The first of the next-generation video game consoles arrives on Tuesday, Nov. 22, as Microsoft sends its Xbox 360 to retail outlets across North America. Boasting support from all the major game developers, the unit promises to deliver movie-quality, high-definition graphics, enhanced surround sound, top-of-the-line processor power and unrivaled broadband functionality.
A 500 MHz ATI graphics processor and 512 MB of RAM makes the Xbox 360 eight times more powerful than the original Xbox. Xbox 360 owners can connect with friends and family via Xbox Live, and stream digital music, movies and live television throughout the home using a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC. The unit itself will play CDs, DVDs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-R/RW, MP3s, JPEGs and more.
The Xbox 360 package retails for $299.99 and includes the Xbox 360 20 GB hard drive, a wireless controller, a component HD AV cable a headset and Ethernet cable and a bonus media remote, which is included free for a limited time. The Xbox Live package retails for $399.99 and offers a free Xbox Live silver membership and one-month trial of Xbox Live Gold service.
Other next-generation consoles slated to hit the market soon include Sony’s PlayStation 3, coming in the spring of 2006, and Nintendo’s Game Cube successor, dubbed the Revolution, which is also expected sometime in 2006.
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