Microsoft Xbox 360
Release: November 22, 2005 (North America)
December 2, 2005 (Europe)
December 10, 2005 (Japan)
With the success of the original Xbox, Microsoft decided to stay in the console gaming race. They've developed the Xbox 360, the second of its line of video game systems.
The graphics for the system are designed by Ontario-based ATI Technologies, Inc. ATI also provided graphics for Nitnendo's GameCube and Wii consoles, but the Xbox 360's architecture is significantly different. Robbie Bach, Microsoft VP of Home and Entertainment, commented on the partnership:
"We selected ATI after reviewing the top graphics technologies in development and determining that ATI's technical vision fits perfectly with the future direction of Xbox."
The system is available in two offerings: The Core Xbox 360 system comes packaged with a wired controller and the basic Xbox 360 hardware. The Premium Xbox 360, however, also includes a hard drive and a wireless controller. Those who buy the Core system, however, need not shell out the cost of a full Premium system to upgrade — Xbox 360 hard drives are available seperately.
The design for the system was leaked online, and was then officially revealled just before E3 2005. The console itself can be skinned using faceplates, allowing gamers to change the look of their Xbox 360.
The Xbox 360 features wireless controllers, with a similar design as the original Xbox console. The controllers act as true remotes — they can turn the Xbox 360 on and off.
The built-in user interface for the Xbox 360 seems to have more abilities than with current systems. Improved Xbox Live integration, details on games played and saved in the system, the ability to download and play demos and trailers and more capacity for storing and playing media (and interfacing with portable music devices) are some of the Xbox features.
A parental control feature can also be used to restrict access to games with inappropriate ESRB ratings.
Achievements and Gamerscore
One of the new features on the Xbox 360 is the addition of achievements and Gamerscore to the Xbox Gamertag profile. Gamerscore is the score that a player has accumulated while playing Xbox 360 games. Gamerscore is earned through Achievements. These achievements are earned by completing specific tasks, bonuses or levels in games.
Full Xbox 360 games can give up to 1000 Gamerscore, while Xbox Live Arcade games can give up to 200.
Achievements and Gamerscore are probably one of the better marketing twists employed in the Xbox 360, given the obsession that some players have developed over their Gamerscore. A prime example is King Kong, an early Xbox 360 game. Kong received horrible reviews and was considered by most gamers to be a very mundane and uninteresting game. However, it was easy, and gave a full 1000 Gamerscore for completing the main storyline without any bonuses or extras. Because of this, and because there was a limited selection of games at the time, many people purchased or rented the game for the easy Gamerscore alone.
Xbox Live
The online game service originally deployed on the first Xbox is available, and even more successful, on the Xbox 360. With Xbox Live, single online games do not come with individual subscription fees. Instead, players pay a modest fee (monthly or yearly) to Microsoft and get full access to Xbox Live games. There are a few exceptions: cross-platform games like Final Fantasy XI and Phantasy Star Universe do have additional fees.
Xbox Live uses a headset that connects to the controller, allowing voice chat both in-game and on private channels.
Every Xbox 360 player gets a free Xbox Live Silver account, which gives access to a few online features. Xbox Live Gold is the paid service which allows online play.
Xbox Live Arcade
Within the Xbox 360 interface is the Xbox Live Arcade. This service allows the download of smaller games that are stored on the Xbox 360 hard drive. These games include Pac-Man, Street Fighter II and Texas Hold'em Poker.
Xbox Live Vision
The Xbox Live Vision camera is a Webcam that allows video chat over the Xbox 360. The device can also create custom Gamertag photos, allow in-game video or allow customizable characters that map your face to a 3D mold.
HD-DVD Player
In November 2006, Microsoft released an external HD-DVD player for the Xbox 360. During the format wars of the time, Toshiba and Microsoft were backing the HD-DVD format, while Sony was backing the Blu-ray format in use by its PS3. The device was released to provide Xbox 360 a high-definition media player, and to further the HD-DVD format.
In February 2008, the HD-DVD format was dropped and most publishers and manufacturers favoured Blu-ray. Microsoft stopped producing the device, and remaining HD-DVD players were sold for $49.99 U.S.
The HD-DVD player was never intended to be used to play future Xbox 360 games.
Blu-ray Player
After the failure of HD-DVD, rumors began that Microsoft would produce a similar external Blu-ray player for the Xbox 360. Peter Moore, who was the Microsoft VP in charge of the Xbox division, had also said that the company may develop a Blu-ray player in the case that HD-DVD lost the format wars.
In October 2008, reports began to surface that Microsoft is indeed producing this device and has contracted a firm to manufacture it. An official announcement has yet to be made.
