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{{Infobox CVG system
|title = Xbox 360
|logo =[[Image:X360_Logo.png|Xbox 360 logo]]
|image = [[Image:Xbox_360.jpg|250px|center|Xbox 360 system and controller]]
|manufacturer = [[Microsoft]]
|type = [[Video game console]]
|generation = [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|Seventh generation era]]
|lifespan = {{flagicon|United States}} [[November 22]], [[2005]] <br />{{flagicon|Canada}} [[November 22]], [[2005]] <br />{{flagicon|Europe}} [[December 2]], [[2005]]<br />{{flagicon|Japan}} [[December 10]],[[2005]]<br />{{flagicon|Australia}} [[March 23]], [[2006]]<br />{{flagicon|India}} [[September 25]], [[2006]]
|CPU = 3.2 GHz [[PowerPC|PPC]] Tri-Core [[Xenon CPU|"Xenon" (codename)]]
|media = [[DVD]], [[compact disc|CD]], (Add-On: [[HD DVD]])
|unitssold = 5 million as of June 30, 2006<ref name="Q2 SEC filing">{{cite web|url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/000119312506091033/d10q.htm |title=QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q|accessdate=2006-08-10 |date=2006-04-24|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref><ref name="Q2 press release">{{cite web|url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/000119312506150261/dex993.htm |title=Microsoft Reports Fourth Quarter Results|accessdate=2006-08-10|date=2006-07-20|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref><ref name="5 million">{{cite web|url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=13296 |title=Microsoft sells approximately 5 million Xbox 360's|accessdate=2006-07-21 |last=Brightman |first=James |date=2006-07-20|publisher=GameDaily BIZ}}</ref>
|storage = Hard Drive, Memory Cards
|controllers = 4 wired or wireless
|connectivity = 3 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]]
|onlineservice =[[Xbox Live]]
|topgame = ''[[Call of Duty 2]]''<!--- CoD2 Has sold 1.4million, GRAW 1.28million, Oblivion 1.13million, see list of best selling games. Do not change this without reference. --->
|compatibility = [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|267 Xbox games]] (requires [[Xbox 360 components and accessories#Memory|hard drive]])
|predecessor = [[Xbox]]
}}
The '''Xbox 360''' is the successor to [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox]] [[video game console]], developed in co-operation with [[IBM]], [[ATI Technologies|ATI]], [[Samsung Electronics]] and [[Silicon Integrated Systems|SiS]]. Information on the console first came through [[viral marketing]] campaigns and it was officially unveiled on [[MTV]] on [[May 12]], [[2005]], with detailed launch and game information divulged later that month at the prominent [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]]. Upon its release the Xbox 360 became the first console to have a simultaneous launch across the three major regions, as well as the first console to provide wireless controllers as a standard. It also serves as the first entrant in a [[History of video games (seventh generation era)|new generation of game consoles]] and will compete against [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]]. Microsoft believes that its push towards high-definition gaming, year-early head start and its [[Xbox Live]] online gaming service will help the console be successful.

==Overview==
===Development===
Known during development as '''Xenon''', '''Xbox 2''', '''Xbox Next''' or '''NextBox'''<!--Do not alternate the capitalization to neXtBox-->, the Xbox 360 was conceived in early 2003. In February of 2003 planning for Xenon software platform began. That month Microsoft held an event for 400 developers in Bellevue, Washington to recruit support for the system. Also that month [[Peter Moore (Microsoft)|Peter Moore]], former president of [[Sega]] of America, joined Microsoft.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/news/Peter_Moore_Joins_Microsoft_3787_0_4.htm | title=Peter Moore Joins Microsoft |accessdate=2006-10-03 |last=Leyton |first=Chris |date=2003-01-21 | publisher=TVG Media | work=Total Video Games }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.com.com/2100-1043-5063661.html | title=ATI wins bid for next Xbox | publisher=CNET | work=news.com | accessdate=2006-09-10 | author=David Becker}}</ref> 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 [[Power Mac G5]] hardware. Games running on these were reported to be using 25-30&nbsp;% of the actual systems power.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/615/615667p1.html | title=E3 2005: 360 Running at One-Third Power | author=David Clayman | accessdate=2006-09-10}}</ref> Microsoft chose to use these systems for their PowerPC architecture, which is similar to that of the Xenon CPU used in the system. On [[October 24]], [[2005]] Microsoft shut down Xbox Live for a day to upgrade it for the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/xbox-live-outage.asp |title=Xbox Live Outage |accessdate=2006-10-03 |last=Keating |first=Tom |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2005-10-02 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=VoIP & Gadgets Blog |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

===Launch===
{{main|Xbox 360 launch}}
The Xbox 360 was released on [[November 22]], [[2005]] in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]; [[December 2]], [[2005]] in Europe; [[December 10]], [[2005]] in [[Japan]]; [[February 2]], [[2006]] in [[Mexico]] and [[Colombia]]; [[February 24]], [[2006]] in [[South Korea]]; [[March 16]], [[2006]] in [[Hong Kong]], [[Singapore]], and [[Taiwan]]; and [[March 23]], [[2006]] in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] after a 3-week delay. At [[E3]] 2006, Microsoft announced that the console will be officially launched in eight new countries: [[South Africa]], [[Chile]], [[India]], [[Brazil]], [[Poland]], [[Hungary]], [[Czech Republic]], and [[Slovakia]].<ref name="5m sold">{{cite web | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/engadget-and-joystiqs-live-coverage-of-microsofts-xbox-360-e3-ev/ | title=Engadget & Joystiq's live coverage of Microsoft's Xbox 360 E3 event | author=Vladimir Cole | publisher=Engadget | accessdate=2006-05-23}}</ref> An official launch for the [[Philippines]] has been announced.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=7&story_id=75112 | title=Microsoft Philippines to launch Xbox 360 | author=Joey Alarilla | date=May 8, 2006 | publisher=INQ7}}</ref> Due to its early launch, the Xbox 360 has a jump start on both of its competitors -- Sony's [[PlayStation 3]], which is set to release in North America November 17, 2006 and in Europe in March of 2007; and Nintendo's [[Wii]], which, in the US, is scheduled for release on November 19, 2006.

Because of a manufacturing bottleneck for having started the massive manufacturing only 69 days before launching,<ref name="bottleneck">{{cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/05/commentary/column_gaming/index.htm?section=money_latest |title=Nintendo's Wii may get early launch |accessdate=2006-08-30 |last=Morris |first=Chris |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-07-05 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=CNN Money |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Microsoft was not able to supply enough systems to meet consumer demand in Europe or North America.<ref name="bbc-soldout">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4491804.stm |title=Xbox 360 sells out within hours |accessdate=2006-08-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2005-12-02 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=BBC |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Many potential customers were not able to procure a console at launch and the lack of availability led to Xbox 360 bundles selling on [[eBay]] at grossly inflated prices, with some auctions exceeding US$2000. By year's end Microsoft had sold 1.5 million units; including 900,000 in North America, 500,000 in Europe, and 100,000 in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/msft/download/FY06/MSFTQ2_06.ppt#14 | title=Microsoft FY2006 Quarter 2 report, page 14 | publisher=Microsoft | date=January 26, 2006 | format=Powerpoint}}</ref>

===Retail configurations===
Microsoft's retail strategy involves two different configurations of the Xbox 360 in most countries: the ''Xbox 360'' [[Stock Keeping Unit|SKU]], frequently referred to as the ''Xbox 360 Premium Package'' and an ''Xbox 360 Core System'' SKU. At launch, the Xbox 360 was priced at [[United States dollar|USD]] $399 and the Core System was priced at USD $299. The ''Core System'' is not currently available in Japan, but will be released on November 2, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/microsoft-to-launch-xbox-360-core-in-japan/ |title=Microsoft to launch Xbox 360 Core in Japan |accessdate=2006-10-03 |last=Kietzmann |first=Ludwig |authorlink=http://www.joystiq.com/bloggers/ludwig-kietzmann |coauthors= |date=2006-09-07 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Weblogs, Inc. |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>. Additionally in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] the [[Xbox Live]] headset in the ''Xbox 360 Package'' was not included.

[[BusinessWeek]] magazine compiled a report<ref>{{cite news | url=http://businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2005/tc20051122_410710.htm | title=Microsoft's Red-Ink Game | author=Arik Hesseldahl | date=November 22, 2005 | work=BusinessWeek | publisher=McGraw-Hill}}</ref> that estimates the total cost of components in the "premium" bundle at $525 USD, sans manufacturing costs, meaning that Microsoft is losing money on every Xbox 360 system sold (in the United States, at least). It should be noted that the [[Razor and blades business model|strategy of selling a console at a loss or near-loss]] is common in the console games industry, as console makers expect to make up the loss through game licensing. Furthermore, since Microsoft owns the intellectual property rights to the hardware used in the Xbox 360, they can easily switch to new fabrication processes or change suppliers in the future in order to reduce manufacturing costs. This flexibility stands in contrast to the situation faced with the original Xbox, which Microsoft was never able to reduce manufacturing costs below the [[Breakeven|break-even point]].{{fact}} Microsoft is predicting{{fact}} that with the Xbox 360, a greater [[market share]], yearly revenue through their Xbox Live service, and falling hardware costs will eventually make system sales profitable.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 0.5em auto;"
|valign="top"|
|Xbox 360 System
|Xbox 360 Core System
|-
|Detachable 20 GB [[hard drive]]
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|[[Ethernet]] cable
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|Chrome finish
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|Xbox Live headset
|{{Yes}} (Most regions)
|{{no}}
|-
|Xbox Live Silver membership
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|One month trial of Xbox Live Gold
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|Gamepad
|style="background: #ddffdd" | 2.4 GHz wireless
|style="background: #ffffdd" | Wired, with 3&nbsp;m breakaway cord
|-
|AV Cables
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Component HD-AV cable
|style="background: #ffffdd" | Composite AV cable
|}

<div style="clear:both;padding:5px; width:30em; margin:auto;" align="center" class="NavFrame">
<div class="NavHead" style="background-color:#FFFFFF;">'''[[Suggested retail price]] by region'''</div>
<div class="NavContent" style="font-size:80%;">
{|class="wikitable"
|valign="top"|
!Xbox 360 System
!Xbox 360 Core System
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Australia}} Australia
|[[Australian dollar|AU$]]649.95
|$499.95
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Canada}} Canada
|[[Canadian dollar|CD$]]499.99
|$399.99
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Europe}} [[Eurozone]]<br> (except Finland and Portugal)
|[[Euro|€]]399.99
|€299.99
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland
|[[Euro|€]]409.99
|€309.99
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|India}} India
|[[Indian Rupee|Rs.]]23,990
|Rs.19,990
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Japan}} Japan
|[[Japanese yen|JP¥]]39,795
|JP¥29,000
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Latvia}} Latvia
|[[Latvian lat|Ls]]320.00
|Ls240.00
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Mexico}} Mexico
|[[Mexican peso|MXN]]$4999.99
|$3999.99
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|New Zealand}} New Zealand
|[[New Zealand dollar|NZ$]]718.95
|$549.95
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Norway}} Norway
|[[Norwegian krone|NOK]]3395,-
|2595,-
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Portugal}}Portugal
|[[Euro|€]]409.99
|€309.99
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Singapore}} Singapore
|[[Singapore dollar|SG$]]660.00
|$535.00
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|South Africa}} South Africa
|[[South African Rand|R]]3699
|R2699
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|South Korea}} South Korea
|[[South Korean won|₩]]419,000
|₩339,000
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden
|[[Swedish krona|SEK]]3995:-
|2995:-
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|Taiwan}} Taiwan
|[[New Taiwan dollar|NT$]]12980
|NT$9970
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom
|[[Pound sterling|£]]269.99
|£199.99
|-
|align="left" | {{flagicon|United States}} United States
|[[United States dollar|US$]]399.99
|$299.99
|}
</div></div>
<br>

==Xbox Live==
{{main|Xbox Live}}
====Silver and Gold====
With the launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft's online gaming service, Xbox Live went through a major upgrade, adding a basic non-subscription service, Silver, to its already established premium subscription-based service, Gold. Xbox Live Silver is free of charge and allows users to create a user profile, join on message boards, access Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Marketplace and talk to other members.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/features/silverage.htm |title=Xbox Live The Silver Age |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Barker |first=Ben |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> An Xbox Live Silver account does not generally support multiplayer gaming; however, some games that feature their own subscription service (such as ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'') can be played with a Silver account. Xbox Live supports voice communication along with video communication, a feature possible with the [[Xbox Live Vision Camera]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/xbox360/morethangames.htm |title=More than Games |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Gettys |first=Jim W. |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

Xbox Live Gold has the same features as Silver, plus online game playing capabilities. Microsoft has allowed for previous Xbox Live subscribers to maintain their profile information, friends list, and games history when they make the transition to Xbox Live Gold. To transfer an Xbox Live account to the new system, users need to link a [[Microsoft Passport Network|Windows Live ID]] to their gamertag on Xbox.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/account/intro-accountactivation.htm |title=Xbox Live Account Migration to Xbox 360 |accessdate=2006-10-07 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> When users go to add a Xbox Live enabled profile to their console, they need to provide the console with their passport account information and the last four digits of their credit card number, which is used for verification purposes and billing. An Xbox Live Gold account generally costs $49.99&nbsp;USD,<ref name="Live Pricing">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/memberships/subscriptioncards.htm |title=Xbox Live Subscription Cards |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> $59.99&nbsp;CDN,<ref name="Live Pricing" /> £39.99&nbsp;Pounds Sterling, €59.99&nbsp;per year.

====Marketplace====
[[Image:Xboxlivemarketplace.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Marketplace main menu]]
{{Main article|Xbox Live Marketplace}}
The Xbox Live Marketplace is a virtual market designed for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live subscribers to download purchased or promotional content. The service offers movie and game trailers, game demos, Xbox Live Arcade games, gamer tag images, and Xbox 360 Dashboard themes. These features are available to both silver and gold members on Xbox live. To purchase the products off market place a hard drive is needed to store the products.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/accessories/harddriveornot.htm |title=To Hard Drive or Not? |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Gettys |first=Jim W. |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> In order to download priced content, users are required to purchase ''Microsoft Points'' for use as [[scrip]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/features/microsoftpoints.htm |title=Xbox 360 Get the Points |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Barker |first=Ben |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Not all products have a price, as some are free to download.

====Arcade====
[[Image:Xladb.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Xbox Live arcade menu]]
{{Main article|Xbox Live Arcade}}
Xbox Live Arcade is an online service operated by Microsoft that is used to distribute arcade video games to Xbox and Xbox 360 owners. In addition to classic arcade games, the service offers some new original games. As well as games from other consoles, such as the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]] title, [[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] or the [[PlayStation]]'s [[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]. The service was first launched in late 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/2004/10/13/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |title=Xbox Live Arcade to launch Nov. 3 - Oct. 14, 2004 |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Morris |first=Chris |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2004-10-14 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=CNN |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> and offers games for about $5 to $15 USD in Microsoft Points. In late 2005, Xbox Live Arcade was re-launched with the release of the Xbox 360 in which new games and features were offered. The games are generally aimed toward more casual gamers, examples of some of the more popular among them are ''[[Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/681/681837p1.html |title=Top Sellers on Xbox Live Arcade |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Onyett |first=Charles |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-01-18 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=IGN |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> ''[[Street Fighter II|Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/0810-streetfighterIIbestarcadeseller.htm |title=Street Fighter II Best Seller in Arcade |accessdate=2006-10-02 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> and ''[[UNO (game)|UNO]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/05/17/4489.aspx |title=Xbox Live delivers 600 Terabytes during E3 |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Nelson |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-05-17 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=MajorNelson |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

==Software==
===Interface===
[[Image:Xbox360DashboardLive.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The Xbox 360 dashboard]]
[[Image:Xbox360Guide.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The Xbox 360 Guide]]
The console's [[graphical user interface]] is the ''Xbox 360 Dashboard''; a [[Tab (GUI)|tabbed interface]] that features four "Blades". It can be launched automatically when the console [[booting|boots up]] without a disc, or when the disc tray is ejected; or the user may choose to launch a game automatically if a disc is inserted. A simplified version of it can also be accessed at any time via the Xbox Guide button on the gamepad. This simplified version shows the user's gamercard, Xbox Live messages and friends list. It also allows for personal and music settings, in addition to voice or video chats.

The Xbox 360's dashboard uses 15MB out of 512MB of system memory during gameplay.

Dashboard Version Information:
*'''Base Kernel Version (Retail):''' 2.0.1888
*'''Current Dashboard Version:''' 2.0.2858 '''Release date:''' [[June 13]], [[2006]]
**Upgrades in current version<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060526-6926.html |title=Microsoft announces first major Xbox 360 Live update |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-05-26 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Ars Technica, LLC |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> include:
***New slideshow options have been added for ''Photo Viewing'', which can save folder layout between sessions.
***DVD playback can resume playing from where it was stopped last time.
***Concurrent downloading (allows multiple downloads as background tasks)
***Reorganized Xbox Live Marketplace
***The option to boot to either disc or dashboard in the settings menu

===Microsoft XNA===
{{Main|Microsoft XNA}}
Microsoft XNA is a set of tools and technologies which include XNA Studio which provides versions of key production tools such as [[asset management]], [[defect tracking]], project automation and work lists. These tools are designed to work together to automate common development tasks and present interfaces tailored to the different functions within the team. [[John Carmack]] stated at [[QuakeCon]] 2005 that the Xbox 360 has "the best development environment I've seen on a console".<ref name="Carmack">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/xbox360/powerplay.htm |title=Xbox 360: Feel the Power |accessdate=2006-10-02 |last=Chihdo |first=Danny |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Microsoft XNA also includes other components such as the XNA Framework and XNA Build.
Anyone can develop a game using XNA Game Studio Express, an IDE for [[homebrew]] developers that will be fully available free of charge during the 2006 holiday period<ref name="gamefeststudioexpress">{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/aug06/08-13XNAGameStudioPR.mspx |title=Gamefest announcement of XNA Game Studio Express |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-08-13 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> with a beta released on [[August 30]], [[2006]]. It will target the XNA Framework only to provide managed content and for a $99 USD yearly subscription fee users can join a "creators club" which lets them share their content with others.

===Backward compatibility===
{{details|List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360}}
[[Backward compatibility]] is achieved through software [[emulation]] of the original Xbox. Emulated games offer graphical enhancements because they are rendered in 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (available via Xbox live update)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.2old2play.com/News/Xbox_360_adds_1080p_Support |title=Xbox 360 Adds 1080p Support |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-09-20 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> resolution with anti-aliasing enabled rather than the Xbox standard of 480p. Some games also benefit from an improvement in the rendered [[draw distance]], possibly due to the system's greater memory bandwidth. However there are also games that do not perform well in emulation; these often exhibit a lower [[framerate]] on the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/680/680857p1.html |title=Backward Compatibility Playtest |accessdate= |last=Miller |first=Jonathan |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-01-11 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=IGN |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>
A hard drive is required to enable backward compatibility, due to the original Xbox needing a hard drive to run. The downloading of an emulation profile is needed in order to play original Xbox games. Updated emulation profiles can be obtained through Xbox Live, by [[CD/DVD authoring|burning a CD]] with profiles downloaded from Xbox.com, or by ordering an update disc from Microsoft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilityfaq.htm |title=Backward Compatibility FAQ |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-02-07 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> The full list of backward-compatible games is maintained at [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm Xbox.com]. Although the current U.S. list includes nearly 300 games, fewer titles are backward compatible in European and Japanese markets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm |title=Backward Compatibility Games List |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft Japan |pages= |language=Japanese |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Microsoft has stated that they intend to release more emulation profiles as they become available, with a goal of making the entire Xbox library playable on the Xbox 360. They have since made multiple statements indicating that this may never be complete, and the rate of updates to the backwards compatibility list is in line with this stated attitude.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilityqa.htm |title=Q & A: Backward Compatibility |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Holmdahl |first=Todd |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

===Game library===
{{[[List of Xbox 360 titles]]}}
The Xbox 360 launched with a number of [[Xbox 360 launch#Launch titles|games]]. One such, [[Call of Duty 2]] was the consoles best selling game for 2005, selling over a million copies. Only two other games have sold this amount, [[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter|Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter]] and [[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]. [[Perfect Dark Zero]], which was Rare's first major commercial success after Microsoft's acquisition of them and was believed by some to be the console's flagship launch title. [[Kameo: Elements of Power]], was also released by Rare during launch. Only six games were initially offered in Japan and eagerly anticipated titles like ''[[Dead or Alive 4]]'' and ''[[Enchanted Arms|[eM] -eNCHANT arM-]]'' were not released until several weeks after launch. Games more suitable to the region are planned or have since been release, such as [[Chromehounds]], [[Ninety-Nine Nights]], or [[Phantasy Star Universe]]. Microsoft backed [[Mistwalker]] currently has three Japanese style games in development, [[Lost Odyssey ]], [[Blue Dragon]] and [[Cry On]].

E3 2006 was the first large scale show after the console's launch and had the first trailer for [[Halo 3]], the sequel to the original Xbox's best selling game. [[Fable 2]], a sequel to the Xbox's best selling [[RPG]] was also shown along with [[Alan Wake]], [[Mass Effect]] and [[Too Human]]. [[Bill Gates]] spoke of plans to integrate several Microsoft services into one entity with [[Live Anywhere]]. This service will allow multiplayer games and communication possible between Xbox 360 and the upcoming [[Windows Vista]] operating system for the [[Personal computer|PC]]. Shadowrun was the first game announced to be compatible with [[Live Anywhere]]. Several games originally released on PC have also been released on the Xbox 360, such as [[F.E.A.R.]] or [[Quake 4]]. [[Grand Theft Auto IV]] was shown and will be the first title in the series to be released for the Xbox 360 the same day as its PlayStation counterpart. At [[X (Xbox show)|X06]] Microsoft announced new titles, along with information of future releasing titles. [[Splinter Cell Conviction]], set to release after [[Splinter Cell Double Agent]] was announced to be exclusive to the Xbox 360, as were [[Bioshock]] and [[Banjo-Kazooie 3]]. At the event [[Halo Wars]] was also announced, along with an [[Untitled Halo Project]]. Microsoft is publishing sequels to some of its more successful franchises that were released on the original Xbox, such as [[Forza Motorsport 2]], [[Project Gotham Racing 3]] & [[Project Gotham Racing 4|4]], and [[Fuzion Frenzy 2]]. In addition to sequels, they have published original games based off of new IPs such as [[Viva Piñata]] or [[Gears of War]].

==Hardware==
[[Image:IBMxenon.jpg|200px|thumb|Xbox 360 CPU with some thermal paste left on it]]

The Xbox 360 is similar in [[form factor]] to its predecessor. It is slightly slimmer in every dimension, and the industrial design helps reinforce this impression; the Xbox 360 is white and slightly [[concave]], whereas the original Xbox was black and noticeably [[convex]]. Its outer plastic case is also much thinner. The Xbox 360 is also about 350 [[grams]] lighter than the original Xbox. Much of this savings in size and weight was achieved by moving the [[power supply]] out of the console proper; the power supply by itself displaces 1300 cubic [[centimeters]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2005/12/06/xbox-360-power-supply-dunked-in-water-to-prove-its-damned-big/ |title=Xbox 360 power supply dunked in water to prove it's damned big |accessdate=2006-10-03 |last=Cole |first=Vladimir |authorlink=http://www.joystiq.com/bloggers/vladimir-cole |coauthors= |date=2005-12-06 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Joystiq |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

===Central Processing Unit===
The Xbox 360 takes a very different and new approach to hardware compared to its predecessor. The CPU, named '''[[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]]''', is a custom triple-core [[PowerPC]]-based design by [[IBM]]. The CPU emphasizes high [[floating point]] performance through multiple [[Floating point unit|FPU]] and [[SIMD]] vector processing units in each core. It has a theoretical peak performance of 115.2 gigaflops and is capable of 9.6 billion dot products per second. Each core of the CPU is [[simultaneous multithreading]] capable and [[Clock rate|clocked]] at 3.2 [[Hertz|gigahertz]]. However, to reduce CPU die size, complexity, cost, and power demands, the processor uses [[Out of order execution#In-order processors|in-order execution]] in contrast to the [[Intel]] Coppermine128-based [[Celeron|Mobile Celeron]] used in Xbox which used more robust [[Out of order execution|out-of-order execution]]. The chip currently uses a [[90 nanometer|90 nm process]], although a [[65 nanometer|65 nm process]] [[Silicon on insulator|SOI]] revision is planned for 2007.<ref name="65nmtransistors">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6148098.html |title=Xbox 360 getting new CPU |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Thorson |first=Tor |authorlink=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/profile/index.php?user=thorsen-ink |coauthors= |date=2006-04-23 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=GameSpot |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> A 21.6 GB/s [[front side bus]] (aggregated 10.8 GB/s upstream and downstream) connects Xenon with the graphics processor/[[Northbridge (computing)|northbridge]]. Xenon is equipped with a 1 [[megabyte]] [[Level 2 cache]] on-die running at half CPU clock speed. This cache is shared amongst the three CPU cores.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/power/library/pa-fpfxbox/?ca=dgr-lnxw07XBoxDesign |title=Application-customized CPU design |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Brown |first=Jeffry |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2005-12-06 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=IBM |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}"Application-customized CPU design"]</ref> The CPU also contains ROM storing Microsoft private encrypted keys, used to decrypt game data. Heat sinks are implemented to cool the CPU, the heat sink is composed of [[Aluminium|aluminum]] fins with a [[copper]] base [[heat pipe]]s. The heat sink is cooled by two 60 [[millimetre|millimeter]] fans at the back of the console.

===Graphics Processing Unit===
[[Image:R500gpu.jpg|200px|thumb|Xbox 360 GPU; note the smaller eDRAM [[Integrated circuit|die]] to the left of the main Xenos die]]
While the first Xbox's [[graphics processing unit]] (GPU) was produced by [[NVIDIA]], the Xbox 360 uses a chip designed by [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] called '''Xenos''' (Developed under the name "C1" or "R500").<ref name=Beyond3D>{{cite web | url=http://www.beyond3d.com/articles/xenos/index.php?p=02 | title=ATI Xenos: XBOX 360 Graphics Demystified | author=Wavey Dave Baumann | publisher=Beyond3D | accessdate=2006-04-11}}</ref> Xenos contains 48 unified shader units, which are capable of both vertex and pixel shading operations. This is in contrast to older graphics processor designs which utilize separate specialized units for these tasks. The GPU package contains two separate silicon dies, each on a 90nm chip with a clock speed of 500Mhz. The GPU proper, manufactured by TSMC and a daughter-die, manufactured by NEC, containing 10Mb [[eDRAM]]. Thanks to the daughter die, the Xenos can do 4x [[FSAA]], [[z-buffering]], and [[alpha blending]] with no appreciable performance penalty on the GPU<ref>{{cite web |url=http://techreport.com/etc/2005q2/xbox360-gpu/index.x?pg=2 |title=Embedded DRAM for "free" antialiasing |accessdate=2006-10-02 |last=Wasson |first=Scott |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=The Tech Report, LLC |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>. The GPU also houses additional capabilities typically separated into a [[motherboard]] [[chipset]] in PC systems. A heat sink is also implemented to cool the CPU, The GPU heat sink, made of aluminum, is wider and shorter than the CPU heat sink.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/BeyondEvolution/x360Heatsink.jpg |title=Xbox 360 cooling hardware images |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

===Memory and system bandwidth===
[[Image:X360bandwidthdiagram.jpg|left|thumb|240px|Xbox 360 Bandwidth Diagram]]
The console features 512 [[megabyte]]s of 700 megahertz [[GDDR3]] [[Random access memory|RAM]] on a 128-bit bus. The memory is shared by the CPU and the GPU via the [[Shared memory|unified memory architecture]]. This memory is produced by either Samsung, or Infineon Technologies.

The eDram internal logic to its internal memory bandwidth is 256 GB/s. The high bandwidth is used primarily for [[z-buffering]], [[alpha blending]], and [[antialiasing]]; it saves time and space on the GPU die. Between the eDram die and the GPU data is transferred at 32 GB/s. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1818127,00.asp |title=Xbox 360 GPU Details |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Cross |first=Jason |authorlink=http://www.extremetech.com/author_bio/0,1728,a=2538,00.asp |coauthors= |date=2005-05-20 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=ExtremeTech |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> The memory interface bus has a bandwidth of 22.4 GB/s and the [[Southbridge (computing)|southbridge]] a bandwidth of 1 GB/s.

===Audio and video===
All games made for the Xbox 360 are required to support at least [[Surround sound#Surround (discrete Dolby Digital, DTS)|six channel]] [[Dolby Digital]] surround sound. Over 256 audio channels and 320 independent decompression channels using 32 bit processing are used for audio. Sound files for games are encoded using Microsoft's [[XMA audio format]]. An [[MPEG-2]] decoder is included for DVD video playback. VC-1 or [[WMV]] is used for [[streaming video]] and other video is compressed using [[VC-1]] at non-[[HDTV|HD]] [[NTSC]] and [[PAL]] resolutions or [[WMV HD]]. Unlike the original Xbox, voice communication is handled by the console, not by the game code, allowing for cross-game communication. There is no voice echo to game players on the same console; voice goes only to remote consoles. Additionally, a wide array of standard and [[HDTV]] resolutions, up to 1920&times;1080 in [[progressive]] mode (after fall software upgrade)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/733/733658p1.html |title=Xbox 360 Goes 1080p |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Onyett |first=Chris |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-09-20 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=IGN |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>, are supported by the console hardware.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/xbox360/highdefdetails.htm |title=Xbox 360 High Def Details |accessdate=2006-10-03 |last=McLain |first=Alex |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

===Storage===
The Xbox 360 is equipped with a 12x DVD drive, capable of a maximum read rate of 16.0 MB/s. Games are stored on standard [[Dual-layer recording|Dual-layered]]-[[DVD-ROM]]s with 7GB of usable space available for game content. The option to apply a [[regional lockout]] to games is available to publishers although [[DVD region code]]s are always enforced. Microsoft has implemented methods to prevent hacking through the drive. Later drive models have the external debug triggering removed and black hard glue added to cover all the chip and controller pins.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/05/microsoft-fires-back-at-dvd-firmware-hack/ |title=Microsoft fires back at DVD firmware hack |accessdate=2006-10-05 |last=Farivar |first=Cyrus |authorlink=http://www.engadget.com/bloggers/cyrus-farivar |coauthors= |date=2006-10-05 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Weblogs, Inc |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> The drive is able to read both DVD±R and DVD±RW in addition to being able to play DVD-Video out of the box, unlike its predecessor which required the purchase of an add-on remote. The system is also capable of playing standard CDs along with [[CD-R]]/[[CD-RW|RW]], [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|CD-DA]], CD-ROM XA, CD-Extra, [[Windows Media Audio|WMA]]-CD, [[MP3]]-CD, and [[JPEG]] [[Photo CD]].<ref name="Xbox360Specs">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox360/manuals/xbox360specs.htm |title=Xbox 360 technical specifications |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

Announced at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] 2006 and first publicly shown at E3 2006, an external HD DVD drive it set to release in North America in Mid-November for $199.99.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360hddvdplayer/default.htm |title=Xbox 360 HD DVD Player |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> It will be released [[November 17]], [[2006]] in Japan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/events/tgs2006/pressrelease.htm |title=Microsoft Showcases Xbox 360 Games at TGS |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2009-09-20 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> for ¥19,800. In Europe, the HD DVD drive will be released for €199.99/£129.99 in the U.K., France, and Germany.<ref name="GameSpotX06">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/events/x06/story.html?sid=6158830 |title=$199 360 HD-DVD drive coming in mid-November |accessdate=2006-10-02 |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=GameSpot |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> For a limited time, the HD DVD drive will be bundled with an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote, as well as an HD DVD copy of ''[[Peter Jackson's King Kong]]''.<ref name="GameSpotX06" /> The drive will play HD-DVD Movies, although all Xbox 360 games will remain on the DVD format<ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=61482 "No HD DVD games for 360"], Eurogamer, [[1 November]] [[2005]]</ref>. Microsoft has no plans to include an internal HD DVD player in future Xbox 360 designs.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Microsoft/Xbox_360/High-Def_DVD_Gaming/Microsoft_Says_No_to_Xbox_360_Internal_HD_DVD/125 | title=Microsoft Says No to Xbox 360 Internal HD DVD | publisher=High-Def Digest | date=July 6, 2006}}</ref>
The external drive connects to the Xbox 360 via USB and contains two integrated USB ports on the rear.

The ''Premium'' configuration of the system comes with an external [[Hard drive]] and it is optional to separately purchase one for the ''Core''. The detachable hard drive has a storage capacity of 20 GBs and is not required for standard games. The 2.5" drive is connected through a [[Serial ATA|SATA]] interface and the drive spins at 5400 rpm.

=== Components and accessories ===
[[Image:360controller.jpg|thumb|right|225px|An Xbox 360 Wireless Controller]]
{{main|Xbox 360 components and accessories}}
Xbox 360 also has a built-in [[100BASE-TX]] [[RJ45]] [[ethernet]] port, suitable for connecting to Xbox Live, and three [[USB]] ports.<ref name="Xbox360Specs" />

Up to four controllers are supported by the Xbox 360, in either wired or wireless forms. An optional wireless [[Haptic|force feedback]] racing wheel for racing games will be available on [[November 1]], [[2006]].

The Xbox 360 can connect to Xbox Live through an optional [[IEEE 802.11|wireless network]] adapter on a home network through a wireless router. The Universal Media Remote can be used to control several functions of the console including the [[Windows Media Center]] functions if connected to the network. Various other components for the console exist, such as decorative faceplates to change the physical appears of the console, wired or wireless headsets for communication over Xbox Live, and an Xbox 360 branded [[webcam]] called [[Xbox Live Vision Camera]].

===Technical issues===
{{main|Xbox 360 technical problems}}
Much like modern operating systems, the Xbox 360 displays a "Screen of Death" if it encounters a serious error. One way this may be encountered is through console overheating. Some users also report problems with disc scratching, as when a user changes the consoles orientation, the inserted disc may brush against the drive's pickup-assembly and incur scratches to it. The Xbox 360 owner's manual specifically mentions both issues and gives users information on how to prevent them. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/Xbox-360-Game-Disc-Scratched.htm |title=Xbox 360 games scratched? |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Llamma Corp |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> In September 2006, Microsoft released a statement saying that they will waive the cost for repairs on all Xbox 360 consoles made before [[January 1]] [[2006]], and refund any fees already paid. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=19878 |title=Microsoft to refund repair fees for faulty Xbox 360s |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-09-22 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

==Sales== <!-- It's sold, NOT shipped, per government signed document, see talk page-->
'''Total:''' 5.0 million consoles sold, as of [[June 30]], [[2006]]<ref name="5 million" />
*Quarterly data
**Q4 2005, 1.5 million units <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/01/26/microsoftq2_2006/ |title=Microsoft ships 1.5 million Xbox 360 units in Q4 |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Gruener |first=Wolfgang |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-01-26 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=TGDaily |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>
**Q1 2006, 1.7 million units <ref>{{cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/2006/04/27/technology/microsoft_earnings/index.htm |title=Xbox Marks The Spot |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Cantrell |first=Amanda |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-04-28 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=CNN |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>
**Q2 2006, 1.8 million units <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/msft/download/fy06/Q4-FY06ERSlides.ppt#15 |title=Fourth Quarter & fiscal Year 2006 Results |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-06-20 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Microsoft |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

*Microsoft's forecasted cumulative estimates:
**Q4 2006, 10 million units sold <ref>{{cite web |url=http://events.teamxbox.com/movies/3684/X06-Press-Briefing/ |title=X06 Press Briefing |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-09-28 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=TeamXbox |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>
**Q2 2007, 13-15 million units sold<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6154438.html |title=Microsoft to ship 13-15 million 360s by June 2007 |accessdate=2006-09-30 |last=Tracy |first=Tim |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-07-21 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=GameSpot |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

==References==
{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>

==External links==
<!--====================================-->
<!-- Please follow wikipedia policy on external links. -->
<!-- that can be found on the page WP:EL -->
<!--If you have a link that you want added please use the talk page -->
<!-- to explain why you feel it should be included in the article. -->
<!-- Doing so will let other editors understand what you are doing -->
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<!--=============================================-->
; Official sites
*[http://www.xbox.com Official Xbox/Xbox 360 Website]
*[http://blogs.msdn.com/xboxteam/default.aspx Xbox Development Team Blog]

; Unofficial sites
*[http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/index.html Xbox 360] at [[GameSpot]]
*[http://xbox360.ign.com/ Xbox 360] at [[IGN]]
*[http://www.teamxbox.com/ TeamXbox] - Regularly updated site detailing latest Xbox 360 news
*[http://insomnia.ac/reviews/xbox360/ Xbox 360 title list and box art] at [http://www.insomnia.ac/ insomnia.ac]


{{Microsoft products}}

[[Category:2005 introductions]]
[[Category:Backward compatible video game consoles]]
[[Category:Xbox 360]]

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Revision as of 19:40, 12 October 2006

Xbox 360
Xbox 360 logo
Xbox 360 system and controller
Xbox 360 system and controller
ManufacturerMicrosoft
TypeVideo game console
GenerationSeventh generation era
LifespanUnited States November 22, 2005
Canada November 22, 2005
Europe December 2, 2005
Japan December 10,2005
Australia March 23, 2006
India September 25, 2006
Units sold5 million as of June 30, 2006[1][2][3]
MediaDVD, CD, (Add-On: HD DVD)
CPU3.2 GHz PPC Tri-Core "Xenon" (codename)
StorageHard Drive, Memory Cards
Controller input4 wired or wireless
Connectivity3 × USB 2.0
Online servicesXbox Live
Best-selling gameCall of Duty 2
Backward
compatibility		267 Xbox games (requires hard drive)
PredecessorXbox

The Xbox 360 is the successor to Microsoft's Xbox video game console, developed in co-operation with IBM, ATI, Samsung Electronics and SiS. Information on the console first came through viral marketing campaigns and it was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information divulged later that month at the prominent Electronic Entertainment Expo. Upon its release the Xbox 360 became the first console to have a simultaneous launch across the three major regions, as well as the first console to provide wireless controllers as a standard. It also serves as the first entrant in a new generation of game consoles and will compete against Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii. Microsoft believes that its push towards high-definition gaming, year-early head start and its Xbox Live online gaming service will help the console be successful.

Overview

Development

Known during development as Xenon, Xbox 2, Xbox Next or NextBox, the Xbox 360 was conceived in early 2003. In February of 2003 planning for Xenon software platform began. 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.[4] 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.[5] 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 Power Mac G5 hardware. Games running on these were reported to be using 25-30 % of the actual systems power.[6] Microsoft chose to use these systems for their PowerPC architecture, which is similar to that of the Xenon CPU used in the system. On October 24, 2005 Microsoft shut down Xbox Live for a day to upgrade it for the Xbox 360.[7]

Launch

Main article: Xbox 360 launch

The Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005 in the United States and Canada; December 2, 2005 in Europe; December 10, 2005 in Japan; February 2, 2006 in Mexico and Colombia; February 24, 2006 in South Korea; March 16, 2006 in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan; and March 23, 2006 in Australia and New Zealand after a 3-week delay. At E3 2006, Microsoft announced that the console will be officially launched in eight new countries: South Africa, Chile, India, Brazil, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.[8] An official launch for the Philippines has been announced.[9] Due to its early launch, the Xbox 360 has a jump start on both of its competitors -- Sony's PlayStation 3, which is set to release in North America November 17, 2006 and in Europe in March of 2007; and Nintendo's Wii, which, in the US, is scheduled for release on November 19, 2006.

Because of a manufacturing bottleneck for having started the massive manufacturing only 69 days before launching,[10] Microsoft was not able to supply enough systems to meet consumer demand in Europe or North America.[11] Many potential customers were not able to procure a console at launch and the lack of availability led to Xbox 360 bundles selling on eBay at grossly inflated prices, with some auctions exceeding US$2000. By year's end Microsoft had sold 1.5 million units; including 900,000 in North America, 500,000 in Europe, and 100,000 in Japan.[12]

Retail configurations

Microsoft's retail strategy involves two different configurations of the Xbox 360 in most countries: the Xbox 360 SKU, frequently referred to as the Xbox 360 Premium Package and an Xbox 360 Core System SKU. At launch, the Xbox 360 was priced at USD $399 and the Core System was priced at USD $299. The Core System is not currently available in Japan, but will be released on November 2, 2006[13]. Additionally in Australia and New Zealand the Xbox Live headset in the Xbox 360 Package was not included.

BusinessWeek magazine compiled a report[14] that estimates the total cost of components in the "premium" bundle at $525 USD, sans manufacturing costs, meaning that Microsoft is losing money on every Xbox 360 system sold (in the United States, at least). It should be noted that the strategy of selling a console at a loss or near-loss is common in the console games industry, as console makers expect to make up the loss through game licensing. Furthermore, since Microsoft owns the intellectual property rights to the hardware used in the Xbox 360, they can easily switch to new fabrication processes or change suppliers in the future in order to reduce manufacturing costs. This flexibility stands in contrast to the situation faced with the original Xbox, which Microsoft was never able to reduce manufacturing costs below the break-even point.[citation needed] Microsoft is predicting[citation needed] that with the Xbox 360, a greater market share, yearly revenue through their Xbox Live service, and falling hardware costs will eventually make system sales profitable.

Xbox 360 System Xbox 360 Core System
Detachable 20 GB hard drive Yes No
Ethernet cable Yes No
Chrome finish Yes No
Xbox Live headset Yes (Most regions) No
Xbox Live Silver membership Yes Yes
One month trial of Xbox Live Gold Yes Yes
Gamepad 2.4 GHz wireless Wired, with 3 m breakaway cord
AV Cables Component HD-AV cable Composite AV cable
Suggested retail price by region
Xbox 360 System Xbox 360 Core System
Australia Australia AU$649.95 $499.95
Canada Canada CD$499.99 $399.99
Europe Eurozone
(except Finland and Portugal) 		€399.99 €299.99
Finland Finland €409.99 €309.99
India India Rs.23,990 Rs.19,990
Japan Japan JP¥39,795 JP¥29,000
Latvia Latvia Ls320.00 Ls240.00
Mexico Mexico MXN$4999.99 $3999.99
New Zealand New Zealand NZ$718.95 $549.95
Norway Norway NOK3395,- 2595,-
PortugalPortugal €409.99 €309.99
Singapore Singapore SG$660.00 $535.00
South Africa South Africa R3699 R2699
South Korea South Korea ₩419,000 ₩339,000
Sweden Sweden SEK3995:- 2995:-
Taiwan Taiwan NT$12980 NT$9970
United Kingdom United Kingdom £269.99 £199.99
United States United States US$399.99 $299.99


Xbox Live

Main article: Xbox Live

Silver and Gold

With the launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft's online gaming service, Xbox Live went through a major upgrade, adding a basic non-subscription service, Silver, to its already established premium subscription-based service, Gold. Xbox Live Silver is free of charge and allows users to create a user profile, join on message boards, access Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Marketplace and talk to other members.[15] An Xbox Live Silver account does not generally support multiplayer gaming; however, some games that feature their own subscription service (such as Final Fantasy XI) can be played with a Silver account. Xbox Live supports voice communication along with video communication, a feature possible with the Xbox Live Vision Camera.[16]

Xbox Live Gold has the same features as Silver, plus online game playing capabilities. Microsoft has allowed for previous Xbox Live subscribers to maintain their profile information, friends list, and games history when they make the transition to Xbox Live Gold. To transfer an Xbox Live account to the new system, users need to link a Windows Live ID to their gamertag on Xbox.com.[17] When users go to add a Xbox Live enabled profile to their console, they need to provide the console with their passport account information and the last four digits of their credit card number, which is used for verification purposes and billing. An Xbox Live Gold account generally costs $49.99 USD,[18] $59.99 CDN,[18] £39.99 Pounds Sterling, €59.99 per year.

Marketplace

File:Xboxlivemarketplace.jpg
Marketplace main menu
Main article: Xbox Live Marketplace

The Xbox Live Marketplace is a virtual market designed for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live subscribers to download purchased or promotional content. The service offers movie and game trailers, game demos, Xbox Live Arcade games, gamer tag images, and Xbox 360 Dashboard themes. These features are available to both silver and gold members on Xbox live. To purchase the products off market place a hard drive is needed to store the products.[19] In order to download priced content, users are required to purchase Microsoft Points for use as scrip.[20] Not all products have a price, as some are free to download.

Arcade

File:Xladb.jpg
Xbox Live arcade menu
Main article: Xbox Live Arcade

Xbox Live Arcade is an online service operated by Microsoft that is used to distribute arcade video games to Xbox and Xbox 360 owners. In addition to classic arcade games, the service offers some new original games. As well as games from other consoles, such as the Genesis title, Sonic the Hedgehog or the PlayStation's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The service was first launched in late 2004[21] and offers games for about $5 to $15 USD in Microsoft Points. In late 2005, Xbox Live Arcade was re-launched with the release of the Xbox 360 in which new games and features were offered. The games are generally aimed toward more casual gamers, examples of some of the more popular among them are Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved,[22] Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting[23] and UNO.[24]

Software

Interface

File:Xbox360DashboardLive.jpg
The Xbox 360 dashboard
File:Xbox360Guide.jpg
The Xbox 360 Guide

The console's graphical user interface is the Xbox 360 Dashboard; a tabbed interface that features four "Blades". It can be launched automatically when the console boots up without a disc, or when the disc tray is ejected; or the user may choose to launch a game automatically if a disc is inserted. A simplified version of it can also be accessed at any time via the Xbox Guide button on the gamepad. This simplified version shows the user's gamercard, Xbox Live messages and friends list. It also allows for personal and music settings, in addition to voice or video chats.

The Xbox 360's dashboard uses 15MB out of 512MB of system memory during gameplay.

Dashboard Version Information:

  • Base Kernel Version (Retail): 2.0.1888
  • Current Dashboard Version: 2.0.2858 Release date: June 13, 2006
    • Upgrades in current version[25] include:
      • New slideshow options have been added for Photo Viewing, which can save folder layout between sessions.
      • DVD playback can resume playing from where it was stopped last time.
      • Concurrent downloading (allows multiple downloads as background tasks)
      • Reorganized Xbox Live Marketplace
      • The option to boot to either disc or dashboard in the settings menu

Microsoft XNA

Main article: Microsoft XNA

Microsoft XNA is a set of tools and technologies which include XNA Studio which provides versions of key production tools such as asset management, defect tracking, project automation and work lists. These tools are designed to work together to automate common development tasks and present interfaces tailored to the different functions within the team. John Carmack stated at QuakeCon 2005 that the Xbox 360 has "the best development environment I've seen on a console".[26] Microsoft XNA also includes other components such as the XNA Framework and XNA Build. Anyone can develop a game using XNA Game Studio Express, an IDE for homebrew developers that will be fully available free of charge during the 2006 holiday period[27] with a beta released on August 30, 2006. It will target the XNA Framework only to provide managed content and for a $99 USD yearly subscription fee users can join a "creators club" which lets them share their content with others.

Backward compatibility

Further information: List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360

Backward compatibility is achieved through software emulation of the original Xbox. Emulated games offer graphical enhancements because they are rendered in 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (available via Xbox live update)[28] resolution with anti-aliasing enabled rather than the Xbox standard of 480p. Some games also benefit from an improvement in the rendered draw distance, possibly due to the system's greater memory bandwidth. However there are also games that do not perform well in emulation; these often exhibit a lower framerate on the Xbox 360.[29] A hard drive is required to enable backward compatibility, due to the original Xbox needing a hard drive to run. The downloading of an emulation profile is needed in order to play original Xbox games. Updated emulation profiles can be obtained through Xbox Live, by burning a CD with profiles downloaded from Xbox.com, or by ordering an update disc from Microsoft.[30] The full list of backward-compatible games is maintained at Xbox.com. Although the current U.S. list includes nearly 300 games, fewer titles are backward compatible in European and Japanese markets.[31] Microsoft has stated that they intend to release more emulation profiles as they become available, with a goal of making the entire Xbox library playable on the Xbox 360. They have since made multiple statements indicating that this may never be complete, and the rate of updates to the backwards compatibility list is in line with this stated attitude.[32]

Game library

{{List of Xbox 360 titles}} The Xbox 360 launched with a number of games. One such, Call of Duty 2 was the consoles best selling game for 2005, selling over a million copies. Only two other games have sold this amount, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Perfect Dark Zero, which was Rare's first major commercial success after Microsoft's acquisition of them and was believed by some to be the console's flagship launch title. Kameo: Elements of Power, was also released by Rare during launch. Only six games were initially offered in Japan and eagerly anticipated titles like Dead or Alive 4 and [eM] -eNCHANT arM- were not released until several weeks after launch. Games more suitable to the region are planned or have since been release, such as Chromehounds, Ninety-Nine Nights, or Phantasy Star Universe. Microsoft backed Mistwalker currently has three Japanese style games in development, Lost Odyssey , Blue Dragon and Cry On.

E3 2006 was the first large scale show after the console's launch and had the first trailer for Halo 3, the sequel to the original Xbox's best selling game. Fable 2, a sequel to the Xbox's best selling RPG was also shown along with Alan Wake, Mass Effect and Too Human. Bill Gates spoke of plans to integrate several Microsoft services into one entity with Live Anywhere. This service will allow multiplayer games and communication possible between Xbox 360 and the upcoming Windows Vista operating system for the PC. Shadowrun was the first game announced to be compatible with Live Anywhere. Several games originally released on PC have also been released on the Xbox 360, such as F.E.A.R. or Quake 4. Grand Theft Auto IV was shown and will be the first title in the series to be released for the Xbox 360 the same day as its PlayStation counterpart. At X06 Microsoft announced new titles, along with information of future releasing titles. Splinter Cell Conviction, set to release after Splinter Cell Double Agent was announced to be exclusive to the Xbox 360, as were Bioshock and Banjo-Kazooie 3. At the event Halo Wars was also announced, along with an Untitled Halo Project. Microsoft is publishing sequels to some of its more successful franchises that were released on the original Xbox, such as Forza Motorsport 2, Project Gotham Racing 3 & 4, and Fuzion Frenzy 2. In addition to sequels, they have published original games based off of new IPs such as Viva Piñata or Gears of War.

Hardware

File:IBMxenon.jpg
Xbox 360 CPU with some thermal paste left on it

The Xbox 360 is similar in form factor to its predecessor. It is slightly slimmer in every dimension, and the industrial design helps reinforce this impression; the Xbox 360 is white and slightly concave, whereas the original Xbox was black and noticeably convex. Its outer plastic case is also much thinner. The Xbox 360 is also about 350 grams lighter than the original Xbox. Much of this savings in size and weight was achieved by moving the power supply out of the console proper; the power supply by itself displaces 1300 cubic centimeters.[33]

Central Processing Unit

The Xbox 360 takes a very different and new approach to hardware compared to its predecessor. The CPU, named Xenon, is a custom triple-core PowerPC-based design by IBM. The CPU emphasizes high floating point performance through multiple FPU and SIMD vector processing units in each core. It has a theoretical peak performance of 115.2 gigaflops and is capable of 9.6 billion dot products per second. Each core of the CPU is simultaneous multithreading capable and clocked at 3.2 gigahertz. However, to reduce CPU die size, complexity, cost, and power demands, the processor uses in-order execution in contrast to the Intel Coppermine128-based Mobile Celeron used in Xbox which used more robust out-of-order execution. The chip currently uses a 90 nm process, although a 65 nm process SOI revision is planned for 2007.[34] A 21.6 GB/s front side bus (aggregated 10.8 GB/s upstream and downstream) connects Xenon with the graphics processor/northbridge. Xenon is equipped with a 1 megabyte Level 2 cache on-die running at half CPU clock speed. This cache is shared amongst the three CPU cores.[35] The CPU also contains ROM storing Microsoft private encrypted keys, used to decrypt game data. Heat sinks are implemented to cool the CPU, the heat sink is composed of aluminum fins with a copper base heat pipes. The heat sink is cooled by two 60 millimeter fans at the back of the console.

Graphics Processing Unit

File:R500gpu.jpg
Xbox 360 GPU; note the smaller eDRAM die to the left of the main Xenos die

While the first Xbox's graphics processing unit (GPU) was produced by NVIDIA, the Xbox 360 uses a chip designed by ATI called Xenos (Developed under the name "C1" or "R500").[36] Xenos contains 48 unified shader units, which are capable of both vertex and pixel shading operations. This is in contrast to older graphics processor designs which utilize separate specialized units for these tasks. The GPU package contains two separate silicon dies, each on a 90nm chip with a clock speed of 500Mhz. The GPU proper, manufactured by TSMC and a daughter-die, manufactured by NEC, containing 10Mb eDRAM. Thanks to the daughter die, the Xenos can do 4x FSAA, z-buffering, and alpha blending with no appreciable performance penalty on the GPU[37]. The GPU also houses additional capabilities typically separated into a motherboard chipset in PC systems. A heat sink is also implemented to cool the CPU, The GPU heat sink, made of aluminum, is wider and shorter than the CPU heat sink.[38]

Memory and system bandwidth

Xbox 360 Bandwidth Diagram

The console features 512 megabytes of 700 megahertz GDDR3 RAM on a 128-bit bus. The memory is shared by the CPU and the GPU via the unified memory architecture. This memory is produced by either Samsung, or Infineon Technologies.

The eDram internal logic to its internal memory bandwidth is 256 GB/s. The high bandwidth is used primarily for z-buffering, alpha blending, and antialiasing; it saves time and space on the GPU die. Between the eDram die and the GPU data is transferred at 32 GB/s. [39] The memory interface bus has a bandwidth of 22.4 GB/s and the southbridge a bandwidth of 1 GB/s.

Audio and video

All games made for the Xbox 360 are required to support at least six channel Dolby Digital surround sound. Over 256 audio channels and 320 independent decompression channels using 32 bit processing are used for audio. Sound files for games are encoded using Microsoft's XMA audio format. An MPEG-2 decoder is included for DVD video playback. VC-1 or WMV is used for streaming video and other video is compressed using VC-1 at non-HD NTSC and PAL resolutions or WMV HD. Unlike the original Xbox, voice communication is handled by the console, not by the game code, allowing for cross-game communication. There is no voice echo to game players on the same console; voice goes only to remote consoles. Additionally, a wide array of standard and HDTV resolutions, up to 1920×1080 in progressive mode (after fall software upgrade)[40], are supported by the console hardware.[41]

Storage

The Xbox 360 is equipped with a 12x DVD drive, capable of a maximum read rate of 16.0 MB/s. Games are stored on standard Dual-layered-DVD-ROMs with 7GB of usable space available for game content. The option to apply a regional lockout to games is available to publishers although DVD region codes are always enforced. Microsoft has implemented methods to prevent hacking through the drive. Later drive models have the external debug triggering removed and black hard glue added to cover all the chip and controller pins.[42] The drive is able to read both DVD±R and DVD±RW in addition to being able to play DVD-Video out of the box, unlike its predecessor which required the purchase of an add-on remote. The system is also capable of playing standard CDs along with CD-R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM XA, CD-Extra, WMA-CD, MP3-CD, and JPEG Photo CD.[43]

Announced at CES 2006 and first publicly shown at E3 2006, an external HD DVD drive it set to release in North America in Mid-November for $199.99.[44] It will be released November 17, 2006 in Japan[45] for ¥19,800. In Europe, the HD DVD drive will be released for €199.99/£129.99 in the U.K., France, and Germany.[46] For a limited time, the HD DVD drive will be bundled with an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote, as well as an HD DVD copy of Peter Jackson's King Kong.[46] The drive will play HD-DVD Movies, although all Xbox 360 games will remain on the DVD format[47]. Microsoft has no plans to include an internal HD DVD player in future Xbox 360 designs.[48] The external drive connects to the Xbox 360 via USB and contains two integrated USB ports on the rear.

The Premium configuration of the system comes with an external Hard drive and it is optional to separately purchase one for the Core. The detachable hard drive has a storage capacity of 20 GBs and is not required for standard games. The 2.5" drive is connected through a SATA interface and the drive spins at 5400 rpm.

Components and accessories

File:360controller.jpg
An Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
Main article: Xbox 360 components and accessories

Xbox 360 also has a built-in 100BASE-TX RJ45 ethernet port, suitable for connecting to Xbox Live, and three USB ports.[43]

Up to four controllers are supported by the Xbox 360, in either wired or wireless forms. An optional wireless force feedback racing wheel for racing games will be available on November 1, 2006.

The Xbox 360 can connect to Xbox Live through an optional wireless network adapter on a home network through a wireless router. The Universal Media Remote can be used to control several functions of the console including the Windows Media Center functions if connected to the network. Various other components for the console exist, such as decorative faceplates to change the physical appears of the console, wired or wireless headsets for communication over Xbox Live, and an Xbox 360 branded webcam called Xbox Live Vision Camera.

Technical issues

Main article: Xbox 360 technical problems

Much like modern operating systems, the Xbox 360 displays a "Screen of Death" if it encounters a serious error. One way this may be encountered is through console overheating. Some users also report problems with disc scratching, as when a user changes the consoles orientation, the inserted disc may brush against the drive's pickup-assembly and incur scratches to it. The Xbox 360 owner's manual specifically mentions both issues and gives users information on how to prevent them. [49] In September 2006, Microsoft released a statement saying that they will waive the cost for repairs on all Xbox 360 consoles made before January 1 2006, and refund any fees already paid. [50]

Sales

Total: 5.0 million consoles sold, as of June 30, 2006[3]

  • Quarterly data
    • Q4 2005, 1.5 million units [51]
    • Q1 2006, 1.7 million units [52]
    • Q2 2006, 1.8 million units [53]
  • Microsoft's forecasted cumulative estimates:
    • Q4 2006, 10 million units sold [54]
    • Q2 2007, 13-15 million units sold[55]

References

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Official sites
Unofficial sites


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