Information about the Xbox 360 (price, accessories, services

Worseley · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 10:18AM

>> The official price of the Xbox 360 was first leaked by the LATimes a few hours ago, ahead of Microsoft's Games Convention 2005 announcement.
Then it got confirmed at GC2005 (IGN has high-res images of the X360 at GC2005 here), with more details and the EU price (but no official launchdate yet) - and it's exactly like we expected (or as leaked over the last couple of weeks).

*UPDATE* Removed previous news (added links to previous articles above) as Microsoft just posted their official pressrelease - with full info including all accessories and their price:

Quote:

Ending weeks of speculation about which upcoming video game platform will give gamers the most bang for their buck, today at the German Games Convention, Microsoft Corp. revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360™ — the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system — for as little as $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99 starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99, giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.

The Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System — along with an impressive lineup of high-definition game titles from the world’s best publishers and developers — will make their debut in North America, Europe and Japan in time for this Christmas holiday, several months ahead of the competition. Although details for the Japan launch will be addressed at the Tokyo Game Show in September, the unprecedented three-region launch signifies an industry first. The Xbox 360 platform will deliver the most powerful console, the best games, the next generation of the Xbox Live® service, and amazing digital entertainment experiences never seen in console entertainment.

“The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated,” said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft. “While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it’s also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras.”

With its built-in Ethernet port and free Silver level of service right out of the box, Xbox 360 also connects players to Xbox Live, the premier global online console games and entertainment network. With Xbox Live, gamers can chat with friends online, build and share gamer profiles, send and receive text and voice messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace for new content such as game demos, trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. Subscribers to the Gold level of service will also enjoy access to online multiplayer gaming in their favorite games, as well as great promotional programs such as worldwide tournaments, the chance to play online with their favorite celebrities, and opportunities to win big prizes.

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99 Xbox 360 console. This premium edition — distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself — comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:
* Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch — three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
* Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
* Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.
* Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish “chill” (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
* Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
* Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
* Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
* A bonus Media Remote: Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC's controls with a single remote.

At $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:
* Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
* Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
* Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish “chill” (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
* Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£24.99*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:
* Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€99.99/£69.99*).
* Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£22.99*).
* Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./€44.99/£32.99*).
* Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).
* Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./€14.99/£9.99*).
* Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€79.99 /£59.99*).
* Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).
* Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).
* Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€24.99/£17.99*).
* Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

“With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we’re offering consumers real choice and real value,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers’ living rooms this Christmas holiday.”

LostBoyz · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 1:28PM

thanks for that....cant wait

ElPupitre · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 1:33PM

Thank you, sir. Gotta see if my parents will preorder one for my birthday, Nov 9

Worseley · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 3:03PM

.

You guys know what I like best?

Anyone notice the vga cable output? No need for a HDTV at college when you have a nice 19-20" lcd monitor. It's really worth seeing al those games in HD, for damn next to nothing IMO.

Cheerio

ElPupitre · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 3:12PM

Yeah, that's definitely nice. We have a 32" Panasonic HDTV in my room though, so...

Haven't seen it in 1080i yet. Can't wait to see how it looks.

killerofall · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 3:15PM

Looks like the xbox 360 and the PS3 will be within $50 of eachother with similar features. You will most likely not need to buy a HDD from Sony and can put in your own 2.5 inch (selling for less than $50) but info in this is not clear.

ElPupitre · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 3:39PM

I'm kinda pissed off about the XB Live Silver package. During E3, they made it sound like you'd be able to play games online during weekdays with Silver or something like that. No playing at all on Silver sounds pretty worthless to me. I guess downloadable content is good, but they need free online play. It's not like it has to be any different from playing a PC game online, and the only PC games you have to pay to play are MMO's and some other random games that nobody cares about.

If a game company wants to have their game online-enabled, they should supply the master server that points your xbox to other xboxes who are hosting games. I don't get why it should cost a subscription to play online. IMO this holds console gaming back.

Worseley · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 4:20PM

I do know that 80% of all units will be the $400 version.

The one thing that erks me though is $50 per controller. This of course coming from someone who owns 9 S-style xbox controllers and several off-brands.

Also, an add-on of Windows Media player will allow streaming of media from a PC to a 360. Nothing new to alot of people with an xbox 1 w/ extras, but new to those who are ignorant or poor.

A few things I have heard that are interesting are that if the case is opened, a switch is released that won't allow the xbox360 to turn on normally (blue screen) and you'll need to send it in to have it checked out. Something going through my rumor mill that comes from credited sources. I'll probably try it... and feel sorry for anyone who buys a Wal-mart 360 for xmas, to find a blue screen:P

LostBoyz · **Posted:** Wed 08-17-2005 9:46PM

im sure tech tv or someone will have it opened the week before. chip shortly after. but there is no real reason to mod it if unless it can play dreamcast games or something

Worseley · **Posted:** Thu 08-18-2005 8:07AM

LostBoyz wrote:

im sure tech tv or someone will have it opened the week before. chip shortly after. but there is no real reason to mod it if unless it can play dreamcast games or something

Chips take a long while to make man? You have to reverse engineer the system, retrace certain tasks/objects, find a way to remove the software on the devices, find a way to open those files, then figure the damns stuff out.

It took over a year for the first xbox mod chip to come out, and that was so un-feature'esk that it's laughable.

Not to mention that your almost 99.9% likely to get banned leading the charge on modding a console. Hell, until recently (last 6 months) has everyone found out exactly how to go about not getting caught.

.

Worseley · **Posted:** Fri 08-19-2005 9:16AM

Price of other consoles on launch, and what inflation would make it today.

Atari VCS launched in 1977 for $249.99 = $811.21 in 2005
Nintendo Entertainment System launched in 1985 for $199.99 = $354.91 in 2005
SEGA Genesis launched in 1989 for $249.99 = $389.67 in 2005
NeoGeo launched in 1990 for $699.99 = $1041.12 in 2005
Super Nintendo launched in 1991 for $199.99 = $282.21 in 2005
Jaguar launched in 1993 for $249.99 = $328.69 in 2005
3DO Interactive Multiplayer launched in 1993 for $699.95 = $920.30 in 2005
SEGA Saturn launched in 1995 for $399.99 = $497.66 in 2005
Nintendo 64 launched in 1996 for $199.99 = $242.75 in 2005
SEGA Dreamcast launches in 1999 for $199.99 = $228.09 in 2005
PlayStation launched in 1995 for $299.99 = $372.01 in 2005
PlayStation 2 launched in 2000 for $299.99 = $333.15 in 2005
Xbox Launched in 2001 for $299.99 = $325.34 in 2005
GameCube launched in 2001 for $199.99 = $216.89 in 2005

killerofall · **Posted:** Sat 08-20-2005 12:52AM

One important piece of info that was left out is that the $299 version will not be able to play the original xbox titles and the $399 version will(you need the HDD to play xbox games on the xbox 360). Looks like that Macrowhore (aka Microsoft) has shot themselfs in the foot in the war against Sony and Nintendo.
I also think that Nintendo should go the way of Sega and drop its hardware and concentrate on the games.

Phil the tame goat · **Posted:** Sat 08-20-2005 1:34AM

nintendo dropping out of the console war sucks for us. just one step closer to a console monopoly, which leads to increased prices.

Worseley · **Posted:** Sat 08-20-2005 6:18AM

Phil the tame goat wrote:

nintendo dropping out of the console war sucks for us. just one step closer to a console monopoly, which leads to increased prices.

Already happening on all the sport games... EA sports signed 5-9 year contracts with all the major sports agencies, NFL, NCCA, MLB... So if you ever want to play as the St Louis Rams or Cardinals then you've got to pay the inflated price of $60 for a Madden or Live game. This of course coming directly after Sega trounced EA sales this past year with $20 versions that were supperior.

As far as nintendo goes, their new console is going to be a mega version of the gamecube 1. It's only going to have 2-3x the power of the first, but with a kick ass video card.

With Sony and Nintendo lacking alot of the RPG's this time around, microsoft signed those industries top 6 leaders to 3 year contracts it's going to be interesting to see what sets them apart. To me the Xbox was FPS's, and Sony was kick ass single player games. Nintendo of course be the gem of little kids and retards, no pun intended.

Although there are rumors that Microsoft has found a way to make even more money!!! Just like how the 360 supports the PSP, there's talk that games that microsoft controls, AKA RPG's, RARE games, and possibly Bungie games will be launched on all other consoles after an intro period of a year. Looking at GTA was a great example, did great on the PS2 but later made it on the Xbox to go platinum once again, bringing home the bacon.
.

cmptrnrd16 · **Posted:** Sat 08-20-2005 7:15AM

Maybe I was a little too naive or optimistic before, but I was geared up for a 300 price tag WITH the hard drive and stuff. Ah well guess I'll have to stomach it now and work more hours over the summer to make up for it. I will definetly only be purchasing one game at launch to keep my expenses low. But that is now a toss-up between Oblivion and a game like Gears of War(which i dont think will be a launch title) or Prey. I guess I could always play Halo2 on Live.

I am just a freshman here, is there a Gamestop or EBGames anywhere close by?

Information about the Xbox 360 (price, accessories, services

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