All About the Xbox 360

With the release of the Xbox 360, Microsoft has officially started the next generation of video games. The system is an incredible step forward from the already powerful Xbox, not just in graphics processing power, but also in terms of features and integration with their online services.

High-Definition game support

All games and content take advantage of the latest home theater technology and are supported at 16:9, resolutions of 720p or 1080i, and feature hardware anti-aliasing to remove the jagged edges that typically plague video games.

Standard-definition output supported for users without high-definition televisions.

Unchained access

The Xbox 360 is the first game console to offer wireless controllers as standard issue. While the Core bundle only supplies a wired controller, the Premium pack offers the wireless controllers in the box.

By holiday 2006, Microsoft will release a number of other wireless products such as wireless headsets, racing wheels and wireless Internet access adapters.

Your digital locker

Like its predecessor, the Xbox 360 uses a hard drive to save content and optimize game speeds. This iteration, however, the hard drive is a removable 20 gigabyte drive, enough room for downloaded movies, mp3's and all of your game saves.

Game point

All games on the Xbox 360 feature unlockable achievements, which are gotten by satisfying certain conditions during gameplay. These achievements give you points on your "gamer score." Now, you can see just where you rank in the legion of Xbox players, worldwide.

On-line, all the time

The Xbox 360 offers full, out-of-the-box access to Xbox Live, Microsoft's online service that is the gateway to online multiplayer gaming, extra game content and exclusive game videos, movie trailers and picture theme packs to customize the system interface.

The 360 can access broadband internet by simply connecting a cable into the built-in Ethernet port or by using an external wireless internet adapter.

If you connect the Xbox 360 to a home network with a Windows PC, you can even stream music and photos to the console and enjoy them from the comforts of your couch!

Get your game on

All of this means nothing without good games and Microsoft is gearing up to deliver a stellar line-up from the best developers in the industry.

Titles like the World War II epic, Call of Duty 2 and street racing simulation, Project Gotham Racing 3, sold millions of copies in the first months of the launch and there are many more top notch titles on the way.

The Xbox 360 has lived up to the promises of a digital hub for the home. Welcome to the HD Era. Your ticket is the Xbox 360.

More information on Xbox