Now that MTV has showcased Microsoft's new XBox 360 console and the world has had the chance to view the console officially, MS has issued its official press release and launched the console's Internet home. You can view the official full list of XBox 360 specs by following the link at the bottom right of this page. For an official MS list of XBox 360 peripherals, go to page 3 of this story.
The press release confirms some of the specs, revealed a few days ago, without mentioning many figures. So we know the console will definitely have a three-core PowerPC-based CPU but we didn't get a confirmation on the GHz. Microsoft however, does promise more than one teraflop of system-floating point performance, a custom ATI graphics processor and more than 512 MB of memory. MS also mentions that Xbox 360 will feature software that will react to a gamer's skill level, continually evolving and enhancing the game experience.
The press release also sheds some light on the function of the elusive central button on the XBox 360 controller. The Xbox Guide Button will serve as the launch pad that connects gamers to their games, friends and music from the wireless controller. In addition to bringing up the Xbox Gamer Guide and the Xbox System Guide, the Xbox Guide Button will let you turn the system on and off without ever leaving the couch.
Much as MegaGames reported a couple of days ago, the press release confirms the faceplate customization options claiming that an array of Faces, interchangeable faceplates that let gamers personalize their console... will be available.
Microsoft also mentions that the console will have a large variety of launch games and lists:
2K Sports' NBA 2K6; Activision's Call of Duty 2 and Tony Hawk's American Wasteland, along with id Software's QUAKE 4; Electronic Arts' Madden NFL 06, Need for Speed Most Wanted and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06; Majesco's The Darkness; Microsoft Game Studios' Perfect Dark: Zero, Kameo: Elements of Power, Project Gotham Racing 3 and Gears of War; THQ's Saint's Row; and Ubisoft's Ghost Recon 3.
XBox 360 Live
The new Live service on 360 will let gamers connect their console to a broadband connection and get instant access to Xbox Live Silver. With access to a digital identity through Gamertag and gamer card, players will be able to talk with others using voice chat, and access Xbox Live Marketplace-all right out of the box, at no extra cost.
Upgrade to Xbox Live Gold and enter the exciting world of multiplayer online gaming. With intelligent matchmaking, access to all your achievements and statistics, video chat and video messaging, and an enormous selection of games.
Without any mention in the press release, XBox360.com has gone live offering very basic information to the visitor. It was impossible for Microsoft to launch the website any sooner since that would be an unofficial way of confirming the name of the new console. Funnily enough we all knew the name, the looks and even the precise specs of 360 long before MTV broadcast its special feature.
Visitors to the new XBox 360 website, will be asked to state their location before being greeted by the XBox 360 fiery X logo and reaching the menu. For the time being the only options in the menu allow you to manipulate an image of the console and of a controller, giving you a variety of view options.
As the pre-E3 event draws nearer we have all had our fill with MS's new console and really hope that the official announcement puts an end to the speculation and brings the console and its details out into the open.
Xbox 360 System Performance Specifications
Custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU
- Three symmetrical cores running at 3.2 GHz each
- Two hardware threads per core; six hardware threads total
- VMX-128 vector unit per core; three total
- 128 VMX-128 registers per hardware thread
- 1 MB L2 cache
CPU Game Math Performance
- 9 billion dot product operations per second
Custom ATI Graphics Processor
- 500MHz processor
- 10 MB of embedded DRAM
- 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically scheduled shader pipelines
- Unified shader architecture
Polygon Performance
- 500 million triangles per second
Pixel Fill Rate
- 16 gigasamples per second fill rate using 4x MSAA
Shader Performance
- 48 billion shader operations per second
Memory
- 512 MB of GDDR3 RAM
- 700 MHz of DDR
- Unified memory architecture
Memory Bandwidth
- 22.4 GB/s memory interface bus bandwidth
- 256 GB/s memory bandwidth to EDRAM
- 21.6 GB/s front-side bus
Overall System Floating-Point Performance
- 1 teraflop
Storage
- Detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive
- 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM
- Memory Unit support starting at 64 MB
I/O
- Support for up to four wireless game controllers
- Three USB 2.0 ports
- Two memory unit slots
Optimized for Online
- Instant, out-of-the-box access to Xbox Live features with broadband service, including Xbox Live Marketplace for downloadable content, gamer profile for digital identity, and voice chat to talk to friends while playing games, watching movies, or listening to music
- Built-in Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi ready: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g
- Video camera ready
Digital Media Support
- Support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 CD, JPEG Photo CD
- Ability to stream media from portable music devices, digital cameras and Windows XP-based PCs
- Ability to rip music to the Xbox 360 hard drive
- Custom playlists in every game
- Built-in Media Center Extender for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
- Interactive, full-screen 3-D visualizers
High-Definition Game Support * All games supported at 16:9, 720p, and 1080i, anti-aliasing
- Standard-definition and high-definition video output supported
Audio
- Multi-channel surround sound output
- Supports 48KHz 16-bit audio
- 320 independent decompression channels
- 32-bit audio processing
- Over 256 audio channels
System Orientation
- Stands vertically or horizontally
Customizable Face Plates
- Interchangeable to personalize the console
Availability: Holiday 2005
Developed by the creators of the Xbox video game system, Microsoft's new line of Xbox 360 system peripherals extend your digital entertainment experience on Xbox 360.
Faces
Unlike any console before, Xbox 360 puts gamers at the center and gives you the freedom to personalize your gaming experience however you see fit. Xbox 360 Faces make it easy and fun to change the face of your console. Change your Faces whenever you like to match your personality, your mood, or your wild side. So flip it, switch it, or leave it be, and express your unique sense of style.
- Interchangeable faceplates allow you to express yourself and create a one-of-a-kind system.
- Find cool, customizable, cutting-edge designs that are fun to change.
- Faces are highly versatile, with multiple designs to choose from.
- Faces are designed for easy switching.
- Maintain full functionality of your system, regardless of which Face you choose.
- Pick up copies of the collectable limited-edition Faces.
Memory Unit
Further enhancing the gaming experience, Xbox 360 Memory Units allow you to save your in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles. The Memory Units are easily portable and enable quick and easy access to previously established benchmarks, putting you in control of your games and your lifestyle. You can save your games, your Xbox Live profile, and more with Xbox 360 Memory Units.
- Transport your Memory Unit in the portable carrying case that fits on your keychain.
- The Memory Unit (64 MB) requires no setup. Just plug it in, and you can save your favorite games.
- Xbox 360 holds up to two Memory Units, so you can easily upgrade to more storage space.
Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote was engineered to serve as your integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience. Enter a new world of digital entertainment with the touch of a single button. Play DVD movies and music, plus control your TV and your Media Center PC with one controller. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button gives you quick access to your digital movies, music, and games library, and backlit buttons make the keypad easy to see in a darkened home theater. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
- Power your Xbox 360 system on or off without leaving the couch.
- The Xbox Guide Button allows for easy navigation of the Xbox Gamer Guide.
- The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote includes control buttons for your music, pictures, and more.
- The Xbox 360 supports progressive-scan for DVD playback functionality, including a control for opening and closing the tray.
- The remote supports universal TV and console functionality, including volume and mute buttons and up-and-down channel changing.
- Windows XP Media Center Edition Button and Media Center Edition functionality are featured.
- A, B, X, and Y buttons are included for basic control of your Xbox 360 system, even without a controller.
- Numbered and backlight keypad gives you full functionality, even in the dark.
Peripherals Designed Specifically for Xbox Live
Xbox Live Camera
The Xbox Live Camera for Xbox 360 opens up a new world of gaming and entertainment on Xbox Live, the world's premier online video games service. With the Xbox Live Camera, video chat and video messaging with your friends becomes more than just a feature set; it is an integrated part of the Xbox Live experience. Connect and communicate while playing the same or different games, watching movies, listening to music, and more.
The Xbox Live Camera also takes personalization to a whole new level and allows you to customize your gaming experience by putting your face on characters in your games, all while being able to video chat with your friends as you play online. And with next-generation online motion-detection-enabled games, the Xbox Live Camera puts you entirely in the game and in control of the on-screen characters over Xbox Live.
- High-end online camera supports up to VGA 640x480 video at 30 frames per second and takes 1.3-megapixel still photos.
- The camera includes a microphone that connects to the controller, so everyone in the room can chat online with their friends.
- The camera supports built-in video chat and video messaging on Xbox Live.
- Your face can be imported into games and can also be placed next to your name on leader boards for even more recognition or fame.
- Chat with your friends while you play online in Xbox 360 games as well as in the Xbox Live Arcade.
Xbox 360 Headset
The Xbox 360 Headset heightens the experience of the unprecedented online gaming community, Xbox Live, allowing you to strategize with teammates, trash-talk opponents or just chat with friends while playing your favorite games. You can record and leave short voice messages for friends or family through the free Xbox Live Message Service or connect with buddies online using the headset in place of the phone. Turn it up or turn it down, and experience the most intense gaming experience possible.
- Boom microphone can be adjusted for optimal sound quality.
- In-line volume control and mute switch let users adjust the headset volume or switch mute on and off easily.
- Noise-canceling microphone improves game response to voice commands, and provides crisp and clear voice communication.
- Lightweight, over-the-head design enables comfortable use.
- The headset plugs directly into either the Xbox 360 Controller or Xbox Wireless Controller for easy use.
Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
Designed for versatility and ease, the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter enhances your Xbox 360 experience in the digital home, seamlessly synchronizing with the Xbox 360 system. You can easily transfer videos and music to your Xbox 360 system from your Media Center PC, chat with your friends, play games via Xbox Live, and more-all without the clutter of wires.
- The Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter is highly versatile and supports 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a.
- The Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter is powered seamlessly by your Xbox 360 gaming console, so there's no external power adapter to plug in.
- You can transfer high-definition video and CD-quality music from your Media Center PC to your Xbox 360 via 802.11a wireless media support.
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
High-performance wireless gaming is here! Using optimized technology, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller lets you enjoy a 30-foot range and up to 40 hours of life on two AA batteries-and when they run low, you're given ample warning so you can connect a Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play. Plug the Xbox 360 Headset into the controller for full duplex voice communication: a wireless first. With quick access to Xbox 360 features including DVDs, music, pictures, and more, along with the ability to support four wireless controllers simultaneously, gamers can experience wireless freedom, precision, high quality, and performance for endless gameplay.
It's cordless-no cables to plug in-with a 30-foot wireless range.
- The controller features integrated 2.4GHz high-performance wireless technology.
- New and improved ergonomic design enables maximum comfort and endless gameplay.
- New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use.
- Six analog buttons have 256 levels of sensitivity.
- Two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and one eight-way directional pad are included.
- Experience an unprecedented level of Rumble Control. Set the Rumble Control to Full, Medium, Low, or Off to match your personal preference.
- The Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller gives you quick access to all your favorite Xbox 360 system activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, contacting friends on Xbox Live, and customizing your gaming experiences. Easily jump to the Xbox Gamer Guide or Xbox Live Marketplace.
Xbox 360 Controller
Based on the acclaimed design of the Xbox Controller S, the Xbox 360 Controller features an extended nine-foot cable and an improved ergonomic design. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button grants you quick access to your digital movie, music, and games libraries. The ultimate in gamer flexibility, precision, control, quality, and comfort are all yours.
- New and improved ergonomic design enables maximum comfort and endless gameplay.
- New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use.
- Six analog buttons have 256 levels of sensitivity.
- Two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and one eight-way directional pad are included.
- The controller includes a nine-foot (nearly three-meter) break-away controller cable.
- Experience an unprecedented level of Rumble Control. Set the Rumble Control to Full, Medium, Low, or Off to match your personal preference.
- A port for your Xbox 360 Headset is included.
- The Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller gives you quick access to all your favorite Xbox 360 system activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, contacting friends on Xbox Live, and customizing your gaming experiences. Easily jump to the Xbox Gamer Guide or Xbox Live Marketplace.
