Microsoft announces Xbox 360 Price!

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Circuitbreaker8

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

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

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

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

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99 Xbox 360 console. This premium edition — distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself — comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:

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



At $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

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

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£24.99*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€99.99/£69.99*).

Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£22.99*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./€44.99/£32.99*).

Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./€14.99/£9.99*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€79.99 /£59.99*).

Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€24.99/£17.99*).

Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

“With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we’re offering consumers real choice and real value,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers’ living rooms this Christmas holiday.”
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Link
 
So now, what do the PC elitests have to say ... I read so many "They cant possible make it 299.99" in numerous threads about the subject. Im guessing we will still see posts claiming this to be just rumors.
 
Draax said:
So now, what do the PC elitests have to say ... I read so many "They cant possible make it 299.99" in numerous threads about the subject. Im guessing we will still see posts claiming this to be just rumors.
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;) They won't stop until its free with thier $800 Mach15 cooling unit

-Anyways, thats not a bad price at all, even the premium package ( which I plan to get ) Its still less than a 7800GTX , and there are more good games on launch than the PC had all year :D

I plan to get the premium package, PGR3 and PD:Z :D I might get Oblivion, I never got into the first one though, but i'll give this a try. I can't even begin to imagine how good Perfect Dark Zero is going to be :D
 
This is what most of us expected. It's definately worth a $299 price tag. I'm going to spring for the Premium.
 
Anyone know if the HD cable is going to be VGA or DVI ?

Also which version of the 360 will people purchase ? Im thinking I will go premium, just because I have an HD tv, and that packages comes with HD cables, wireless controllers, and the DVD unit thingy, as I still use the XBOX at the heart of my home theatre system.
 
Obi_Kwiet said:
No 1080p? pft.
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No 1080p because one cannot justify the heavy increase in cost for both TVs and players such as the 360, for such a minimal gain in performance. Perhaps in the future when 1080p becomes standard in HDTVs.

In addition it says no where that its not possible to get an update to output 1080p. As 1080i has the same fps as 1080p it is just displayed a different way. 1080i refreshes the full frame every 1/30th of a second so half the frame every 1/60th of a second. 1080p refreshes the whole frame every 1/60th of a second.

Edit : switched half for full
 
Draax said:
No 1080p because one cannot justify the heavy increase in cost for both TVs and players such as the 360, for such a minimal gain in performance.
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You mean gain in IQ? Otherwise, you are correct.
 
Circuitbreaker8 said:
You mean gain in IQ? Otherwise, you are correct.
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Read my edit. What is the IQ supposed to mean ? Image quality ?
 
Well if I did decide to get this new xbox system I would wait till next year and compare it with the ps3, and when it would inevitably come with a cheaper price tag on the "premium" edition. Only the silver edition for xbox live is a rip, I will never play monthly for something (ie a game, or gaming service) when I already own the game and pay for the high-speed internet already. When you figure someone buying the "core" system would still have to buy a memory card and a 60.00 dollar game, it's sad they can't throw in one wireless controller.

I will wait to see what sony has to offer, and wait to see if there is a better deal when the ps3 is about to launch.
 
independantvariable said:
Well if I did decide to get this new xbox system I would wait till next year and compare it with the ps3, and when it would inevitably come with a cheaper price tag on the "premium" edition. Only the silver edition for xbox live is a rip, I will never play monthly for something (ie a game, or gaming service) when I already own the game and pay for the high-speed internet already. When you figure someone buying the "core" system would still have to buy a memory card and a 60.00 dollar game, it's sad they can't throw in one wireless controller.

I will wait to see what sony has to offer, and wait to see if there is a better deal when the ps3 is about to launch.
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You don't pay monthly w/ XBL...you pay yearly.

And PS3 probably wont hit US shelves till Q3/Q4 2006.
 
Draax said:
Read my edit. What is the IQ supposed to mean ? Image quality ?
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You might want to edit it again. Half a frame 30 times/second is a full frame 15 times/second.
 
independantvariable said:
I will wait to see what sony has to offer, and wait to see if there is a better deal when the ps3 is about to launch.
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There is also another bonus to waiting until the PS3 is released .... that is when Halo 3 will be released.
 
Draax said:
There is also another bonus to waiting until the PS3 is released .... that is when Halo 3 will be released.
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Oh man...imagine Halo 3 with Unreal 3.0+++ graphics :eek:
 
HHunt said:
You might want to edit it again. Half a frame 30 times/second is a full frame 15 times/second.
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Yeah for semantics.

1080i : All odd numbered lines are scanned in 1/60th of a second, all even numbered lines are scanned in 1/60th of a second, which results in the entire frame in 1/30th of a second.

1080p: All horizontal lines are scanned progressively in 1/60th of a second.

http://www.avdeals.ca/classroom/what_is_dtv.htm
 
bad idea to release a crippled version

if a hard drive isnt standard, dont expect many devs to make use of it

it's a stunt for microsoft just to say "hey, we're only 299$"
 
I'm more excited about PD0 than Halo 3 at the moment...the select few who got to see it behind closed doors at E3 said it looked infinitely better than it did at that MTV Special (Especially retarded). They really did a disservice to themselves with that...but it's in the past.

I'm a bit confused. I think the Silver subscription is for everyone. It seems like Gold would be the one that came with the Premium package.
 
Circuitbreaker8 said:
Oh man...imagine Halo 3 with Unreal 3.0+++ graphics :eek:
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Plus its on earth. Hopefully there will be a much more military feel to it, like the Halo 2 videos showed, before the game was released. Im hoping for urban warfare, with covenant attacking from windows and rooftops .... think black hawk down.
 
Sounds much better. :)

The trade-off with interlacing is that each line gets half the refresh rate compared to a progressive scan, while you get a (half-screen) update as often as with progressive. I can see the point in bandwidth-limited situations, but I kind of doubt the framebuffer -> TV bandwidth is a limitation on the 360. Implementing it is a matter of (at worst) changing the output encoder chip and setting a mode flag; the hardware already renders a full frame at the same resolution 60 times a second.
Which is why it's odd if they only support 1080i.
 
michealo said:
bad idea to release a crippled version

if a hard drive isnt standard, dont expect many devs to make use of it

it's a stunt for microsoft just to say "hey, we're only 299$"
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from what i read the harddrive is included in both versions, no?
 
TheCreator said:
from what i read the harddrive is included in both versions, no?
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My understanding was that the core version has an internal HD, as does the premium, the only difference is that the premium has a 20gb detachable.

I could be wrong tho ..... :confused:
 
oh i see it's listed as an accessory i thought it was just listing specs... got it... well that's gay :)

edit: i'll be getting the premium version
 
Edit: My mistake, the official specs and pricing have been confirmed directly by Microsoft at this point.
 
Night Fox said:
I've been reading various news sources, and the consensus is that LA Times is reporting this incorrectly.

Here is a quote from Major Nelson (part of the XBOX team)
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see i thought i heard that it would have a harddrive but who knows for sure.

it would be a mistake to not include one if you ask me.
 
haha, LAT gets another story wrong.

On Par for them.

Anyway....I am getting the nuetered version.
 
When J Allard (sp?) told developers not to count on the HDD always being there, I think he meant it as "The kids may not always have the *detacheable* HDD on their person, so don't always count on it". Also, there is a 20GB HDD and a 40GB HDD. Maybe the premium comes with the 40GB, and the core comes with the 20GB?

It doesn't make sense that they would want to push the online market place, download demos, and so on so much if they are going to ship some X360s without a HDD to make use of the online experience that they tout so much. Let's face it, the 64MB mem card is not enough to take advantage of the online community the way they designed it.
 
I don't have an Xbox, but don't all the auto-updates that Microsoft always forces on you to keep cheaters off of Live require a HD?. If so then it would be impossible for them to ship one without a HD if they want to push Live so much.
 
xenogears said:
I don't have an Xbox, but don't all the auto-updates that Microsoft always forces on you to keep cheaters off of Live require a HD?. If so then it would be impossible for them to ship one without a HD if they want to push Live so much.
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yeah that's basically what was said above... i believe both will ship with a hd.
 
read NightFox's post with Major Nelson's blog quote.

The cheapest priced Xbox360 comes with a wireless controller and a HDD.
 
Tiny said:
read NightFox's post with Major Nelson's blog quote.

The cheapest priced Xbox360 comes with a wireless controller and a HDD.
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Not according to GamesIndustry.biz. Well, LA Times anyway

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=10841

The $299 version will not come with a HDD.

Gone is one advantage that Microsoft looked like they were going to have over Sony, shipping the Xbox 360 with a hard drive as standard equipment. Now the developers are not going to program the games to use the hard drive. This will bring down the level of features that will be offered in their games. So, what will Xbox have over PS3? Nothing by the looks of it. They will get a small marketing jump by being first out but the PS3 will crush the 360 by virtue of its massive PS2 catalog alone.

The Xbox came out with a major feature that helped them make some in roads in the market. They offered a hard drive that developers could use to reduce the load times. It was a value to the consumer because it did not increase the price of the system. Consumers, in general, do not purchase peripherals for game systems beyond an extra controller. I think Microsoft is seriously overestimating their foothold in the console market and this decision is going to cost them alot.
 
Unfortunately, I can't read the linked article at the moment. But who's to say that they haven't received misinformation as well? It makes me very curious about the quote from Major Nelson...
 
Night Fox said:
Unfortunately, I can't read the linked article at the moment. But who's to say that they haven't received misinformation as well? It makes me very curious about the quote from Major Nelson...
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While it is possible that is misinformation and papers like the LA Times do make mistakes from time to time. Generally they try to have pretty good sources for their stories. Considering this is politically neutral news, I tend to believe they have their facts straight.
 
Defective said:
Gone is one advantage that Microsoft looked like they were going to have over Sony, shipping the Xbox 360 with a hard drive as standard equipment. Now the developers are not going to program the games to use the hard drive. This will bring down the level of features that will be offered in their games. So, what will Xbox have over PS3? Nothing by the looks of it. They will get a small marketing jump by being first out but the PS3 will crush the 360 by virtue of its massive PS2 catalog alone.

The Xbox came out with a major feature that helped them make some in roads in the market. They offered a hard drive that developers could use to reduce the load times. It was a value to the consumer because it did not increase the price of the system. Consumers, in general, do not purchase peripherals for game systems beyond an extra controller. I think Microsoft is seriously overestimating their foothold in the console market and this decision is going to cost them alot.
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Can your crystal ball tell you anything about my future ? :rolleyes:
 
Draax said:
Can your crystal ball tell you anything about my future ? :rolleyes:
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Yes, just tell me about things that are going on in your life and I will relate them similiar experiences that other people have had and then tell you, based on what happened to them, what is most likely to happen to you.

Its not like the game industry has just popped out of nowhere in the last 5 years.
 
As for the original post about PC Elitists, I don't know why anyone would be suprised that MS would come it a such a low price point. They take such loses on consoles (As does Sony), that the retail price in no way reflects the actual worth of the console.
 
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