 output. The Core may output HD signals up to 1080p when connected to separately sold HDMI, Component, or VGA cables. It may also utilize a separately sold 20 or 120 GB hard drive.

• The Xbox 360 Arcade, priced at US$279.99, is the replacement for the "Xbox 360 Core". It was publicly revealed (though it was available in stores far earlier) by Microsoft's president of Entertainment Devices devision Robbie Bach to the Financial Times on October 18, 2007, and officially announced on October 22, 2007. It includes a wireless controller, 256 MB memory unit, composite AV cable, HDMI 1.2 output, and 5 Xbox Live Arcade titles. Holiday 2007 consoles, with packaging labeled "Go Play!", are bundled with Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Pac-Man Championship Edition, and Uno on a single disk, which also includes a "Welcome Video" and several game trailers/demos.

• The Xbox 360, commonly called the Premium or Pro, priced at US$349.99, includes all the features of the Xbox 360 Core and includes a hybrid composite and component cable with optional optical out instead of a composite cable. The Xbox 360 also includes a detachable 20 GB Hard Disc Drive to store downloaded content, provide compatibility with original Xbox games, and store game data. The included hard drive comes 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 HDMI 1.2 output and an improved GPU heatsink. Although the Premium package does include an HDMI 1.2 output, it does not come with HDMI 1.2 cables. Starting at the end of September, 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. Holiday 2007 consoles, with packaging labeled "Go Pro", are bundled with Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and Forza Motorsport 2.

• The Xbox 360 Elite is the fourth and most expensive variation of the console. It is priced at US$449.99 and includes a 120GB hard drive and a matte black finish. The Elite retail package also includes an HDMI 1.2 cable and a controller and headset that match the system's black finish. The initial release price was US$479.99, C$549.99, £299.99, and AU$729.95. The Elite was released in Europe on August 24, 2007, and Australia on August 30. Holiday 2007 consoles, with packaging labeled "Go Big", are bundled with Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and Forza Motorsport 2.

Special editions

On a few occasions, Microsoft has produced special editions of the console, usually to coincide with the release of a major product. These special editions are typically custom-colored Xbox 360 models, and are produced in limited numbers.

• At the E3 2007 press conference, Microsoft announced the Halo 3 Special Edition of the console, released September 16, 2007. It sports a Halo 3 theme on the console, wired headset, and wireless controller. Other than the unique "Spartan green and gold" color scheme, its features are identical to that of the Premium system. It is priced at US$399.99 and £279.99 (the original price of the Xbox 360 Premium).

• To promote The Simpsons Movie, Microsoft created a specially-designed, yellow Xbox 360 console. This configuration is based on the Xbox 360 Premium package, with the only difference being the color scheme of the Xbox 360 console and wireless controller. The console was to be given out to winner 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. This edition is limited, as 10 consoles were produced.