The Countdown Begins: Xbox 360 Launch Details!

[Iceman183]

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

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

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

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

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S. Xbox 360 console. This premium edition—distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself—comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately. The system includes:

Xbox 360 Console: Sexy styling that packs a punch—three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and DVD playback right out of the box.
Xbox 360 Hard Drive: 20GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music, and games libraries as well as a range of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of battery life on two AA batteries. 3
Xbox 360 Faceplate: The removable Faceplate comes in stylish "chill" (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.
Xbox 360 Headset: This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable: This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
Xbox Live Silver membership: With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace like demos, trailers, and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
A bonus Media Remote: Included for a limited time only, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies, and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC with a single remote.
At $299.99 U.S., the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

Xbox 360 console: As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and DVD playback right out of the box.
Xbox 360 Controller: This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
Xbox 360 Faceplate: Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish "chill" (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.
Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable: This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.
The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S.), Xbox 360 Controllers (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*), and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

Xbox 360 Hard Drive: 20GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace, and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB): Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements, and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music, and games libraries as well as a range of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of battery life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit: This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack: This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter: With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 Headset: This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote: Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies, and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) / Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only): This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S.*).
Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable: Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*).
"With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we're offering consumers real choice and real value," says Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. "We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers' living rooms this Christmas holiday."

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around you.

The system will launch this holiday season in Europe, Japan, and North America, to be followed by availability in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan in 2006. More information can be found online at www.xbox.com/xbox360.

*Actual retail price may vary.

[GhostRiderTGAC]

Last Friday evening (November 18th) I stopped by the Medley Center to drop off the final installment of cash at the Gamestop where I pre-ordered my 360. I am number 4 out of 12 people who are confirmed to be recieving their units tomorrow (Nov 22nd) unfortunatley this store as well as the other one on the corner of Ridge and Hudson will not be open at midnight (I wouldn't have gone at midnight anyway so it's no big deal) but they will be open at 8AM.
While I was there I got a chance to actually get my hands on the 360 controller and play around with a real-life 360. I didn't want to hog the console as the number 3 guy in the pre-order line-up was there as well and he wanted to check things out too. I did get to play some of Call of Duty 2 (which I have already purchased) and I was blown away. Basically from what I could tell it isn't that much different from the original (this is good because the original is an incredible game) but when it comes to the video I was amazed. I have seen some pretty good PC games and this was as good as it gets. I picked up the game as my character (the British soldier) is riding with his platoon into a North African village. The heat waves coming off the sand dunes and the glare from the sun was so cool I just looked around to experience these. There were so many AI guys with me and everyone was so detailed and well drawn I couldn't believe my eyes.
Tomorrow when I go and pickup my own XBOX 360 I am going to ask what content is available from the kiosk. Microsoft has indicated that different content will be available at different locations and as such if I find out the content is worth it I will fork out the extra cash to pickup a memory unit. When you guys are out and about if you can find out what content is available at the other various stores and post it that would be great.
Also make sure you check out the forums at XBOX.COM. There is a ton of activity on them (mostly related to the 360) but there is still lots of great stuff for gen 1 XBOX as well (i.e. game reviews, hardware discussions, etc.).

[Megafaf333]

Ghost lemme know if you want to get to know the Perfect Dark Zero maps with some bots or somethin'. I'm off to target as we speak to wait in line to hopefully get one.

[D. Jeremy DeMar]

Megafaf, did you get one??

Iceman

[GhostRiderTGAC]

megafaf333 said:

Ghost lemme know if you want to get to know the Perfect Dark Zero maps with some bots or somethin'. I'm off to target as we speak to wait in line to hopefully get one.

I didn't pickup PDZ yet but Metastat has and has already begun playin. I am hosting family for Thanksgiving so I won't be able to play until next week. I am hoping a bunch of us can get on for some PDZ and Call of Duty 2 action next Wednesday night. We are going to hook up to Danero's 57" HD wide-screen behemoth television with his THX/Dolby 5.1 theater sound system (the neighborhood will definitely know there's some mad gamin goin on!).

Now here's a question, can I log onto my Gamertag on his box when we play split-screen on Live! from his box without using a memory card?

[GhostRiderTGAC]

Who has a 360? I know we will be talking about them at the team meeting next month but I want to start the preliminary planning for the winter '06 LAN event. We will have some games that are gen 1, mixed, and 360 so knowing who has what is key.
Also, if you have a 360, do you still have your gen 1 (I do)? If you are planning to get rid of it please let the club know. I would hate to have a perfectly good console get traded away when we might be able to help get someone equipment who otherwise couldn't get it themselves.
Finally, the big questions is when is Iceman getting his unit!!!!

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Gaming is goooood on NEXT GEN!

[Megafaf333]

Haha, I think Iceman never had a 'unit' if you know what I mean

Yeah I did get to pick up a core system yesterday, waited outside target for 4 hours and I was number 17th out of 20 in line.

I sent Metastat a friend request on my new tag because I'm having troubles moving my old one to my new box.

I hooked up the iPod to it and I lover being able to play music while I pop peoples heads is PDZ.

Oh yeah the new tag is II Rootz II <--- i's

[GhostRiderTGAC]

Metastat told me that he got your friend request but was confused as to who you are. Were you able to send a message along with it to let him know?

Also have you had any problems at the end of a round of multiplayer PDZ? Meta was experiencing weird lock ups where the only way he could get out was by pushing the guide button. Also his game stats weren't updating on his gamercard. He only shows 10 points as of right now but he played quite a bit of PDZ yesterday online.

[Megafaf333]

I did indeed send him a message, I got my old tag on my new box though so its all good.

As far as lock-ups go I have had no problems at all.