|
[[Image:WWEhardcorebelt.JPG|thumb|300px|right|The original WWE Hardcore Championship belt]]
{{CVG system| title = Xbox 360
[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'s '''Hardcore Championship''' was a championship defended under [[hardcore wrestling|hardcore]] rules:
|logo =[[Image:X360_Logo.png|250px|center|Xbox 360 logo]]
|image = [[Image:X360 Console-Controller.jpg|250px|center|Xbox 360 system and controller]]
|manufacturer = [[Microsoft]]
|type = [[Video game console]]
|generation = [[Seventh-generation video game console|Seventh generation]]
|lifespan = [[November 22]], [[2005]]
|media = [[DVD]], [[CD]]
|onlineservice =[[Xbox Live]]
|topgame = ''[[Call of Duty 2]]''
}}
The '''Xbox 360''' is [[Microsoft]]'s newest [[video game console]], the successor to their original [[Xbox]]. It was released on [[November 22]], [[2005]] in [[North America]], [[December 2]] in [[Europe]], and [[December 10]] in [[Japan]]. It will be released on [[February 2]], [[2006]] in [[Mexico]], [[February 24]] in [[South Korea]],
and [[March 2]], [[2006]] in [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] and [[Singapore]].
*'''No Disqualifications''', meaning all weapons are legal.
The Xbox 360 will compete against the [[history of video games (Seventh generation era)|upcoming generation]] of consoles, including the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Nintendo Revolution]], and was officially unveiled on [[MTV]] on [[May 12]], [[2005]], a week before the [[E3]] trade show.
*'''Falls Count Anywhere''', meaning pinfalls and submissions do not have to take place in the ring.
*'''No Holds Barred''', meaning that the referee will allow anything and will only end the match with a pinfall or submission.
*'''24/7 Rules''', meaning the belt was being defended at all times, allowing the championship to change hands anytime as long as there was a [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] present.
{{TOCright}}
==History==
[[Vince McMahon]] first awarded [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] the belt on [[November 2]], [[1998]]. After losing the title to the [[Ray Traylor|Big Bossman]], he never attempted to recapture it, mainly because of his main event [[Push (professional wrestling)|push]] he received shortly after he lost the belt. At the time of the belt's conception, the idea was that the belt was to have been used in comedy segments to try to push Mankind's reputation as a famous Hardcore wrestler, but as Foley was getting over with the crowd as well as the rising popularity of [[Hardcore wrestling]] at the time (mostly made famous by the [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] promotion), the Hardcore Championship seemed to gain a life of its own. Its growing popularity led competitor [[World Championship Wrestling]] to create their own [[WCW Hardcore Championship|Hardcore Championship]], a move followed by numerous [[independent circuit|independent]] promotions.
===24/7===
Except in Japan the console is sold in two different configurations: the "Xbox 360" and the "Xbox 360 Core System". The Xbox 360 configuration, often referred to as the "Premium Edition", includes a hard drive (required for backwards compatability with original [[Xbox]] games), a wireless controller, a headset, an Ethernet cable, an [[Xbox Live]] silver subscription, and a component HD AV cable (which can also be used on non-HD TVs).
When [[Mike Lockwood|Crash Holly]] won the belt, he introduced the "'''24/7 rule'''"; which meant the belt was to be defended "at all times...as long as there was a referee present." This allowed for many [[comic relief]] moments, including the belt once changing hands at a motel while the champion was asleep, and a segment on an episode of ''[[WWE Raw|RAW]]'' where [[The Headbangers]] chased Crash Holly around ''Funtime'', an amusement park in [[Brooklyn, New York]] with Crash escaping repeated attempts to take the title from him before pinning [[Charles Warrington|Mosh]] in the ball pit.
The addition of this rule is said to have made the division both more interesting and more confusing, adding a vast array of holders and matches. Still, others believed this rule cheapened and devalued the championship for the same reasons. This rule has led to the shortest title reigns and quickest title changes in WWE history. On [[April 2]], [[2000]] at ''[[WrestleMania 2000]]'' in [[Anaheim, California]], for example, there were 10 title changes in a period of 15 minutes.
The console [[Computer hardware|hardware]] is based on a custom [[IBM]] [[PowerPC]]-based "Xenon" [[central processing unit]] (CPU) and a custom [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] R500-based "Xenos" [[graphics processing unit]] (GPU). It is equipped with 512 [[Megabyte|MB]] of [[RAM]] and uses the [[DVD-ROM]] storage medium for Xbox 360 game software.
The 24/7 rule was enforced until [[August 19]], [[2002]] when ''RAW'' [[List of authority figures in professional wrestling|General Manager]] [[Eric Bischoff]] decided to suspend it following a six minute [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)#Hardcore battle royal|Hardcore Battle Royal]] won by [[Tommy Dreamer]].
==Retail configurations and pricing==
<!-- Please note that there is no "Xbox 360 Premium Edition"; it is officially referred to as, simply, "Xbox 360". -->
===Unification and retirement===
Microsoft's current retail strategy involves two different configurations of the Xbox 360 in most countries.
On [[August 26]], [[2002]] [[Rob Van Dam]] "unified" the title with the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] when he defeated Hardcore champion Tommy Dreamer, effectively retiring the title.
On an episode of ''RAW'' in the summer of [[2003]], WWE wrestlers and [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] [[List of Extreme Championship Wrestling alumni|alumni]]; [[Al Snow]], [[Dudley Boyz|The Dudley Family]] ([[Mark Lamonica|Bubba]], [[Devon Hughes|D-Von]], and [[Matt Hyson|Spike Dudley]]) Tommy Dreamer, and Rob Van Dam, along with [[Vince McMahon]], and [[WWE Raw|RAW]] Co-General Manager [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]], presented the original Hardcore Championship title to ''"Hardcore Legend"'', [[Mick Foley]], as a framed gift.
In United Kingdom and Europe, the console is available in two versions: an ''Xbox 360'' [[Stock Keeping Unit|SKU]], frequently referred to as the "Xbox 360 Premium Edition"; and an ''Xbox 360 Core System'' SKU. The ''Core System'' is not available in Japan, instead Microsoft offers a package identical to the ''Xbox 360'' SKU for ¥37,900 ($323.90 as of 21 December 05 8:09 UTC, [http://www.xe.com/ucc]). The Xbox 360 Premium Edition is being sold in America for $399.99. Japanese pricing of the console has drawn some criticism, as customers there will be able to purchase the Xbox 360 Premium Edition for a lower price than in other countries.
The belt was unofficially reactivated by Mick Foley in mid [[2006]] for a short period when he declared himself and [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] "co-holders of the Hardcore Championship" during a feud with other [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|hardcore wrestlers]] and following a hardcore match between the two of them at ''[[WrestleMania 22]]''. After the feud ended, the belt once again disappeared from television.
Microsoft's decision has also allowed Japanese developers to fully utilize the hard drive to optimize game performance, since it is part of the default system configuration in their market. However because of the existence of a Core System edition, many games do not require a hard drive.
==Statistics==
[[BusinessWeek]] magazine compiled [http://businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2005/tc20051122_410710.htm a report] which estimates that the total cost of all of the components in the "Premium Edition" is $525 USD, aside from additional manufacturing costs, meaning that Microsoft is losing at least $126 on every Xbox 360 system sold in the US, and at least as much in Japan. The [[Razor and blades business model|strategy]] of selling a console at a loss is common in the console games industry, as console makers can usually expect to make up the investment with revenue from game licensing. Also, since Microsoft owns the [[Patent|patents]] for all custom hardware used in the Xbox 360, they can easily switch to new fabrication processes or change suppliers in the future in order to reduce manufacturing costs. This flexibility stands in contrast to the situation faced by the original [[Xbox]], which contained a processor from [[Intel]] (a slightly modified [[Pentium III]]) and a GPU from [[NVidia]] (a modified [[GeForce 3]]). Both of these were very similar to "off the shelf" PC hardware and were therefore sold to Microsoft at inflated [[Market price|market prices]]. Because of these chips and the added expense of a hard drive component, Microsoft was never able to reduce the cost of manufacturing an Xbox below the [[Breakeven|break-even point]]. Microsoft's home entertainment division posted a loss through nearly every [[Fiscal year|quarter]] of the console's [[Product life cycle management|lifecycle]] as a result. Microsoft hopes to avoid such a predicament with its new console, the company is predicting that a greater [[market share]] and falling hardware costs will make the Xbox 360 a profitable item.
{| cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 border=1 style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; font-size:90%; background-color: #f7f8ff;"
|'''Record:'''
|'''Record holder:'''
|'''Record number:'''
|'''Notes:'''
|----
|Most reigns
|[[Scott Levy (wrestler)|Raven]]
|Twenty-Seven
|Raven first took this record after beating [[Mark Lamonica|Bubba Ray Dudley]] for his 15th title on the [[April 15]], [[2002]] edition of ''[[WWE Raw|RAW]]''. He was previously tied with [[Mike Lockwood|Crash Holly]] for the record, though he would re-tie Raven twice during the next month. Raven won his 27th and final championship from [[Tommy Dreamer]] on [[August 17]], [[2002]]. Many of the reigns were extremely short and took place during [[house show]]s.
|----
|Longest reign
|[[Ray Traylor|The Big Boss Man]]
|95 days
|The Boss Man beat [[Davey Boy Smith|The British Bulldog]] for the title on the [[October 12]], [[1999]] edition of ''[[WWE Friday Night Smackdown!|Smackdown!]]'' and held it until [[January 17]], [[2000]] when he lost it to [[Andrew Martin|Test]] on an episode of ''RAW''. His reign took place before the 24/7 rule was activated.<br /><br />The longest reign after the 24/7 rule was by [[Rob Van Dam]]. He won the belt on [[September 9]]<sup>th</sup>, [[2001]], and held it until losing it to [[The Undertaker]] on [[December 9]]<sup>th</sup> of that same year. The reign was 89 days. <ref>History of the Hardcore Championship at [http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/ wwe.com]</ref>
|----
{|class="wikitable"
|Shortest reign
|valign="top"|Comparison table
|[[Rob Van Dam]]
!Xbox 360
|N/A
|Van Dam beat [[Tommy Dreamer]] on the [[August 26]], 2002 episode of ''RAW'' to unify the Hardcore and [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental]] championships. Therefore, his reign as champion technically ended as soon as he won the match. <br /><br />If this reign is discounted, the shortest reign would be nearly impossible to determine, due to the frequent title changes caused by the 24/7 rule, most of which lasted less than a minute.
[[Image:X360premium.jpg|240px]]
|----
!Xbox 360 Core System
|Oldest champion
|[[Pat Patterson]]
[[Image:Xbox360CoreSystem.jpg|240px]]
|59 years
|-
|Patterson beat [[Gerald Brisco]] for the title on the [[June 19]], 2000 edition of ''RAW''. He lost the title 6 days later to Crash Holly at the 2000 [[King of the Ring#2000|King of the Ring]].
|colspan=3|'''Features'''
|----
|Youngest champion
|Detachable [[hard drive]] (20 GB)
|[[Christopher Nowinski]]
|{{yes}}
|23 years
|{{no}}
|Nowinski beat Crash Holly for the title at house shows on [[July 6]] and [[July 7|7]], [[2002]], but lost it both nights to [[John Layfield|Bradshaw]].
|-
|----
|Controller
|Heaviest champion
|2.4 GHz Wireless
|[[Paul Wight|The Big Show]]
|Wired with 9ft break-away cable
|7 ft 0 in; 507 lb.
|-
|The Big Show is a 3 time Hardcore champion, winning the title at [[WWE No Way Out#2001|No Way Out 2001]] from Raven, from [[Terry Gerin|Rhyno]] on the [[May 28]], 2001 episode of ''RAW'', and from [[Matt Hyson|Spike Dudley]] at a house show on [[July 12]], [[2002]].
|[[Xbox Live|Xbox-Live]] Headset
|----
|{{yes}}
|Lightest champion
|{{no}}
|[[Terri Runnels]]
|-
|4ft 10 in; 100lb.
|Cables
|Terri, one of 4 women to win the Hardcore title, won the title while conducting an interview with Steven Richards. She won it from and lost it back to [[Stevie Richards|Steven Richards]] on the [[May 27]], [[2002]] episode of ''RAW''.
|Component HD-AV cable
|Standard AV cable
|-
|Xbox Live Silver membership
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|One month membership for Xbox Live Gold (hard drive or memory unit needed for Core)
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[Ethernet]] cable
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|Media Remote (included in the initial shipment)
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|colspan=3|'''Pricing on release'''
|-
|Australia ([[Australian dollar]]s)
|$649.95
|$499.95
|-
|Canada ([[CAD]])
|$499.99
|$399.99
|-
|Europe ([[Euro]]) [http://gamestoaster.typepad.com/games_toaster/2005/09/xbox_360_higher.html]
|€399.99 (€409.99 for Finland, Ireland, and Portugal)
|€299.99 (€309.99 for Finland, Ireland, and Portugal)
|-
|Sweden ([[Swedish krona|SEK]])
|3995:-
|2995:-
|-
|Norway ([[Norwegian kroner|NOK]])
|3395:-
|2595:-
|-
|Japan ([[Yen]])
|¥39,795
|not available
|-
|Mexico ([[Mexican peso|Pesos]])
|$4999.99
|$3999.99
|-
|New Zealand ([[New Zealand dollar]]s)
|$719.95
|$549.95
|-
|United Kingdom ([[Pound sterling]])
|£279.99
|£209.99
|-
|United States ([[United States dollar|USD]])
|$399.99
|$299.99
|-
|Taiwan ([[TWD]])
|NT$13888
|NT$10888
|}
==Launch detailsTrivia ==
*The title belt used for the original WWE Hardcore Championship belt was a replica belt first used as a [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] belt in an [[Angle (professional wrestling)|angle]] between [[Hulk Hogan]] and [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]]. Perfect and [[Lanny Poffo|The Genius]] stole and smashed the belt with a hammer on an episode of [[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event|Saturday Night's Main Event]]. When it was decided to create the Hardcore Championship WWE officials took the smashed-up belt from the angle and applied pieces of [[duct tape]] with the words 'HARDCORE' and 'CHAMPION' written on them.
*When [[John Layfield|Bradshaw]] first won the belt on [[June 3]], [[2002]], he replaced it with a customized belt to fit his Texan Cowboy gimmick. The belt included a Texas flag, giant bull horns and the words 'Texas Hardcore Champion'. The belt was in fact [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin's]] "Smoking Skull" championship belt with a Texas flag decal placed on the front.
*When [[Tommy Dreamer]] won the title he covered the faceplate of Bradshaw's belt with a New York license plate (Dreamer is from [[Yonkers, New York]]). This version of the belt was used until the title was retired.
* Four females have held the Hardcore Championship: [[Cynthia Lynch|Bobcat]], [[Molly Holly]], [[Terri Runnels|Terri]], [[Trish Stratus]] all won the Hardcore title, but lost it the same night.
==See also==
The Xbox 360 has been released in North America, Europe, and Japan. Many stores sold out on the first day, and as of mid-January consumers had to hunt across many stores to find one in stock. In Japan, it was received far less enthusiastically, despite the low price and bonus features. For full details see [[#Console launch|Console Launch]].
[[List of WWE Hardcore Champions]]
==References==
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
===Launch titles===
Eighteen [[launch title]]s were available for customers in the United States and Canada on [[November 22]], [[2005]]. The European countries had fifteen titles available for the launch date of [[December 2]], [[2005]]. Japanese customers, however, only had six titles to choose from by the time the Xbox 360 was released on [[December 10]], [[2005]]. This discrepancy is partially accounted for by the time needed to [[Software localization|localize]] the games.
<div style="float:right">
<br />
{|border=0
|[[Image:COF2promoscreen.jpg|150px]]
|[[Image:DOA4screen.jpg|150px]]
|-
|<small>''[[Call of Duty 2]]''</small>
|<small>''[[Dead or Alive 4]]''</small>
|-
|[[Image:EveryPartyScreen.jpg|150px]]
|[[Image:FIFA06screen.jpg|150px]]
|-
|<small>''[[Every Party]]''</small>
|<small>''[[FIFA '06: Road to FIFA World Cup]]''</small>
|-
|[[Image:Kameoscreenshot.jpg|150px]]
|[[Image:NBALive06screen.jpg|150px]]
|-
|<small>''[[Kameo: Elements of Power]]''</small>
|<small>''[[NBA Live '06]]''</small>
|-
|[[Image:Pdzscreen1.jpg|150px]]
|[[Image:Pgr3screen04.jpg|150px]]
|-
|<small>''[[Perfect Dark Zero]]''</small>
|<small>''[[Project Gotham Racing 3]]''</small>
|}
</div>
{| class="wikitable"
!Title
!North America
!Europe
!Japan
|-
|''[[Amped 3]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Call of Duty 2]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Condemned: Criminal Origins]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Every Party]]''
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|''[[FIFA '06: Road to FIFA World Cup]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|''[[Gun (video game)|Gun]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Kameo: Elements of Power]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Madden NFL 06]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[NBA 2K6]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[NBA Live 06]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Need for Speed: Most Wanted]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|''[[NHL series|NHL 2K6]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Perfect Dark Zero]]'' (LE available)
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|''[[Peter Jackson's King Kong (video game)|Peter Jackson's King Kong]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Project Gotham Racing 3]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Quake 4]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Ridge Racer 6]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|''[[Tetris|Tetris: The Grandmaster Ace]]''
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|''[[Tiger Woods PGA Tour|Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|''[[Tony Hawk's American Wasteland]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|}
==Components and accessories==
===Controller===
[[Image:360controller.jpg|right|200px|An Xbox 360 [[Game controller|controller]].]]
[[Image:X360_Controller.png|right|200px|Wireless Controller.]]
The Xbox 360 has the ability to support up to four [[wireless]] controllers. Alternately it can support two wired controllers through the use of its [[USB]] ports at the front, the USB port on the back will support a third controller. Since the controller has a USB cable, it is also usable in Windows PCs. The wired controller has a nine foot (2.74 m) long cord with a break-away feature. The wireless controller has a battery life of up to 25 hours on the [[Nickel metal hydride|NiMH]] rechargeable battery pack (optional and recommended) and a recommended range of up to 30 feet (9.14 m), although it has been tested to work at a greater range.
The controller for the Xbox 360 is a similar version of the [[Game controller#Xbox|Type-S]] gamepad for the original Xbox. The Xbox 360 controller adds an Xbox guide button, which has the appearance of the Xbox 360 emblem and is surrounded by a ring of green LEDs. Pressing the Xbox guide button will bring the Xbox 360 out of sleep mode, turn the console on or off, and bring up the "Xbox Guide" for access to digital movies, music and games libraries. The ring of light lights up the quadrant (on the controller as well as the console) that correlates with the quadrant of the screen you will be playing on (if more than one person is playing the game). The black and white buttons have been redesigned as shoulder buttons, now referred to as bumper buttons, located above the left and right triggers. The rear of the controller includes a port where the player can connect a headset. This port replaces the two proprietary [[USB]] connectors on the front of the Xbox controller.
===Detachable hard drive===
[[Image:X360_DetachableHDD.png|right|200px]]
A detachable [[SATA]] 20 GB [[hard drive]] is used for the storage of games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, player preferences, and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace; it may also be used to transfer such content between Xbox 360 units. Only 13 GB of this hard drive are availible to the user; the rest is reserved for the system and games.
A hard drive is also required for the user to be able to play backward compatible Xbox games. The individual drives will come pre-loaded with a promotional video about the making of the Xbox 360, the "XBOX 360 Custom Mix" (A collection of music), additional Dashboard skins, songs, additional Xbox Live Gamertag images, and ''Hexic HD'', an Xbox Live Arcade game from [[Tetris]] creator [[Alexey Pajitnov]]. This content will be included on both the bundled hard drive and the stand alone product. This drive will not be included in the Core System bundle at launch, and also will not be sold separately in Japan.
According to [[J Allard]], the chief of Microsoft's Xbox division, Microsoft may sell larger capacity detachable hard drives for the Xbox 360 in the future, and territories outside of North America may have a differently sized hard drive in the retail unit.
===Faceplates===
[[Image:X360_Faceplates.png|right|200px|Xbox 360 faceplates]]
The default faceplate (Xbox 360's ''Chrome'' or Core System's ''Chill'') can be replaced with a range of custom designs, each to be sold separately. Microsoft has also distributed two promotional faceplates, one for those present at the E3 2005 unveiling and one for VIP X05 attendees. The price of these custom designs are around $20 with more to be released by third party manufacturers.
===AV connection cables===
* Xbox 360 [[Component video|Component]] HD-AV Cable
:This set provides component [[RCA jack|RCA]] and composite video cables, along with 2-Y RCA stereo audio connectors for both high and standard definition output to TVs. All the connectors also offer an optical audio output jack for connection to surround sound systems.
* [[S-Video]] AV Cable (U.S., Japan, and Canada only) or Xbox 360 [[SCART]] AV Cable (Europe only)
:This set of cables connects to high-definition as well as standard-definition TVs that have S-Video or [[composite video]] inputs. The SCART AV Cable allows an RGB connection via the SCART connector.
* Xbox 360 [[D-Terminal]] AV Cable (Japan only) This cable is included in the Japanese Xbox 360 System.
* [[VGA]] HD AV Cable
:This set of cables allows for high-definition on flat-panel TV or computer monitors that have a VGA connector. It has 2-Y RCA male jacks for audio connection.And also comes with a Female to Female adapter to connect to monitors with non removable Vga cables
===Other===
[[Image:X360_Remote.png|right|50px]]
[[Image:X360_BonusRemote.png|right|150px|Bonus Media Remote (non-retail)]]
*'''Rechargable battery pack:''' This [[nickel metal hydride]] battery pack provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. It is recommended in place of disposable AA batteries (which differ slightly in voltage). It also ships as part of the Play & Charge Kit.
*'''Play and Charge kit:''' allows the controller to be recharged while playing. Also includes the rechargeable battery pack.
*'''Memory Unit:''' a portable 64MB device which allows the transfer of saved games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles to other Xbox 360 consoles.
*'''Wireless Networking Adapter:''' The [[Wi-Fi]] (802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g) adapter is sold separately and will be sold for $100/€80/£60/C$130/¥8,925. Using an official or third-party [[wireless bridge]] the console will automatically detect and link up with other Xbox 360 consoles that are within range and form a [[mesh network]].
*'''Headset:''' allows gamers to talk to each other when plugged into the controller and connected to Xbox Live, and has an in-line volume control.
*'''Universal Media Remote:''' assists in the playing of DVD movies and music (although the console ''can'' play such media without the remote) , and offers controls for a TV or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC. The universal media remote is a bigger version of the media remote that will initially be shipped with the premium version of the console. Both remotes allow basic control of games, along with being able to navigate the dashboard. The remote controls interface with the Xbox 360 via IR.
==Hardware specifications==
Specifications are also available at the official [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/xbox360/powerplay.htm Xbox website].
===Central processing unit===
The [[central processing unit]] (CPU), named '''Xenon''' (Microsoft) or '''Waternoose''' (IBM) is a custom [[IBM]] triple-core [[PowerPC]]-based design. {{ref|x360cpu}}
* [[90 nanometer|90 nm process]], 165 million [[Transistor|transistors]]
* Three symmetrical cores, each one [[Simultaneous multithreading|SMT]]-capable and clocked at 3.2 [[Hertz|GHz]]
* One VMX-128 (IBM's branding for [[AltiVec]]) [[SIMD]] unit per core
* 128×128 [[register file]] for each VMX unit
* 1 [[Mebibyte|MiB]] L2 cache (lockable by the GPU) running at half-speed (1.6 Ghz)
===Graphics processing unit===
[[Image:R500gpu.jpg|250px|thumb|Xbox 360 GPU; note the smaller eDRAM [[Integrated circuit|die]] to the left of the main Xenos die.]]
The [[graphics processing unit]] (GPU) is a custom [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] R500-based "Xenos"
* 337 million transistors total
* 500 MHz parent GPU (90 nm process, 232 million transistors)
* 500 MHz 10 MB daughter [[Embedded system|embedded]] [[DRAM]] [[framebuffer]] (90 nm process, 105 million transistors)
** [[NEC Corporation|NEC]] designed eDRAM has internal logic for color, [[alpha blending]], [[Z-buffering|Z]]/[[Stencil buffer|stencil]] buffering, and [[anti-aliasing]].
* 48-way parallel [[Floating point|floating-point]] dynamically-scheduled [[shader]] [[Geometry pipelines|pipelines]]
** 4 [[arithmetic logic unit]]s per pipe for vertex or pixel shader processing
** Unified shader architecture (This means that each pipeline is capable of running either pixel or vertex shaders.)
** Support for [[DirectX]] 9.0 Shader Model 3.0, limited support for future DirectX 10 shader models
** 2 Shader operations per pipe per cycle
** 96 Shader operations per cycle across the entire shader array
** Shader performance: 48 [[billion]] (48,000 million) shader operations per second
* 16 [[Texture filtering|Filtered]] & 16 unfiltered texture samples per clock
* Maximum [[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygon]] performance: 500 million triangles per second
* [[Pixel]] fillrate: 16 gigasamples per second fillrate using 4X multisample anti aliasing (MSAA)
* [[Dot product]] operations: 9.6 billion per second theoretical maximum, 33.6 billion per second theoretical maximum when summed with CPU operations.
===Memory===
* 512 [[Mebibyte|MiB]] 700 MHz [[GDDR3]] [[random access memory|RAM]] (Total system memory is shared with the GPU via the [[Unified Memory Architecture|unified memory architecture]].)
===System bandwidth===
[[Image:X360bandwidthdiagram.jpg|right|243px|Xbox 360 Bandwidth Diagram]]
The [[Bandwidth#Digital systems|system bandwidth]] comprises:
* 22.4 GB/s memory interface bus bandwidth (700 MHz × 2 accesses per [[clock cycle]] (one per [[transition|edge]]) on a 128 bit bus)
* 256 GB/s eDRAM internal logic to eDRAM internal memory bandwidth
* 32 GB/s GPU to eDRAM bandwidth (2 GHz × 2 accesses per clock cycle on a 64 bit DDR bus)
* 21.6 GB/s [[front side bus]] (aggregated 10.8 GB/s upstream and downstream)
* 1 GB/s [[southbridge (computing)|southbridge]] bandwidth (aggregated 500 MB/s upstream and downstream)
===Overall System Floating-Point Performance===
* 115 [[FLOPS|GFLOPS]] theoretical peak performance for CPU
* 1 [[FLOPS|TFLOPS]] theoretical peak performance of CPU and GPU combined
===Audio===
* All games support at least six channel (5.1) [[Dolby Digital]] surround sound
* Supports 48 kHz 16-bit audio
* 320 independent decompression channels
* 32 bit processing
* 256+ audio channels
* No voice echo to game players on the same Xbox console; voice goes only to remote consoles
* Voice communication except during games or applications that do not support voice.
* Uses XMA codec (advanced audio technology from Microsoft)
===Video===
* [[VC-1]] at non-[[HDTV|HD]] [[NTSC]] and [[PAL]] resolutions
* [[VC-1]] or [[WMV]] will be used for [[streaming video]]
* [[VC-1]] supports DVD quality and high definition quality video
* [[Bink_video|Bink Video]] is licensed for games like [[Project Gotham Racing 3]]
* additional [[MPEG2]] decoder for DVD video playback
===DVD drive===
A 12X [[DVD-ROM]] SATA drive, capable of reading [[DVD plus R|DVD+R]]/[[DVD plus RW|RW]] discs, is part of the console, with game titles shipping on single or [[Dual_layer_recording|dual-layer]] DVDs. The other supported formats are: [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|CD-DA]], [[CD-ROM]], [[CD-R]]/[[CD-RW|RW]], [[WMA]]CD, [[MP3]]CD, and [[JPEG]] [[Photo CD]].
It has been confirmed by Yoshihiro Maruyama, Japan's chief of Xbox operations, that Microsoft will never release games for Xbox 360 in a format other than DVD. [http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=61482]
Bill Gates has confirmed during his keynote speech at CES 2006 that an external [[HD-DVD]] drive will be released for the 360 this year.[http://joystiq.com/2006/01/04/gates-external-hd-dvd-drive-for-xbox-360/] However, [[Peter Moore]] has stated that if HD-DVD loses the format war, Microsoft may release an external Blu-Ray drive.[http://www.gamespot.com/news/6142137.html]
Xbox 360 games are set to the standard 7.95GiB of storage available on a dual-layer DVD. Due to the limited space of standard DVDs, some games made for the system may span multiple discs. The [[Nintendo Revolution]] will use a proprietary disc of similar capacity while the [[PlayStation 3]] will have the ability to use 25GB or 50GB [[Blu-Ray Disc]]s. The Blu-ray specifications have already been finalized in CES 2006. http://www.macobserver.com/article/2006/01/06.3.shtml
===Physical characteristics===
[[Image:X360_Console_AllSides.png|right|200px|Sides of Console]]
* Weight 3.5 kg (7.7 lb)
* 30.9 cm (L) x 25.8 cm (W) x 8.3 cm (H) (12.15 x 10.15 x 3.27 in)
===Miscellaneous===
* Support for [[WMVHD|WMV HD]] and [[Progressive scan|progressive]] or [[interlace|interlaced]] [[DVD]] video playback.
* Media Center Extender capability
* The console makes use of [[regional lockout]]. Games bought for the console in a specific region can only be played in a console from the same region, though [[List of Region Free Xbox 360 Games|some games are region-free]]. DVD playback on the console has similar lockouts.
* All games must support a 16:9 [[aspect ratio]], and a minimum of [[720p]] [[High-definition television|HD]] resolution with 2x full-scene [[anti-aliasing]] enabled. The GPU can downsample 720p to lower display resolutions (including [[480i]] [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]] and [[480p]]) and dynamically crop or scale 16:9 to fit 4:3 screens. Some games will optionally support native 1080i and 480p video resolutions as well.
* 3 [[USB 2.0]] ports
* Microsoft claims all games will support custom music. (This requirement may have profound effects on the business model for [[music video game]]s.) There are several ways to utilize the custom soundtrack option: by ripping music from audio CD's, stream music directly from your PC (Windows Media Center Extender), plug in a [[USB Flash Drive]], or plug in an MP3 player that is USB-capable (including any [[Apple iPod]] models which support USB or [[PlayStation_Portable|Sony PSP]]) into the system to use custom soundtracks. However, you can only store music on the system's hard drive by ripping your audio CDs.
==Dashboard==
The Dashboard is the main interface to the Xbox 360, governed by a series of "blades" to subdivide categories. The Dashboard will launch automaticially at boot if no game disc is inserted into the console. The Dashboard can also be accessed via the Xbox Guide button on the controller at any time to open a player specific blade. From there, the full Dashboard can be run, exiting the current game.
The main dashboard is divided into 4 main sections:
*'''Xbox Live/MarketPlace'''
**''For downloading maps, patches etc. Online multiplayer and online communication''
*'''Games'''
**''Information adds to your gamer card, for example what games collection you own and which you have played''
*'''Media'''
**''Section for music, pictures and videos''
*'''System'''
**''System information and Gamer Card''
==Software development==
During early development the Xbox 360 was referred to as "Xenon", "Xbox 2", and "Xbox Next".
===XNA===
In March [[2004]], Microsoft announced a new game development software strategy dubbed "[[XNA (Microsoft)|XNA]]", which Microsoft claims would enable game studios to cut development times by up to a third if developing across multiple Microsoft platforms, by means of tools created with the increasing difficulty of programming for a machine with three processor cores in mind. The Xbox 360 game development will be centered around the [[XNA Studio]] game development platform. XNA Studio covers three areas: Content Creation, Production Processes and Game Technologies. XNA Studio will enable collaboration between content creators, programmers, management and QA staff to speed the game production process. Based on Microsoft's [[Visual Studio 2005]] Team System, the XNA Studio is the [[Visual Studio]] for game development; an integrated, team-based development environment tailored for game production. XNA Studio will provide versions of key production tools such as [[asset management]], [[defect tracking]], project automation and work lists. These tools are designed to work together to automate common development tasks and present interfaces tailored to the different functions within the team. XNA Studio will allow team members to collaborate using familiar techniques and tools, even when elements of the team are distributed geographically, an increasing trend in game development. Microsoft believes that this will give developers more time to generate unique content and reduce time running the content process. To date, some developers have endorsed XNA Studio. For example, [[John Carmack]] stated at [[QuakeCon]] 2005 that the Xbox 360 had "the best development environment" he has seen for a console.
===Procedural synthesis===
{{main|Procedural synthesis}}
For the Xbox 360, Microsoft has drawn on recent research in computer graphics to enable a new method for game programming. In traditional games, all content is statically stored and generally immutable; that is, textures, meshes, and other game content is stored on a storage medium. As complexity in each rises, the demand for storage rises as well. A newer approach to generating content is utilised for Xbox 360 titles, a method referred to by Microsoft as ''procedural synthesis''. Procedural synthesis is an approach to generating game content via [[algorithm]]s. For example, trees are one of the most complicated objects to render in a game, due to their organic complexity. A game with only one model for a tree will appear odd, as nature is far more random; the game loses some of its immersion as a result. Instead, a general [[recursive]] algorithm will generate the tree's model and textures, so that each tree looks different from the next, and do so with high efficiency. The Xbox 360's architecture was designed with this approach in mind.[http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/cpu/xbox360-1.ars] When running procedural synthesis algorithms, one of the Xenon CPU's cores may "lock" a portion of the 1 MB shared L2 cache. When locked, a segment of cache no longer contains any prefetched instructions or data for the CPU, but is instead used as ''output'' space for the procedural synthesis thread. The Xenos GPU can then read directly from this locked cache space and render the procedurally generated objects. The rationale behind this design is that procedurally generated game content can be streamed directly from CPU to GPU, without incurring additional latency by being stored in system RAM as an intermediary step. The downside to this approach is that when part of the L2 cache is locked, there is even less data immediately available to keep the 3 symmetric cores in the Xenon CPU running at full efficiency (1 MB of shared L2 is already a rather small amount of cache for 3 symmetric cores to share, especially considering that the Xenon CPU does not support [[out-of-order execution]] to more efficiently use available clock cycles).
Procedural synthesis is also found outside of the Xbox 360 in the advanced freeware FPS game [[.kkrieger]], where such techniques have reduced the size of the visually stunning game to a mere 96 kilobytes. Other interesting examples of procedural synthesis are shown in various [[demoscene]] [[Demo (computer programming)|demos]]. The [[Playstation 3]] also has impressive procedural synthesis capabilities, but the technical implementation differs significantly.
===Backward compatibility===
:''See also: [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360]]''
The Xbox 360 achieves backwards compatibility through software [[emulation]] of the original Xbox hardware. Games have minor graphical enhancements due to being rendered in 720p resolutions with [[Anti-Aliasing]] enabled. Some games have slightly improved draw distance, possibly due to the system's greater memory bandwith.
A hard drive is required to enable backwards compatibility. Hard drives purchased separately or as part of the console package will include a certain number of "emulation profiles" for games, including ''[[Halo]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''. Updated emulation profiles can be obtained through Xbox live, by [[CD/DVD authoring|burning a CD]] with content downloaded from Xbox.com, or by ordering an update disc from Microsoft at a nominal fee. [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilityfaq.htm]
The list of backward compatible games for the U.S. market was released on [[November 11]], [[2005]] and is maintained at [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm Xbox.com]. Although the U.S. list includes over 200 games, fewer games are listed as backward compatible in the European markets. As of January 10, 2006, the Japanese Xbox site shows only 30 [http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm].
Microsoft states that they will be adding more emulation profiles as they become available, with the intended goal of making the entire Xbox library playable on the Xbox 360. [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilityqa.htm]
==Xbox Live on the Xbox 360==
[[Image:Xlive.jpg|right|200px|Xbox Live]]
{{main|Xbox Live on the Xbox 360}}
With the launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft's online gaming service, [[Xbox Live]] will go through a major upgrade adding a basic non-subscription service (Silver) to its already established premium subscription-based service (Gold). Xbox Live Silver is free of charge and allows users to create a profile, join on message boards, access to Microsoft's [[Xbox Live Arcade]], and talk to other members. Silver members are not allowed to play any games online. Microsoft has also announced there will be trial weekends for Silver members to access the full features of Gold service temporarily.
Xbox Live Gold will have the same features as Silver plus online game playing capabilities and video conferencing. However, video conferencing will not be available when the console is first released. Microsoft has allowed for previous Xbox Live subscribers to maintain their profile information, buddy lists, and games history when they make the transition to Xbox Live Gold. To transition your account you have to sign up for a .net account on Xbox.com and link it with your gamer tag. Then when you turn on your 360 console you will be asked for your .net account and your information will transfer. An Xbox Live Gold account will cost $49.99 USD, £39.99 Pounds Sterling, €59.99 per year (or, in the UK, a 3-month Gold membership is available for £11.99).
===Xbox Gamer Guide===
The Xbox Game Guide is a tabbed [[user interface]] that can be accessed instantly by pressing the Guide Button on any Xbox 360 controller. It offers the following selections:
* Xbox Live
* Marketplace
* Favorites List
* Custom Playlists
* Friends Lists
* and others
===Xbox Live Marketplace and Arcade===
By far one of the most interesting features of the Xbox 360 Live is the capability to download arcade-style games through Xbox Live Arcade, as well as game demos and other content through Xbox Live Marketplace. While game demos and trailers are free, full versions of games must be purchased using a system called Microsoft Points. Points can be purchased directly through Live or via game cards sold at retails shops such as [[Target]].
==Marketing==
[[Image:Mtv-xbox-360-unveiling.JPG|thumbnail|200px|MTV's Xbox 360 TV special hosted by actor [[Elijah Wood]].]]
[[Image:X360 BillG TIMECover.jpg|thumbnail|200px|Bill Gates on the Cover of Time Magazine with the new Xbox 360]]
The official unveiling of the system occurred on Thursday, [[May 12]], [[2005]] on [[MTV]] in a program called ''MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed'' hosted by [[actor]] [[Elijah Wood]] with a musical performance by the band [[The Killers (band)|The Killers]]. The Xbox 360 was also featured on the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's [[May 23]], [[2005]] issue with Microsoft chairman [[Bill Gates]] holding up one of the units. In the article he says "It's perfect...The day Sony launches [the new PlayStation], and they walk right into [[Halo 3]]." [http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,1061433,00.html] ''[[wikiquote:Bill Gates#Mixed|Read more at wikiquote.]]'' Microsoft executive Robbie Bach later clarified this statement, saying "Philosophically the point Bill was trying to make is that we're not just going to ship and not have great stuff coming up."[http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=61132]
The system, along with some playable games, were shown off at [[E3]] 2005. The demos were running on "Xbox 360 Alpha Development Kits" which were [[Apple Computer|Apple]] [[PowerMac G5]]s, chosen due to the [[PowerPC]] processor architecture that the machine shares with the Xbox 360. Microsoft claims that most of the games were running at 25-30% of full capacity because they were not running on actual systems.
In October/November [[2005]], North American [[Target]] and [[Wal-Mart]] stores received [[kiosk]]s to demonstrate games like ''[[Call of Duty 2]]'' and ''[[Kameo: Elements of Power]]''. In the first week of November, the [[Xbox 360#Technical Issues|Xbox 360 screen of death]] was reported. [[EB Games]] locations recieved the Xbox 360 [[kiosk]]s in their stores just over a week prior to its release.
===Viral advertising and alternate reality games===
The promotional campaign for Xbox 360 began on [[March 14]], [[2005]] with the opening of an [[alternate reality game]] called [[Ourcolony|OurColony]]. Throughout March and April OurColony.net offered challenges to its community, rewarding solutions with cropped pictures of the console and game screenshots. On [[May 12]] the ARG section of OurColony closed, visitors were instead greeted with a promotional video hosted by [[J. Allard]].
[http://www.origenxbox360.com OrigenXbox360.com] was the next [[viral marketing]] campaign from Microsoft. Unveiled on [[September 27]], 2005 the website, hosted by talking rabbits ''Boss'' and ''Didier'' offers visitors an opportunity to enter in various contests. The initial contest was a [[raffle]] that required participants to answer three trivia questions regarding the Xbox 360 for a chance to attend a promotional pre-launch event. New contests include a ''[[Halo 2]]'' tournament and a competition to design a "Gamertile" ([[Avatar (virtual reality)|an avatar icon]]). Design for the website employs [[flash animation]] of a [[Bonsai tree]] and bland [[elevator music]] to create a serene environment that is punctuated by visually intense [[psychedelic]] episodes involving the host rabbits.
[[October 2005]] saw the launch of "Hex168", another viral marketing campaign commissioned by Microsoft and executed by the Marden-Kane [[advertising agency]]. On [[October 13]], [[2005]], members of the [[TeamXbox]] forums were directed to the [http://hex168.com/ Hex168.com] website through mysterious messages posted by someone called "Lutz". [http://www.gamespot.com/news/6135857.html] This website hosted a number of images that appeared to perpetuate obscure [[conspiracy theories]], but sometimes contained obtuse references to Xbox 360. The campaign was later revealed to be a U.S. [[Sweepstakes|contest]] that offered participants a chance to win one of three hundred and sixty Xbox 360 console bundles six days before the official launch.[http://www.hex168.com/rules.aspx]
==Console launch==
===United States and Canada===
Prelaunch reports assume that Microsoft intentionally restricted supply [http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20051101-5510.html], although there is no evidence to support this and Microsoft has said they are releasing all units into supply chains as quickly as possible [http://www.majornelson.com/2005/11/30/replenishments-recall-rumors-and-replacements/] [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/248871_msftsupply18.html]. Evidence indicates that [[Microsoft]] launched with all consoles available at the time, and operating at maximum production capability (i.e. they did not withhold produced consoles). They did not, however, build up a sufficient supply of consoles to satisfy the entire demand at launch. This allowed them to launch several months earlier than would otherwise be possible, but also led to shortages.
[[Peter Moore]], Microsoft corporate vice president, predicted that shipments will reach 10 million units worldwide by the end of [[2006]]. [http://www.gamebiz.com.au/news.php?action=display&id=7962]
Immediately after the launch, reports about the new machine's technical [[glitch]]es started coming out. Some reported the Xbox 360 crashing with errors, some reported the [[hard drive]] does not respond in certain situations while others report [[error message]]s during various games or unusually fast overheating. [http://xbox360.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3145847] The manual contains warnings about not placing the Xbox 360 on soft surfaces or in enclosed spaces to avoid heating problems. Microsoft claims that these problems are to be expected on a large scale release for a console and the number of reports versus the number of consoles released was very minimal. Microsoft has stated that they will look into the reports and have offered assistance reachable by phone.
The high demand for the Xbox 360 led to some owners almost immediately re-selling their console for vastly inflated prices. [[eBay]] in particular was a popular ___location for such offers with thousands of consoles going up for auction, some selling for many times the original retail price. It was reported [http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1779&Itemid=2] that 40,000 units appeared on eBay during the initial month of release, which would mean that 10% of the total supply was resold.
According to the NDP Group, 326,000 units were sold in November. [http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7509] A second batch of 300,000 units were shipped to North America in the week of [[December 18]], [[2005]]. Analysts believe Microsoft will not meet the original target of 2.75-3 million units sold in the first 90 days after launch. [http://www.gamespot.com/news/6142087.html] As of January 10, 2006, major online retailers remain sold-out of both Xbox 360 packages (including Amazon.com, circuitcity.com and buy.com). As of January 13, 2006, 600,000 units have been sold in the United States thus far according to the NPD group. [http://www.realmmedia.com/next_gen_news/2006/01/npd_group_600_000_xbox_360_units_sold_in_us_since_launch.html]
In Canada, all 32,100 units available for launch were sold. [http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7527]
===Europe===
Microsoft confirmed that 300,000 units were available for the European launch, creating shortages as in North America. As before, thousands of Xbox 360 appeared on auction websites like eBay, selling for more than twice their retail price. The shortages led to some consumers criticising retailers (especially Amazon), and others attacking Microsoft itself for failing to fill demand. In turn, some retailers blamed Microsoft for failing to provide enough consoles in the Christmas period.
Microsoft stated that more units would arrive on the UK market during December but this ended up being only a handful of consoles to very few stores and certainly not enough to satisfy the demand.
A total of 15 games were available for launch, including critical hits Call of Duty 2, Project Gotham Racing 3 and Perfect Dark Zero.
Three games released on North America's launch day were missing from the European launch. They are: Ridge Racer 6, NBA 2K6, and NHL 2K6.
===Japan===
While other regions such as the United States or Europe enjoyed successful launches, sales in Japan have been a great disappointment so far with only 12,300 units sold during the fourth week of initial shipment[http://www.m-create.com/jpn/s_ranking.html] (it has been estimated that 70,567 units have been sold in total by Jan. 1, 2006). Most considers this is mainly due to the other popular and prospective video game consoles like [[Nintendo DS]], [[PlayStation Portable]], or [[GBASP]], all of which have sold far more than the Xbox 360.
Some have also attributed this slow start to titles such as [[Dead or Alive 4]] and [[Enchant Arm]] missing the launch date while others point to the marketing strategy that focused on selling the Xbox 360 as a fashionable item when customers were looking for an affordable or a high performance gaming console.
For his part, Famitsu Xbox 360 editor-in-chief Munetatsu Matsui pointed to DOA4's absence as the main factor behind the slow start. He even added information that over 60% of his readers had planned to buy the much anticipated Tecmo fighting game which is set for a December 29 release. The 2-day 62,135 sales figure of the Xbox 360 is a little past half of the 123,334 units of the old Xbox that Microsoft sold in the first 3 days in Japan in February 2002.
Matsui predicts however that the Xbox 360 will likely gain momentum coming into January 2006 when new titles come out which includes [[Ninety-Nine Nights]].
Initial predictions were highly optimistic as the highest rating launch game reviewed by [[Famitsu]], [[Namco]]'s [[Ridge Racer 6]], scored 35 out of 40 stars. Namco expects to sell 500,000 copies of Ridge Racer 6 in Japan. It should be noted that this number is roughly equal to the number of [[Xbox]] units sold in Japan by November of 2005. Microsoft Japan executive [[Yoshihiro Maruyama]] stated that he expects sales of Xbox 360 in Japan to hit one million units sometime next year. Maruyama is widely credited for attracting support from Japanese game developers.
To entice people into buying the Xbox 360 some retailers are offering discounts on the system if they sign up for a 2 year broadband contract, similar to cell phone deals in the US. On December 17, [[Rakuten]]'s website announced a special five-day sale starting on December 22 selling 10 Xbox 360s at 24,900 yen.[http://www.rakuten.co.jp/privatelife/686461/689057/]
On the day of the launch, [[Capcom]] unveiled their Xbox 360-exclusive sci-fi game [[Lost Planet]], which features South Korean actor [[Lee Byung Hun]] in the lead role.
Recent surveys in Japan have confirmed that the majority of Japanese 'gamers' are strong supporters of both Nintendo and Sony. Both Nintendo and Sony have a substantial amount of Japanese third party developers.
==Technical Issues==
===Xbox 360 "Screen of Death"===
[[Image:Xbox360_bsod_02.jpg|thumb|A photo of the Xbox 360 "Screen of Death" at a kiosk]]
The '''Xbox 360 [[screen of death]]''' ('''X360SoD''') is an error screen displayed by the [[Xbox 360]] game console. It was discovered in [[Wal-Mart]] stores days before the official console launch. [[Microsoft]] placed [[kiosk]]s for demonstration in some stores and the error began appearing. The error stops the console and requests that the player contact technical support.
The screen contains the text ''"System error. Contact Xbox Customer Support."'' in a variety of languages and the error code at the bottom.
===Crashing===
Since its initial release date, some Xbox 360 customers have complained that the 360 occasionally [[freeze]]s, apparently due to overheating because of high environment [[temperature]]s or a limited [[airflow]] around the 360 (and as such the problem can be lessened by allowing a better airflow or [[cooler]] environment). Given the lack of independent [[statistic]]s it is hard to say whether the 360 tendency to overheat is severe enough that it is to be considered a flaw in the product.
Microsoft claims that the amount of calls that they are receiving are "within expected numbers." The company claims that 3% or less of all consoles released worldwide have issues.
===Disc Scratching===
Since the release of the Xbox 360, a small number of users are complaining of heavily [[scratch]]ed and damaged [[DVD]]s caused by misuse of the Xbox 360. The actual problem comes from a user moving the Xbox 360 from its vertical position to its horizontal position and vice-versa while the system is playing a game. The spinning disc has a high [[angular velocity]] and when the console is rotated, [[angular momentum]] causes the disc inside the drive to warp, touching the drive's pickup-assembly and scratching the disc. This is why the instruction manual that comes with the unit specifically states not to move the Xbox while it is in operation. A [http://dwl.xbox-scene.com/video/Xbox-360-Scratch-Disks3.wmv video] has been posted on the web which depicts a user tilting the Xbox 360 while in operation causing a loud scratching noise. [http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/Xbox-360-Game-Disc-Scratched.htm]. Microsoft is unable to replace the scratched discs, however they are offering a free copy of [[Perfect Dark Zero]] (a Microsoft published game) as a replacement. [http://www.gameshout.com/news/122005/article1785.htm] There have been no reported scratched discs while leaving the unit stationary during gameplay. It is also possible however, that resurfacing the disc, using a tool such as SkipDr by [[Digital Innovations]], may fix some of these discs as the disc shown in the video above does not show any signs of damage to the data layer.
===Disc Playback Problems===
Another problem many of the customers have been facing is disc playback problems. The Xbox 360's game information starts at the edges of the disc and the laser spins inwards because the information around the edges is the slowest read. Some [[DVD]] information is located around the center in case you insert it into a DVD player which instructs the user to "Insert the disc into an Xbox 360." The problem people face is that the Xbox 360 fails to read the game information and thus thinks the disc is a DVD and plays the DVD information instead. [[Ars Technica]] reports that DVD Movie playback has [[software bug|bugs]] and recommends not using Xbox 360 to play movies. [http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2005/11/24/1927].
=== Power Supply ===
Although not a true technical issue, there is some criticism regarding the size and consumption of the [[power supply]] for the 360. A photo comparing the 360's power supply size next to a [[Nintendo Gamecube]] can be seen here: [http://xbox360.joystiq.com/entry/1234000140071265/] <!-- can we get a source for the size? article didn't say --> It draws 160 [[watts]], over twice as much as the original Xbox (74 watts) and over three times as much as a PS2 (50 watts). It is notable that the processors within the Xbox 360 are considerably faster and more powerful than previous consoles which constitutes a higher power requirement, much like many of the new high-power gaming PCs. In comparison, the power draw of the 360 is greater than most home A/V equipment with the exception of bigscreen [[HDTV]]s [http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6398157.html].
=== Red Light Patterns ===
Various issues occuring with the Xbox 360 system will cause various patterns of red lights to occur in place of the standard green [[Ring of Light]].
The patterns are as follows:
4 Red Lights: The [[Composite|A/V cable]] is either not properly connected to the Xbox 360 system, or is not being detected.
[http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;906652]
3 Red Lights: The Xbox 360 system is experiencing a [[hardware]] failure. Some Xbox 360 system owners have reported that this is due to a low-power problem, and was fixed by allowing the Xbox 360 console its own power socket. This also occurs during a power loss such as a blown fuse, power outage or other power loss. Even when power is restored, if the console was on when it happened, the 3 red lights will show up. Just reset and continue playing.
2 Left Red Lights: The Xbox 360 system is overheating. The console needs to be placed in an area with better ventilation.
1 Red Light: Will usually come with the 'Contact Microsoft Support' error message, but either way it means a hardware failure. Users experiencing this error should contact Microsoft Technical Support
All four lights periodically flash green on the controller: The [[Game controller|controller]] is not initialised by a device.
=== List of Solutions ===
As many errors as there seems to be with Xbox 360, there are also a number of ways around the problems as well. First, it is stated in the [[instruction manual]] to keep the 360 in a cooled environment away from dust and dirt. This is one of the major causes of overheating in the 360. It should be noted that one should not put the console on carpet or any soft area. Next, the large Power Supply Unit works best when it is off the ground. This (along with plugging the unit into a wall socket and NOT a surge protector) greatly reduces the risk of overheating on a console. Finally, one must never move their console at any time when it is active and has a disc inside. As stated before this will scratch your disc and few retailers are willing to replace them. Follow these steps and a majority of the problems will be avoided. Microsoft instructs users to call their customer service hotline which varies by region. Typically, they ship a box to the customer so they can have it repaired. Rubber padding can also prevent disc scratching. The pad restricts the upward movement of the disc on one side of the pivot point and in turn restricts the downward movement on the other side of the pivot point.
==See also==
* [[List of Xbox 360 games]]
* [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360]]
* [[Xbox Live]]
* [[Xbox Live Arcade]]
* [[Comparison of next-generation game consoles]]
* [[Microsoft]]
* [[Xbox]]
==External links==
*[http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/ WWE Hardcore Title History]
{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
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*[http://www.xbox360.com Official Xbox 360 home page]
* [http://xbox360.ign.com/ Xbox 360 - IGN]
* [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=abde1e02-b529-469e-ae6a-7417fcde9e12&displaylang=en Xbox 360 High-Definition Videos]
* [http://www.origenxbox360.com Viral Marketing Campaign]
* [http://www.johnporcaro.com/ Blog of Xbox 360 Marketing Manager John Porcaro]
===Articles===
*[http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.aspx?i=2610 The insides of the Xbox 360]
*[http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.06/xbox.html?tw=wn_tophead_3 The Xbox Reloaded - Wired Magazine, June, 2005]
*[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/608/608394p1.html Xbox 360 FAQ - IGN]
* [http://money.cnn.com/popups/2005/consumer/xbox/frameset.exclude.html Rejected Xbox 360 designs]
*[http://theivorytree.com/blog/2005/12/19/what-math-says-about-the-xbox-360-versus-playstation-3-ps3-console-wars/ The Ivory Tree] - What does math say about the XBox 360 versus Playstation 3 (PS3) console wars
* [http://www.ntsc-uk.com/feature.php?featuretype=hdw&fea=Xbox360 NTSC-uk.com's Xbox 360 Hardware review]
*[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=13361 Europe prepares for first next-generation launch]
*[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=13271 Comment: Microsoft fires the first volley of the next-gen battle]
*[http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2005-12-05T010339Z_01_KWA503615_RTRIDST_0_TECH-XBOX-DC.XML Xbox 360 changing the home entertainment game]
*[http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID=2005-12-05T015808Z_01_KWA506997_RTRIDST_0_OUKIN-UK-ASIA-MICROSOFT.XML Asia to get Xbox 360 by March, Microsoft says]
*[http://www.xbox360hd.net/faq.html Xbox 360 HD FAQ]
*[http://www.tagscan.com/xbox-360-stockwatch.html Xbox 360 StockWatch Stock Tracker]
==References==
# Lewis, Peter (Nov. 28, 2005). "Let the Games Begin". ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'', pp. 87–88.
# {{note|x360cpu}} {{Citepaper_publisher | Author=Brown, Jeffery | Title=Application-customized CPU design | Publisher=IBM developerWorks | URL=http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/power/library/pa-fpfxbox/?ca=dgr-lnxw07XBoxDesign | PublishYear=2005}}
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