Microsoft's seventh-generation and second home video game console
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❤️ (E3).[17][18][19][20]
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.[21][22][23][24]
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,[25] and the❤️ Xbox 360 E in 2013.[26] Xbox 360 is the ninth-highest-selling home 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.[24][27]
The Xbox 360's❤️ successor, the Xbox One, was released on November 22, 2013.[28] On April 20, 2024, Microsoft announced that it would end❤️ the production of new Xbox 360 hardware, although the company will continue to support the platform.[7] On August 17, 2024,❤️ Microsoft announced that on July 29, 2024, the Xbox 360 game marketplace will stop offering new purchases and Microsoft Movies❤️ & TV app will no longer function (the console will still be able to download previously purchased content, run it,❤️ and enter multiplayer sessions).[29][30]
History
Development
Known during development as Xbox Next, Xenon, Xbox 2, Xbox FS or NextBox,[31] the Xbox 360 was❤️ conceived in early 2003.[32] In February 2003, planning for the Xenon software platform began, and was headed by Microsoft's Vice❤️ President J Allard.[32] That month, Microsoft held an event for 400 developers in Bellevue, Washington to recruit support for the❤️ system.[32] Also that month, 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 that was publicly announced two days later.[33]❤️ Before the launch of the Xbox 360, several Alpha development kits were spotted using Apple's Power Mac G5 hardware. This❤️ was because the system's PowerPC 970 processor was running the same PowerPC architecture that the Xbox 360 would eventually run❤️ under IBM's Xenon processor. The cores of the Xenon processor were developed using a slightly modified version of the PlayStation❤️ 3's 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 Processor.[34] Jeff Minter created the music visualization program Neon which is❤️ included with the Xbox 360.[35]
Launch
The Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005, in the United States and Canada;[5] 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 in the market,❤️ the system was launched in 36 countries, more countries than any other console has launched in a single year.[36]
Critical reception
In❤️ 2009, IGN named the Xbox 360 the sixth-greatest video game console of all time, out of a field of 25.[37]❤️ 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 game achievement awards.[24] PC Magazine❤️ considered the Xbox 360 the prototype for online gaming as it "proved that online gaming communities could thrive in the❤️ console space".[21] Five years after the Xbox 360's 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.[38] 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 is no Halo and nowadays❤️ Gran Turismo is no 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."[39]
Sales
Region Units sold First available United States 38.8 million❤️ as of June 27, 2013 [40] November 22, 2005 EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) 13.7 million as of❤️ March 31, 2011 [41] (includes UK sales) December 2, 2005 United Kingdom 9 million (lifetime sales) [42][43] Japan 1.62 million❤️ (lifetime sales) [44] December 10, 2005 Australia & New Zealand 1 million as of April 19, 2010 [45] March 23,❤️ 2006 Worldwide 84 million as of June 9, 2014 [8] (more...)
The Xbox 360 began production only 69 days before launch,[46][47]❤️ and Microsoft was not able to supply enough systems to meet initial consumer demand in Europe or North America, selling❤️ out completely upon release in all regions except in Japan.[48][49][50][51] Forty thousand units were offered for sale on auction site❤️ eBay during the initial week of release, 10% of the total supply.[52] 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.[53]
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.[54] 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.[55][56][57] By the end of March 2011, Xbox 360 sales in the US❤️ had reached 25.4 million units.[41] Between January 2011 and October 2013, the Xbox 360 was the best-selling console in the❤️ United States for these 32 consecutive months.[58] By the end of 2014, Xbox 360 sales had surpassed sales of the❤️ Wii, making the Xbox 360 the best-selling 7th-generation console in the US once again.[59] In Canada, the Xbox 360 has❤️ sold a total of 870,000 units as of August 1, 2008.[60]
In Europe, the Xbox 360 has sold seven million units❤️ as of November 20, 2008.[61] The Xbox 360 took 110 weeks to reach 2 million units sold in the UK,❤️ generating £507m in revenue.[42] Sales in the United Kingdom would reach 3.2 million units by January 2009, per GfK Chart-Track.[62]❤️ The 8 million unit mark was crossed in the UK by February 2013.[63] Sales of the Xbox 360 would overtake❤️ the Wii later that year, topping 9 million units, making the Xbox 360 the best-selling 7th-generation console in the UK,❤️ as well as making it the third best-selling console of all time in the region, behind the PS2 and Nintendo❤️ DS.[64][42][43] Over 1 million units were sold in Spain across the console's lifecycle.[65]
The Xbox 360 crossed the 1 million units❤️ sold in Japan in March 2009,[66] and the 1.5 million units sold in June 2011.[67] Lifetime sales of the Xbox❤️ 360 in Japan stand at 1,616,218 million units. While the Xbox 360 has sold poorly in Japan, it improved upon❤️ the sales of the original Xbox, which had total sales of 474,992 units.[44] Furthermore, the Xbox 360 managed to outsell❤️ both the PlayStation 3 and Wii the week ending September 14, 2008, as well as the week ending February 22,❤️ 2009, when the Japanese Xbox 360 exclusives Infinite Undiscovery[68] and Star Ocean: The Last Hope,[69] were released those weeks, respectively.❤️ Ultimately, Edge magazine would report that Microsoft had been unable to make serious inroads into the dominance of domestic rivals❤️ Sony and Nintendo; adding that lackluster sales in Japan had led to retailers scaling down and in some cases, discontinuing❤️ sales of the Xbox 360 completely.[70] The significance of Japan's poor sales might be overstated in the media in comparison❤️ to overall international sales.[71]
Legacy
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.[27] The inexpensive 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.[24][72][73][74][75] The PlayStation 3 struggled for a time due to being too❤️ expensive and initially lacking quality games,[76] 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".[24]
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.[77][78] 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.[79] 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.[80] 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,[81] Ace Combat 6,[82] Virtua Fighter 5,[83] Grand Theft Auto❤️ IV,[84] Final Fantasy XIII,[85] Tekken 6,[86] Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance,[87] and L.A. Noire.[88] 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.[89]
TechRadar deemed the Xbox 360 as the most influential game system through its emphasis of digital media❤️ distribution, Xbox Live online gaming service, and game achievement feature.[24] 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".[90][22][23]
Microsoft announced the successor to the Xbox❤️ 360, the Xbox One, on May 21, 2013.[91] On April 20, 2024, Microsoft announced the end of production of new❤️ Xbox 360 hardware, though the company will continue to provide hardware and software support for the platform as selected Xbox❤️ 360 games are playable on Xbox One.[92] The Xbox 360 continued to be supported by major publishers with new games❤️ well into the Xbox One's lifecycle. New titles were still being released in 2024.[93] The Xbox 360 continues to have❤️ an active player base years after the system's discontinuation. Speaking to Engadget at E3 2024 after the announcement of Project❤️ Scarlett, the next-generation of Xbox consoles after the Xbox One, Phil Spencer stated that there were still "millions and millions❤️ of players" active on the Xbox 360.[94] After the launch of the Xbox Series X and S by the end❤️ of 2024, the Xbox 360 still had a 17.7% market share of all consoles in use in Mexico; comparatively, newer❤️ systems like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 stood at 36.9% and 18.0% market share, respectively.[95]
Hardware
The Xbox 360 E model,❤️ announced at E3 2013, 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,[96] but have a custom enclosure and firmware so that the Xbox❤️ 360 can recognize it.[97]
Technical specifications
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.[98] Graphics processing is handled❤️ by the ATI Xenos, which has 10 MB of eDRAM. Its main memory pool is 512 MB in size.
Originally, the❤️ Xbox 360 was equipped with only 256 MB of RAM, but Epic, the Gears of War developer, demonstrated to Microsoft❤️ that the console should have 512 MB of RAM to deliver much better performance. When asked about this, Epic Games❤️ Executive Vice President Mark Rein said in 2006: "So the day they made the decision, we were apparently the first❤️ developer they called; we were at Game Developers Conference, was it two years ago, and then I got a call❤️ from the chief financial officer of MGS and he said 'I just want you to know you cost me a❤️ billion dollars' and I said, 'we did a favour for a billion gamers'."[99]
Various hard disk drives have been produced, including❤️ options at 20, 60, 120, 250, 320, or 500 GB.
Accessories
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,[100] but later also❤️ available elsewhere[101][102]) and 320 GB), among other items, all of which are styled to match the console.
In 2006, Microsoft released❤️ the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player. The accessory was discontinued in 2008 after the format war had ended in Blu-ray's❤️ favor.[103]
Kinect
A Kinect sensor device. The Xbox 360 E revision has an additional 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.[104] 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
. The Kinect❤️ accessory is compatible with all Xbox 360 models,[105] connecting to new models via a custom connector, and to older ones❤️ via a USB and mains power adapter.[106] During their CES 2010 keynote speech, Robbie Bach and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer❤️ went on to say that Kinect would be released during the holiday period (November–January) and work with every Xbox 360❤️ console. It was released on November 4, 2010.[107]
Xbox 360 Chatpad from the Messenger Kit attached to a wireless controller
AV output
Built-in
Through❤️ AV connector (excluding E models which have no AV connector)
Retail configurations
Xbox 360 Premium Xbox 360 Arcade (replaced Xbox 360 Core)❤️ Xbox 360 Elite
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 £279.99, and the "Xbox 360 Core", priced at US$299 and £209.99.❤️ The original shipment of the Xbox 360 version included a cut-down version of the Media Remote as a promotion.[6] The❤️ Elite package was launched later at US$479. The "Xbox 360 Core" was replaced by the "Xbox 360 Arcade" in October❤️ 2007[108] 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.[109]
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.[25][110][111] 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.[112]
Timeline
United States
November 22, 2005[113] Launch of Xbox❤️ 360 Premium (20 GB) –R$399.99
Launch of Xbox 360 Core –R$299.99 April 29, 2007 Launch Xbox 360 Elite (120 GB) –R$479.99[114]❤️ August 6, 2007[115] Price cut on Xbox 360 Premium (20 GB) –R$349.99
Price cut on Xbox 360 Core –R$279.99
Price cut on❤️ Xbox 360 Elite –R$449.99 October 27, 2007 Launch of Xbox 360 Arcade –R$279.99 [116]
Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Core July 13,❤️ 2008 Discontinuation of Xbox 360 (20 GB) (price cut toR$299.99 for remaining stock)[117] August 1, 2008[117] Launch of Xbox 360❤️ Premium (60 GB) –R$349.99 September 5, 2008[118] Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite –R$399.99
Price cut on Xbox 360 (60 GB)❤️ –R$299.99
Price cut on Xbox 360 Arcade –R$199.99 August 28, 2009 Discontinuation of Xbox 360 (60 GB) (price cut toR$249.99 for❤️ remaining stock)
Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite –R$299.99 June 19, 2010[25] Launch of Xbox 360 S 250 GB –R$299.99
Discontinuation of❤️ Xbox 360 Elite (price cut toR$249.99 for remaining stock)
Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Arcade (price cut toR$149.99 for remaining stock) August❤️ 3, 2010 Launch of Xbox 360 S 4 GB –R$199.99 June 10, 2013[119] Launch of Xbox 360 E 4 GB❤️ –R$199.99
Launch of Xbox 360 E 250 GB –R$299.99 April 20, 2024 Discontinuation of all Xbox 360 models.[7]
Technical problems
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 original model of the Xbox 360 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.[120][121][122]
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".[123] In April 2009, the warranty was extended to also cover failures related to the E74 error code.[124] The warranty❤️ extension is not granted for any other types of failures that do not generate these specific error codes.
After these problems❤️ surfaced, Microsoft attempted to modify the console to improve its reliability. Modifications included 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,[125] and a second GPU heatsink to dissipate more heat.[126]❤️ 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".[127] 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,[128] 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.[129]
Software
Games
The Xbox 360 launched with❤️ 14 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.[130] Five other games sold over a million copies in the console's first year on the market:❤️ Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter,[131] The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion,[132] Dead or Alive 4,[133] Saints Row,[134] and Gears of War.[135] Gears❤️ of War would become the best-selling game on the console with 3 million copies in 2006,[136] before being surpassed in❤️ 2007 by Halo 3 with over 8 million copies.[137]
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.[138] 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.[139]❤️ Microsoft also had the support of Japanese developer Mistwalker, founded by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. Mistwalker's first game, Blue❤️ Dragon, was released in 2006 and had a limited-edition bundle which sold out quickly with over 10,000 pre-orders.[140] 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.[141]
The 2007 Game Critics Awards honored the❤️ Xbox 360 platform with 38 Nominations and 11 Wins.[142]
By 2024, game releases started to decline as most publishers instead focused❤️ on the Xbox One. The last official game released for the system was Just Dance 2024, released on October 23,❤️ 2024, in North America, and October 25 in Europe and Australia.
As one of the late updates to the software following❤️ its discontinuation, Microsoft will add the ability for Xbox 360 users to use cloud saves even if they do not❤️ have Xbox Live Gold prior to the launch of the Xbox Series X and Series S in November 2024. The❤️ new consoles will have backward compatibility for all Xbox 360 games that are already backward compatible on the Xbox One❤️ and can use any Xbox 360 game's cloud saves through this update, making the transition to the new consoles easier.[143]
Interface
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[144] 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.[145] 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.[146]
Since the console's release, Microsoft has released several updates for the Dashboard software.[147][148]❤️ 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.[citation needed]
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).[149]
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.[150]
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.[151]
Microsoft released a further update to the Xbox 360 Dashboard starting on December 6, 2011.[152]❤️ 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,[153] access to YouTube videos and better support for Kinect❤️ voice commands.[154]
Multimedia
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.[155] 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.[156][157] As the Xbox 360 uses a modified version of the UPnP AV protocol,[158][unreliable source?] 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).[159]
As of October 27, 2009,[160] UK and Ireland users are also able to❤️ access live and on-demand streams of Sky television programming.[161]
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.[162] 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.[163] BT Vision's DVR-based features would not be available❤️ on Xbox 360 due to limited hard drive capacity.[164] 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.[165] As of January 2010, IPTV on Xbox 360 has yet to be deployed beyond limited trials.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
XNA community
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.[166][167] XNA game sales, however,❤️ did not meet original expectations,[168] though Xbox Live Indie Games (XBLIG) has had some "hits".[citation needed]
Services
Xbox Live
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 SKUs of the console. It allows users to create❤️ a user profile, join on message boards, and access Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Marketplace and talk to other members.[169][170]❤️ A Live Free account does not generally support multiplayer gaming; however, some games that have rather limited online functions already❤️ (such as Viva Piñata) and games that feature their own subscription service (e.g. EA Sports games) can be played with❤️ a Free account. Xbox Live also supports voice, a feature possible with the Xbox Live Vision.[171]
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, 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.[172] 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 credit card number, which is used❤️ for verification purposes and billing. An Xbox Live Gold account has an annual cost of US$59.99, C$59.99, NZ$90.00, £39.99, or❤️ €59.99. On January 5, 2011, Xbox Live reached over 30 million subscribers.[173]
Xbox Live Marketplace
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 demos, 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.[174] In order to download priced content, users❤️ are required to purchase Microsoft Points for use as scrip;[175] 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.[176] An estimated 70 percent❤️ of Xbox Live users have downloaded items from the Marketplace.[177]
Xbox Live Arcade
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❤️ games 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 PC games such as❤️ Zuma. The service was first launched on November 3, 2004,[178] using a DVD to load, and offered games for about❤️ US$5 toR$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' Hyper Fighting, and Uno.[179] 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.[180]
DVD-ROM for Xbox 360
Movies and TV
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[when?] 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❤️ audio and are encoded using VC-1 for video at 720p, with a bitrate of 6.8 Mbit/s.[181] Television content is offered❤️ from MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Turner Broadcasting, and CBS; and movie content is Warner Bros., Paramount, and Disney, along with❤️ other publishers.[182]
After the Spring 2007 update, the following video codecs are supported:
H.264 video support: Up to 15 Mbit/s, Baseline, Main,❤️ and High (up to level 4.1) Profiles with 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 of the movie and 380 points for the HD version of the❤️ movie.[183] 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 number of Microsoft Points.[184]
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.[185] Further details were released at the Microsoft press conference at E3 2009.[186]
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 tablets, and Windows Phones.[187]
On❤️ August 18, 2024, Microsoft rolled out an update renaming it Movies and TV similar to the Windows 10 App.[188]
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.[189]
In August 2024 Microsoft rolled out an update❤️ renaming it to Groove Music similar to the Windows 10 App.
Xbox SmartGlass
Xbox SmartGlass allows for integration between the Xbox 360❤️ console and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.[190] 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.[191] The❤️ SmartGlass functionality can also be found in the Xbox 360's successor, the Xbox One.
Game development
PartnerNet, the developers-only alternative Xbox Live❤️ network used by developers to beta test game content developed for Xbox Live Arcade,[192] 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.[193] (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.[194] 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.[195]❤️ Sega used feedback from fans about the leaked version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I to refine it before❤️ they eventually released it.[196] Additionally, a pair of hackers played their modded Halo 3 games on PartnerNet in addition to❤️ using PartnerNet to find unreleased and untested software. The hackers passed this information along to their friends before they were❤️ eventually caught by Bungie. Consequently, Bungie left a message for the hackers on PartnerNet which read "Winners Don't Break Into❤️ PartnerNet".[197] Other games that were leaked in the PartnerNet fiasco include Shenmue and Shenmue II.[198]
See also
Further reading
Takahashi, Dean (May 17,❤️ 2006). The Xbox 360 Uncloaked: The Real Story Behind Microsoft's Next-Generation Video Game Console. Lulu Press. p. 404. ISBN 978-0-9777842-1-9❤️ .
