After months of speculation, rumour, hype and intrigue, Microsoft has finally unveiled its next-generation gaming machine in the form of the Xbox 360. Lord of the Ring's star Elijah Wood hosted an MTV exclusive that finally gave us more than just a glimpse at the little White (or "Chill") gaming monster.Slated for a holiday release throughout North America, Europe and Japan, the console is designed for high-definition, wide-screen televisions and includes wireless controllers that not only grant you access to your games but also open the door to your music, photos, videos etc.
Technical specifications also boast three IBM PowerPC processors each at 3.2 GHz, 512 MB of GDDR3 RAM @ 700 MHz, 10MB 500 MHz ATI graphics card, with high-definition out of the box.
Xbox live will continue but with some nice new features, like the ability to download game demos, trailers, new levels, maps, skins and other items.
Basics aside, the system announcement saw Microsoft confirming the rumors of Gold and Silver Xbox Live. The Gold version will include video messaging, online tournaments and ladders, playing celebrities and sponsored tournaments, and the Xbox Live Camera. Those new to the service will see a month of free subscription. All this comes on top of word that the system will feature build-in progressive scan, DVD, CD and photo playback support, built in Media Center Extender functionality for accessing recorded TV and movies. The extremely long press release above has more on the system. But alternatively, the newly launched Xbox 360 website has more information.
You can also customize the Xbox 360 to the max. The message from most of the marketing videos put out by Microsoft is that they simply kick-started the Xbox 360 but it is you who make it come alive. It's kind of cheesy, but you can purchase custom front chassis covers to make your console unique in the face of others. Check out this video which talks you through some of the other hardware features of the next-gen console.Xbox 360 marks the beginning of a renaissance in video games," said Don Mattrick, president of Worldwide Studios for Electronic Arts. "The unbelievable Xbox 360 games in development at Electronic Arts will accelerate the industry's mission to make video games the pre-eminent form of all entertainment.
With Xbox 360, a new chapter in video game history is being written," said Kathy Vrabeck, president of Activision Publishing. "The platform liberates us to achieve new levels of graphics and gameplay so our audiences connect emotionally with more riveting stories, more believable characters and more open, living worlds.
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