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− | =Introduction=
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− |
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| {{Infobox information appliance | | {{Infobox information appliance |
− | |logo= Xbox 360 full logo.svg | + | |logo=XBox360_logo.png |
| |logo caption= | | |logo caption= |
| |image=[[File:Xbox-360-Pro-wController.jpg|85px|Left: Xbox 360 Elite, Center: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller, Right: Xbox 360 E and new-style controller]][[File:Xbox-360S-Console-Set.jpg|85px|Left: Xbox 360 Elite, Center: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller, Right: Xbox 360 E and new-style controller]][[File:Microsoft-Xbox-360-E-wController.jpg|85px|Left: Xbox 360 Elite, Center: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller, Right: Xbox 360 E and new-style controller]] | | |image=[[File:Xbox-360-Pro-wController.jpg|85px|Left: Xbox 360 Elite, Center: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller, Right: Xbox 360 E and new-style controller]][[File:Xbox-360S-Console-Set.jpg|85px|Left: Xbox 360 Elite, Center: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller, Right: Xbox 360 E and new-style controller]][[File:Microsoft-Xbox-360-E-wController.jpg|85px|Left: Xbox 360 Elite, Center: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller, Right: Xbox 360 E and new-style controller]] |
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| <!-- the caption only needs to mention the logo if it requires identification, like if there are multiple logos --> | | <!-- the caption only needs to mention the logo if it requires identification, like if there are multiple logos --> |
| |developer=[[Microsoft]] | | |developer=[[Microsoft]] |
− | |manufacturer=[[Flextronics]], [[Wistron Corporation|Wistron]], [[Celestica]], [[Foxconn]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2005/id20050816_595546.htm |title=Xbox 360 Manufacturers Revealed |date=August 16, 2005 |accessdate=August 19, 2010 |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |first=David |last=Radd |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817072333/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2005/id20050816_595546.htm |archivedate=August 17, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/11/report-foxconn-workers-protest-over-pay-foxconn-denies-protest/#more-424340 |title=Report: Foxconn Denies Protest Over Pay | Kotaku Australia |publisher=Kotaku.com.au |date=November 19, 2010 |accessdate=October 23, 2011}}</ref> | + | |manufacturer=[[Flextronics]], [[Wistron Corporation|Wistron]], [[Celestica]], [[Foxconn]] |
| |family=[[Xbox]] | | |family=[[Xbox]] |
| |type=[[Home video game console]] | | |type=[[Home video game console]] |
| |generation=[[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh generation]] | | |generation=[[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh generation]] |
| |lifespan=2005–2016 | | |lifespan=2005–2016 |
− | |discontinued = {{Video game release|WW|April 20, 2016<ref name="360discontinuation">{{cite web|url=http://news.xbox.com/2016/04/20/xbox-360-celebrating-10-years/|title=Achievement Unlocked: 10 Years – Thank You, Xbox 360|work=Xbox Wire|accessdate=January 22, 2017}}</ref>}} | + | |discontinued = WW: April 20, 2016 |
| |media=[[DVD]], [[compact disc|CD]], [[Xbox Live Arcade|digital distribution]]<br /> | | |media=[[DVD]], [[compact disc|CD]], [[Xbox Live Arcade|digital distribution]]<br /> |
| '''Add-on:''' [[HD DVD]] <small>(''discontinued'')</small> | | '''Add-on:''' [[HD DVD]] <small>(''discontinued'')</small> |
| |os=[[Xbox 360 system software]] | | |os=[[Xbox 360 system software]] |
− | |storage={{Collapsible list | + | |storage=Storage media |
− | |title=Storage media
| |
− | |
| |
| * [[hard disk drive|Detachable Hard Drives]]<br /> <small>20, 60, 120 or 250 GB (older models); 250 or 320 GB (Xbox 360 S models)</small> | | * [[hard disk drive|Detachable Hard Drives]]<br /> <small>20, 60, 120 or 250 GB (older models); 250 or 320 GB (Xbox 360 S models)</small> |
| * [[Memory cards in video game consoles|Memory Cards (Removable)]] <small>(Original design only)</small><br /><small>64 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB</small> | | * [[Memory cards in video game consoles|Memory Cards (Removable)]] <small>(Original design only)</small><br /><small>64 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB</small> |
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| ** Budget level "Xbox 360 S" consoles:<br /><small>4 GB</small> | | ** Budget level "Xbox 360 S" consoles:<br /><small>4 GB</small> |
| * USB storage device (requires system software update)<br /><small>1 GB to 32 GB</small> | | * USB storage device (requires system software update)<br /><small>1 GB to 32 GB</small> |
− | * Cloud storage (requires Xbox LIVE Gold Membership)<br /><small>2 GB </small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psu.com/forums/showthread.php/285022-Xbox-360-Cloud-Storage-Size-Revealed?p=5712128 |title=Xbox 360 Cloud Storage Size Revealed |publisher=Psu.com |accessdate=September 19, 2012}}</ref> | + | * Cloud storage (requires Xbox LIVE Gold Membership)<br /><small>2 GB </small> |
− | }}
| + | |display=Video output formats |
− | |display= | |
− | {{Collapsible list
| |
− | |title=Video output formats
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− | |
| |
| * [[Composite video]]<br /><small>[[480i]], [[PAL|576i]] (PAL)</small> | | * [[Composite video]]<br /><small>[[480i]], [[PAL|576i]] (PAL)</small> |
| * [[S-Video]]<br /><small>480i, 576i (PAL)</small> | | * [[S-Video]]<br /><small>480i, 576i (PAL)</small> |
| * RGB [[SCART]]<br /><small>480i, 576i (PAL)</small> | | * RGB [[SCART]]<br /><small>480i, 576i (PAL)</small> |
| * [[Component video|Component]] ([[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]])<br /><small>480i, 576i, [[480p]], [[720p]], [[1080i]]</small> | | * [[Component video|Component]] ([[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]])<br /><small>480i, 576i, [[480p]], [[720p]], [[1080i]]</small> |
− | * [[D-Terminal]] (YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>)<br /><small>480i (D1), 480p (D2), 720p (D4), 1080i (D3), 1080p (D5)</small><ref name="dterminal">{{cite web|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.xbox.com/JA-JP/&ei=HWaaS8aPC6X20wT1s8HdAQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/%26num%3D50%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3D9Fn%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official|title=Google translation of Xbox.com/JA-JP|accessdate=December 3, 2010|publisher=microsoft}}</ref> | + | * [[D-Terminal]] (YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>)<br /><small>480i (D1), 480p (D2), 720p (D4), 1080i (D3), 1080p (D5)</small> |
| * [[VGA connector|VGA]]<br /><small>640×480, 848×480, [[XGA|1024×768]], 1280×720 (720p), 1280×768, [[SXGA|1280×1024]], [[Wide XGA|1360×768]], 1440×900, [[WSXGA+|1680×1050]], 1920×1080 (1080p)</small> | | * [[VGA connector|VGA]]<br /><small>640×480, 848×480, [[XGA|1024×768]], 1280×720 (720p), 1280×768, [[SXGA|1280×1024]], [[Wide XGA|1360×768]], 1440×900, [[WSXGA+|1680×1050]], 1920×1080 (1080p)</small> |
| * [[HDMI]] (later models)<br /><small>480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p</small> | | * [[HDMI]] (later models)<br /><small>480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p</small> |
− | * Note: 1080p video playback is limited to content from the Zune marketplace<ref>{{cite web|author=Sam Byford |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/1/20/2720151/xbox-360-color-space-fix |title=Xbox 360 color space fix coming, still no word on restoring 1080p playback |publisher=The Verge |date=January 20, 2012 |accessdate=September 19, 2012}}</ref> | + | * Note: 1080p video playback is limited to content from the Zune marketplace |
− | }}
| + | |controllers=Controllers |
− | |controllers= | + | 4 maximum* (any combination): |
− | {{Collapsible list
| |
− | |title=Controllers
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− | |4 maximum* (any combination):
| |
| * [[Xbox 360 Controller]] (USB wired, 2.4 GHz wireless) | | * [[Xbox 360 Controller]] (USB wired, 2.4 GHz wireless) |
| * [[Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel]] | | * [[Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel]] |
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| * [[Xbox 360 accessories#Xbox 360 Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick|Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick]] | | * [[Xbox 360 accessories#Xbox 360 Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick|Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick]] |
| * [[Kinect]] | | * [[Kinect]] |
− | <small>*4 Big button pads may be used in addition to other controllers.</small>}} | + | <small>*4 Big button pads may be used in addition to other controllers.</small> |
| |connectivity= | | |connectivity= |
| '''Original models'''<br /> | | '''Original models'''<br /> |
− | <small>2.4 GHz wireless, 3 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]], [[Infrared communication|IR]] receiver, 100 Mbit/s [[Ethernet]]<br />'''Add-on:''' Wifi [[IEEE 802.11|802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11a-1999|a]]/[[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]], Wifi 802.11a/b/g/[[IEEE 802.11n-2009|n]]<ref name=wirelessn>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/microsoft-confirms-xbox-360-802-11n-adapter/|title=Microsoft confirms Xbox 360 802.11n adapter|accessdate=November 23, 2009|date=September 21, 2009|publisher=joystiq}}</ref></small><br /> | + | <small>2.4 GHz wireless, 3 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]], [[Infrared communication|IR]] receiver, 100 Mbit/s [[Ethernet]]<br />'''Add-on:''' Wifi [[IEEE 802.11|802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11a-1999|a]]/[[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]], Wifi 802.11a/b/g/[[IEEE 802.11n-2009|n]]</small><br /> |
| '''Revised "S" models'''<br /> | | '''Revised "S" models'''<br /> |
| <small>2.4 GHz wireless, 5 × USB 2.0, [[TOSLINK|Digital Optical audio]] out, IR receiver, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port</small><br /> | | <small>2.4 GHz wireless, 5 × USB 2.0, [[TOSLINK|Digital Optical audio]] out, IR receiver, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port</small><br /> |
| '''Revised "E" models''' | | '''Revised "E" models''' |
| <small>2.4 GHz wireless, 4 × USB 2.0, IR receiver, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port</small> | | <small>2.4 GHz wireless, 4 × USB 2.0, IR receiver, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port</small> |
− | |compatibility=[[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|461 original Xbox games]]<ref name="Original Xbox Games Playable on Xbox 360">{{cite web | + | |compatibility=[[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|461 original Xbox games]] <small>(requires [[Xbox 360 components and accessories#Storage|hard drive]] and the latest update)</small> |
− | |title=Original Xbox Games Playable on Xbox 360
| + | |predecessor=[[Xbox|Xbox]] |
− | |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm
| |
− | |accessdate=November 17, 2009
| |
− | |deadurl=yes
| |
− | |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512032530/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm
| |
− | |archivedate=May 12, 2008
| |
− | }}</ref><ref name="X1-PS4-No-BC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-are-current-consoles-not-backward-compatible/1100-6426818/ |title=Why Are Current Consoles Not Backward Compatible? |last=Corriea |first=Alexa Ray |date=May 2, 2015 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |access-date=April 11, 2018}}</ref> <small>(requires [[Xbox 360 components and accessories#Storage|hard drive]] and the latest update)</small>
| |
− | |predecessor=[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] | |
| |successor=[[Xbox One]] | | |successor=[[Xbox One]] |
− | |website = {{url|xbox.com/en-US/xbox-360/}} | + | |website = [https://xbox.com/en-US/xbox-360/] |
− | |releasedate= | + | |releasedate=November 22, 2005<br> |
− | {{Collapsible list
| + | '''Original Xbox 360''' |
− | |title=November 22, 2005<ref name="nalaunch">{{cite web | url=https://www.engadget.com/2005/09/15/xbox-360-launch-date-is-november-22/ | title=Xbox 360 launch date is November 22 | publisher=Engadget | date=September 15, 2005 | accessdate=March 14, 2013 | author=Dybwad, Barb}}</ref>
| + | *NA: November 22, 2005 |
− | |
| + | *EU: December 2, 2005 |
− | |'''Original Xbox 360'''
| + | *JP: December 10, 2005 |
− | {{Vgrelease|NA|November 22, 2005}}
| + | *[[Colombia|CO]]{{!}}[[Mexico|MX]]: February 2, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|EU|December 2, 2005}}
| + | *[[South Korea|KR]]: February 24, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|JP|December 10, 2005}}
| + | *[[Hong Kong|HK]]{{!}}[[Singapore|SG]]{{!}}[[Taiwan|TW]]: March 16, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Colombia|CO]]{{!}}[[Mexico|MX]]|February 2, 2006}}
| + | *AUS: March 23, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[South Korea|KR]]|February 24, 2006}}
| + | *[[Chile|CL]]: July 7, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Hong Kong|HK]]{{!}}[[Singapore|SG]]{{!}}[[Taiwan|TW]]|March 16, 2006}}
| + | *[[India|IN]]: September 25, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|AUS|March 23, 2006}}
| + | *[[South Africa|ZA]]: September 29, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Chile|CL]]|July 7, 2006}}
| + | *[[Czech Republic|CZ]]{{!}}[[Poland|PL]]: November 3, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[India|IN]]|September 25, 2006}}
| + | *[[Brazil|BR]]: December 1, 2006 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[South Africa|ZA]]|September 29, 2006}}
| + | *[[Russia|RU]]: February 11, 2007 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Czech Republic|CZ]]{{!}}[[Poland|PL]]|November 3, 2006}}
| + | *[[Peru|PE]]: February 25, 2008 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Brazil|BR]]|December 1, 2006}}
| + | *[[United Arab Emirates|UAE]]: October 28, 2008 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Russia|RU]]|February 11, 2007}}
| + | *[[Nigeria|NG]]{{!}}[[Turkey|TR]]: 2009 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Peru|PE]]|February 25, 2008}}
| + | *[[Seychelles|SC]]: Spring 2010 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[United Arab Emirates|UAE]]|October 28, 2008}}
| + | '''Xbox 360 S'''<br /> |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Nigeria|NG]]{{!}}[[Turkey|TR]]|2009}}
| + | *NA: June 18, 2010 |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[Seychelles|SC]]|Spring 2010}}
| + | *AUS: July 1, 2010 |
− | |'''Xbox 360 S'''<br />
| + | *[[New Zealand|NZ]]: July 8, 2010 |
− | {{Vgrelease|NA|June 18, 2010}}
| + | *EU: July 16, 2010 |
− | {{Vgrelease|AUS|July 1, 2010}}
| + | '''Xbox 360 E'''<br /> |
− | {{Vgrelease|[[New Zealand|NZ]]|July 8, 2010}}
| + | *NA: June 10, 2013 |
− | {{Vgrelease|EU|July 16, 2010}}
| + | *EU: June 20, 2013 |
− | |'''Xbox 360 E'''<br />
| |
− | {{Video game release|NA|June 10, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/06/10/e3-2013-new-xbox-360-model-revealed|title=E3 2013: New Xbox 360 Model Revealed}}</ref>|EU|June 20, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gamesgear/new-xbox-360-model-on-sale-now-for-149-in-the-uk-50011535/|title=New Xbox 360 model on sale now for £149 in the UK}}</ref>}}
| |
− | }}
| |
| |title= Xbox 360 | | |title= Xbox 360 |
| |CPU=3.2 [[Hertz|GHz]] [[PowerPC]] Tri-Core [[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]] | | |CPU=3.2 [[Hertz|GHz]] [[PowerPC]] Tri-Core [[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]] |
| |GPU=500 MHz [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] [[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos]] | | |GPU=500 MHz [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] [[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos]] |
| |Memory=512 [[Megabyte|MB]] of GDDR3 RAM clocked at 700 MHz | | |Memory=512 [[Megabyte|MB]] of GDDR3 RAM clocked at 700 MHz |
− | |unitssold=Worldwide: 84 million <small>({{as of|2014|06|09|lc=on|df=US}})</small><ref>{{cite web|title=E3 2014: $399 Xbox One Out Now, Xbox 360 Sales Rise to 84 million|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-399-xbox-one-out-now-xbox-360-sales-rise-to-84-million/1100-6420231/|website=GameSpot|accessdate=March 24, 2017|language=en}}</ref> ([[Xbox 360 sales|details]]) | + | |unitssold=Worldwide: 84 million <small>(2014-06-09)</small> ([[Xbox 360 sales|details]]) |
| |Sound= | | |Sound= |
| * Analog stereo | | * Analog stereo |
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| <!-- ALERT, DO NOT CHANGE TOPGAME WITHOUT CITATION. --> | | <!-- ALERT, DO NOT CHANGE TOPGAME WITHOUT CITATION. --> |
| <!-- ALSO ENSURE THAT FIGURES ARE FOR XBOX 360 SALES, NOT MULTI-PLATFORM --> | | <!-- ALSO ENSURE THAT FIGURES ARE FOR XBOX 360 SALES, NOT MULTI-PLATFORM --> |
− | |topgame=''[[Kinect Adventures!]]'' <small>(24 million as [[pack-in game]] for [[Kinect]])</small><ref name="18-million">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/01/09/xbox-360-surpassed-66m-sold-and-kinect-has-sold-18m-units/ |title=Xbox 360 surpasses 66M sold and Kinect passes 18M units |author=Dean Takahashi |publisher=[[VentureBeat]] |date=January 9, 2012 |accessdate=January 10, 2012}}</ref><ref name="24m kinect">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/microsoft-xbox-360-at-76m-sold-worldwide-kinect-at-24m/|title=Microsoft sells 24 million Kinects|publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> | + | |topgame=''[[Kinect Adventures!]]'' <small>(24 million as [[pack-in game]] for [[Kinect]])</small> |
| <!-- ALERT, DO NOT CHANGE TOPGAME WITHOUT CITATION. --> | | <!-- ALERT, DO NOT CHANGE TOPGAME WITHOUT CITATION. --> |
| <!-- ALSO ENSURE THAT FIGURES ARE FOR XBOX 360 SALES, NOT MULTI-PLATFORM --> | | <!-- ALSO ENSURE THAT FIGURES ARE FOR XBOX 360 SALES, NOT MULTI-PLATFORM --> |
| }} | | }} |
| + | |
| + | =Introduction= |
| | | |
| The '''Xbox 360''' is a [[home video game console]] developed by [[Microsoft]]. As the successor to the [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox]], it is the second console in the [[Xbox]] series. It competed with [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] as part of the [[seventh generation of video game consoles]]. It was officially unveiled on [[MTV]] on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information announced later that month at the 2005 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]]. | | The '''Xbox 360''' is a [[home video game console]] developed by [[Microsoft]]. As the successor to the [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox]], it is the second console in the [[Xbox]] series. It competed with [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] as part of the [[seventh generation of video game consoles]]. It was officially unveiled on [[MTV]] on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information announced later that month at the 2005 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]]. |
| | | |
− | The Xbox 360 features an online service, [[Xbox Live]], which was expanded from its previous iteration on the original Xbox and received regular updates during the console's lifetime. Available in free and subscription-based varieties, Xbox Live allows users to: [[Online game|play games online]]; download games (through [[Xbox Live Arcade]]) and game demos; purchase and [[Streaming media|stream]] music, television programs, and films through the [[Xbox Music]] and [[Xbox Video]] portals; and access third-party content services through media streaming applications. In addition to online multimedia features, it allows users to stream media from local PCs. Several peripherals have been released, including wireless [[Xbox 360 controller|controllers]], expanded [[hard disk drive|hard drive]] storage, and the [[Kinect]] [[motion sensing]] camera. The release of these additional services and peripherals helped the Xbox brand grow from gaming-only to encompassing all multimedia, turning it into a hub for living-room computing entertainment.<ref name="pcmag.com">{{cite news| url=https://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=251237&a=251237&po=8,00.asp | work=PC Magazine | title=The 10 Greatest Video Game Consoles of All Time}}</ref><ref name="businessweek.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/steve-ballmer-reboots-01122012.html|title=Steve Ballmer Reboots|author=Ashlee Vance|date=January 13, 2012|work=Bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref name="theverge.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/13/3633038/microsoft-xbox-360-trojan-horse-living-room|title=Living with the Xbox 360: how Microsoft's trojan horse took over your living room|author=Ross Miller|date=November 13, 2012|publisher=Vox Media|work=The Verge}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news| url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397387,00.asp | work=PC Magazine | title=Is the Xbox 360 the Elusive Living Room PC? | accessdate=January 22, 2017}}</ref><ref name="trlegacy">{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/how-the-xbox-360-won-the-console-war-1196990|title=How the Xbox 360 won the console war|author=Jon Hicks|work=TechRadar|accessdate=January 22, 2017}}</ref> | + | The Xbox 360 features an online service, [[Xbox Live]], which was expanded from its previous iteration on the original Xbox and received regular updates during the console's lifetime. Available in free and subscription-based varieties, Xbox Live allows users to: [[Online game|play games online]]; download games (through [[Xbox Live Arcade]]) and game demos; purchase and [[Streaming media|stream]] music, television programs, and films through the [[Xbox Music]] and [[Xbox Video]] portals; and access third-party content services through media streaming applications. In addition to online multimedia features, it allows users to stream media from local PCs. Several peripherals have been released, including wireless [[Xbox 360 controller|controllers]], expanded [[hard disk drive|hard drive]] storage, and the [[Kinect]] [[motion sensing]] camera. The release of these additional services and peripherals helped the Xbox brand grow from gaming-only to encompassing all multimedia, turning it into a hub for living-room computing entertainment. |
− | | |
− | [[Xbox 360 launch|Launched]] worldwide across 2005–2006, the Xbox 360 was initially in short supply in many regions, including North America and Europe. The earliest versions of the console suffered from a high [[failure rate]], indicated by the so-called "[[Xbox 360 technical problems|Red Ring of Death]]", necessitating an extension of the device's warranty period. Microsoft released two redesigned models of the console: the ''Xbox 360 S'' in 2010,<ref name="360 Arcade replacement">{{cite web|url=http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265465/new-200-xbox-360-planned-elite-and-arcade-getting-50-price-cut |title=New $200 Xbox 360 planned, Elite & Arcade getting $50 price cut |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=June 14, 2010 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=June 17, 2010 |quote=Moore said that Microsoft is currently working on a second new Xbox 360, which will be offered at the arcade's price point of $200. He declined to say what functionalities the cheaper model would or would not have. [...] One likely scenario is the cheaper model will essentially be a slim arcade with no Wi-Fi capabilities or a hard drive. [...] Moore also said that going forward, all future models of the Xbox 360 would not have names and would only be designated by their memory capacity. |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617214147/http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265465/new-200-xbox-360-planned-elite-and-arcade-getting-50-price-cut |archivedate=June 17, 2010 |df= }}</ref> and the ''Xbox 360 E'' in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/695557/e3-2013-reveals-new-xbox-360-console-model-and-introduces-free-games-for-gold-members/|title=E3 2013 Reveals New Xbox 360 Console Model And Introduces Free Games For Gold Members|work=The Inquisitr|date=June 10, 2013|accessdate=June 22, 2013}}</ref> As of June 2014, 84 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide, making it the [[List of million-selling game consoles|sixth-highest-selling video game console in history]], and the highest-selling console made by an American company. Although not the best-selling console of its generation, the Xbox 360 was deemed by [[TechRadar]] to be the most influential through its emphasis on digital media distribution and multiplayer gaming on Xbox Live.<ref name="trlegacy"/><ref name="fool.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/01/03/has-microsoft-dodged-its-xbox-one-disaster.aspx|title=Has Microsoft Dodged Its Xbox One Disaster?|author=Keith Noonan|date=January 3, 2014|work=The Motley Fool}}</ref>
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− | | |
− | The Xbox 360's successor, the [[Xbox One]], was released on November 22, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |title= Microsoft unveils Xbox One next-generation console |date= May 21, 2013 |accessdate= May 21, 2013 |publisher= BBC}}</ref> On April 20, 2016, Microsoft announced that it would end the production of new Xbox 360 hardware, although the company will continue to support the platform.<ref name=360discontinuation />
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− | {{TOC limit}}
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− | ==History==
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− | ===Development===
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− | Known during development as Xbox Next, Xenon, Xbox 2, Xbox FS or NextBox,<ref name="Narrowing Down the Xbox Successor's Name">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zd1up/is_200406/ai_n9520284|archive-url=https://archive.is/20070517222211/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zd1up/is_200406/ai_n9520284|dead-url=yes|archive-date=2007-05-17|title= Microsoft Narrowing Down Xbox Successor's Name?|accessdate= July 26, 2008|first=David|last=Smith|date=June 2004|publisher=[[Ziff Davis Media]]}}</ref> the Xbox 360 was conceived in early 2003.<ref name="Development">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/04/24/the_xbox_360_un/ |title=Chronology of Xbox History, 2003 |accessdate=November 2, 2006 |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=May 1, 2006 |publisher=Mercury News |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922212025/http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/04/24/the_xbox_360_un/ |archivedate=September 22, 2008 }}</ref> In February 2003, planning for the Xenon [[Computing platform|software platform]] began, and was headed by Microsoft's Vice President [[J Allard]].<ref name="Development" /> That month, Microsoft held an event for 400 developers in [[Bellevue, Washington]] to recruit support for the system.<ref name="Development" /> Also that month, [[Peter Moore (business)|Peter Moore]], former president of [[Sega]] of America, joined Microsoft. 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.cnet.com/2100-1043-5063661.html|title=ATI wins bid for next Xbox|accessdate=July 26, 2008|last=Becker| first=David|date=August 14, 2003|publisher=CNET}}</ref> Before the launch of the Xbox 360, several [[Alpha test|Alpha]] development kits were spotted using [[Apple Inc.|Apple's]] [[Power Mac G5]] hardware. This was because the system's [[PowerPC 970]] processor running the same [[PowerPC]] architecture that the Xbox 360 would eventually run under [[IBM]]'s [[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]] processor. The cores of the Xenon [[Central processing unit|processor]] were developed using a slightly modified version of the [[PlayStation 3]]'s [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell Processor]] PPE architecture. According to David Shippy and Mickie Phipps, the [[IBM]] employees were "hiding" their work from Sony and Toshiba, IBM's partners in developing the [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell Processor]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123069467545545011.html|title=Playing the Fool|author=Jonathan V. Last|work=Wall Street Journal|date=December 30, 2008}}</ref> [[Jeff Minter]] created the [[music visualization]] program [[Neon (light synthesizer)|Neon]] which is included with the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2005/jul/05/jeffmintervs|title=Jeff Minter vs Xbox 360: how Microsoft bought the light synth vision|work=The Guardian|date=July 5, 2005|location=London|first=Keith|last=Stuart}}</ref>
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− | ===Launch===
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− | {{Main|Xbox 360 launch}}
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− | The Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005, in the United States and Canada;<ref name="nalaunch" /> December 2, 2005, in Europe and December 10, 2005, in Japan. It was later launched in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Russia. In its first year on the market, the system launched in 36 countries, more countries than any other console has launched in a single year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/739/739880p1.html |title=Microsoft Spreads 360 Love |accessdate=October 18, 2006 |last=Perry |first=Douglass |date=October 17, 2006 |publisher=IGN }}</ref>
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− | ===Critical reception===
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− | In 2009, [[IGN]] named the Xbox 360 the sixth-greatest video game console of all time, out of a field of 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/6.html |title=Xbox 360 is number 6 |publisher=IGN |accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref> Although not the best-selling console of the seventh-generation, the Xbox 360 was deemed by [[TechRadar]] to be the most influential, by emphasizing digital media distribution and online gaming through Xbox Live, and by popularizing [[Achievement (video gaming)|game achievement awards]].<ref name="trlegacy"/> ''PC Magazine'' considered the Xbox 360 the prototype for online gaming as it "proved that online gaming communities could thrive in the console space".<ref name="pcmag.com"/> Five years after the Xbox 360's original debut, the well-received [[Kinect]] motion capture camera was released, which set the record of being the fastest selling consumer electronic device in history, and extended the life of the console.<ref name="finance.yahoo.com">{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/game-over-fastest-selling-tech-device-history-end-130353968.html|title=Game Over: Fastest Selling Tech Device In History to End Console War|date=November 14, 2013|work=Yahoo Finance}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' ranked Xbox 360 the second-best console of the 1993–2013 period, stating "It had its own social network, cross-game chat, new indie games every week, and the best version of just about every multiformat game...''[[Killzone (series)|Killzone]]'' is no ''[[Halo (series)|Halo]]'' and nowadays ''[[Gran Turismo (series)|Gran Turismo]]'' is no ''[[Forza Motorsport (series)|Forza]]'', but it's not about the exclusives—there's nothing to trump [[Naughty Dog]]'s PS3 output, after all. Rather, it's about the choices Microsoft made back in the original Xbox's lifetime. The PC-like architecture meant the early EA Sports games ran at 60fps compared to only 30 on PS3, Xbox Live meant every dedicated player had an existing friends list, and ''Halo'' meant Microsoft had the killer next-generation exclusive. And when developers demo games on PC now they do it with a 360 pad—another industry benchmark, and a critical one."<ref>{{cite web|author=Edge Staff|title=The ten best consoles: our countdown of the greatest gameboxes of the last 20 years|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-best-consoles-the-greatest-gameboxes-from-the-past-20-years/|publisher=Edge Online|date=September 20, 2013|accessdate=January 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325032325/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-best-consoles-the-greatest-gameboxes-from-the-past-20-years/|archive-date=March 25, 2014}}</ref>
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− | ===Sales===
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− | <!-- This section is linked from this article's infobox -->
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− | <!--
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− | DO ''not'' CHANGE these numbers without a reference
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− | VGCHARTS and NEXTGENWARS are ''not'' reliable sources
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− | {| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em;"
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− | ! Region !! [[List of million-selling game consoles|Units sold]] !! First available
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− | | United States
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− | | 25.4 million <small>{{as of|2011|3|31|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="USEUsales">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33842/GameStop_Details_Europe_US_Installed_Base_For_Consoles.php|title=GameStop Details Europe, U.S. Installed Base For Consoles|author=Leigh Alexander|date=March 31, 2011|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref>
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− | |November 22, 2005
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− | | EMEA region{{Clear}}<small>(Europe, Middle East and Africa)</small>
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− | | 13.7 million <small>{{as of|2011|3|31|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="USEUsales"/>{{Clear}}<small>(Includes UK sales)</small>
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− | | rowspan="2"| December 2, 2005
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− | | United Kingdom
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− | | 8 million <small>{{as of|2013|2|14|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name=UKsales>{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/xbox-360-set-to-surpass-nintendo-wiis-uk-sales-record-1131356 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217222034/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/xbox-360-set-to-surpass-nintendo-wiis-uk-sales-record-1131356 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |title=Xbox 360 set to surpass Nintendo Wii's UK sales record |date=February 14, 2013 |publisher=[[TechRadar]] |accessdate=February 21, 2013 |df= }}</ref>
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− | |-
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− | | Japan
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− | | 1.5 million <small>{{as of|2011|06|17|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="JapanSales2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-17-xbox-360-sells-1-5-million-in-japan|title=Xbox 360 sells 1.5 million in Japan |date=June 17, 2011|accessdate=June 17, 2011|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>
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− | | December 10, 2005
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− | |-
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− | | Australia & New Zealand
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− | | 1 million <small>{{as of|2010|4|19|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="salesAUSNZ">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5520115/maybe-the-best-xbox-360-weve-ever-seen |title=This Is A Nice, Nice Xbox 360 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=April 19, 2010 |date=April 19, 2010}}</ref>
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− | | March 23, 2006
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− | | '''Worldwide'''
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− | | '''80 million''' <small>{{As of|2013|10|17|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="360 80mil">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/17/xbox-360-80-million-sold-and-counting |title=Xbox 360: 80 Million Sold and Counting |accessdate=November 4, 2013 |first=Colin|last=Moriarty|date=October 17, 2013|publisher=IGN}}</ref>
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− | | <small>([[Xbox 360 launch#Release dates and pricing|more...]])</small>
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− | |}
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− | {{main|Xbox 360 sales}}
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− | [[File:Xbox_360.png|thumb|right|Xbox 360 Premium package.]]
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− | <!-- launch sales -->
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− | The Xbox 360 began production only 69 days before launch,<ref name="bottleneck">{{cite news |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=March 23, 2009 |last=Morris |first=Chris |date=July 5, 2006 |publisher=CNN Money}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6235933.html |title=Microsoft cooking 360 figures? |date=April 16, 2007 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111180230/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6235933.html |archivedate=January 11, 2010 }}</ref> and Microsoft was not able to supply enough systems to meet initial consumer demand in Europe or North America, selling out completely [[Xbox 360 launch|upon release]] in all regions except in Japan.<ref name="Shortages spoil Xbox 360 launch">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4462744.stm|title=Shortages spoil Xbox 360 launch |work=BBC News | date=November 23, 2005 | accessdate=December 31, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe by Storm">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox365.com/news.cgi?id=GGPPLLiddi12060836 |title=Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe by Storm |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810190504/http://www.xbox365.com/news.cgi?id=GGPPLLiddi12060836 |archivedate=August 10, 2007 }}</ref><ref name="Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments">{{cite web|url=http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/21759/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106182754/http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/21759/ |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 6, 2008 |title=Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments |accessdate=October 14, 2008 |df= }}</ref><ref name="bbc-soldout">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4491804.stm |title=Xbox 360 sells out within hours |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |date=December 2, 2005 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Forty thousand units were offered for sale on auction site [[eBay]] during the initial week of release, 10% of the total supply.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/40000-xbox-360s-sold-ebay |title=40,000 Xbox 360s Sold on eBay |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |last=Svensson |first=Christian |date=December 2, 2005 |publisher=Future Network USA |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701091716/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/40000-xbox-360s-sold-ebay |archivedate=July 1, 2011 }}</ref> By year's end, Microsoft had shipped 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 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060225181443/http://www.microsoft.com/msft/download/FY06/MSFTQ2_06.ppt#14 |archivedate=February 25, 2006 |title=Microsoft FY2006 Quarter 2 report |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |date=January 26, 2006 |format=Powerpoint |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>
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− | | |
− | <!-- North America -->
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− | In May 2008 Microsoft announced that 10 million Xbox 360s had been sold and that it was the "first current generation gaming console" to surpass the 10 million figure in the US.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/0514-10million.htm | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517113549/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/0514-10million.htm | archivedate=May 17, 2008 | title= Xbox 360 First to Reach Ten Million Console Sales in U.S.|publisher=Microsoft |date=May 14, 2008 |accessdate=May 14, 2008}}</ref> In the US, the Xbox 360 was the leader in current-generation home console sales until June 2008, when it was surpassed by the Wii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6194691.html |title=NPD: PS3 sales spike on MGS4 |author=Tom Magrino |date=July 17, 2008 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=November 22, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013021113/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6194691.html |archivedate=October 13, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/npd-wii-overtakes-360-us |title=NPD: Wii Overtakes 360 in US |author=Joe Keiser |work=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |date=July 17, 2008 |accessdate=November 22, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815200337/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/npd-wii-overtakes-360-us |archivedate=August 15, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?entry_id=28286 |title=E3: Nintendo Wii pulls ahead of Xbox 360 in console sales |author=Ryan Kim |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=July 17, 2008 |accessdate=November 22, 2008}}</ref> The Xbox 360 has sold a total of 870,000 units in Canada as of August 1, 2008.<ref name="canadianpress">{{cite web|url=http://www.fftimes.com/node/214646 |title=Nintendo Wii surpasses mark of one million consoles sold in Canada |author=Neil Davidson |date=August 26, 2008 |work=[[The Canadian Press]] |publisher=Yahoo! |accessdate=September 8, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916051431/http://www.fftimes.com/node/214646 |archivedate=September 16, 2009 }}</ref> Between January 2011 and October 2013, the Xbox 360 was the best-selling console in the United States for these 32 consecutive months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geekwire.com/2013/xbox-360-wii-ps3-won-console-generation/|title=Xbox 360 vs. Wii vs. PS3: Who won the console wars?|author=Todd Bishop|work=GeekWire|accessdate=January 22, 2017}}</ref>
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− | | |
− | <!-- Europe -->
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− | In Europe, the Xbox 360 has sold seven million units as of November 20, 2008, according to Microsoft.<ref name="Europesales">{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/news/914963/xbox_360_european_sales_top_10m.html|title=Xbox 360 European Sales Top 10m |author=Dan Howdle |date=November 13, 2009 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=March 2, 2010}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the Xbox 360 has sold 3.9 million units as of June 27, 2009, according to [[GfK]] [[Chart-Track]].<ref name="UKsales"/>
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− | | |
− | <!-- Japan -->
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− | While the original [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] sold poorly in Japan, selling just 450,000 by November 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/11/23/the-life-and-death-of-the-original-xbox?page=2 |title=The Life and Death of the Original Xbox|publisher=''IGN UK'' |accessdate=September 13, 2018}}</ref> the Xbox 360 sold almost as poorly, selling 1.5 million units from 2005 to 2011.<ref name="JapanSales2011"/> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' magazine reported in August 2011 that initially lackluster and subsequently falling sales in Japan, where Microsoft had been unable to make serious inroads into the dominance of domestic rivals Sony and Nintendo, had led to retailers scaling down and in some cases discontinuing sales of the Xbox 360 completely.<ref>{{cite web|author=Nathan Brown |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-dead-japan |title=Xbox 360: dead in Japan? – Edge Magazine |publisher=Next-gen.biz |accessdate=August 24, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824225226/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-dead-japan |archivedate=August 24, 2011 }}</ref> The significance of Japan's poor sales might be overstated in the media in comparison to overall international sales.<ref name="3 October 2014">{{cite web |last1=Fahey |first1=Rob |title=Japan is just a symptom of Xbox' problems |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-10-02-japan-is-just-a-symptom-of-xbox-problems |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |accessdate=23 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
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− | ===Legacy===
| + | [[Xbox 360 launch|Launched]] worldwide across 2005–2006, the Xbox 360 was initially in short supply in many regions, including North America and Europe. The earliest versions of the console suffered from a high [[failure rate]], indicated by the so-called "[[Xbox 360 technical problems|Red Ring of Death]]", necessitating an extension of the device's warranty period. Microsoft released two redesigned models of the console: the ''Xbox 360 S'' in 2010, and the ''Xbox 360 E'' in 2013. As of June 2014, 84 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide, making it the [[List of million-selling game consoles|sixth-highest-selling video game console in history]], and the highest-selling console made by an American company. Although not the best-selling console of its generation, the Xbox 360 was deemed by [[TechRadar]] to be the most influential through its emphasis on digital media distribution and multiplayer gaming on Xbox Live. |
− | The Xbox 360 sold much better than its predecessor, and although not the best-selling console of the seventh generation, it is regarded as a success since it strengthened Microsoft as a major force in the console market at the expense of well-established rivals.<ref name="fool.com"/> The inexpensive [[Nintendo Wii]] did sell the most console units but eventually saw a collapse of third-party software support in its later years, and it has been viewed by some as a fad since the succeeding [[Wii U]] had a poor debut in 2012.<ref name="trlegacy"/><ref name="theglobeandmail">{{cite news| url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/video-games/controller-freak/whats-wrong-with-nintendo/article2219854/ | location=Toronto | work=The Globe and Mail | title=What's wrong with Nintendo? | date=October 31, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/04/26/nintendo-reports-461-2m-in-losses-is-selling-3ds-below-cost/ | title=Nintendo Reports $461.2M in Losses | work=Forbes | first=Paul | last=Tassi | date=April 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/05/10/sony-posts-record-losses-as-playstation-sales-drop/ | title=Cardiac Arrests at Sony, Nintendo As Consoles Show Their Age | work=Forbes | first=Paul | last=Tassi | accessdate=January 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/27/xbox-one-v-playstation-4-who-will-win-the-next-gen-console-race-4201485/|title=Xbox One v PlayStation 4: Who will win the next-gen console race? - Metro News|author=rossmcguinness20|date=November 27, 2013|work=Metro}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-02/nintendo-seen-missing-target-as-sony-microsoft-sales-dwarf-wii-u.html | work=Bloomberg | title=Nintendo Seen Missing Target as Sony-Microsoft Dwarf Wii U}}</ref> The [[PlayStation 3]] struggled for a time due to being too expensive and initially lacking quality games,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.womencitizen.com/technology-22/three-strategy-lessons-from-the-latest-round-of-xbox-vs-playstation-2827.html|title=Three Strategy Lessons From the Latest Round of Xbox vs. PlayStation|author=Women|publisher=}}</ref> making it far less dominant than its predecessor, the [[PlayStation 2]], and it took until late in the PlayStation 3's lifespan for its sales and games to reach parity with the Xbox 360. ''TechRadar'' proclaimed that "Xbox 360 passes the baton as the king of the hill – a position that puts all the more pressure on its successor, Xbox One".<ref name="trlegacy"/>
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− | The Xbox 360's advantage over its competitors was due to the release of high-profile games from both first party and third party developers. The 2007 [[Game Critics Awards]] honored the platform with 38 nominations and 12 wins – more than any other platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/nom-stats-2007.html |title=2007 Nominee Fast Facts |publisher=[[Game Critics Awards]] |accessdate=June 25, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win-stats-2007.html |title=2007 Winners Fast Facts |publisher=Game Critics Awards |accessdate=June 25, 2008}}</ref> By March 2008, the Xbox 360 had reached a software [[attach rate]] of 7.5 games per console in the US; the rate was 7.0 in Europe, while its competitors were 3.8 (PS3) and 3.5 (Wii), according to Microsoft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/04/17/xbox-360-comes-in-2nd-for-march-sales/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420173158/http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/04/17/xbox-360-comes-in-2nd-for-march-sales/ |dead-url=yes |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |title=Xbox 360 Comes in 2nd For March Sales |author=Torrence Davis |publisher=The Bitbag |date=April 17, 2008 |accessdate=March 23, 2009 |df= }}</ref> At the 2008 [[Game Developers Conference]], Microsoft announced that it expected over 1,000 games available for Xbox 360 by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2008/02/20/microsoft-keynote-reveals-xbox-stats/|title=Microsoft keynote reveals Xbox stats |author=Rain Anderson |publisher=That VideoGame Blog |date=February 20, 2008 |accessdate=June 25, 2008}}</ref> As well as enjoying exclusives such as additions to the Halo franchise and ''[[Gears of War]]'', the Xbox 360 has managed to gain a simultaneous release of games that were initially planned to be PS3 exclusives, including ''[[Devil May Cry 4]]'',<ref name="Devil May Cry">{{cite web |title=Official Press Release on DMC4 going Multiplatform |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=March 20, 2007 |url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028084439/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html |archivedate=October 28, 2007 |accessdate=October 25, 2007}}</ref> ''[[Ace Combat 6]]'',<ref name="Ace Combat">{{cite web |url=http://www.namcobandaigames.com/news/press/press/199/page/1 |title=Namco Bandai Games announces the worldwide launch of Ace Combat 6: fires of liberation for the Xbox 360 |publisher=[[Namco Bandai Games|Namco Bandai]] |accessdate=June 25, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011174922/http://namcobandaigames.com/news/press/press/199/page/1 |archivedate=October 11, 2007}}</ref> ''[[Virtua Fighter 5]]'',<ref name="Virtua Fighter">{{cite web|last=McWhertor |first=Michael |title=PS3 Loses Another Exclusive, Virtua Fighter 5 Comes to 360 |publisher=Kotaku |date=December 21, 2006 |url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/sega/ps3-loses-another-exclusive-virtua-fighter-5-comes-to-360-223566.php |accessdate=October 25, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025094216/http://kotaku.com/gaming/sega/ps3-loses-another-exclusive-virtua-fighter-5-comes-to-360-223566.php |archivedate=October 25, 2007 }}</ref> ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'',<ref name="Grand Theft Auto 4">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6151640&mode=all |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Comes to Xbox 360 on Day One |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=May 24, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202020826/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6151640&mode=all |archivedate=December 2, 2008 }}</ref> ''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]'',<ref name="FFXIII360">{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/tag/36/Videogames.html#687020|title=Final Fantasy XIII Comes to the 360|publisher=X-Play|accessdate=July 14, 2008}}</ref> ''[[Tekken 6]]'',<ref name="tekken360">{{cite web|last=Ramsay |first=Randolph |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198775.html?sid=6198775 |title=TGS 2008: Tekken 6 smacking Xbox 360 – News at GameSpot |publisher=Gamespot.com |date=October 8, 2008 |accessdate=March 5, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710152102/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198775.html?sid=6198775 |archivedate=July 10, 2011 }}</ref> ''[[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance|Metal Gear Solid : Rising]]'',<ref>{{cite web|first=Stephen|last=Totilo |url=http://kotaku.com/5277716/sony-expects-metal-gear-solid-rising-on-ps3-at-launch |title=Sony Expects Metal Gear Solid Rising on PS3 at Launch |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=June 3, 2009 |accessdate=June 14, 2011}}</ref> and ''[[L.A. Noire]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.spong.com/article/20533/L-A-Noire-No-Longer-A-PS3-Exclusive |title=L.A. Noire No Longer A PS3 Exclusive – News (PS3/Xbox 360) |publisher=News.spong.com |date=February 8, 2010 |accessdate=March 5, 2011}}</ref> In addition, Xbox 360 versions of cross-platform games were generally considered superior to their PS3 counterparts in 2006 and 2007, due in part to the difficulties of programming for the PS3.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shah |first=Sarju |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/xbox-360-versus-playstation-3-graphics-comparison-round-3-6191251/ |title=Xbox 360 Versus PlayStation 3 Graphics Comparison: Round 3 |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=May 23, 2008 |accessdate=July 19, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717090001/http://www.gamespot.com/features/xbox-360-versus-playstation-3-graphics-comparison-round-3-6191251/ |archivedate=July 17, 2012 }}</ref> | + | The Xbox 360's successor, the [[Xbox One]], was released on November 22, 2013. On April 20, 2016, Microsoft announced that it would end the production of new Xbox 360 hardware, although the company will continue to support the platform. |
| | | |
− | [[TechRadar]] deemed the Xbox 360 as the most influential game system through its emphasis of digital media distribution, Xbox Live online gaming service, and [[Achievement (video gaming)|game achievement]] feature.<ref name="trlegacy"/> During the console's lifetime, the Xbox brand has grown from gaming-only to encompassing all multimedia, turning it into a hub for "living-room computing environment".<ref name="businessweek.com"/><ref name="theverge.com"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Five years after the Xbox 360's original debut, the well-received [[Kinect]] motion capture camera was released, which became the fastest selling consumer electronic device in history, and extended the life of the console.<ref name="finance.yahoo.com"/>
| + | =Specifications= |
− | | |
− | Microsoft announced the [[Xbox One]], successor to the Xbox 360, at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] on June 10, 2013. Although succeeded as Microsoft's main console by the Xbox One, support from publishers for the Xbox 360 is expected to continue until at least 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/xbox-360-and-ps3-support-to-continue-until-2017-despite-xbox-one-and-ps4-unveilings |title=Xbox 360 and PS3 support to continue until 2017 despite Xbox One and PS4 unveilings |publisher=trustedreviews.com |accessdate=August 24, 2013}}</ref> On April 20, 2016, Microsoft announced the end of production of new Xbox 360 hardware; the company will continue to provide hardware and software support for the platform, as selected Xbox 360 games can be played on Xbox One.<ref name="verge-360endofproduction">{{cite web|title=Microsoft is stopping production of the Xbox 360|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/20/11468704/microsoft-xbox-360-production-ceased|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|accessdate=April 20, 2016}}</ref>
| |
| | | |
| ==Hardware== | | ==Hardware== |
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| The main unit of the Xbox 360 itself has slight double concavity in matte white or black. The official color of the white model is Arctic Chill. It features a port on the top when vertical (left side when horizontal) to which a custom-housed [[hard disk drive]] unit can be attached. | | The main unit of the Xbox 360 itself has slight double concavity in matte white or black. The official color of the white model is Arctic Chill. It features a port on the top when vertical (left side when horizontal) to which a custom-housed [[hard disk drive]] unit can be attached. |
| | | |
− | On the Slim and E models, the hard drive bay is on the bottom when vertical (right side when horizontal) and requires the opening of a concealed door to access it. (This does not void the warranty.) The Xbox 360 Slim/E [[Hard disk drive|hard drives]] are standard 2.5" [[Serial ATA|SATA]] laptop drives,<ref>{{cite web |title=Install Your Own 120GB Xbox Drive, Save $100 |url=https://gizmodo.com/254502/install-your-own-120gb-xbox-drive-save-100 |website=Gizmodo |publisher=Gizmodo |accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref> but have a custom enclosure and firmware so that the Xbox 360 can recognize it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox 360 HDD Replacement |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Xbox+360+HDD+Replacement/3430 |website=IFixit |publisher=IFixit |accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref> | + | On the Slim and E models, the hard drive bay is on the bottom when vertical (right side when horizontal) and requires the opening of a concealed door to access it. (This does not void the warranty.) The Xbox 360 Slim/E [[Hard disk drive|hard drives]] are standard 2.5" [[Serial ATA|SATA]] laptop drives, but have a custom enclosure and firmware so that the Xbox 360 can recognize it. |
| | | |
| ===Technical specifications=== | | ===Technical specifications=== |
− | {{Main|Xbox 360 technical specifications}}
| + | |
− | Various hard disk drives have been produced, including options at 20, 60, 120, 250, or 320 GB. Inside, the Xbox 360 uses the triple-core [[IBM]] designed [[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]] as its CPU, with each core capable of simultaneously processing two [[thread (computer science)|threads]], and can therefore operate on up to six threads at once.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox360/manuals/xbox360specs.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822024003/http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox360/manuals/xbox360specs.htm|archivedate=August 22, 2008 |title=Xbox 360 Technical Specifications |publisher=Xbox.com |accessdate=September 10, 2009}}</ref> [[Computer graphics|Graphics processing]] is handled by the [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] [[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos]], which has 10 [[Megabyte|MB]] of [[eDRAM]]. Its main memory pool is 512 MB in size. | + | Various hard disk drives have been produced, including options at 20, 60, 120, 250, or 320 GB. Inside, the Xbox 360 uses the triple-core [[IBM]] designed [[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]] as its CPU, with each core capable of simultaneously processing two [[thread (computer science)|threads]], and can therefore operate on up to six threads at once. [[Computer graphics|Graphics processing]] is handled by the [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] [[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos]], which has 10 [[Megabyte|MB]] of [[eDRAM]]. Its main memory pool is 512 MB in size. |
| | | |
| ===Accessories=== | | ===Accessories=== |
− | {{Main|Xbox 360 accessories}}
| |
| | | |
− | Many accessories are available for the console, including [[Xbox 360 Controller|both wired and wireless controllers]], faceplates for customization, headsets for chatting, a [[Xbox Live Vision|webcam]] for video chatting, [[dance pad|dance mats]] and [[Gamercize]] for exercise, three sizes of [[Xbox 360 accessories#Memory units|memory units]] and five sizes of [[hard disk drive|hard drives]] (20, 60, 120, 250 (initially Japan only,<ref name=250GB_separate>{{cite web|title=Xbox 360 Hard Drive accessory bumped to 250GB in Japan|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/02/01/xbox-360-hard-drive-accessory-bumped-to-250gb-in-japan|accessdate=February 1, 2010}}</ref> but later also available elsewhere<ref name="250GBNA">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/250gb-xbox-360-hard-drive-now-available-for-129-99/|title=250GB Xbox 360 hard drive now available for $129.99|accessdate=March 23, 2010|date=March 23, 2010}}</ref><ref name="250GBUK">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ms-unveils-standalone-250gb-hdd|title=MS unveils standalone 250GB HDD|date=March 24, 2010|accessdate=March 25, 2010|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>) and 320 GB), among other items, all of which are styled to match the console. | + | Many accessories are available for the console, including [[Xbox 360 Controller|both wired and wireless controllers]], faceplates for customization, headsets for chatting, a [[Xbox Live Vision|webcam]] for video chatting, [[dance pad|dance mats]] and [[Gamercize]] for exercise, three sizes of [[Xbox 360 accessories#Memory units|memory units]] and five sizes of [[hard disk drive|hard drives]] (20, 60, 120, 250 (initially Japan only, but later also available elsewhere) and 320 GB), among other items, all of which are styled to match the console. |
| | | |
| ====Kinect==== | | ====Kinect==== |
− | {{Main|Kinect}}
| + | |
| [[File:Xbox-360-Kinect-Standalone.png|thumb|A [[Kinect]] sensor device. The Xbox 360 E revision has an Xbox logo to the left of the Xbox 360 branding.|alt=A long, black plastic tube with a stand on its bottom and sensors arrayed along its front. The Xbox 360 brand is displayed next to the sensors.]] | | [[File:Xbox-360-Kinect-Standalone.png|thumb|A [[Kinect]] sensor device. The Xbox 360 E revision has an Xbox logo to the left of the Xbox 360 branding.|alt=A long, black plastic tube with a stand on its bottom and sensors arrayed along its front. The Xbox 360 brand is displayed next to the sensors.]] |
− | Kinect is a "controller-free gaming and entertainment experience" for the Xbox 360. It was first announced on June 1, 2009 at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]], under the codename, ''Project Natal''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/01/e3-2009-microsoft-unveils-motion-camera|title=E3 2009: Microsoft Unveils Motion Camera|author=Scott Lowe|publisher=IGN|date=June 1, 2009|accessdate=July 10, 2015}}</ref> The add-on [[peripheral]] enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without a [[game controller]] by using gestures, [[speech recognition|spoken commands]] and presented objects and images. The Kinect accessory is compatible with all Xbox 360 models,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wireninja.com/xbox-360-fat-slim-comparison/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225023543/http://wireninja.com/xbox-360-fat-slim-comparison/ |archivedate=December 25, 2010 |title=Xbox 360 Fat & Slim Comparison |publisher=Wireninja.com |date=June 21, 2010 |accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref> connecting to new models via a custom connector, and to older ones via a USB and mains power adapter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5520812/project-natal--its-instruction-manual-in-the-wild|title=Project Natal & Its Instruction Manual(!) In The Wild|publisher=Kotaku|date=April 20, 2010|accessdate=May 27, 2010}}</ref> During their [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] 2010 keynote speech, Robbie Bach and Microsoft CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] went on to say that Kinect will be released during the holiday period (November–January) and work with every 360 console. It was released on November 4, 2010<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-06-14-vidgame14_ST_N.htm | title=Microsoft Kinect gets into motion as E3 confab kicks off | first=Mike | last=Snider | date=June 14, 2010 | work=USA Today}}</ref> | + | Kinect is a "controller-free gaming and entertainment experience" for the Xbox 360. It was first announced on June 1, 2009 at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]], under the codename, ''Project Natal''. The add-on [[peripheral]] enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without a [[game controller]] by using gestures, [[speech recognition|spoken commands]] and presented objects and images. The Kinect accessory is compatible with all Xbox 360 models, connecting to new models via a custom connector, and to older ones via a USB and mains power adapter. During their [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] 2010 keynote speech, Robbie Bach and Microsoft CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] went on to say that Kinect will be released during the holiday period (November–January) and work with every 360 console. It was released on November 4, 2010 |
| | | |
| [[File:Xbox 360 Chatpad+controller.png|thumb|right|Xbox 360 Chatpad from the Messenger Kit attached to a wireless controller]] | | [[File:Xbox 360 Chatpad+controller.png|thumb|right|Xbox 360 Chatpad from the Messenger Kit attached to a wireless controller]] |
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| Through AV connector (excluding E models which have no AV connector) | | Through AV connector (excluding E models which have no AV connector) |
| * [[Composite video|Composite Video]] | | * [[Composite video|Composite Video]] |
− | * [[S-Video]]<ref>{{citation|title=Official Xbox 360 S-Video Cable {{!}} Buy Games - Electronic {{!}} Buy Your Games - Electronic At Webshop|work=webshop.cashconverters.com.au|access-date=October 30, 2016|url=https://webshop.cashconverters.com.au/item/1566043/official-xbox-360-s-video-cable}}</ref> | + | * [[S-Video]] |
− | * [[SCART|SCART RGB]]<ref>{{citation|author=Builded and Designed By r-digital.it|title=ADVANCED SCART AV CABLE MICROSOFT XBOX 360 VIDEO RGB B4W-00002 [art 0554] - EUR 32.57 : r-digital.it, digital solutions at a click|work=www.r-digital.it|access-date=October 30, 2016|url=http://www.r-digital.it/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_14&products_id=228&language=en}}</ref> | + | * [[SCART|SCART RGB]] |
− | * [[VGA connector|VGA]]<ref>{{citation|title=Xbox 360 VGA HD/AV Cable|work=GameStop|access-date=October 30, 2016|url=http://www.gamestop.com/xbox-360/accessories/xbox-360-vga-hd-av-cable/40681|language=English}}</ref> | + | * [[VGA connector|VGA]] |
| * [[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]] | | * [[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]] |
− | * [[D-Terminal]]<ref>{{Citation|title=Xbox 360 D Terminal HD AV Cable|url=https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Terminal-HD-AV-Cable/dp/B000BPIB8C|accessdate=November 7, 2016}}</ref> | + | * [[D-Terminal]] |
| * [[S/PDIF]] | | * [[S/PDIF]] |
| * [[RCA connector|RCA]] - [[Stereophonic sound|stereo audio]] | | * [[RCA connector|RCA]] - [[Stereophonic sound|stereo audio]] |
| | | |
− | ===Retail configurations=== | + | ===Technical problems=== |
− | {{multiple image
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− | | align =
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− | | direction =
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− | | width = 130
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− | | image1 = Xbox-360-Pro-wController.jpg
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− | | alt1 = Xbox 360 Premium
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− | | caption1 = Xbox 360 Premium
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− | | image2 = Xbox-360-Arcade-wController.jpg
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− | | alt2 = Xbox 360 Arcade
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− | | caption2 = Xbox 360 Arcade (replaced Xbox 360 Core)
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− | | image3 = Xbox-360-Elite-wController.jpg
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− | | alt3 = Xbox 360 Elite
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− | | caption3 = Xbox 360 Elite
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− | }}
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− | {{main|List of Xbox 360 retail configurations}}
| |
− | At launch, the Xbox 360 was available in two configurations: the "Xbox 360" package (unofficially known as the 20 GB Pro or Premium), priced at US$399 or [[Pound sterling|GB£]]279.99, and the "Xbox 360 Core", priced at US$299 and GB£209.99. The original shipment of the Xbox 360 version included a cut-down version of the Media Remote as a promotion. The Elite package was launched later at US$479. The "Xbox 360 Core" was replaced by the "Xbox 360 Arcade" in October 2007<ref name=ArcadeConsolePR>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2007/oct07/10-22ArcadeConsolePR.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023204113/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2007/oct07/10-22ArcadeConsolePR.mspx |dead-url=yes |archive-date=October 23, 2007 |title=Microsoft Launches New Xbox 360 Console for Families |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |date=October 22, 2007 |publisher=Microsoft |df= }}</ref> and a 60 GB version of the Xbox 360 Pro was released on August 1, 2008. The Pro package was discontinued and marked down to US$249 on August 28, 2009 to be sold until stock ran out, while the Elite was also marked down in price to US$299.<ref name="usatoday1">{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/08/microsoft-drops-price-of-120gb-xbox-360-system-/1 |title=Microsoft drops price of 120 GB Xbox 360 system |work=USA Today |date=August 27, 2009 |accessdate=September 10, 2009}}</ref>
| |
− | | |
− | Two major hardware revisions of the Xbox 360 have succeeded the original models; the Xbox 360 S (also referred to as the "Slim") replaced the original "Elite" and "Arcade" models in 2010. The S model carries a smaller, streamlined appearance with an angular case, and utilizes a redesigned motherboard designed to alleviate the hardware and overheating issues experienced by prior models. It also includes a proprietary port for use with the Kinect sensor.<ref name="360 Arcade replacement" /><ref name="engadgetnewxbox">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/slim-xbox-360-gets-official-at-299-shipping-today-looks-angul/|title=New Xbox 360 looks angular and Ominous |first=Nilay|last=Patel|author=|authorlink=Engadget|date=June 14, 2010|publisher=[[Engadget]]|doi=|accessdate=June 14, 2010}}</ref><ref name="insidenewxbox">{{cite web|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/3774/welcome-to-valhalla-inside-the-new-250gb-xbox-360-slim|title=Welcome to Valhalla: Inside the New Xbox 360 |author=Anand Lal Shimpi|authorlink=anandtech|date=June 18, 2010|publisher=[[AnandTech]]|doi=|accessdate=June 19, 2010}}</ref> The Xbox 360 E, a further streamlined variation of the 360 S with a two-tone rectangular case inspired by [[Xbox One]], was released in 2013. In addition to its revised aesthetics, the Xbox 360 E also has one fewer USB port, no AV connector (and thus is HDMI-only), and no longer supports [[S/PDIF]].<ref name=geekcom-xboxe>{{cite web|title=Redesigned Xbox 360 E teardown reveals it’s a cost saver for Microsoft|url=http://www.geek.com/games/redesigned-xbox-360-e-teardown-reveals-its-a-cost-saver-for-microsoft-1558846/|work=Geek.com|accessdate=December 22, 2013}}</ref>
| |
− | | |
− | ====Timeline====
| |
− | <timeline>
| |
− | DateFormat=mm/dd/yyyy
| |
− | Period = from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2017
| |
− | Define $skip = at:end # Force a blank line
| |
− | Define $dayunknown = 15 # what day to use if it's actually not known
| |
− | ImageSize= width:915 height:auto barincrement:20
| |
− | TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
| |
− | PlotArea = right:1 left:1 bottom:130 top:1
| |
− | Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
| |
− | | |
− | Colors =
| |
− | id:bg value:white
| |
− | id:lightline value:rgb(0.9,0.9,0.9)
| |
− | id:lighttext value:rgb(0.5,0.5,0.5)
| |
− | id:Premium_(20_GB) value:rgb(1,0.7,0.7) Legend:Xbox_360_Premium_Edition_(20_GB)
| |
− | id:Premium_(60_GB) value:rgb(1,0.9,0.7) Legend:Xbox_360_Premium_Edition_(60_GB)
| |
− | id:Core value:rgb(0.7,0.7,1) Legend:Xbox_360_Core_Edition
| |
− | id:Arcade value:rgb(0.7,0.85,1) Legend:Xbox_360_Arcade_Edition
| |
− | id:Elite value:rgb(0.6,0.6,0.6) Legend:Xbox_360_Elite_Edition
| |
− | id:S_(250_GB) value:rgb(0.45,0.45,0.45) Legend:Xbox_360_S_(250_GB)
| |
− | id:S_(4_GB) value:rgb(0.45,0.45,0.9) Legend:Xbox_360_S_(4_GB)
| |
− | | |
− | id:Premium_(20_GB)2 value:rgb(1,0.8,0.8)
| |
− | id:Premium_(60_GB)2 value:rgb(1,0.8,0.6)
| |
− | id:Core2 value:rgb(0.6,0.6,1)
| |
− | id:Arcade2 value:rgb(0.6,0.75,1)
| |
− | id:Elite2 value:rgb(0.5,0.5,0.5)
| |
− | id:S_(250_GB)2 value:rgb(0.35,0.35,0.35)
| |
− | id:S_(4_GB)2 value:rgb(0.35,0.35,0.8)
| |
− | | |
− | BackgroundColors = canvas:bg
| |
− | ScaleMajor = gridcolor:lighttext unit:year increment:1 start:01/01/2005
| |
− | ScaleMinor = gridcolor:lightline unit:month increment:1 start:01/01/2005
| |
− | | |
− | BarData =
| |
− | barset:Premium_(20_GB)
| |
− | barset:Premium_(60_GB)
| |
− | barset:Core
| |
− | barset:Arcade
| |
− | barset:S_(4_GB)
| |
− | barset:Elite
| |
− | barset:S_(250_GB)
| |
− | | |
− | PlotData=
| |
− | width:15 textcolor:black shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:s
| |
− | | |
− | barset:Premium_(20_GB)
| |
− | color:Premium_(20_GB) from:10/22/2005 till:08/06/2007 text:"$_399.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Premium_(20_GB)2 from:08/06/2007 till:07/13/2008 text:"$_349.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Premium_(20_GB) from:07/13/2008 till:08/01/2008 text:"$_299.99"
| |
− | | |
− | barset:Premium_(60_GB)
| |
− | color:Premium_(60_GB) from:08/01/2008 till:09/05/2008
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Premium_(60_GB)2 from:09/05/2008 till:08/27/2009 text:"$_299.99"
| |
− | | |
− | barset:Core
| |
− | color:Core from:10/22/2005 till:08/06/2007 text:"$_299.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Core2 from:08/06/2007 till:10/27/2007 text:"$_279.99"
| |
− | | |
− | barset:Arcade
| |
− | color:Arcade from:10/27/2007 till:09/05/2008 text:"$_279.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Arcade2 from:09/05/2008 till:06/14/2010 text:"$_199.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Arcade from:06/14/2010 till:07/01/2010 text:"$_149.99"
| |
− | | |
− | barset:S_(4_GB)
| |
− | color:S_(4_GB) from:08/03/2010 till:04/20/2016 text:"$_199.99"
| |
− | | |
− | barset:Elite
| |
− | color:Elite from:04/29/2007 till:08/06/2007
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Elite2 from:08/06/2007 till:09/05/2008 text:"_$_449.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Elite from:09/05/2008 till:08/27/2009 text:"$_399.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Elite2 from:08/28/2009 till:06/14/2010 text:"$_299.99"
| |
− | barset:break
| |
− | color:Elite from:06/14/2010 till:07/01/2010 text:"$_249.99"
| |
− | | |
− | barset:S_(250_GB)
| |
− | color:S_(250_GB) from:06/14/2010 till:04/20/2016 text:"$_299.99"
| |
− | | |
− | TextData =
| |
− | pos:(15,235) text:"20_GB_Premium"
| |
− | pos:(315,218) text:"60_GB_Premium"
| |
− | pos:(67,201) text:"Core"
| |
− | pos:(270,184) text:"Arcade"
| |
− | pos:(580,166) text:"4_GB_S"
| |
− | pos:(225,150) text:"Elite"
| |
− | pos:(550,132) text:"250_GB_S"
| |
− | | |
− | pos:(253,150) text:"$_479.99"
| |
− | pos:(392,212) text:"↑"
| |
− | pos:(380,203) text:"$_349.99"
| |
− | | |
− | </timeline>
| |
− | | |
− | ====United States====
| |
− | | |
− | '''November 22, 2005'''
| |
− | | |
− | {{Col-begin}}
| |
− | {{Col-break}}
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 Premium (20 GB) – $399.99
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 Core – $299.99
| |
− | | |
− | '''April 29, 2007'''
| |
− | * Launch Xbox 360 Elite (120 GB) – $479.99<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070405185941/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm |archivedate=April 5, 2007 |title=Xbox.com | Xbox News – Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 Elite |publisher=Web.archive.org |accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref>
| |
− | | |
− | '''August 6, 2007'''<ref name="consoleprice">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0806-consoleprice.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820211136/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0806-consoleprice.htm |archivedate=August 20, 2007 |title=Microsoft Lowers Xbox 360 Price |publisher=Microsoft Corporation|accessdate=July 26, 2008}}</ref>
| |
− | * Price cut on Xbox 360 Premium (20 GB) – $349.99
| |
− | * Price cut on Xbox 360 Core – $279.99
| |
− | * Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite – $449.99
| |
− | | |
− | '''October 27, 2007'''
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 Arcade – $279.99<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/1022-familyconsole.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025003931/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/1022-familyconsole.htm |archivedate=October 25, 2007 |title=Xbox.com | Xbox News – New Xbox 360 Family Console Released |publisher=Web.archive.org |date=October 25, 2007 |accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref>
| |
− | * Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Core
| |
− | {{Col-break}}
| |
− | | |
− | '''July 13, 2008'''
| |
− | * Discontinuation of Xbox 360 (20 GB) (price cut to $299.99 for remaining stock)<ref name="20GB_discontinued">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6193719.html |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130123194624/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6193719.html |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=E3 2008: 60GB Xbox 360 official, 20GB discounted and discontinued }}</ref>
| |
− | | |
− | '''August 1, 2008'''<ref name="20GB_discontinued"/>
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 Premium (60 GB) – $349.99
| |
− | | |
− | '''September 5, 2008'''<ref name="x3ii">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/xbox360pricedrop.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905184538/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/xbox360pricedrop.htm |archivedate=September 5, 2008 |title=Xbox News – Xbox 360 Invites Everyone to Play |publisher=Web.archive.org |date=September 5, 2008 |accessdate=August 24, 2011}}</ref>
| |
− | * Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite – $399.99
| |
− | * Price cut on Xbox 360 (60 GB) – $299.99
| |
− | * Price cut on Xbox 360 Arcade – $199.99
| |
− | | |
− | '''August 28, 2009'''
| |
− | * Discontinuation of Xbox 360 (60 GB) (price cut to $249.99 for remaining stock)
| |
− | * Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite – $299.99
| |
− | {{Col-break}}
| |
− | | |
− | '''June 19, 2010'''<ref name="360 Arcade replacement" />
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 S 250 GB – $299.99
| |
− | * Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Elite (price cut to $249.99 for remaining stock)
| |
− | * Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Arcade (price cut to $149.99 for remaining stock)
| |
− | | |
− | '''August 3, 2010'''
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 S 4 GB – $199.99
| |
− | | |
− | '''June 10, 2013'''
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 E 4 GB – $199.99<ref name="x3ii"/>
| |
− | * Launch of Xbox 360 E 250 GB – $299.99
| |
− | | |
− | '''April 20, 2016'''
| |
− | * Discontinuation of all Xbox 360 models.<ref name="360discontinuation" />
| |
− | {{col-end}}
| |
| | | |
− | ===Technical problems===
| |
− | {{Main|Xbox 360 technical problems}}
| |
| [[File:Xbox360-ringofdeath.jpg|thumb|Three red lights on the Xbox 360's ring indicator representing a "General Error requiring service of the Console or Power Adapter," commonly nicknamed the "Red Ring of Death."]] | | [[File:Xbox360-ringofdeath.jpg|thumb|Three red lights on the Xbox 360's ring indicator representing a "General Error requiring service of the Console or Power Adapter," commonly nicknamed the "Red Ring of Death."]] |
| | | |
− | The Xbox 360 (not Slim and E models) has been subject to a number of technical problems.{{cn|date=January 2019}} Since the console's release in 2005, users have reported concerns over its reliability and [[failure rate]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6270000/newsid_6277700/6277716.stm|title=Microsoft admit Xbox problems|publisher=BBC|accessdate=February 13, 2009 | date=July 6, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rings-of-red|title=Rings of Red|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|accessdate=July 26, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/tale-11-broken-360s |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160429125635/http://www.1up.com/news/tale-11-broken-360s |dead-url=yes |archive-date=April 29, 2016 |title=A Tale of 11 Broken Xbox 360s |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |author=Philip Kollar |date=June 26, 2007 |publisher=Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc |df= }}</ref> | + | The Xbox 360 (not Slim and E models) has been subject to a number of technical problems. Since the console's release in 2005, users have reported concerns over its reliability and [[failure rate]]. |
| | | |
− | To aid customers with defective consoles, Microsoft extended the Xbox 360's manufacturer's warranty to three years for hardware failure problems that generate a "General Hardware Failure" error report. A "General Hardware Failure" is recognized on all models released before the Xbox 360 S by three quadrants of the ring around the power button flashing red. This error is often known as the "[[Red Ring of Death]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/hardware/warranty/warrantyupdate/WarrantyUpdate.aspx|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605083902/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/resources/warrantyupdate.htm|archivedate=June 5, 2007|title=Xbox 360 Warranty Coverage Expanded|accessdate= July 26, 2008|author=Microsoft|date= June 5, 2007}}</ref> In April 2009 the warranty was extended to also cover failures related to the E74 [[error code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/2009/04/14/xbox-360-warranty-extended-for-e74/|title=Xbox 360 Warranty extended for E74|publisher=majornelson.com|accessdate=April 17, 2009}}</ref> The warranty extension is not granted for any other types of failures that do not generate these specific error codes. | + | To aid customers with defective consoles, Microsoft extended the Xbox 360's manufacturer's warranty to three years for hardware failure problems that generate a "General Hardware Failure" error report. A "General Hardware Failure" is recognized on all models released before the Xbox 360 S by three quadrants of the ring around the power button flashing red. This error is often known as the "[[Red Ring of Death]]". In April 2009 the warranty was extended to also cover failures related to the E74 [[error code]]. The warranty extension is not granted for any other types of failures that do not generate these specific error codes. |
| | | |
− | Since these problems surfaced, Microsoft has attempted to modify the console to improve its reliability. Modifications include a reduction in the number, size, and placement of components, the addition of dabs of epoxy on the corners and edges of the CPU and GPU as glue to prevent movement relative to the board during heat expansion,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/inside_the_xbox_360_elite.htm |title=Inside the Xbox 360 Elite |publisher=The Llamma's Adventures |date=April 19, 2007 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316020853/http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/inside_the_xbox_360_elite.htm |archivedate=March 16, 2008 |df= }}</ref> and a second GPU heatsink to dissipate more heat.<ref name="repaired_hardware">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EElEZukFEleqkRrcnN.php |title=New Pictures of 2nd GPU HeatSink on Xbox 360 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |author=XanTium |date=June 13, 2007 |publisher=Xbox-Scene |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718152026/http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EElEZukFEleqkRrcnN.php |archivedate=July 18, 2008 }}</ref> With the release of the redesigned Xbox 360 S, the warranty for the newer models does not include the three-year extended coverage for "General Hardware Failures".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/en-us/pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/warranty/xbox-360-new-warranty.aspx |title=Product Warranty and Software License: New Xbox 360 Console |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=January 10, 2011 |quote="Warranty Period" for Xbox 360 S, means 1-year from the date You purchased the Xbox 360 S from an authorized retailer |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114034554/http://support.xbox.com/en-us/pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/warranty/xbox-360-new-warranty.aspx |archivedate=January 14, 2011 }}</ref> The newer Xbox 360 S and E models indicate system overheating when the console's power button begins to flash red, unlike previous models where the first and third quadrant of the ring would light up red around the power button if overheating occurred. The system will then warn the user of imminent system shutdown until the system has cooled,<ref>{{cite web|title=Flashing red light on the Xbox 360 S console power button |url=http://support.xbox.com/en-us/Pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/kb/flashing-red-light-on-the-xbox-360-s-console-power-button.aspx?kbid=2122791 |accessdate=September 2, 2011 |author=Microsoft |date=July 23, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318044049/http://support.xbox.com/en-us/Pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/kb/flashing-red-light-on-the-xbox-360-s-console-power-button.aspx?kbid=2122791 |archivedate=March 18, 2011 }}</ref> whereas a flashing power button that alternates between green and red is an indication of a "General Hardware Failure" unlike older models where three of the quadrants would light up red.<ref>{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|title=The New Xbox 360 Won't "Red Ring"|url=http://kotaku.com/5566600/the-new-xbox-360-wont-red-ring|publisher=Kotaku|accessdate=November 1, 2010}}</ref> {{Clear}} | + | Since these problems surfaced, Microsoft has attempted to modify the console to improve its reliability. Modifications include a reduction in the number, size, and placement of components, the addition of dabs of epoxy on the corners and edges of the CPU and GPU as glue to prevent movement relative to the board during heat expansion, and a second GPU heatsink to dissipate more heat. With the release of the redesigned Xbox 360 S, the warranty for the newer models does not include the three-year extended coverage for "General Hardware Failures". The newer Xbox 360 S and E models indicate system overheating when the console's power button begins to flash red, unlike previous models where the first and third quadrant of the ring would light up red around the power button if overheating occurred. The system will then warn the user of imminent system shutdown until the system has cooled, whereas a flashing power button that alternates between green and red is an indication of a "General Hardware Failure" unlike older models where three of the quadrants would light up red. |
| | | |
| ==Software== | | ==Software== |
| | | |
− | ===Games=== | + | ===Interface=== |
− | {{Main|List of Xbox 360 games}}
| |
− | {{See also|List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360}}
| |
− | [[File:Rock of Ages - Renaissance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|''[[Rock of Ages (video game)|Rock of Ages]]'', one of many [[Unreal Engine 3]] powered games available on Xbox 360.]]
| |
− | | |
− | The Xbox 360 launched with 14 [[Xbox 360 launch title|games]] in North America and 13 in Europe. The console's best-selling game for 2005, ''[[Call of Duty 2]]'', sold over a million copies.<ref name="COD2sales">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-07-10-world-war-II_x.htm |title=WWII shows no battle fatigue |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |last=Snider |first=Mike |date=July 11, 2006 |work=USA Today}}</ref> Five other games sold over a million copies in the console's first year on the market: ''[[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter|Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_files/site/270/416/418/926.pdf |format=PDF|title=Ubisoft Entertainment Reports Revenue For Fiscal Year 2005–2006 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |date=April 27, 2006 |publisher=Ubisoft}}</ref> ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]'',<ref>{{cite web|first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=April 10, 2006 |work=GameSpot News |publisher=GameSpot |title=Oblivion enjoying epic sales |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122648/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |archivedate=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> ''[[Dead or Alive 4]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamekyo.com/news18066_dead-or-alive-4-passe-le-million.html |title=Dead or Alive 4 passe le million |accessdate=November 22, 2006 |last=Calonne |first=Stéphane |date=July 11, 2006 |publisher=JeuxFrance |language=French}}</ref> ''[[Saints Row (video game)|Saints Row]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/strong-quarter-thq |archive-url=https://archive.is/20120905155730/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/strong-quarter-thq |dead-url=yes |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |title=Strong Quarter for THQ |publisher=[[Next Generation Magazine|Next-Gen.biz]] |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |date=November 3, 2006 |author=Kris Graft }}</ref> and ''[[Gears of War]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12306/Gears-of-War-Hits-1-Million-Units-Sold/ |title=Gears of War Hits 1 Million Units Sold |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |last=Berardini |first=César |date=November 21, 2006 |publisher=TeamXbox |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706182958/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12306/Gears-of-War-Hits-1-Million-Units-Sold/ |archivedate=July 6, 2008 }}</ref> ''Gears of War'' would become the best-selling game on the console with 3 million copies in 2006,<ref>{{cite web | title = Gears of War Juggernauts sells three million units| author = Microsoft Games Studio | publisher = Xbox.com | date = January 19, 2007 | accessdate = March 19, 2008 | url = http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0119-gearsofwarjuggernautcontinues.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070202034555/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0119-gearsofwarjuggernautcontinues.htm | archivedate = February 2, 2007}}</ref> before being surpassed in 2007 by ''[[Halo 3]]'' with over 8 million copies.<ref name="17.7million360s">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6184291.html |author=Brendan Sinclair |title=MS: 17.7 million 360s sold |date=January 3, 2008 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=January 4, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210055932/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6184291.html |archivedate=December 10, 2008 }}</ref>
| |
− | | |
− | Six games were initially available in Japan, while eagerly anticipated games such as ''Dead or Alive 4'' and ''[[Enchanted Arms]]'' were released in the weeks following the console's launch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/deadoralive4/news.html?sid=6140447&mode=all |title=Dead or Alive 4 to miss Japanese 360 launch |publisher=GameSpot |date=November 28, 2005 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 }}</ref> Games targeted specifically for the region, such as ''[[Chromehounds]]'', ''[[Ninety-Nine Nights]]'', and ''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'', were also released in the console's first year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/715/715308p1.html|title=The Future of Japanese Gaming|publisher=IGN|date=June 27, 2006|author=Douglas J. Parry|accessdate=July 26, 2008}}</ref> Microsoft also had the support of Japanese developer [[Mistwalker]], founded by ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' creator [[Hironobu Sakaguchi]]. Mistwalker's first game, ''[[Blue Dragon (video game)|Blue Dragon]]'', was released in 2006 and had a limited-edition bundle which sold out quickly with over 10,000 pre-orders.<ref name="Blue Dragon PreOrders">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/blue-dragon-pre+orders-selling-out-in-japan-no-really-208601.php |title=Blue Dragon Sells Well in Japan |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=October 18, 2006 |publisher=Kotaku |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013234207/http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/blue-dragon-pre%2Borders-selling-out-in-japan-no-really-208601.php |archivedate=October 13, 2008 |df= }}</ref> ''Blue Dragon'' is one of three Xbox 360 games to surpass 200,000 units in Japan, along with ''[[Tales of Vesperia]]'' and ''[[Star Ocean: The Last Hope]]''. Mistwalker's second game, ''[[Lost Odyssey]]'' also sold over 100,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/360.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318173956/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/360.php|archivedate=March 18, 2008|title=Microsoft Xbox 360 Japanese Ranking |publisher=Japan Game Charts |accessdate=March 19, 2008}}</ref>
| |
− | | |
− | The 2007 [[Game Critics Awards]] honored the Xbox 360 platform with 38 Nominations and 11 Wins.<ref name="MOSTAWARDS">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2007winners.html|title=2007 Winners
| |
− | |publisher=GameCriticsAwards.com
| |
− | |accessdate=January 22, 2017}}</ref>
| |
| | | |
− | ===Interface===
| + | The Xbox 360's original [[graphical user interface]] was the ''Xbox 360 Dashboard''; a [[Tab (GUI)|tabbed interface]] that featured five "Blades" (formerly four blades), and was designed by [[AKQA]] and [[Audiobrain]]. It could be launched automatically when the console [[booting|booted]] without a disc in it, or when the disc tray was ejected, but the user had the option to select what the console does if a game is in the tray on start up, or if inserted when already on. A simplified version of it was also accessible at any time via the Xbox Guide button on the gamepad. This simplified version showed the user's gamercard, Xbox Live messages and friends list. It also allowed for personal and music settings, in addition to voice or video chats, or returning to the Xbox Dashboard from the game. |
− | {{Main|Xbox 360 system software}}
| |
− | The Xbox 360's original [[graphical user interface]] was the ''Xbox 360 Dashboard''; a [[Tab (GUI)|tabbed interface]] that featured five "Blades" (formerly four blades), and was designed by [[AKQA]]<ref>{{cite web |title=AKQA Designs Xbox 360 Game Interface |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/akqa-designs-xbox-360-game-interface-79593/ |website=Adweek |publisher=Adweek |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> and [[Audiobrain]]. It could be launched automatically when the console [[booting|booted]] without a disc in it, or when the disc tray was ejected, but the user had the option to select what the console does if a game is in the tray on start up, or if inserted when already on. A simplified version of it was also accessible at any time via the Xbox Guide button on the gamepad.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox 360's cluttered interface led to Microsoft starting from scratch with |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/xbox-ones-interface-designed-scratch-after-xbox-360s-became-too-cluttered/ |website=Games Radar |publisher=Games Radar |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> This simplified version showed the user's gamercard, Xbox Live messages and friends list. It also allowed for personal and music settings, in addition to voice or video chats, or returning to the Xbox Dashboard from the game. | |
| | | |
− | On November 19, 2008, the Xbox 360's dashboard was changed from the "Blade" interface, to a dashboard reminiscent of that present on the Zune and Windows Media Center, known as the "New Xbox Experience" or NXE.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/hands-on-with-the-new-xbox-360-dashboard/|title=Hands On with the New Xbox 360 Dashboard|author=Dan Ackerman|publisher=''[[CNET]]''|date=November 17, 2008|accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref> | + | On November 19, 2008, the Xbox 360's dashboard was changed from the "Blade" interface, to a dashboard reminiscent of that present on the Zune and Windows Media Center, known as the "New Xbox Experience" or NXE. |
| | | |
− | Since the console's release, Microsoft has released several updates for the Dashboard software.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox 360 system update gets its colors in order, makes it mandatory |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/xbox-360-system-update-gets-its-colors-in-order-makes-it-mandat/ |website=Engadget |publisher=Engadget |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mandatory Xbox 360 Update Breaks Some Consoles, Microsoft Claims 'Coincidence' |url=https://consumerist.com/2011/12/16/mandatory-xbox-360-update-breaks-some-consoles-microsoft-claims-coincidence/ |website=Consumerist |publisher=Consumerist |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> These updates have included adding new features to the console, enhancing Xbox Live functionality and multimedia playback capabilities, adding compatibility for new accessories, and fixing bugs in the software. Such updates are mandatory for users wishing to use Xbox Live, as access to Xbox Live is disabled until the update is performed.{{cn|date=January 2019}} | + | Since the console's release, Microsoft has released several updates for the Dashboard software. These updates have included adding new features to the console, enhancing Xbox Live functionality and multimedia playback capabilities, adding compatibility for new accessories, and fixing bugs in the software. Such updates are mandatory for users wishing to use Xbox Live, as access to Xbox Live is disabled until the update is performed. |
| | | |
| ====New Xbox Experience==== | | ====New Xbox Experience==== |
− | {{further|Xbox Live#New Xbox Experience}}
| |
| | | |
− | At E3 2008, at Microsoft's Show, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg and Marc Whitten announced the new Xbox 360 interface called the "New Xbox Experience" (NXE). The update was intended to ease console menu navigation. Its GUI uses the Twist UI, previously used in [[Windows Media Center]] and the [[Zune]]. Its new Xbox Guide retains all Dashboard functionality (including the Marketplace browser and disk ejection) and the original "Blade" interface (although the color scheme has been changed to match that of the NXE Dashboard).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2008-new-xbox-experience-preview/1100-6194093/ |title=E3 2008: New Xbox Experience Preview |author=Sarju Shah |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=July 16, 2008 |accessdate=July 10, 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118010003/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2008-new-xbox-experience-preview/1100-6194093/ |archivedate=January 18, 2016 }}</ref> | + | At E3 2008, at Microsoft's Show, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg and Marc Whitten announced the new Xbox 360 interface called the "New Xbox Experience" (NXE). The update was intended to ease console menu navigation. Its GUI uses the Twist UI, previously used in [[Windows Media Center]] and the [[Zune]]. Its new Xbox Guide retains all Dashboard functionality (including the Marketplace browser and disk ejection) and the original "Blade" interface (although the color scheme has been changed to match that of the NXE Dashboard). |
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− | The NXE also provides many new features. Users can now install games from disc to the hard drive to play them with reduced load time and less disc drive noise, but each game's disc must remain in the system in order to run. A new, built-in Community system allows the creation of digitized [[Avatar (Xbox 360)|Avatars]] that can be used for multiple activities, such as sharing photos or playing [[Xbox Live Arcade|Arcade]] games like ''[[1 vs 100 (Xbox 360)|1 vs. 100]]''. The update was released on November 19, 2008.<ref name=xbox2>{{cite web|url= http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-xbox-experience-dated|title= New Xbox Experience |date= October 9, 2008 |author=Tom Bramwell |publisher= Eurogamer|accessdate=October 14, 2008}}</ref> | + | The NXE also provides many new features. Users can now install games from disc to the hard drive to play them with reduced load time and less disc drive noise, but each game's disc must remain in the system in order to run. A new, built-in Community system allows the creation of digitized [[Avatar (Xbox 360)|Avatars]] that can be used for multiple activities, such as sharing photos or playing [[Xbox Live Arcade|Arcade]] games like ''[[1 vs 100 (Xbox 360)|1 vs. 100]]''. The update was released on November 19, 2008. |
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− | While previous system updates have been stored on internal memory, the NXE update was the first to require a storage device—at least a 128 MB memory card or a [[hard disk drive|hard drive]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/nxe-will-allow-for-remote-downloads|title=NXE Will Allow for Remote Downloads|author=Tom Bramwell|publisher=''[[Eurogamer]]''|date=October 13, 2008|accessdate=July 11, 2015}}</ref> | + | While previous system updates have been stored on internal memory, the NXE update was the first to require a storage device—at least a 128 MB memory card or a [[hard disk drive|hard drive]]. |
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− | Microsoft released a further update to the Xbox 360 Dashboard starting on December 6, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/dec11/12-04Xbox360TV.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206120623/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/dec11/12-04Xbox360TV.mspx |dead-url=yes |archive-date=December 6, 2011 |title=The Future of TV Begins Now on Xbox 360 |accessdate=December 6, 2011 |df= }}</ref> It included a completely new user interface which utilizes Microsoft's [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]], and added new features such as cloud storage for game saves and profiles, live television, [[Microsoft Bing|Bing]] voice search,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/xbox-com-leaks-e3-secrets-early-voice-search-and-a-new-look-f/ |title=Microsoft's new Xbox 360 UI has Bing voice search across Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and live TV – Engadget |date=June 6, 2011 |accessdate=October 22, 2011 |work=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref> access to YouTube videos and better support for Kinect voice commands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/ |title=Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul – Engadget |date=September 9, 2011 |accessdate=October 22, 2011 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL}}</ref> | + | Microsoft released a further update to the Xbox 360 Dashboard starting on December 6, 2011. It included a completely new user interface which utilizes Microsoft's [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]], and added new features such as cloud storage for game saves and profiles, live television, [[Microsoft Bing|Bing]] voice search, access to YouTube videos and better support for Kinect voice commands. |
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| ===Multimedia=== | | ===Multimedia=== |
− | The Xbox 360 supports videos in [[Windows Media Video]] (WMV) format (including [[High-definition television|high-definition]] and [[Microsoft PlaysForSure|PlaysForSure]] videos), as well as [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264]] and [[MPEG-4]] media. The December 2007 dashboard update added support for the playback of [[MPEG-4 Part 2|MPEG-4 ASP]] format videos.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/elle/20071130-systemupdate.htm| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202193403/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/elle/20071130-systemupdate.htm| archivedate=December 2, 2007| title=Xbox 360 System Software – Fall Update Summary| date=November 30, 2007| publisher=Microsoft| accessdate=July 26, 2008}}</ref> The console can also [[Avatar (computing)|display pictures]] and perform slideshows of photo collections with various transition effects, and supports audio playback, with [[Digital audio player|music player]] controls accessible through the Xbox 360 Guide button. Users may play back their own music while playing games or using the dashboard, and can play music with an interactive visual synthesizer. | + | The Xbox 360 supports videos in [[Windows Media Video]] (WMV) format (including [[High-definition television|high-definition]] and [[Microsoft PlaysForSure|PlaysForSure]] videos), as well as [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264]] and [[MPEG-4]] media. The December 2007 dashboard update added support for the playback of [[MPEG-4 Part 2|MPEG-4 ASP]] format videos. The console can also [[Avatar (computing)|display pictures]] and perform slideshows of photo collections with various transition effects, and supports audio playback, with [[Digital audio player|music player]] controls accessible through the Xbox 360 Guide button. Users may play back their own music while playing games or using the dashboard, and can play music with an interactive visual synthesizer. |
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− | Music, photos and videos can be played from standard USB [[Data storage device|mass storage devices]], Xbox 360 proprietary [[Data storage device|storage devices]] (such as memory cards or Xbox 360 hard drives), and servers or computers with [[Windows Media Center]] or [[Windows XP]] with [[Service pack]] 2 or higher within the local-area network in streaming mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/MCEVista.htm| title=Enjoy Windows Media Center on your Xbox 360| publisher=Microsoft| accessdate=January 1, 2008 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071223104154/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/MCEVista.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = December 23, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/windowsconnectnow.mspx |title=Windows Connect Now Technology |publisher=Microsoft |date=December 21, 2004 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724052845/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/windowsconnectnow.mspx |archivedate=July 24, 2008 }}</ref> As the Xbox 360 uses a modified version of the [[Universal Plug and Play|UPnP]] AV protocol,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gxben.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/why-do-i-hate-dlna-protocol-so-much/|title=Why do I hate DLNA protocol so much ? " Ben's Lost World – Diary of a GeeXboX developer|accessdate=November 24, 2008}}{{unreliable source?|date=June 2013}}</ref> some alternative UPnP servers such as uShare (part of the [[GeeXboX]] project) and [[MythTV]] can also stream media to the Xbox 360, allowing for similar functionality from non-Windows servers. | + | Music, photos and videos can be played from standard USB [[Data storage device|mass storage devices]], Xbox 360 proprietary [[Data storage device|storage devices]] (such as memory cards or Xbox 360 hard drives), and servers or computers with [[Windows Media Center]] or [[Windows XP]] with [[Service pack]] 2 or higher within the local-area network in streaming mode. As the Xbox 360 uses a modified version of the [[Universal Plug and Play|UPnP]] AV protocol, some alternative UPnP servers such as uShare (part of the [[GeeXboX]] project) and [[MythTV]] can also stream media to the Xbox 360, allowing for similar functionality from non-Windows servers. |
− | This is possible with video files up to HD-resolution and with several [[codec]]s (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV) and [[container format (digital)|container formats]] (WMV, MOV, TS).<ref>{{cite journal | author = Joystiq | title = HD-Streaming: Guide For Streaming HD To The Xbox360 |date=July 27, 2007 | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/how-to-transcode-and-stream-videos-on-xbox-360/ | accessdate = July 26, 2008}}</ref> | + | This is possible with video files up to HD-resolution and with several [[codec]]s (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV) and [[container format (digital)|container formats]] (WMV, MOV, TS). |
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− | As of October 27, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/skyplayer/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107182127/http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/skyplayer/ |archivedate=January 7, 2010 |title=Xbox 360 Sky Player |publisher=Web.archive.org |date=January 7, 2010 |accessdate=August 24, 2011}}</ref> UK and Ireland users are also able to access live and on-demand streams of [[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky television]] programming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSLS97781220090528 |title=Xbox 360 to show Sky live and on-demand programming | Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Reuters |publisher=Reuters<! |date=May 28, 2009 |accessdate=September 10, 2009}}</ref> | + | As of October 27, 2009, UK and Ireland users are also able to access live and on-demand streams of [[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky television]] programming. |
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− | At the 2007, 2008, and 2009 [[Consumer Electronics Show]]s, Microsoft had announced that [[IPTV]] services would soon be made available to use through the Xbox 360. In 2007, Microsoft chairman [[Bill Gates]] stated that IPTV on Xbox 360 was expected to be available to consumers by the holiday season, using the [[Microsoft TV IPTV Edition]] platform.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Microsoft Integrates IPTV Software Platform With Xbox 360, Creating All-in-One Digital Entertainment Device |publisher=Microsoft |date=January 7, 2007 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-08IPTVXboxPR.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208195429/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-08IPTVXboxPR.mspx |dead-url=yes |archive-date=February 8, 2007 |accessdate=January 7, 2010 |quote=IPTV on Xbox 360 is expected to be available to consumers by holiday season 2007 and will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services over broadband networks based on the IPTV Edition software platform. |df= }}</ref> In 2008, Gates and president of Entertainment & Devices [[Robert J. Bach|Robbie Bach]] announced a partnership with [[BT Retail|BT]] in the United Kingdom, in which the [[BT Vision]] advanced TV service, using the newer [[Microsoft Mediaroom]] IPTV platform, would be accessible via Xbox 360, planned for the middle of the year.<ref>{{cite press release|title=BT and Microsoft Announce Partnership to Deliver Powerful, First-of-its-Kind Entertainment Experience to Consumers Through Xbox 360 |publisher=Microsoft |date=January 8, 2008 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/jan08/01-06MSBTXboxPR.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108231713/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/jan08/01-06MSBTXboxPR.mspx |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 8, 2008 |accessdate=January 7, 2010 |quote=All BT broadband customers will have the unique opportunity to receive the best in high-definition gaming, television and movies through an Xbox 360 console, in a powerful, all-in-one entertainment experience. BT Vision, which is powered by the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) platform, plans to make this first-of-its-kind device and service offering available to customers in the middle of 2008. |df= }}</ref> BT Vision's DVR-based features would not be available on Xbox 360 due to limited hard drive capacity.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7178661.stm|title= Xbox will host BT's TV service|accessdate= January 22, 2008|date= January 9, 2008|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> In 2010, while announcing version 2.0 of Microsoft Mediaroom, Microsoft CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] mentioned that AT&T's [[U-verse]] IPTV service would enable Xbox 360s to be used as set-top boxes later in the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/steve/2010/01-06CES.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114025804/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/steve/2010/01-06CES.mspx |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 14, 2010 |title=Steve Ballmer and Robbie Bach Keynote: 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show |date=January 6, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=January 7, 2010 |quote=J.D. Power and Associates have recently rated AT&T Uverse TV the best-rated, highest-rated residential TV satisfaction in the United States Southern and Western Regions for the second year in a row. I'm happy to announce that later this year AT&T will also enable subscribers to [[U-Verse]] to enjoy that service on their Xbox 360 consoles. |df= }}</ref> As of January 2010, IPTV on Xbox 360 has yet to be deployed beyond limited trials.{{cn|date=January 2019}} | + | At the 2007, 2008, and 2009 [[Consumer Electronics Show]]s, Microsoft had announced that [[IPTV]] services would soon be made available to use through the Xbox 360. In 2007, Microsoft chairman [[Bill Gates]] stated that IPTV on Xbox 360 was expected to be available to consumers by the holiday season, using the [[Microsoft TV IPTV Edition]] platform. In 2008, Gates and president of Entertainment & Devices [[Robert J. Bach|Robbie Bach]] announced a partnership with [[BT Retail|BT]] in the United Kingdom, in which the [[BT Vision]] advanced TV service, using the newer [[Microsoft Mediaroom]] IPTV platform, would be accessible via Xbox 360, planned for the middle of the year. BT Vision's DVR-based features would not be available on Xbox 360 due to limited hard drive capacity. In 2010, while announcing version 2.0 of Microsoft Mediaroom, Microsoft CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] mentioned that AT&T's [[U-verse]] IPTV service would enable Xbox 360s to be used as set-top boxes later in the year. As of January 2010, IPTV on Xbox 360 has yet to be deployed beyond limited trials. |
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− | In 2012, Microsoft released the Live Event Player, allowing for events such as video game shows, beauty pageants, award shows, concerts, news and sporting events to be streamed on the console via Xbox Live. The first live events streamed on Live were the 2012 [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] Golden Gods, Microsoft's E3 2012 media briefing and the [[Miss Teen USA 2012]] beauty pageant.{{cn|date=January 2019}} | + | In 2012, Microsoft released the Live Event Player, allowing for events such as video game shows, beauty pageants, award shows, concerts, news and sporting events to be streamed on the console via Xbox Live. The first live events streamed on Live were the 2012 [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] Golden Gods, Microsoft's E3 2012 media briefing and the [[Miss Teen USA 2012]] beauty pageant. |
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| ===XNA community=== | | ===XNA community=== |
− | {{Main|Microsoft XNA}}
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− | XNA Community is a feature whereby Xbox 360 owners can receive community-created games, made with Microsoft XNA Game Studio, from the XNA Creators Club. The games are written, published, and distributed through a community managed portal. XNA Community provides a channel for digital videogame delivery over Xbox Live that can be free of royalties, publishers and licenses.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3545/sponsored_feature_democratizing_.php|title=XNA Community}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://creators.xna.com/|title=XNA Creators Club}}</ref> XNA game sales, however, did not meet original expectations.<ref>{{cite web|last=McElroy |first=Griffin |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gamerbytes-study-shows-disappointing-sales-for-xna-community-gam/ |title=GamerBytes study shows disappointing sales for XNA Community Games |publisher=Joystiq.com |date=March 30, 2009 |accessdate=September 10, 2009}}</ref> though [[Xbox Live Indie Games]] (XBLIG) has had some "hits."{{cn|date=January 2019}}
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− | ==Services==
| + | XNA Community is a feature whereby Xbox 360 owners can receive community-created games, made with Microsoft XNA Game Studio, from the XNA Creators Club. The games are written, published, and distributed through a community managed portal. XNA Community provides a channel for digital videogame delivery over Xbox Live that can be free of royalties, publishers and licenses. XNA game sales, however, did not meet original expectations, though [[Xbox Live Indie Games]] (XBLIG) has had some "hits." |
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− | ===Xbox Live=== | + | == Game development == |
− | {{Main|Xbox Live}}
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− | When the Xbox 360 was released, Microsoft's online gaming service Xbox Live was shut down for 24 hours and underwent a major upgrade, adding a basic non-subscription service called Xbox Live Silver (later renamed Xbox Live Free) to its already established premium subscription-based service (which was renamed Gold). Xbox Live Free is included with all [[Stock-keeping unit|SKUs]] of the console. It allows users to create a user profile, join on [[Internet forum|message boards]], and access Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Marketplace and talk to other members.<ref name="XboxLiveFree">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31092/Microsoft_Renames_Xbox_Live_Silver_to_Xbox_Live_Free.php|title=Microsoft Renames Xbox Live Silver to 'Xbox Live Free'|author=Kyle Orland|accessdate=January 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/NR/exeres/F925FE0C-E310-491A-82E0-7A604A353BFB.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204212851/http://www.xbox.com/NR/exeres/F925FE0C-E310-491A-82E0-7A604A353BFB.htm |archivedate=February 4, 2009 |title=Xbox Live The Silver Age |accessdate=September 30, 2006 |last=Barker |first=Ben |date=September 19, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> A Live Free account does not generally support multiplayer gaming; however, some games that have rather limited online functions already, (such as ''[[Viva Piñata]]'') or games that feature their own subscription service (e.g. [[EA Sports]] games) can be played with a Free account. Xbox Live also supports voice the latter a feature possible with the Xbox Live Vision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/xbox360/morethangames.htm |title=More than Games |accessdate=September 30, 2006 |last=Gettys |first=Jim W. |date=September 17, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20060908092939/http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/xbox360/morethangames.htm |archivedate = September 8, 2006 |quote= }}</ref>
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− | Xbox Live Gold includes the same features as Free and includes integrated [[online game]] playing capabilities outside of third-party subscriptions. Microsoft has allowed previous Xbox Live subscribers to maintain their profile information, [[Contact list|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/xboxlive/myaccount/managemyaccount/accountmanagement.aspx |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024111920/http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/xboxlive/myaccount/managemyaccount/accountmanagement.aspx |archivedate=October 24, 2008 |title=Xbox Live Account Migration to Xbox 360 |accessdate=October 7, 2006 |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> When users add an Xbox Live enabled profile to their console, they are required to provide the console with their passport account information and the last four digits of their [[Payment card number|credit card number]], which is used for verification purposes and billing. An Xbox Live Gold account has an annual cost of US$59.99, [[Canadian dollar|C$]]59.99, [[New Zealand dollar|NZ$]]90.00, [[Pound sterling|GB£]]39.99, or €59.99. On January 5, 2011, Xbox Live reached over 30 million subscribers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/Features/2011/jan11/01-05CESBallmer.mspx |title=2010: A Year Filled with New Experiences for Consumers |date=January 5, 2011 |accessdate=January 11, 2011 |publisher=Microsoft |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109002607/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/Features/2011/jan11/01-05CESBallmer.mspx |archivedate=January 9, 2011 |df= }}</ref>{{Clear}}
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− | ===Xbox Live Marketplace===
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− | {{Main|Xbox Live Marketplace}}
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− | The Xbox Live Marketplace is a virtual market designed for the console that allows Xbox Live users to download purchased or promotional content. The service offers movie and game trailers, [[game demo]]s, Xbox Live Arcade games and Xbox 360 Dashboard themes as well as add-on game content (items, costumes, levels etc.). These features are available to both Free and Gold members on Xbox Live. A hard drive or memory unit is required to store products purchased from Xbox Live Marketplace.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360harddrive/harddriveornot.htm |title=To Hard Drive or Not? |accessdate=September 30, 2006 |last=Gettys |first=Jim W. |date=August 19, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070427045612/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360harddrive/harddriveornot.htm |archivedate = April 27, 2007 |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/microsoftpoints.htm |title=Xbox 360 Get the Points |accessdate=September 30, 2006 |last=Barker |first=Ben |date=September 20, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123003030/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/microsoftpoints.htm |archivedate=January 23, 2009 }}</ref> though some products (such as trailers and demos) are free to download. Microsoft Points can be obtained through prepaid cards in 1,600 and 4,000-point denominations. Microsoft Points can also be purchased through Xbox Live with a credit card in 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000-point denominations. Users are able to view items available to download on the service through a PC via the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]] website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/11982/Xbox-Live-Pipeline-Browse-Live-Marketplace-from-your-PC/ |title=Browse Live Marketplace from your PC |accessdate=October 13, 2006 |last=Berardini |first=César |date=October 12, 2006 |publisher=TeamXbox |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210090053/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/11982/Xbox-Live-Pipeline-Browse-Live-Marketplace-from-your-PC/ |archivedate=February 10, 2007 }}</ref> An estimated seventy percent of Xbox Live users have downloaded items from the Marketplace.<ref name="Live Stats">{{cite web|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12028/Latest-Xbox-Live-Facts-and-Stats/ |title=Latest Xbox Live Facts and Stats |accessdate=October 19, 2006 |last=Berardini |first=César |date=October 18, 2006 |publisher=TeamXbox |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104053646/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12028/Latest-Xbox-Live-Facts-and-Stats/ |archivedate=November 4, 2006 }}</ref>{{clear}}
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− | ===Xbox Live Arcade===
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− | {{Main|Xbox Live Arcade}}
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− | Xbox Live Arcade is an online service operated by Microsoft that is used to distribute downloadable video games to Xbox and Xbox 360 owners. In addition to classic [[arcade game]]s such as ''[[Ms. Pac-Man]]'', the service offers some new original games like ''[[Assault Heroes]]''. The Xbox Live Arcade also features games from other consoles, such as the [[PlayStation]] game ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]'' and [[Personal computer game|PC games]] such as ''[[Zuma (video game)|Zuma]]''. The service was first launched on November 3, 2004,<ref>{{cite news |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=March 23, 2009 |last=Morris |first=Chris|date=October 14, 2004 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> using a DVD to load, and offered games for about US$5 to $15. Items are purchased using Microsoft Points, a proprietary currency used to reduce credit card transaction charges. On November 22, 2005, Xbox Live Arcade was re-launched with the release of the Xbox 360, in which it was now integrated with the Xbox 360's dashboard. The games are generally aimed toward more casual gamers; examples of the more popular games are ''[[Geometry Wars]]'', ''[[Street Fighter II|Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting]]'', and ''[[Uno (video game)|Uno]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/30/2006-top-xbox-live-games.aspx |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530191824/http://majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/30/2006-top-xbox-live-games.aspx |archivedate=May 30, 2008 |title=Top Xbox Live Games of 2006 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 |last=Hryb |first=Larry |date=December 30, 2006 |publisher=MajorNelson }}</ref> On March 24, 2010, Microsoft introduced the [[Game Room]] to Xbox Live. Game Room is a gaming service for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows that lets players compete in classic arcade and console games in a virtual arcade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20001073-56.html |title=Xbox Game Room launches, but with issues |accessdate=March 25, 2010 |last=Fried |first=Ina |date=March 24, 2010 |publisher=CNET}}</ref>{{Clear}}
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− | [[File:DVD-ROM for Xbox 360.jpg|thumb|DVD-ROM for Xbox 360]]
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− | ===Movies & TV ===
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− | {{main|Microsoft Movies & TV}}
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− | On November 6, 2006, Microsoft announced the Xbox Video Marketplace, an exclusive video store accessible through the console. Launched in the United States on November 22, 2006, the first anniversary of the Xbox 360's launch, the service allows users in the United States to download high-definition and standard-definition television shows and movies onto an Xbox 360 console for viewing. With the exception of short clips, content is not currently available for streaming, and must be downloaded. Movies are also available for rental. They expire in 14 days after download or at the end of the first 24 hours after the movie has begun playing, whichever comes first. Television episodes can be purchased to own, and are transferable to an unlimited number of consoles. Downloaded files use 5.1 [[surround sound|surround audio]] and are encoded using [[VC-1]] for video at 720p, with a [[bit rate|bitrate]] of 6.8 Mbit/s.<ref name="Xbox 360 live video">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/11/06/microsofts-xbox-live-video-hdtv-and-hd-movie-downloads-for-you/ |title=HDTV and HD movie downloads for your 360 |accessdate=November 11, 2006 |last=Block |first=Ryan |date=November 7, 2006 |publisher=Endaget }}</ref> Television content is offered from MTV, [[VH1]], [[Comedy Central]], [[Turner Broadcasting System|Turner Broadcasting]], and [[CBS]]; and movie content is [[Warner Bros.]], [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]], and [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]], along with other publishers.<ref name="Live Video announcement">{{cite press release |title=Movies and TV on your Xbox |publisher=Microsoft |date=November 6, 2006 |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/1106-moviestv.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061211062527/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/1106-moviestv.htm |archivedate=December 11, 2006 |accessdate=July 26, 2008 }}</ref>
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− | | |
− | After the Spring 2007 <!-- do you mean 2008? -->update, the following [[video codec]]s are supported:
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− | * H.264 video support: Up to 15 Mbit/s, Baseline, Main, and High (up to level 4.1) Profiles with [[2channel|2 channel]] AAC LC and Main Profiles.
| |
− | * MPEG-4 Part 2 video support: Up to 8 Mbit/s, Simple Profile with 2 channel AAC LC and Main Profiles.
| |
− | As a late addition to the December Xbox 360 update, 25 movies were added to the European Xbox 360 video market place on the December 11, 2007 and cost 250 Microsoft points for the SD version on the movie and 380 points for the HD version of the movie.<ref name="Video Marketplace launches in Europe">{{cite press release |title=Movies and TV on your Xbox 360 in Europe|publisher=Microsoft |date=July 12, 2007 |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/news-features/news/Video-Marketplace-announcement-041207.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620173136/http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/news-features/news/Video-Marketplace-announcement-041207.htm |archivedate=June 20, 2008|accessdate=July 26, 2008 }}</ref> Xbox Live members in Canada featured the ability to go on the Xbox Live Marketplace also as of December 11, 2007 with around 30 movies to be downloaded for the same amount of Microsoft Points.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/xbox-live-video-marketplace-live-in-canada-uk-and-elsewhere/|title=Xbox Live Video Marketplace Live in Canada, UK, and Elsewhere|author=Christopher Grant|publisher=''[[Engadget]]''|date=December 11, 2007|accessdate=October 9, 2015}}</ref>
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− | | |
− | On May 26, 2009, Microsoft announced it would release the [[Zune HD]] (in the fall of 2009), which was then the next addition to the [[Zune]] product range. This was of an impact on the Xbox Live Video Store as it was also announced that the Zune Video Marketplace and the Xbox Live Video Store will be merged to form the [[Zune Marketplace]], which will be arriving on Xbox Live in 7 countries initially, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Italy, Germany, Ireland and Spain.<ref name="Zune Marketplace">{{cite press release|title=Zune Marketplace |date=May 27, 2009 |url=http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=149641612 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=May 27, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714132908/http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=149641612 |archivedate=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> Further details were released at the Microsoft press conference at [[E3 2009]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://kotaku.com/5274608/zune-video-comes-to-live-in-1080p-hd-this-fall/|title=Zune Video Comes to Live in 1080p HD This Fall|author=Brian Crecente|publisher=''[[Kotaku]]''|date=June 1, 2009|accessdate=October 9, 2015}}</ref>
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− | | |
− | On October 16, 2012, Xbox Video and Xbox Music were released, replacing the Zune Marketplace. Xbox Video is a digital video service on that offers full HD movies and TV series for purchase or rental on Xbox 360, Windows 8, [[Windows RT]] PCs and [[Tablet computer|tablets]], and Windows Phones.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-16-xbox-360-dashboard-update-rolls-out-from-today|title=Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Rolls Out from Today|author=Tom Phillips|publisher=''[[Eurogamer]]''|date=October 16, 2012|accessdate=July 11, 2015}}</ref>
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− | | |
− | On August 18, 2015, Microsoft rolled out an update renaming it Movies and TV similar to the Windows 10 App.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-updates-movies--tv-and-groove-music-apps-on-windows-10|title=Microsoft Update Movies & TV and Groove Music Apps on Windows 10|author=Andy Weir|publisher=''[[Neowin]]''|date=August 18, 2015|accessdate=October 9, 2015}}</ref>
| |
| | | |
− | ===Groove Music===
| + | PartnerNet, the developers-only alternative [[Xbox Live]] network used by developers to beta test game content downloads and games developed for [[Xbox Live Arcade]], runs on Xbox 360 [[debugging|debug]] kits, which are used both by developers and by the gaming press. In a podcast released on February 12, 2007, a developer breached the PartnerNet [[non-disclosure agreement]] (NDA) by commenting that he had found a playable version of ''[[Alien Hominid]]'' and an unplayable version of ''[[Ikaruga]]'' on PartnerNet. A few video game journalists, misconstruing the breach of the NDA as an invalidation of the NDA, immediately began reporting on other games being tested via PartnerNet, including a remake of ''[[Jetpac]]''. (''Alien Hominid'' for the Xbox 360 was released on February 28 of that year, and ''Ikaruga'' was released over a year later on April 9, 2008. ''Jetpac'' was released for the Xbox 360 on March 28, 2007 as ''[[Jetpac Refuelled]]''.) There have also been numerous video and screenshot leaks of game footage on PartnerNet, as well as a complete version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'', which caused for the whole PartnerNet service to be shut down overnight on April 3, 2010. In the following days, [[Microsoft]] reminded developers and journalists that they were in breach of NDA by sharing information about PartnerNet content and asked websites to remove lists of games in development that were discovered on the service. Sega used feedback from fans about the leaked version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I to refine it before they eventually released it. |
− | {{main|Groove Music}}
| |
− | [[Xbox Music]] provides 30 million music tracks available for purchase or access through subscription. It was announced at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012]] and it integrates with [[Windows 8]] and [[Windows Phone]] as well.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-03-microsofts-itunes-spotify-rival-xbox-music-out-later-this-year-report|title=Microsoft's iTunes, Spotify Rival Xbox Music Out This Year – Report|author=Wesley Yin-Poole|publisher=''[[Eurogamer]]''|date=July 3, 2012|accessdate=July 10, 2015}}</ref> | |
| | | |
− | In August 2015 Microsoft rolled out an update renaming it to Groove Music similar to the Windows 10 App.
| + | Additionally, a pair of hackers played their modded Halo 3 games on PartnerNet in addition to using PartnerNet to scoop up unreleased and untested software. The duo passed their hacked Halo pics to their friends before they were eventually caught by Bungie engineers who left a message for the hackers on PartnerNet which read "Winners Don't Break Into PartnerNet.". Other games that were leaked in the PartnerNet fiasco include [[Shenmue]] and Shenmue 2. |
− | | |
− | ===Xbox SmartGlass===
| |
− | {{main|Xbox SmartGlass}}
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− | | |
− | Xbox SmartGlass is one of the newer features that allows for integration between the Xbox 360 console and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft aposenta aplicativo do Xbox 360 SmartGlass |url=https://olhardigital.com.br/games-e-consoles/noticia/microsoft-aposenta-aplicativo-do-xbox-360-smartglass/76203 |website=Olhar Digital |publisher=Olhar Digital |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> An app is available on Android, Windows Phone 8 and iOS. Users of the feature can view additional content to accompany the game they are playing, or the TV shows and movies they are watching. They can also use their mobile device as a remote to control the Xbox 360 console.<ref>{{cite web |title=E3 2012: A closer look at Xbox SmartGlass |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/e3-2012-a-closer-look-at-xbox-smartglass/ |website=CNET |publisher=CNET |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref>
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− | | |
− | == Game development ==
| |
| | | |
− | PartnerNet, the developers-only alternative [[Xbox Live]] network used by developers to beta test game content downloads and games developed for [[Xbox Live Arcade]],<ref>[http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2007/02/why_partnernet_is_a_pr_nightma.php Why PartnerNet is a PR Nightmare for Microsoft] on GameSetWatch</ref> runs on Xbox 360 [[debugging|debug]] kits, which are used both by developers and by the gaming press. In a podcast released on February 12, 2007, a developer breached the PartnerNet [[non-disclosure agreement]] (NDA) by commenting that he had found a playable version of ''[[Alien Hominid]]'' and an unplayable version of ''[[Ikaruga]]'' on PartnerNet. A few video game journalists, misconstruing the breach of the NDA as an invalidation of the NDA, immediately began reporting on other games being tested via PartnerNet, including a remake of ''[[Jetpac]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/14/xbox-360-partnernet-video-hints-at-jetpac-juiced-2007/|title=Xbox 360 PartnerNet video hints at Jetpac, Juiced 2007 [update 1]|first=|last=ludwigk|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref> (''Alien Hominid'' for the Xbox 360 was released on February 28 of that year, and ''Ikaruga'' was released over a year later on April 9, 2008. ''Jetpac'' was released for the Xbox 360 on March 28, 2007 as ''[[Jetpac Refuelled]]''.) There have also been numerous video and screenshot leaks of game footage on PartnerNet, as well as a complete version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'', which caused for the whole PartnerNet service to be shut down overnight on April 3, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Sonic 4 "Leak Week," One Year On |url=http://www.tssznews.com/2011/03/29/the-sonic-4-leak-week-one-year-on/ |website=Tssznews |publisher=Tssznews |accessdate=24 August 2018}}</ref> In the following days, [[Microsoft]] reminded developers and journalists that they were in breach of NDA by sharing information about PartnerNet content and asked websites to remove lists of games in development that were discovered on the service.<ref>{{cite web |title=MICROSOFT INVESTIGATING HALO: REACH LEAK |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/20/microsoft-investigating-halo-reach-leak |website=IGN |publisher=IGN |accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref> Sega used feedback from fans about the leaked version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I to refine it before they eventually released it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yakuza 6's Demo Glitch is Another Mishap in Sega's History of Leaks |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/yakuza-6s-demo-glitch-is-another-mishap-in-segas-history-of-leaks |website=US Gamer |publisher=US Gamer |accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref>
| + | [[Category:Microsoft consoles]] |
− | Additionally, a pair of hackers played their modded Halo 3 games on PartnerNet in addition to using PartnerNet to scoop up unreleased and untested software. The duo passed their hacked Halo pics to their friends before they were eventually caught by Bungie engineers who left a message for the hackers on PartnerNet which read "Winners Don't Break Into PartnerNet.".<ref>{{cite web |title=THE YOUNG AND THE RECKLESS |url=https://www.wired.com/story/xbox-underground-videogame-hackers/ |website=Wired |publisher=Wired |accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref> Other games that were leaked in the PartnerNet fiasco include [[Shenmue]] and Shenmue 2.<ref>{{cite web |title=European retailers list Bayonetta, Vanquish and Shenmue releases for |url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/11/european-retailers-list-bayonetta-vanquish-and-shenmue-releases-for-xbox-one-and-ps4/ |website=VG 247 |publisher=VG 247 |accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref>
| |
Xbox 360
|
Left: Original model Xbox 360 Premium (2005) Center: Redesigned slim model Xbox 360 S (2010) Right: Latest model Xbox 360 E (2013) |
Developer |
Microsoft |
---|
Manufacturer |
Flextronics, Wistron, Celestica, Foxconn |
---|
Product family |
Xbox |
---|
Type |
Home video game console |
---|
Generation |
Seventh generation |
---|
Release date |
November 22, 2005
Original Xbox 360
- NA: November 22, 2005
- EU: December 2, 2005
- JP: December 10, 2005
- CO|MX: February 2, 2006
- KR: February 24, 2006
- HK|SG|TW: March 16, 2006
- AUS: March 23, 2006
- CL: July 7, 2006
- IN: September 25, 2006
- ZA: September 29, 2006
- CZ|PL: November 3, 2006
- BR: December 1, 2006
- RU: February 11, 2007
- PE: February 25, 2008
- UAE: October 28, 2008
- NG|TR: 2009
- SC: Spring 2010
Xbox 360 S
- NA: June 18, 2010
- AUS: July 1, 2010
- NZ: July 8, 2010
- EU: July 16, 2010
Xbox 360 E
- NA: June 10, 2013
- EU: June 20, 2013
|
---|
Retail availability |
2005–2016 |
---|
Discontinued |
WW: April 20, 2016 |
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Units sold |
Worldwide: 84 million (2014-06-09) (details) |
---|
Media |
DVD, CD, digital distribution
Add-on: HD DVD (discontinued) |
---|
Operating system |
Xbox 360 system software |
---|
CPU |
3.2 GHz PowerPC Tri-Core Xenon |
---|
Memory |
512 MB of GDDR3 RAM clocked at 700 MHz |
---|
Storage |
Storage media
- Detachable Hard Drives
20, 60, 120 or 250 GB (older models); 250 or 320 GB (Xbox 360 S models)
- Memory Cards (Removable) (Original design only)
64 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB
- On-board storage chip
- Arcade Consoles (later models)
256 MB, 512 MB
- Budget level "Xbox 360 S" consoles:
4 GB
- USB storage device (requires system software update)
1 GB to 32 GB
- Cloud storage (requires Xbox LIVE Gold Membership)
2 GB
|
---|
Display |
Video output formats
- Composite video
480i, 576i (PAL)
- S-Video
480i, 576i (PAL)
- RGB SCART
480i, 576i (PAL)
- Component (YPBPR)
480i, 576i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
- D-Terminal (YPBPR)
480i (D1), 480p (D2), 720p (D4), 1080i (D3), 1080p (D5)
- VGA
640×480, 848×480, 1024×768, 1280×720 (720p), 1280×768, 1280×1024, 1360×768, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1080 (1080p)
- HDMI (later models)
480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
- Note: 1080p video playback is limited to content from the Zune marketplace
|
---|
Graphics |
500 MHz ATI Xenos |
---|
Sound |
- Analog stereo
- Stereo LPCM (TOSLINK and HDMI)
- Dolby Digital 5.1 (TOSLINK and HDMI)
- Dolby Digital with WMA pro (TOSLINK and HDMI)
|
---|
Controller input |
Controllers
4 maximum* (any combination):
*4 Big button pads may be used in addition to other controllers. |
---|
Connectivity |
Original models
2.4 GHz wireless, 3 × USB 2.0, IR receiver, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet Add-on: Wifi 802.11 a/b/g, Wifi 802.11a/b/g/n
Revised "S" models
2.4 GHz wireless, 5 × USB 2.0, Digital Optical audio out, IR receiver, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port
Revised "E" models
2.4 GHz wireless, 4 × USB 2.0, IR receiver, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port |
---|
Online services |
Xbox Live |
---|
Best-selling game |
Kinect Adventures! (24 million as pack-in game for Kinect) |
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Backward compatibility |
461 original Xbox games (requires hard drive and the latest update) |
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Predecessor |
Xbox |
---|
Successor |
Xbox One |
---|
Website |
[1] |
---|
Introduction[edit]
The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. As the successor to the original Xbox, it is the second console in the Xbox series. It competed with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles. It was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information announced later that month at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
The Xbox 360 features an online service, Xbox Live, which was expanded from its previous iteration on the original Xbox and received regular updates during the console's lifetime. Available in free and subscription-based varieties, Xbox Live allows users to: play games online; download games (through Xbox Live Arcade) and game demos; purchase and stream music, television programs, and films through the Xbox Music and Xbox Video portals; and access third-party content services through media streaming applications. In addition to online multimedia features, it allows users to stream media from local PCs. Several peripherals have been released, including wireless controllers, expanded hard drive storage, and the Kinect motion sensing camera. The release of these additional services and peripherals helped the Xbox brand grow from gaming-only to encompassing all multimedia, turning it into a hub for living-room computing entertainment.
Launched worldwide across 2005–2006, the Xbox 360 was initially in short supply in many regions, including North America and Europe. The earliest versions of the console suffered from a high failure rate, indicated by the so-called "Red Ring of Death", necessitating an extension of the device's warranty period. Microsoft released two redesigned models of the console: the Xbox 360 S in 2010, and the Xbox 360 E in 2013. As of June 2014, 84 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide, making it the sixth-highest-selling video game console in history, and the highest-selling console made by an American company. Although not the best-selling console of its generation, the Xbox 360 was deemed by TechRadar to be the most influential through its emphasis on digital media distribution and multiplayer gaming on Xbox Live.
The Xbox 360's successor, the Xbox One, was released on November 22, 2013. On April 20, 2016, Microsoft announced that it would end the production of new Xbox 360 hardware, although the company will continue to support the platform.
Specifications[edit]
Hardware[edit]
The Xbox 360 E model, announced at 2013's
E3, shares many aesthetics with the
Xbox One.
The main unit of the Xbox 360 itself has slight double concavity in matte white or black. The official color of the white model is Arctic Chill. It features a port on the top when vertical (left side when horizontal) to which a custom-housed hard disk drive unit can be attached.
On the Slim and E models, the hard drive bay is on the bottom when vertical (right side when horizontal) and requires the opening of a concealed door to access it. (This does not void the warranty.) The Xbox 360 Slim/E hard drives are standard 2.5" SATA laptop drives, but have a custom enclosure and firmware so that the Xbox 360 can recognize it.
Technical specifications[edit]
Various hard disk drives have been produced, including options at 20, 60, 120, 250, or 320 GB. Inside, the Xbox 360 uses the triple-core IBM designed Xenon as its CPU, with each core capable of simultaneously processing two threads, and can therefore operate on up to six threads at once. Graphics processing is handled by the ATI Xenos, which has 10 MB of eDRAM. Its main memory pool is 512 MB in size.
Accessories[edit]
Many accessories are available for the console, including both wired and wireless controllers, faceplates for customization, headsets for chatting, a webcam for video chatting, dance mats and Gamercize for exercise, three sizes of memory units and five sizes of hard drives (20, 60, 120, 250 (initially Japan only, but later also available elsewhere) and 320 GB), among other items, all of which are styled to match the console.
A
Kinect sensor device. The Xbox 360 E revision has an Xbox logo to the left of the Xbox 360 branding.
Kinect is a "controller-free gaming and entertainment experience" for the Xbox 360. It was first announced on June 1, 2009 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, under the codename, Project Natal. The add-on peripheral enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without a game controller by using gestures, spoken commands and presented objects and images. The Kinect accessory is compatible with all Xbox 360 models, connecting to new models via a custom connector, and to older ones via a USB and mains power adapter. During their CES 2010 keynote speech, Robbie Bach and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer went on to say that Kinect will be released during the holiday period (November–January) and work with every 360 console. It was released on November 4, 2010
Xbox 360 Chatpad from the Messenger Kit attached to a wireless controller
AV output[edit]
Built-in
Through AV connector (excluding E models which have no AV connector)
Technical problems[edit]
Three red lights on the Xbox 360's ring indicator representing a "General Error requiring service of the Console or Power Adapter," commonly nicknamed the "Red Ring of Death."
The Xbox 360 (not Slim and E models) has been subject to a number of technical problems. Since the console's release in 2005, users have reported concerns over its reliability and failure rate.
To aid customers with defective consoles, Microsoft extended the Xbox 360's manufacturer's warranty to three years for hardware failure problems that generate a "General Hardware Failure" error report. A "General Hardware Failure" is recognized on all models released before the Xbox 360 S by three quadrants of the ring around the power button flashing red. This error is often known as the "Red Ring of Death". In April 2009 the warranty was extended to also cover failures related to the E74 error code. The warranty extension is not granted for any other types of failures that do not generate these specific error codes.
Since these problems surfaced, Microsoft has attempted to modify the console to improve its reliability. Modifications include a reduction in the number, size, and placement of components, the addition of dabs of epoxy on the corners and edges of the CPU and GPU as glue to prevent movement relative to the board during heat expansion, and a second GPU heatsink to dissipate more heat. With the release of the redesigned Xbox 360 S, the warranty for the newer models does not include the three-year extended coverage for "General Hardware Failures". The newer Xbox 360 S and E models indicate system overheating when the console's power button begins to flash red, unlike previous models where the first and third quadrant of the ring would light up red around the power button if overheating occurred. The system will then warn the user of imminent system shutdown until the system has cooled, whereas a flashing power button that alternates between green and red is an indication of a "General Hardware Failure" unlike older models where three of the quadrants would light up red.
Software[edit]
Interface[edit]
The Xbox 360's original graphical user interface was the Xbox 360 Dashboard; a tabbed interface that featured five "Blades" (formerly four blades), and was designed by AKQA and Audiobrain. It could be launched automatically when the console booted without a disc in it, or when the disc tray was ejected, but the user had the option to select what the console does if a game is in the tray on start up, or if inserted when already on. A simplified version of it was also accessible at any time via the Xbox Guide button on the gamepad. This simplified version showed the user's gamercard, Xbox Live messages and friends list. It also allowed for personal and music settings, in addition to voice or video chats, or returning to the Xbox Dashboard from the game.
On November 19, 2008, the Xbox 360's dashboard was changed from the "Blade" interface, to a dashboard reminiscent of that present on the Zune and Windows Media Center, known as the "New Xbox Experience" or NXE.
Since the console's release, Microsoft has released several updates for the Dashboard software. These updates have included adding new features to the console, enhancing Xbox Live functionality and multimedia playback capabilities, adding compatibility for new accessories, and fixing bugs in the software. Such updates are mandatory for users wishing to use Xbox Live, as access to Xbox Live is disabled until the update is performed.
New Xbox Experience[edit]
At E3 2008, at Microsoft's Show, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg and Marc Whitten announced the new Xbox 360 interface called the "New Xbox Experience" (NXE). The update was intended to ease console menu navigation. Its GUI uses the Twist UI, previously used in Windows Media Center and the Zune. Its new Xbox Guide retains all Dashboard functionality (including the Marketplace browser and disk ejection) and the original "Blade" interface (although the color scheme has been changed to match that of the NXE Dashboard).
The NXE also provides many new features. Users can now install games from disc to the hard drive to play them with reduced load time and less disc drive noise, but each game's disc must remain in the system in order to run. A new, built-in Community system allows the creation of digitized Avatars that can be used for multiple activities, such as sharing photos or playing Arcade games like 1 vs. 100. The update was released on November 19, 2008.
While previous system updates have been stored on internal memory, the NXE update was the first to require a storage device—at least a 128 MB memory card or a hard drive.
Microsoft released a further update to the Xbox 360 Dashboard starting on December 6, 2011. It included a completely new user interface which utilizes Microsoft's Metro design language, and added new features such as cloud storage for game saves and profiles, live television, Bing voice search, access to YouTube videos and better support for Kinect voice commands.
Multimedia[edit]
The Xbox 360 supports videos in Windows Media Video (WMV) format (including high-definition and PlaysForSure videos), as well as H.264 and MPEG-4 media. The December 2007 dashboard update added support for the playback of MPEG-4 ASP format videos. The console can also display pictures and perform slideshows of photo collections with various transition effects, and supports audio playback, with music player controls accessible through the Xbox 360 Guide button. Users may play back their own music while playing games or using the dashboard, and can play music with an interactive visual synthesizer.
Music, photos and videos can be played from standard USB mass storage devices, Xbox 360 proprietary storage devices (such as memory cards or Xbox 360 hard drives), and servers or computers with Windows Media Center or Windows XP with Service pack 2 or higher within the local-area network in streaming mode. As the Xbox 360 uses a modified version of the UPnP AV protocol, some alternative UPnP servers such as uShare (part of the GeeXboX project) and MythTV can also stream media to the Xbox 360, allowing for similar functionality from non-Windows servers.
This is possible with video files up to HD-resolution and with several codecs (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV) and container formats (WMV, MOV, TS).
As of October 27, 2009, UK and Ireland users are also able to access live and on-demand streams of Sky television programming.
At the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Consumer Electronics Shows, Microsoft had announced that IPTV services would soon be made available to use through the Xbox 360. In 2007, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates stated that IPTV on Xbox 360 was expected to be available to consumers by the holiday season, using the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition platform. In 2008, Gates and president of Entertainment & Devices Robbie Bach announced a partnership with BT in the United Kingdom, in which the BT Vision advanced TV service, using the newer Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV platform, would be accessible via Xbox 360, planned for the middle of the year. BT Vision's DVR-based features would not be available on Xbox 360 due to limited hard drive capacity. In 2010, while announcing version 2.0 of Microsoft Mediaroom, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer mentioned that AT&T's U-verse IPTV service would enable Xbox 360s to be used as set-top boxes later in the year. As of January 2010, IPTV on Xbox 360 has yet to be deployed beyond limited trials.
In 2012, Microsoft released the Live Event Player, allowing for events such as video game shows, beauty pageants, award shows, concerts, news and sporting events to be streamed on the console via Xbox Live. The first live events streamed on Live were the 2012 Revolver Golden Gods, Microsoft's E3 2012 media briefing and the Miss Teen USA 2012 beauty pageant.
XNA Community is a feature whereby Xbox 360 owners can receive community-created games, made with Microsoft XNA Game Studio, from the XNA Creators Club. The games are written, published, and distributed through a community managed portal. XNA Community provides a channel for digital videogame delivery over Xbox Live that can be free of royalties, publishers and licenses. XNA game sales, however, did not meet original expectations, though Xbox Live Indie Games (XBLIG) has had some "hits."
Game development[edit]
PartnerNet, the developers-only alternative Xbox Live network used by developers to beta test game content downloads and games developed for Xbox Live Arcade, runs on Xbox 360 debug kits, which are used both by developers and by the gaming press. In a podcast released on February 12, 2007, a developer breached the PartnerNet non-disclosure agreement (NDA) by commenting that he had found a playable version of Alien Hominid and an unplayable version of Ikaruga on PartnerNet. A few video game journalists, misconstruing the breach of the NDA as an invalidation of the NDA, immediately began reporting on other games being tested via PartnerNet, including a remake of Jetpac. (Alien Hominid for the Xbox 360 was released on February 28 of that year, and Ikaruga was released over a year later on April 9, 2008. Jetpac was released for the Xbox 360 on March 28, 2007 as Jetpac Refuelled.) There have also been numerous video and screenshot leaks of game footage on PartnerNet, as well as a complete version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, which caused for the whole PartnerNet service to be shut down overnight on April 3, 2010. In the following days, Microsoft reminded developers and journalists that they were in breach of NDA by sharing information about PartnerNet content and asked websites to remove lists of games in development that were discovered on the service. Sega used feedback from fans about the leaked version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I to refine it before they eventually released it.
Additionally, a pair of hackers played their modded Halo 3 games on PartnerNet in addition to using PartnerNet to scoop up unreleased and untested software. The duo passed their hacked Halo pics to their friends before they were eventually caught by Bungie engineers who left a message for the hackers on PartnerNet which read "Winners Don't Break Into PartnerNet.". Other games that were leaked in the PartnerNet fiasco include Shenmue and Shenmue 2.