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{{Short description|Microsoft video game console}}
The '''Xbox 360''' is [[Dustin Visentin]]'s successor to their [[Xbox]] [[video game console]], referred to during development as "Project Xenon", "Xbox 2", or "Xbox Next". The console was released on [[November 22]], [[2005]] in [[North America]], and will be released on [[December 2]] in [[Europe]], [[December 10]] in [[Japan]], [[March 2]], [[2006]] in [[Australia]] and elsewhere in early 2006. 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 [[E3|E³]].
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{{Infobox information appliance
| logo = Xbox 360 full logo.svg
| logo caption =
| image = [[File:Xbox-360-Pro-wController.jpg|85px]][[File:Xbox-360S-Console-Set.jpg|85px]][[File:Microsoft-Xbox-360-E-wController.jpg|85px]]
| caption = {{ubl|'''Left''': original model Xbox 360 (2005)|'''Center''': redesigned slim model Xbox 360 S (2010)|'''Right''': final model Xbox 360 E (2013)}}
| developer = [[Microsoft]]
| manufacturer = [[Flextronics]], [[Wistron Corporation|Wistron]], [[Celestica]], [[Foxconn]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2005/id20050816_595546.htm |title=Xbox 360 Manufacturers Revealed |date=August 16, 2005 |access-date=August 19, 2010 |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |first=David |last=Radd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817072333/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2005/id20050816_595546.htm |archive-date=August 17, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/11/report-foxconn-workers-protest-over-pay-foxconn-denies-protest/#more-424340 |title=Report: Foxconn Denies Protest Over Pay |work=Kotaku Australia |date=November 19, 2010 |access-date=October 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820190150/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/11/report-foxconn-workers-protest-over-pay-foxconn-denies-protest/#more-424340 |archive-date=August 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| family = [[Xbox]]
| type = [[Home video game console]]
| generation = [[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh]]
| price = {{ubl|{{Collapsible list
|title=Xbox 360 (20&nbsp;GB)<ref name="gamespot-launchprices" />
|{{US$|399|2005|round=-1}}
|{{Euro|399|2005|round=-1}}
|{{GBP|279|2005|round=-1}}}}
|{{Collapsible list
|title=Xbox 360 Core<ref name="gamespot-launchprices" />
|{{US$|299|2005|round=-1}}
|{{Euro|299|2005|round=-1}}
|{{GBP|209|2005|round=-1}}}}
}}
| discontinued = {{Video game release|WW|April 20, 2016<ref name="360discontinuation">{{cite web| first=Phil|last=Spencer|url=https://news.xbox.com/2016/04/20/xbox-360-celebrating-10-years/|title=Achievement Unlocked: 10 Years – Thank You, Xbox 360|work=Xbox Wire|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216042527/http://news.xbox.com/2016/04/20/xbox-360-celebrating-10-years/|archive-date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>}}
| media = [[DVD]], [[compact disc|CD]], [[Xbox Live Arcade|digital distribution]]<br />
'''[[Xbox 360 HD DVD Player|Add-on]]''': [[HD DVD]] (''discontinued'')
| os = [[Xbox 360 system software]]
| storage = {{Collapsible list
| title = Storage media
| [[Hard disk drive|Detachable hard drives]]<br /> 20, 60, 120 or 250&nbsp;GB (older models); 250, 320, or 500&nbsp;GB (Xbox 360 S models)
| [[Memory cards in video game consoles|Memory cards (removable)]] (original design only)<br />64&nbsp;MB, 256&nbsp;MB, 512&nbsp;MB
| On-board storage chip{{ubl
| Arcade consoles (later models)<br />256&nbsp;MB, 512&nbsp;MB
| Budget level "Xbox 360 S" consoles:<br />4&nbsp;GB}}
| External USB storage device (requires system software update)<br />1&nbsp;GB to 2&nbsp;TB
| Cloud storage (requires Xbox account)<br />2&nbsp;GB<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psu.com/forums/showthread.php/285022-Xbox-360-Cloud-Storage-Size-Revealed?p=5712128 |title=Xbox 360 Cloud Storage Size Revealed |date=November 14, 2011 |publisher=PSU |access-date=September 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073555/http://www.psu.com/forums/showthread.php/285022-Xbox-360-Cloud-Storage-Size-Revealed?p=5712128 |archive-date=April 28, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
}}
| display = {{Collapsible list
|title=Video output formats
| [[Composite video]]<br />[[480i]], [[PAL|576i]]&nbsp;(PAL)
| [[S-Video]]<br />480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL)
| RGB [[SCART]]<br />480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL)
| [[Component video|Component]] ([[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]])<br />480i, 576i, [[480p]], [[720p]], [[1080i]]
| [[D-Terminal]] (YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>)<br />480i&nbsp;(D1), 480p&nbsp;(D2), 720p&nbsp;(D4), 1080i&nbsp;(D3), 1080p&nbsp;(D5)<ref name="dterminal">{{citation |url=https://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/xbox360/accessories/cables/xbox360dhdavcable |title=Xbox 360 D-Terminal HD AV Cable |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031032507/http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/xbox360/accessories/cables/xbox360dhdavcable |archive-date=2010-10-31 |access-date=2019-12-29 }}</ref>
| [[VGA connector|VGA]]<br/>640×480, [[Wide VGA|848×480]], [[XGA|1024×768]], 1280×720&nbsp;(720p), 1280×768, [[SXGA|1280×1024]], [[Wide XGA|1360×768]], [[WXGA+|1440×900]], [[WSXGA+|1680×1050]], 1920×1080&nbsp;(1080p)
| [[HDMI]] (later models)<br />480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p}}
| controllers = {{Collapsible list
|title=4 maximum* (any combination):
| [[Xbox 360 Controller]] (USB wired, 2.4&nbsp;GHz wireless)
| [[Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel]]
| [[Rhythm game]] controllers
| [[Big Button Pad]]s*
| [[Xbox 360 accessories#Xbox 360 Arcade Sticks|Xbox 360 Arcade sticks]]
| [[Xbox 360 accessories#Xbox 360 Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick|Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick]]
| [[Kinect]]}}
*4 Big Button Pads may be used in addition to other controllers.
| connectivity = {{ubl|'''Original models''':<br />
2.4&nbsp;GHz wireless, 3 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]], [[Infrared communication|IR]] receiver, 100&nbsp;Mbit/s [[Ethernet]]
|'''Add-on''': Wifi [[IEEE 802.11|802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11a-1999|a]]/[[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]], Wifi 802.11a/b/g/[[IEEE 802.11n-2009|n]]<ref name=wirelessn>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/microsoft-confirms-xbox-360-802-11n-adapter/|title=Microsoft confirms Xbox 360 802.11n adapter|access-date=November 23, 2009|date=September 21, 2009|publisher=joystiq|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629205830/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/microsoft-confirms-xbox-360-802-11n-adapter/|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
|'''Revised "S" models''':<br />
2.4&nbsp;GHz wireless, 5 × USB 2.0, [[TOSLINK|Digital Optical audio]] out, IR receiver, 100&nbsp;Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port
|'''Revised "E" models''':
2.4&nbsp;GHz wireless, 4 × USB 2.0, IR receiver, 100&nbsp;Mbit/s Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port, HDMI port}}
| compatibility = [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|Selected Xbox games]]<ref name="Original Xbox Games Playable on Xbox 360">{{cite web
|title=Original Xbox Games Playable on Xbox 360
|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm
|access-date=November 17, 2009
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512032530/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm
|archive-date=May 12, 2008
}}</ref><ref name="X1-PS4-No-BC">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-are-current-consoles-not-backward-compatible/1100-6426818/ |title=Why Are Current Consoles Not Backward Compatible? |last=Corriea |first=Alexa Ray |date=May 2, 2015 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |access-date=April 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210120916/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-are-current-consoles-not-backward-compatible/1100-6426818/ |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> (requires [[Xbox 360 components and accessories#Storage|hard drive]] and the latest update)
| predecessor = [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
| successor = [[Xbox One]]
| website = {{URL|https://xbox.com/en-US/xbox-360}}
| releasedate = {{Collapsible list
|title=November 22, 2005<ref name="nalaunch">{{cite web | url=https://www.engadget.com/2005/09/15/xbox-360-launch-date-is-november-22/ | title=Xbox 360 launch date is November 22 | publisher=Engadget | date=September 15, 2005 | access-date=March 14, 2013 | author=Dybwad, Barb | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615081413/http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/15/xbox-360-launch-date-is-november-22/ | archive-date=June 15, 2013 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
|'''Original Xbox 360'''{{Vgrelease|[[United States|US]]/[[Canada|CA]]|November 22, 2005|[[Eurozone|EZ]]/[[Norway|NO]]/[[Sweden|SE]]/[[United Kingdom|UK]]/[[Switzerland|CH]]|December 2, 2005|JP|December 10, 2005|[[Colombia|CO]]/[[Mexico|MX]]|February 2, 2006|[[South Korea|KR]]|February 24, 2006|[[Hong Kong|HK]]/[[Singapore|SG]]/[[Taiwan|TW]]|March 16, 2006|AUS|March 23, 2006|[[Chile|CL]]|July 7, 2006|[[India|IN]]|September 25, 2006|[[South Africa|ZA]]|September 29, 2006|[[Czech Republic|CZ]]/[[Poland|PL]]|November 3, 2006|[[Brazil|BR]]|December 1, 2006|[[Russia|RU]]|February 11, 2007|[[Peru|PE]]|February 25, 2008|[[United Arab Emirates|UAE]]|October 28, 2008|[[Nigeria|NG]]/[[Turkey|TR]]|2009|[[Seychelles|SC]]|Spring 2010}}
|'''Xbox 360 S'''{{Vgrelease|NA|June 18, 2010|AUS|July 1, 2010|[[New Zealand|NZ]]|July 8, 2010|EU|July 16, 2010}}
|'''Xbox 360 E'''{{Video game release|NA|June 10, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/10/e3-2013-new-xbox-360-model-revealed| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/10/e3-2013-new-xbox-360-model-revealed| archive-date=2021-10-03|title=E3 2013: New Xbox 360 Model Revealed |work=IGN| date=June 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>|EU|June 20, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gamesgear/new-xbox-360-model-on-sale-now-for-149-in-the-uk-50011535/|title=New Xbox 360 model on sale now for £149 in the UK|work=CNET UK |access-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622065752/http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gamesgear/new-xbox-360-model-on-sale-now-for-149-in-the-uk-50011535/|archive-date=June 22, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>}}
}}
| title = Xbox 360
| CPU = 3.2&nbsp;[[Hertz|GHz]] [[PowerPC]] Tri-Core [[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]]
| GPU = 500&nbsp;MHz [[ATI Technologies|ATI]]/[[AMD]] [[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos]], 240 GFLOPS
| Memory = {{plainlist|
* 512&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] of unified GDDR3 RAM clocked at 700&nbsp;MHz
* 10&nbsp;MB of [[eDRAM]] cache on [[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos GPU]]
}}
| soc = [[XCGPU]] (Xbox 360 S and E models only)
| unitssold = Worldwide: 84 million ({{as of|2014|06|09|lc=on|df=US}})<ref name="totalSales84">{{cite web|title=E3 2014: $399 Xbox One Out Now, Xbox 360 Sales Rise to 84 million|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-399-xbox-one-out-now-xbox-360-sales-rise-to-84-million/1100-6420231/|website=GameSpot|access-date=March 24, 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325025705/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-399-xbox-one-out-now-xbox-360-sales-rise-to-84-million/1100-6420231/|archive-date=March 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ([[Xbox 360#Sales|details]])
| Sound = * Analog stereo
* Stereo [[LPCM]] ([[TOSLINK]] and HDMI)
* [[Dolby Digital]] 5.1 (TOSLINK and HDMI)
* Dolby Digital with WMA pro (TOSLINK and HDMI)
| onlineservice = [[Xbox Live]]
<!-- ALERT, DO NOT CHANGE TOPGAME WITHOUT CITATION. -->
<!-- ALSO ENSURE THAT FIGURES ARE FOR XBOX 360 SALES, NOT MULTI-PLATFORM -->| topgame = ''[[Kinect Adventures!]]'', 24 million<br/>(bundled with [[Kinect]])<ref name="18-million">{{cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/01/09/xbox-360-surpassed-66m-sold-and-kinect-has-sold-18m-units/ |title=Xbox 360 surpasses 66M sold and Kinect passes 18M units |author=Dean Takahashi |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=January 9, 2012 |access-date=January 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112031148/http://venturebeat.com/2012/01/09/xbox-360-surpassed-66m-sold-and-kinect-has-sold-18m-units/ |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="24m kinect">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/microsoft-xbox-360-at-76m-sold-worldwide-kinect-at-24m/|title=Microsoft sells 24 million Kinects|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213110259/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/microsoft-xbox-360-at-76m-sold-worldwide-kinect-at-24m/|archive-date=February 13, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br/>
''[[Grand Theft Auto V]]'', 22.95 million (non-Kinect game)<!-- Of the 90 mil. GTA V sales, over 22.95 mil. are for the Xbox 360. --><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cherney |first=Max A. |title=This violent videogame has made more money than any movie ever |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=[[MarketWatch]] |language=EN-US |archive-date=2018-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407133735/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- ALERT, DO NOT CHANGE TOPGAME WITHOUT CITATION. -->
<!-- ALSO ENSURE THAT FIGURES ARE FOR XBOX 360 SALES, NOT MULTI-PLATFORM -->| currentfw = 2.0.17559.0<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox 360 operating system versions and system updates |url=https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/system-update-operating-system |website=support.xbox.com |access-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221085210/https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/system-update-operating-system |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
 
The '''Xbox 360''' is a [[home video game console]] developed by [[Microsoft]]. As the successor to the [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox]], it is the second console in the [[Xbox#Consoles|Xbox series]]. It was officially unveiled on [[MTV]] in a program titled ''MTV Presents Xbox: The Next Generation Revealed'' on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information announced later that month at the 2005 [[E3|Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3).<ref>Multiple sources:
In most countries 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 and additional accessories.
*{{cite press release |title=Xbox 360 Ushers in the Future of Games and Entertainment |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2005/05/12/xbox-360-ushers-in-the-future-of-games-and-entertainment/ |date=2005-05-12 |website=Microsoft |language=en-US |access-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416114623/https://news.microsoft.com/2005/05/12/xbox-360-ushers-in-the-future-of-games-and-entertainment/ |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web|date=2005-05-13|title=Microsoft introduces next generation Xbox|url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/05/12/technology/personaltech/xbox360/?cnn=yes|access-date=2021-03-19|website=CNN Money|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309204103/https://money.cnn.com/2005/05/12/technology/personaltech/xbox360/?cnn=yes|url-status=live}}
*{{cite news|date=2005-05-13|title=Microsoft unveils new Xbox 360 console|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/microsoft-unveils-new-xbox-360-console-1.1177355?mode=amp|access-date=2021-03-19|newspaper=The Irish Times|archive-date=June 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620073143/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/microsoft-unveils-new-xbox-360-console-1.1177355?mode=amp|url-status=live}}
*{{cite press release |title=Robbie Bach, J Allard, Peter Moore: Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2005 |url=https://news.microsoft.com/speeches/robbie-bach-j-allard-peter-moore-electronic-entertainment-expo-e3-2005/ |date=2005-05-16 |website=Microsoft |language=en-US |access-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423111541/https://news.microsoft.com/speeches/robbie-bach-j-allard-peter-moore-electronic-entertainment-expo-e3-2005/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As a [[Seventh generation of video game consoles|seventh-generation console]], it primarily competed with [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]].
 
The Xbox 360's online service, [[Xbox Live]], 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 [[Online game|play games online]]; download games (through [[Xbox Live Arcade]]) and game demos; purchase and [[Streaming media|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 [[Xbox 360 controller|controllers]], expanded [[hard disk drive|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.<ref name="pcmag.com">{{cite news | url=https://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=251237&a=251237&po=8,00.asp | work=PC Magazine | title=The 10 Greatest Video Game Consoles of All Time | access-date=May 14, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503081048/http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0%2C3253%2Cl%3D251237%26a%3D251237%26po%3D8%2C00.asp | archive-date=May 3, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="theverge.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/13/3633038/microsoft-xbox-360-trojan-horse-living-room|title=Living with the Xbox 360: how Microsoft's trojan horse took over your living room|author=Ross Miller|date=November 13, 2012|publisher=Vox Media|work=The Verge|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826152918/https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/13/3633038/microsoft-xbox-360-trojan-horse-living-room|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news | url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397387,00.asp | work=PC Magazine | title=Is the Xbox 360 the Elusive Living Room PC? | access-date=January 22, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826120455/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397387,00.asp | archive-date=August 26, 2017 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="trlegacy">{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/how-the-xbox-360-won-the-console-war-1196990|title=How the Xbox 360 won the console war|author=Jon Hicks|work=TechRadar|date=November 6, 2013|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210163547/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/how-the-xbox-360-won-the-console-war-1196990|archive-date=December 10, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
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.
 
[[Xbox 360 launch|Launched]] worldwide mostly between November 2005 and December 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 "[[Xbox 360 technical problems|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,<ref name="360 Arcade replacement">{{cite web|url=http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265465/new-200-xbox-360-planned-elite-and-arcade-getting-50-price-cut |title=New $200 Xbox 360 planned, Elite & Arcade getting $50 price cut |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=June 14, 2010 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=June 17, 2010 |quote=Moore said that Microsoft is currently working on a second new Xbox 360, which will be offered at the arcade's price point of $200. He declined to say what functionalities the cheaper model would or would not have. ... One likely scenario is the cheaper model will essentially be a slim arcade with no Wi-Fi capabilities or a hard drive. ... Moore also said that going forward, all future models of the Xbox 360 would not have names and would only be designated by their memory capacity. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617214147/http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265465/new-200-xbox-360-planned-elite-and-arcade-getting-50-price-cut |archive-date=June 17, 2010 }}</ref> and the Xbox 360 E in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/695557/e3-2013-reveals-new-xbox-360-console-model-and-introduces-free-games-for-gold-members/|title=E3 2013 Reveals New Xbox 360 Console Model And Introduces Free Games For Gold Members|work=The Inquisitr|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615214725/http://www.inquisitr.com/695557/e3-2013-reveals-new-xbox-360-console-model-and-introduces-free-games-for-gold-members/|archive-date=June 15, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
[[Image:X360_Logo.png|300px|right|Xbox 360 logo]]
[[Image:X360 Console-Controller.png|300px|right|Xbox 360 system and controller]]
==Retail configurations and pricing==
<!-- Please note that there is no "Xbox 360 Premium Edition"; it is officially referred to as, simply, "Xbox 360". -->
 
The Xbox 360 is the [[List of best-selling game consoles#Home game consoles|ninth-highest-selling home video game console in history]], and the highest-selling console made by an American company and by [[Microsoft]]. 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.<ref name="trlegacy" /><ref name="fool.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/01/03/has-microsoft-dodged-its-xbox-one-disaster.aspx|title=Has Microsoft Dodged Its Xbox One Disaster?|author=Keith Noonan|date=January 3, 2014|work=The Motley Fool|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105032810/http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/01/03/has-microsoft-dodged-its-xbox-one-disaster.aspx|archive-date=January 5, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Xbox 360's successor, the [[Xbox One]], was released on November 22, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |title= Microsoft unveils Xbox One next-generation console |date= May 21, 2013 |access-date= May 21, 2013 |publisher= BBC |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130522014323/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |archive-date= May 22, 2013 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }}</ref> On April 20, 2016, Microsoft announced that it would end the production of new Xbox 360 hardware, although the company will continue to support the platform.<ref name=360discontinuation /> On August 17, 2023, Microsoft announced that on July 29, 2024, the Xbox 360 game marketplace would stop offering new purchases and the Microsoft Movies & TV app will no longer function, though the console will still be able to download previously purchased content and enter multiplayer sessions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axon |first=Samuel |date=2023-08-17 |title=End of the road: The Xbox 360 game marketplace will shut down |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/08/the-xbox-360s-online-store-will-shut-down-next-year/ |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Mike |date=2023-08-17 |title=The Xbox 360 Store Will Close July 2024, But You Can Keep Playing Your Favorite Games |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/08/17/xbox-360-store-will-close-july-2024/ |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>{{TOC limit}}
Microsoft's current retail strategy involves two different configurations of the Xbox 360 in most countries.
 
== History ==
In United States and Europe, the console will be offered in two versions: an ''Xbox 360 Core System'' [[Stock Keeping Unit|SKU]]; and an ''Xbox 360'' SKU, frequently referred to as the "Xbox 360 Premium Edition". The ''Core System'' will not be available in Japan, instead Microsoft will offer a package identical to the ''Xbox 360'' SKU for ¥37,900 ($343.20). The Xbox 360 is being sold in America for $299.00. 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.
=== Development ===
Known during development as Xbox Next, Xenon, Xbox 2, Xbox FS or NextBox,<ref name="Narrowing Down the Xbox Successor's Name">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zd1up/is_200406/ai_n9520284|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070517222211/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zd1up/is_200406/ai_n9520284|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-05-17|title= Microsoft Narrowing Down Xbox Successor's Name?|access-date= July 26, 2008|first=David|last=Smith|date=June 2004|publisher=[[Ziff Davis Media]]}}</ref> the Xbox 360 was conceived in early 2003.<ref name="Development">{{cite news|url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/04/24/the_xbox_360_un/ |title=Chronology of Xbox History, 2003 |access-date=November 2, 2006 |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=May 1, 2006 |newspaper=Mercury News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922212025/http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/04/24/the_xbox_360_un/ |archive-date=September 22, 2008 }}</ref> In February 2003, planning for the Xenon [[Computing platform|software platform]] began, and was headed by Microsoft's Vice President [[J Allard]].<ref name="Development" /> That month, Microsoft held an event for 400 developers in [[Bellevue, Washington]] to recruit support for the system.<ref name="Development" /> Also that month, [[Peter Moore (business)|Peter Moore]], former president of [[Sega]] of America, joined Microsoft. On August 12, 2003, ATI signed on to produce the graphics processing unit for the new console, a deal that was publicly announced two days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1043-5063661.html|title=ATI wins bid for next Xbox|access-date=July 26, 2008|last=Becker|first=David|date=August 14, 2003|website=CNET|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617061848/http://news.cnet.com/2100-1043-5063661.html|archive-date=June 17, 2011|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Before the launch of the Xbox 360, several [[Alpha test|Alpha]] development kits were spotted using [[Apple Inc.|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)|Xenon]] processor. The cores of the Xenon [[Central processing unit|processor]] were developed using a slightly modified version of the [[PlayStation 3]]'s [[Cell (microprocessor)|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 (microprocessor)|Cell Processor]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123069467545545011.html|title=Playing the Fool|author=Jonathan V. Last|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=December 30, 2008|access-date=January 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121144904/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123069467545545011.html|archive-date=January 21, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Jeff Minter]] created the [[music visualization]] program [[Neon (light synthesizer)|Neon]] which is included with the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2005/jul/05/jeffmintervs|title=Jeff Minter vs Xbox 360: how Microsoft bought the light synth vision|work=The Guardian|date=July 5, 2005|___location=London|first=Keith|last=Stuart|access-date=December 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202105108/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2005/jul/05/jeffmintervs|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
=== Launch ===
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.
{{Main|Xbox 360 launch}}
 
The Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005, in the United States and Canada;<ref name="nalaunch" /> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/739/739880p1.html |title=Microsoft Spreads 360 Love |access-date=October 18, 2006 |last=Perry |first=Douglass |date=October 17, 2006 |website=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126175459/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/739/739880p1.html |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
[[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 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 venture.
 
=== Critical reception ===
{|class="wikitable"
In 2009, [[IGN]] named the Xbox 360 the sixth-greatest video game console of all time, out of a field of 25.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/6.html |title=Xbox 360 is number 6 |website=IGN |access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816132945/http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/6.html |archive-date=August 16, 2011 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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 [[Achievement (video games)|game achievement awards]].<ref name="trlegacy" /> ''PC Magazine'' considered the Xbox 360 the prototype for online gaming as it "proved that online gaming communities could thrive in the console space".<ref name="pcmag.com" /> 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.<ref name="finance.yahoo.com">{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/game-over-fastest-selling-tech-device-history-end-130353968.html|title=Game Over: Fastest Selling Tech Device In History to End Console War|date=November 14, 2013|work=Yahoo Finance|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413023442/http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/game-over-fastest-selling-tech-device-history-end-130353968.html|archive-date=April 13, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|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&nbsp;... ''[[Killzone (series)|Killzone]]'' is no ''[[Halo (series)|Halo]]'' and nowadays ''[[Gran Turismo (series)|Gran Turismo]]'' is no ''[[Forza Motorsport (series)|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."<ref>{{cite web|author=Edge Staff|title=The ten best consoles: our countdown of the greatest gameboxes of the last 20 years|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-best-consoles-the-greatest-gameboxes-from-the-past-20-years/|publisher=Edge Online|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=January 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325032325/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-best-consoles-the-greatest-gameboxes-from-the-past-20-years/|archive-date=March 25, 2014}}</ref>
|valign="top"|This is a comparison table showing the differences between the packages.
!Xbox 360 Core System
 
=== Sales ===
[[Image:Xbox360CoreSystem.jpg|240px]]
<!-- This section is linked from this article's infobox -->
!Xbox 360
<!--
 
DO ''not'' CHANGE these numbers without a reference
[[Image:X360premium.jpg|240px]]
VGCHARTS and NEXTGENWARS are ''not'' reliable sources
-->
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em;"
|-
! Region !! [[List of million-selling game consoles|Units sold]] !! First available
|colspan=3|'''Features'''
|-
| United States
|Detachable [[hard drive]] (20 GB)
| 38.8 million <small>{{as of|2013|6|27|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="USUKJPsales">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/06/analysis-xbox-360-poised-to-pass-wii-in-us-sales-by-years-end/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/06/analysis-xbox-360-poised-to-pass-wii-in-us-sales-by-years-end/| archive-date=2021-10-03|title=Analysis: Xbox 360 poised to pass Wii in US sales by year's end|first=Kyle|last=Orland|date=June 27, 2013|website=[[ArsTechnica]]|access-date=April 13, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|{{no}}
|November 22, 2005
|{{yes}}
|-
| EMEA region{{Clear}}<small>(Europe, Middle East and Africa)</small>
|Controller
| 13.7 million <small>{{as of|2011|3|31|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="EMEA, US=25.4mil">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gamestop-details-europe-u-s-installed-base-for-consoles|title=GameStop Details Europe, U.S. Installed Base For Consoles|first=Leigh|last=Alexander|date=March 31, 2011|website=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=March 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404002915/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33842/GameStop_Details_Europe_US_Installed_Base_For_Consoles.php|archive-date=April 4, 2011|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{Clear}}<small>(includes UK sales)</small>
|Wired with 9ft break-away cable
| rowspan="2"| December 2, 2005
|2.4 GHz Wireless
|-
| United Kingdom
|[[Xbox Live|Xbox-Live]] Headset
| 9 million <small>(lifetime sales)</small><ref name="360_9mUKGamesIndustry.biz">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ps5-hits-2m-uk-sales-making-it-the-fourth-fastest-selling-games-console-of-all-time | title = PS5 hits 2&nbsp;m UK sales, making it the fourth fastest-selling games console of all time | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = October 13, 2022 | access-date = December 7, 2022 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = December 7, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221207203356/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ps5-hits-2m-uk-sales-making-it-the-fourth-fastest-selling-games-console-of-all-time | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="ChrisDringtweetGamesIndustry.biz">{{Cite tweet |author=Christopher Dring |editor-link=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |user=Chris_Dring |number=1390041398783655936 |title= Switch isn't a record breaking platform in the UK. Not even close. But its current sales trends puts it on par with Xbox 360, which over time went on to do 9&nbsp;m units in the UK. A figure only beaten by Nintendo DS and PS2}}</ref>
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
| Japan
|Cables
| 1.62 million <small>(lifetime sales)</small><ref name="XboxJPsales">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-03-xbox-has-sold-2-3-million-consoles-in-japan-over-20-years | title = Xbox has sold 2.3 million consoles in Japan over 20 years | first = Danielle | last = Partis | date = March 3, 2022 | access-date = March 3, 2022 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = March 3, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220303122707/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-03-xbox-has-sold-2-3-million-consoles-in-japan-over-20-years | url-status = live }}</ref>
|Standard AV cable
 
|Component HD-AV cable
| December 10, 2005
|-
|Xbox Live Silver membership
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|One month limited trial membership for Xbox Live Gold
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[Ethernet]] cable
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|Media Remote (included in the initial shipment)
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|colspan=3|'''Pricing on release'''
|-
|Australia ([[Australian dollar]]s)
|$499.95
|$649.95
|-
|Canada ([[Canadian dollar]]s)
|$399.99
|$499.99
|-
|Europe ([[Euro]]s) [http://gamestoaster.typepad.com/games_toaster/2005/09/xbox_360_higher.html]
|€299.99 (€309.99 for Finland, Ireland and Portugal)
|€399.99 (€409.99 for Finland, Ireland and Portugal)
|-
| Australia & New Zealand
|Japan ([[Yen]])
| 1 million <small>{{as of|2010|4|19|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="salesAUSNZ">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5520115/maybe-the-best-xbox-360-weve-ever-seen |title=This Is A Nice, Nice Xbox 360 |website=Kotaku |access-date=April 19, 2010 |date=April 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422192437/http://kotaku.com/5520115/maybe-the-best-xbox-360-weve-ever-seen |archive-date=April 22, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
|Not available
| March 23, 2006
|¥39,795
|-
| '''Worldwide'''
|New Zealand ([[New Zealand dollar]]s)
| '''84 million''' <small>{{as of|2014|06|09|lc=on|df=US}}</small><ref name="totalSales84" />
|$549.95
| <small>([[Xbox 360 launch#Release dates and pricing|more...]])</small>
|$719.95
|-
|United Kingdom ([[Pound sterling]])
|£209.99
|£279.99
|-
|United States ([[United States dollar|USD]])
|$299.99
|$399.99
|}
 
<!-- launch sales -->
==Launch details==
The Xbox 360 began production only 69&nbsp;days before launch, on September 14, 2005,<ref name="bottleneck">{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/07/05/commentary/column_gaming/index.htm?section=money_latest |title=Nintendo's Wii may get early launch |access-date=March 23, 2009 |last=Morris |first=Chris |date=July 5, 2006 |website=CNN Money |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213065641/http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/05/commentary/column_gaming/index.htm?section=money_latest |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6235933.html |title=Microsoft cooking 360 figures? |date=April 16, 2007 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |website=[[GameSpot]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111180230/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6235933.html |archive-date=January 11, 2010 }}</ref> and Microsoft was not able to supply enough systems to meet initial consumer demand in Europe or North America, selling out completely [[Xbox 360 launch|upon release]] in all regions except in Japan.<ref name="Shortages spoil Xbox 360 launch">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4462744.stm |title=Shortages spoil Xbox 360 launch |work=BBC News |date=November 23, 2005 |access-date=December 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117185708/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4462744.stm |archive-date=November 17, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe by Storm">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox365.com/news.cgi?id=GGPPLLiddi12060836 |title=Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe by Storm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810190504/http://www.xbox365.com/news.cgi?id=GGPPLLiddi12060836 |archive-date=August 10, 2007 }}</ref><ref name="Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments">{{cite web|url=http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/21759/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106182754/http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/21759/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 6, 2008 |title=Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments |access-date=October 14, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="bbc-soldout">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4491804.stm |title=Xbox 360 sells out within hours |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=December 2, 2005 |publisher=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115214837/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4491804.stm |archive-date=January 15, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Forty thousand units were offered for sale on auction site [[eBay]] during the initial week of release, 10% of the total supply.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/40000-xbox-360s-sold-ebay |title=40,000 Xbox 360s Sold on eBay |access-date=July 26, 2008 |last=Svensson |first=Christian |date=December 2, 2005 |publisher=Future Network USA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701091716/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/40000-xbox-360s-sold-ebay |archive-date=July 1, 2011 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.microsoft.com/msft/download/FY06/MSFTQ2_06.ppt#14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060225181443/http://www.microsoft.com/msft/download/FY06/MSFTQ2_06.ppt#14 |archive-date=February 25, 2006 |title=Microsoft FY2006 Quarter 2 report |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=January 26, 2006 |format=Powerpoint |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>
===Dates===
The Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on [[MTV]] on [[May 12]], [[2005]], a week before [[E3|E³]]. The first area to see the machine released was North America on [[November 22]], [[2005]], with Europe following just over a week later.
 
<!-- North America -->
{|class="wikitable"
In May 2008, Microsoft announced that 10&nbsp;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.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/0514-10million.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517113549/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/0514-10million.htm | archive-date=May 17, 2008 | title= Xbox 360 First to Reach Ten Million Console Sales in U.S.|publisher=Microsoft |date=May 14, 2008 |access-date=May 14, 2008}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6194691.html |title=NPD: PS3 sales spike on MGS4 |author=Tom Magrino |date=July 17, 2008 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=November 22, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013021113/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6194691.html |archive-date=October 13, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/npd-wii-overtakes-360-us |title=NPD: Wii Overtakes 360 in US |author=Joe Keiser |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=November 22, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815200337/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/npd-wii-overtakes-360-us |archive-date=August 15, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?entry_id=28286 |title=E3: Nintendo Wii pulls ahead of Xbox 360 in console sales |author=Ryan Kim |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=November 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820185535/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?entry_id=28286 |archive-date=August 20, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> By the end of March 2011, Xbox 360 sales in the US had reached 25.4 million units.<ref name="EMEA, US=25.4mil" /> Between January 2011 and October 2013, the Xbox 360 was the best-selling console in the United States for these 32&nbsp;consecutive months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geekwire.com/2013/xbox-360-wii-ps3-won-console-generation/|title=Xbox 360 vs. Wii vs. PS3: Who won the console wars?|author=Todd Bishop|work=GeekWire|date=August 2, 2013|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407205458/http://www.geekwire.com/2013/xbox-360-wii-ps3-won-console-generation/|archive-date=April 7, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2015/01/15/xbox-one-record-breaking-holiday-look-ahead-2015/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2015/01/15/xbox-one-record-breaking-holiday-look-ahead-2015/| archive-date=2021-10-03 | title = Xbox One Closes a Record-Breaking Holiday and Looks Ahead to 2015 | date = January 15, 2015 | access-date = March 9, 2021 |website=Xbox Wire|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In Canada, the Xbox 360 has sold a total of 870,000 units as of August 1, 2008.<ref name="canadianpress">{{cite web|url=http://www.fftimes.com/node/214646 |title=Nintendo Wii surpasses mark of one million consoles sold in Canada |author=Neil Davidson |date=August 26, 2008 |work=[[The Canadian Press]] |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=September 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916051431/http://www.fftimes.com/node/214646 |archive-date=September 16, 2009 }}</ref>
!Date
 
!Location
<!-- Europe -->
In Europe, the Xbox 360 has sold seven million units as of November 20, 2008.<ref name="Europesales">{{cite press release |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/news/914963/xbox_360_european_sales_top_10m.html |title=Xbox 360 European Sales Top 10&nbsp;m |author=Dan Howdle |date=November 13, 2009 |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=March 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121235448/http://www.nowgamer.com/news/914963/xbox_360_european_sales_top_10m.html |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The Xbox 360 took 110 weeks to reach 2 million units sold in the UK, generating £507m in revenue.<ref name="360_9mUKGamesIndustry.biz" /> Sales in the [[United Kingdom]] would reach 3.2 million units by January 2009, per [[GfK]] [[Chart-Track]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/console-installed-base-reaches-22m-in-uk| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/console-installed-base-reaches-22m-in-uk| archive-date=2021-10-03 | title = Console installed base reaches 22&nbsp;m in UK |first=Matt|last=Martin|date = January 13, 2009 | access-date = April 14, 2021 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The 8 million unit mark was crossed in the UK by February 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/06/27/xbox-360-beats-wii-as-the-uks-best-selling-console-3858990/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217222034/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/xbox-360-set-to-surpass-nintendo-wiis-uk-sales-record-1131356 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |title=Xbox 360 set to surpass Nintendo Wii's UK sales record |date=June 27, 2013 |work=[[TechRadar]] |access-date=February 21, 2013 }}</ref> 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 [[PlayStation 2|PS2]] and [[Nintendo DS]].<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131005135550/http://metro.co.uk/2013/06/27/xbox-360-beats-wii-as-the-uks-best-selling-console-3858990/|url = https://metro.co.uk/2013/06/27/xbox-360-beats-wii-as-the-uks-best-selling-console-3858990/ | title = Xbox 360 beats Wii as the UK's best-selling console|date = June 27, 2013| archive-date=October 5, 2013| access-date = April 14, 2021 |website=Metro.co.uk}}</ref><ref name="360_9mUKGamesIndustry.biz" /><ref name="ChrisDringtweetGamesIndustry.biz" /> Over 1 million units were sold in Spain across the console's lifecycle.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350722004/asi-han-evolucionado-las-ventas-de-xbox-one-en-espana-en-los-ultimos-anos/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000641/https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350722004/asi-han-evolucionado-las-ventas-de-xbox-one-en-espana-en-los-ultimos-anos/| archive-date=2020-11-08 | title = Así han evolucionado las ventas de Xbox One en España en los últimos años | first = Jorge | last = Cano | date = May 9, 2019 | access-date = March 7, 2021 | work = [[:es:Vandal]]}}</ref>
 
<!-- Japan -->
The Xbox 360 crossed the 1 million units sold in Japan in March 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/xbox-360-sells-1-million-in-japan|title=Xbox 360 sells 1 million in Japan|date=March 31, 2009|access-date=April 15, 2021|website=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210415152707/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/xbox-360-sells-1-million-in-japan|archive-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> and the 1.5 million units sold in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-17-xbox-360-sells-1-5-million-in-japan|title=Xbox 360 sells 1.5 million in Japan|date=June 17, 2011|access-date=June 17, 2011|website=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620131101/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-17-xbox-360-sells-1-5-million-in-japan|archive-date=June 20, 2011|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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 (console)|Xbox]], which had total sales of 474,992 units.<ref name="XboxJPsales" /> 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]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008-09-17-infinite-undiscovery-price-cut-help-xbox-360-outsell-wii-in-jap.html|title=Infinite Undiscovery, price cut help Xbox 360 outsell Wii in Japan|first=Alexander|last=Sliwinski|date=September 17, 2008|publisher=Engadget|access-date=April 15, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415171108/https://www.engadget.com/2008-09-17-infinite-undiscovery-price-cut-help-xbox-360-outsell-wii-in-jap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Star Ocean: The Last Hope]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japan-sales-charts-feb-16-22-xbox-360-hardware-software-king/1100-6205416/|title=Japan Sales Charts Feb. 16–22: Xbox 360 hardware, software king|date=March 3, 2009|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=April 15, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415171113/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japan-sales-charts-feb-16-22-xbox-360-hardware-software-king/1100-6205416/|url-status=live}}</ref> were released those weeks, respectively. Ultimately, ''[[Edge (magazine)|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.<ref>{{cite web|author=Nathan Brown |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-dead-japan |title=Xbox 360: dead in Japan? – Edge Magazine |publisher=Next-gen.biz |access-date=August 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824225226/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-dead-japan |archive-date=August 24, 2011 }}</ref> The significance of Japan's poor sales might be overstated in the media in comparison to overall international sales.<ref name="3 October 2014">{{cite web |last1=Fahey |first1=Rob |title=Japan is just a symptom of Xbox' problems |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-10-02-japan-is-just-a-symptom-of-xbox-problems |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |date=October 3, 2014 |access-date=23 June 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623222128/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-10-02-japan-is-just-a-symptom-of-xbox-problems |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; text-align:right;"
|+ Life-to-date number of [[List of million-selling game consoles|units shipped]], millions
|-
! Date !! Quarterly !! Lifetime
|[[November 22]], [[2005]]
|[[North America]]
|-
!2005-12-31
|[[December 2]], [[2005]]
| 1.5 || 1.5
|[[Europe]]
|-
!2006-03-31
|[[December 10]], [[2005]]
| 1.7 || 3.2
|[[Japan]]
|-
!2006-06-30
|[[March 2]], [[2006]]
| 1.8 || 5.0
|[[Australia]]
|-
|[[!2006]]-09-30
| 1.0 || 6.0
|Elsewhere
|}
 
===Available titles===
Eighteen [[launch title]]s were available for customers in the United States on [[November 22]], [[2005]]. The European countries will have fifteen titles available by the launch date of [[December 2]], [[2005]]. Japanese customers, however, will only have seven titles to choose from by the time the Xbox 360 is 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]]
|-
!2006-12-31
|<small>''[[Call of Duty 2]]''</small>
| 4.4 || 10.4
|<small>''[[Dead or Alive 4]]''</small>
|-
!2007-03-31
|[[Image:EveryPartyScreen.jpg|150px]]
| 0.5 || 10.9
|[[Image:FIFA06screen.jpg|150px]]
|-
!2007-06-30
|<small>''[[Every Party]]''</small>
| 0.7 || 11.6
|<small>''[[FIFA '06: Road to FIFA World Cup]]''</small>
|-
!2007-09-30
|[[Image:Kameoscreenshot.jpg|150px]]
| 1.8 || 13.4
|[[Image:NBALive06screen.jpg|150px]]
|-
!2007-12-31
|<small>''[[Kameo: Elements of Power]]''</small>
| 4.3 || 17.7
|<small>''[[NBA Live '06]]''</small>
|-
!2008-03-31
|[[Image:Pdzscreen1.jpg|150px]]
| 1.3 || 19.0
|[[Image:Pgr3screen04.jpg|150px]]
|-
!2008-06-30
|<small>''[[Perfect Dark Zero]]''</small>
| 1.3 || 20.3
|<small>''[[Project Gotham Racing 3]]''</small>
|}
</div>
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Title
!North America
!Europe
!Japan
|-
!2008-09-30
|''[[Amped 3]]''
| 2.2 || 22.5
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2008-12-31
|''[[Call of Duty 2]]''
| 6.0 || 28.5
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2009-03-31
|''[[Condemned: Criminal Origins]]''
| 1.7 || 30.2
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2009-06-30
|''[[Dead or Alive 4]]''
| 1.2 || 31.5
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
 
|{{yes}}
|-
!2009-09-30
|''[[Every Party]]''
| 2.1 || 33.6
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
!2009-12-31
|''[[FIFA '06: Road to FIFA World Cup]]''
| 5.2 || 38.8
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
!2010-03-31
|''[[Gun (video game)|Gun]]''
| 1.5 || 40.3
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2010-06-30
|''[[Kameo: Elements of Power]]''
| 1.5 || 41.8
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2010-09-30
|''[[Madden NFL 06]]''
| 2.8 || 44.6
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2010-12-31
|''[[NBA 2K6]]''
| 6.3 || 50.9
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2011-03-31
|''[[NBA Live 06]]''
| 2.7 || 53.6
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2011-06-30
|''[[Need for Speed: Most Wanted]]''
| 1.7 || 55.3
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
!2011-09-30
|''[[NHL 2K6]]''
| 2.3 || 57.6
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2011-12-31
|''[[Perfect Dark Zero]]'' (LE available)
| 8.2 || 65.8
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
!2012-03-31
|''[[Peter Jackson's King Kong (video game)|Peter Jackson's King Kong]]''
| 1.4 || 67.2
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2012-06-30
|''[[Project Gotham Racing 3]]''
| 1.1 || 68.3
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2012-09-30
|''[[Quake 4]]''
| 1.7 || 70.0
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2012-12-31
|''[[Ridge Racer 6]]''
| 5.9 || 75.9
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
!2013-03-31
|''[[Tetris|Tetris: The Grandmaster Ace]]''
| 1.3 || 77.2
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
!2013-06-30
|''[[Tiger Woods PGA Tour|Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06]]''
| 1.0 || 78.2
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
!2013-09-30
|''[[Tony Hawk's American Wasteland]]''
| 1.2 || 79.4
|{{yes}}
|-
|{{yes}}
!2013-12-31
|{{no}}
| 3.5 || 82.9
|-
!2014-03-31
| 0.8 || 83.7
|}
{{-}}
 
=== Legacy ===
==Components and accessories==
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.<ref name="fool.com" /> 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.<ref name="trlegacy" /><ref name="theglobeandmail">{{cite news | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/video-games/controller-freak/whats-wrong-with-nintendo/article2219854/ | ___location=Toronto | work=The Globe and Mail | title=What's wrong with Nintendo? | date=October 31, 2011 | access-date=September 18, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302155609/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/video-games/controller-freak/whats-wrong-with-nintendo/article2219854/ | archive-date=March 2, 2012 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/04/26/nintendo-reports-461-2m-in-losses-is-selling-3ds-below-cost/ | title=Nintendo Reports $461.2M in Losses | work=Forbes | first=Paul | last=Tassi | date=April 26, 2012 | access-date=September 18, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729205949/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/04/26/nintendo-reports-461-2m-in-losses-is-selling-3ds-below-cost/ | archive-date=July 29, 2017 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/05/10/sony-posts-record-losses-as-playstation-sales-drop/ | title=Cardiac Arrests at Sony, Nintendo As Consoles Show Their Age | work=Forbes | first=Paul | last=Tassi | access-date=January 22, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729205903/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/05/10/sony-posts-record-losses-as-playstation-sales-drop/ | archive-date=July 29, 2017 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/27/xbox-one-v-playstation-4-who-will-win-the-next-gen-console-race-4201485/|title=Xbox One v PlayStation 4: Who will win the next-gen console race? - Metro News|last=Jenkins|first=David|date=November 27, 2013|work=Metro|access-date=November 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128142712/http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/27/xbox-one-v-playstation-4-who-will-win-the-next-gen-console-race-4201485/|archive-date=November 28, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The [[PlayStation 3]] struggled for a time due to being too expensive and initially lacking quality games,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.womencitizen.com/technology-22/three-strategy-lessons-from-the-latest-round-of-xbox-vs-playstation-2827.html|title=Three Strategy Lessons From the Latest Round of Xbox vs. PlayStation|author=Women|date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129123337/http://www.womencitizen.com/technology-22/three-strategy-lessons-from-the-latest-round-of-xbox-vs-playstation-2827.html|archive-date=November 29, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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".<ref name="trlegacy" />
===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. The wired controller has a nine foot (2.74 m) long cord with a break-away feature. This version of the controller sells for $39.99/€34.99/£24.99/C$49.99/¥3,675. 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 wireless controller will be sold for $49.99/€44.99/£32.99/C$59.99/¥4,725.
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/nom-stats-2007.html |title=2007 Nominee Fast Facts |publisher=[[Game Critics Awards]] |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526133909/http://gamecriticsawards.com/nom-stats-2007.html |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win-stats-2007.html |title=2007 Winners Fast Facts |publisher=Game Critics Awards |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602033302/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win-stats-2007.html |archive-date=June 2, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/04/17/xbox-360-comes-in-2nd-for-march-sales/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420173158/http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/04/17/xbox-360-comes-in-2nd-for-march-sales/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |title=Xbox 360 Comes in 2nd For March Sales |author=Torrence Davis |publisher=The Bitbag |date=April 17, 2008 |access-date=March 23, 2009 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2008/02/20/microsoft-keynote-reveals-xbox-stats/ |title=Microsoft keynote reveals Xbox stats |author=Rain Anderson |work=That VideoGame Blog |date=February 20, 2008 |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618063250/http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2008/02/20/microsoft-keynote-reveals-xbox-stats/ |archive-date=June 18, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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]]'',<ref name="Devil May Cry">{{cite web |title=Official Press Release on DMC4 going Multiplatform |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=March 20, 2007 |url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028084439/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |access-date=October 25, 2007}}</ref> ''[[Ace Combat 6]]'',<ref name="Ace Combat">{{cite web |url=http://www.namcobandaigames.com/news/press/press/199/page/1 |title=Namco Bandai Games announces the worldwide launch of Ace Combat 6: fires of liberation for the Xbox 360 |publisher=[[Namco Bandai Games|Namco Bandai]] |access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011174922/http://namcobandaigames.com/news/press/press/199/page/1 |archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> ''[[Virtua Fighter 5]]'',<ref name="Virtua Fighter">{{cite web|last=McWhertor |first=Michael |title=PS3 Loses Another Exclusive, Virtua Fighter 5 Comes to 360 |website=Kotaku |date=December 21, 2006 |url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/sega/ps3-loses-another-exclusive-virtua-fighter-5-comes-to-360-223566.php |access-date=October 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025094216/http://kotaku.com/gaming/sega/ps3-loses-another-exclusive-virtua-fighter-5-comes-to-360-223566.php |archive-date=October 25, 2007 }}</ref> ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'',<ref name="Grand Theft Auto 4">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6151640&mode=all |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Comes to Xbox 360 on Day One |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=May 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202020826/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6151640&mode=all |archive-date=December 2, 2008 }}</ref> ''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]'',<ref name="FFXIII360">{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/tag/36/Videogames.html#687020|title=Final Fantasy XIII Comes to the 360|publisher=X-Play|access-date=July 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509150658/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/tag/36/Videogames.html#687020|archive-date=May 9, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[Tekken 6]]'',<ref name="tekken360">{{cite web|last=Ramsay |first=Randolph |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198775.html?sid=6198775 |title=TGS 2008: Tekken 6 smacking Xbox 360 – News at GameSpot |publisher=Gamespot.com |date=October 8, 2008 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710152102/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198775.html?sid=6198775 |archive-date=July 10, 2011 }}</ref> ''[[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance]]'',<ref>{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Totilo |url=http://kotaku.com/5277716/sony-expects-metal-gear-solid-rising-on-ps3-at-launch |title=Sony Expects Metal Gear Solid Rising on PS3 at Launch |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=June 3, 2009 |access-date=June 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527070425/http://kotaku.com/5277716/sony-expects-metal-gear-solid-rising-on-ps3-at-launch |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and ''[[L.A. Noire]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.spong.com/article/20533/L-A-Noire-No-Longer-A-PS3-Exclusive |title=L.A. Noire No Longer A PS3 Exclusive – News (PS3/Xbox 360) |publisher=News.spong.com |date=February 8, 2010 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418184548/http://news.spong.com/article/20533/L-A-Noire-No-Longer-A-PS3-Exclusive |archive-date=April 18, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shah |first=Sarju |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/xbox-360-versus-playstation-3-graphics-comparison-round-3-6191251/ |title=Xbox 360 Versus PlayStation 3 Graphics Comparison: Round 3 |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=May 23, 2008 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717090001/http://www.gamespot.com/features/xbox-360-versus-playstation-3-graphics-comparison-round-3-6191251/ |archive-date=July 17, 2012 }}</ref>
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 ("LB" and "RB"), 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 non-standard [[USB]] connectors on the front of the Xbox controller.
 
''[[TechRadar]]'' deemed the Xbox 360 as the most influential game system through its emphasis of digital media distribution, Xbox Live online gaming service, and [[Achievement (video games)|game achievement]] feature.<ref name="trlegacy" /> 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".<ref name="businessweek.com">{{cite web |author=Ashlee Vance |author-link=Ashlee Vance |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Steve Ballmer Reboots |url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/steve-ballmer-reboots-01122012.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128044033/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/steve-ballmer-reboots-01122012.html |archive-date=November 28, 2013 |access-date=November 21, 2013 |work=Bloomberg.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="theverge.com" /><ref name="ReferenceA" />
===Detachable hard drive===
[[Image:X360_DetachableHDD.png|right|200px]]
A detachable 20.0 gigabyte [[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. 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, 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. The detachable 20 gigabyte hard drive will be sold for $99.99/€99.99/£69.99/C$129.99. This drive will not be included in the Core System bundle at launch, and also will not be sold separately in Japan.
 
Microsoft announced the successor to the Xbox 360, the [[Xbox One]], on May 21, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |title= Microsoft unveils Xbox One next-generation console |date= May 21, 2013 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |work= BBC News |archive-date= May 22, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130522014323/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |url-status= live }}</ref> On April 20, 2016, 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.<ref name="verge-360endofproduction">{{cite web|title=Microsoft is stopping production of the Xbox 360|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/20/11468704/microsoft-xbox-360-production-ceased|website=The Verge|date=April 20, 2016|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420214446/http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/20/11468704/microsoft-xbox-360-production-ceased|archive-date=April 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/9/17445014/fifa-19-ps3-xbox-360-ea-sports| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/9/17445014/fifa-19-ps3-xbox-360-ea-sports| archive-date=2021-10-03 | title = FIFA 19 stretches the lifespan of the PS3 and Xbox 360 | first = Owen | last = Good | date = June 9, 2018 | access-date = March 23, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Xbox 360 continues to have an active player base years after the system's discontinuation. Speaking to ''[[Engadget]]'' at [[E3 2019]] after the announcement of [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Project Scarlett]], the next-generation of Xbox consoles after the Xbox One, [[Phil Spencer (Microsoft)|Phil Spencer]] stated that there were still "millions and millions of players" active on the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wJRUi26bUs |title=Xbox's Phil Spencer on Project Scarlett at E3 2019 |publisher=[[Engadget]] |date=June 10, 2019 |access-date=March 24, 2021 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205231328/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wJRUi26bUs |url-status=live }}</ref> After the launch of the [[Xbox Series X and S]] by the end of 2020, 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.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theciu.com/publicaciones-2/2021/3/22/industria-de-videojuegos-en-mxico-en-2020| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.theciu.com/publicaciones-2/2021/3/22/industria-de-videojuegos-en-mxico-en-2020| archive-date=2021-10-03 | title = Industria de Videojuegos en México en 2020 | first = Alberto | last = Arteaga | date = March 22, 2021 | access-date = March 23, 2021 | work = The CIU}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
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= Hardware ==
[[File:Microsoft-Xbox-360-E-wController.jpg|thumb|right|The Xbox 360 E model, announced at [[E3 2013]], shares many aesthetics with the [[Xbox One]].]]
[[Image:X360_Faceplates.png|right|200px|Xbox 360 faceplates]]
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.
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 $20.
 
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 disk drive|hard drives]] are standard 2.5" [[Serial ATA|SATA]] laptop drives,<ref>{{cite web |title=Install Your Own 120&nbsp;GB Xbox Drive, Save $100 |url=https://gizmodo.com/254502/install-your-own-120gb-xbox-drive-save-100 |website=Gizmodo |date=April 23, 2007 |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091001/https://gizmodo.com/254502/install-your-own-120gb-xbox-drive-save-100 |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> but have a custom enclosure and firmware so that the Xbox 360 can recognize it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox 360 HDD Replacement |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Xbox+360+HDD+Replacement/3430 |website=IFixit |date=August 2010 |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055415/https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Xbox+360+HDD+Replacement/3430 |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
===AV connection cables===
* Xbox 360 [[Component video|Component]] HD-AV Cable
:This set provides component [[RCA jack|RCA]] cables for both high and standard definition output to TVs.
* [[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. All the connectors also offer an optical audio output jack for connection to surround sound systems. They will be sold for $29.99/€24.99/£17.99/C$39.99/¥2,625.
* 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. It will be sold for $39.99/€29.99/£19.99/C$49.99/¥3,675.YEA
 
=== Technical specifications ===
===Other===
{{Main|Xbox 360 technical specifications}}
[[Image:X360_Remote.png|right|50px]]
The Xbox 360 uses the triple-core [[IBM]] designed [[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]] as its CPU, with each core capable of simultaneously processing two [[thread (computer science)|threads]], and can therefore operate on up to six threads at once.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox360/manuals/xbox360specs.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822024003/http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox360/manuals/xbox360specs.htm|archive-date=August 22, 2008 |title=Xbox 360 Technical Specifications |publisher=Xbox.com |access-date=September 10, 2009}}</ref> [[Computer graphics|Graphics processing]] is handled by the [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] [[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos]], which has 10&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] of [[eDRAM]]. Its main memory pool is 512&nbsp;MB in size.
[[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) and will be sold for $11.99/€14.99/£9.99/C$14.99/¥1,365. 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. Sold for $19.99/€19.99/£14.99/C$29.99/¥2,100.
*'''Memory Unit:''' a portable device which allows the transfer of saved games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles to other Xbox 360 consoles. The 64 MB version will be sold for $39.99/€34.99/£22.99/C$49.99/¥3,360.
*'''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. It will be sold for $19.99/€19.99/£14.99/C$29.99/¥2,625.
*'''Universal Media Remote:''' allows the user to play DVD movies and music, and offers controls for a TV or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC. It will be sold for $29.99/€29.99/£19.99/C$39.99/¥2,625. The universal media remote is a bigger version of the media remote that will initially be shipped with the ''Xbox 360'' version of the console.
 
Originally, the Xbox 360 was equipped with only 256&nbsp;MB of RAM, but [[Epic Games|Epic]], the [[Gears of War (video game)|''Gears of War'']] developer, demonstrated to Microsoft that the console should have 512&nbsp;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'."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weeks |first=K. |date=2006 |title=How Epic cost MS $1 billion dollars |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-10-28-how-epic-cost-ms-1-billion-dollars.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3ctZW5nYWRnZXQtY29tLmNkbi5hbXBwcm9qZWN0Lm9yZy8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAATZ3ecKhPJgcvEawlZH3gX0OB2r4_3yTXH12qmG-7q8JtDidGp8nCT03YarWC5Ky6HSPrwqyM_DOJCUWW-cRcRNAqcySQ5krmsvFZ-QLktse0I4GSeJcNiMNfmvJkS5wPdu3n6Ln4IA-8K257ac-r9AMDnStmsIEnrPSc2OGUEJ&guccounter=1 |website=Engadget |access-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021074251/https://www.engadget.com/2006-10-28-how-epic-cost-ms-1-billion-dollars.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3ctZW5nYWRnZXQtY29tLmNkbi5hbXBwcm9qZWN0Lm9yZy8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAATZ3ecKhPJgcvEawlZH3gX0OB2r4_3yTXH12qmG-7q8JtDidGp8nCT03YarWC5Ky6HSPrwqyM_DOJCUWW-cRcRNAqcySQ5krmsvFZ-QLktse0I4GSeJcNiMNfmvJkS5wPdu3n6Ln4IA-8K257ac-r9AMDnStmsIEnrPSc2OGUEJ&guccounter=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Hardware specifications==
 
Various hard disk drives have been produced, including options at 20, 60, 120, 250, 320, or 500&nbsp;GB.
Specifications are also available at the official [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox360/factsheet.htm Xbox website].
 
===Central processingAccessories unit===
{{Main|Xbox 360 accessories}}
The [[central processing unit]] (CPU) is a custom [[IBM]] [[PowerPC]]-based "Xenon" (each with 900? Dhrystone Mips)
* [[90 nanometer|90 nm process]], 165 million [[Transistor|transistors]]
* Three symmetrical cores, each one running at 3.2 [[Hertz|GHz]]
* Two hardware [[Thread (computer science)|threads]] per core; six total
* One [[AltiVec|VMX-128]] vector unit per core; three total
* 128 VMX-128 registers per hardware thread
* 1 [[Mebibyte|MiB]] L2 cache (lockable by the GPU)
 
Many accessories are available for the console, including [[Xbox 360 Controller|both wired and wireless controllers]], faceplates for customization, headsets for chatting, a [[Xbox Live Vision|webcam]] for video chatting, [[dance pad|dance mats]] and [[Gamercize]] for exercise, three sizes of [[Xbox 360 accessories#Memory units|memory units]] and five sizes of [[hard disk drive|hard drives]] (20, 60, 120, 250 (initially Japan only,<ref name=250GB_separate>{{cite web|title=Xbox 360 Hard Drive accessory bumped to 250&nbsp;GB in Japan|date=February 2010 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/02/01/xbox-360-hard-drive-accessory-bumped-to-250gb-in-japan|access-date=February 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204103620/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/01/xbox-360-hard-drive-accessory-bumped-to-250gb-in-japan|archive-date=February 4, 2010|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> but later also available elsewhere<ref name="250GBNA">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/250gb-xbox-360-hard-drive-now-available-for-129-99/|title=250GB Xbox 360 hard drive now available for $129.99|access-date=March 23, 2010|date=March 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325023640/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/250gb-xbox-360-hard-drive-now-available-for-129-99/|archive-date=March 25, 2010|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="250GBUK">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ms-unveils-standalone-250gb-hdd|title=MS unveils standalone 250&nbsp;GB HDD|date=March 24, 2010|access-date=March 25, 2010|website=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326054818/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ms-unveils-standalone-250gb-hdd|archive-date=March 26, 2010|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>) and 320&nbsp;GB), among other items, all of which are styled to match the console.
===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 MSAA
* [[Dot product]] operations: 9.6 billion per second theoretical maximum, 33.6 billion per second theoretical maximum when summed with CPU operations.
 
In 2006, Microsoft released the [[Xbox 360 HD DVD Player]]. The accessory was discontinued in 2008 after the [[High-definition optical disc format war|format war]] had ended in [[Blu-ray]]'s favor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-officially-discontinue-360054| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-officially-discontinue-360054| archive-date=2021-10-03|title=Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Officially Discontinued|website=Gizmodo| date=February 24, 2008}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===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= bandwidthKinect ====
{{Main|Kinect}}
[[Image:X360bandwidthdiagram.jpg|right|243px|Xbox 360 Bandwidth Diagram]]
[[File:Xbox-360-Kinect-Standalone.png|thumb|A [[Kinect]] sensor device. The Xbox 360 E revision has an additional Xbox logo to the left of the Xbox 360 branding.|alt=A long, black plastic tube with a stand on its bottom and sensors arrayed along its front. The Xbox 360 brand is displayed next to the sensors.]]
The [[Bandwidth#Digital systems|system bandwidth]] comprises:
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''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/01/e3-2009-microsoft-unveils-motion-camera|title=E3 2009: Microsoft Unveils Motion Camera|author=Scott Lowe|website=IGN|date=June 1, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715105803/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/01/e3-2009-microsoft-unveils-motion-camera|archive-date=July 15, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The add-on [[peripheral]] enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without a [[game controller]] by using gestures, [[speech recognition|spoken commands]] and presented objects and images. The Kinect accessory is compatible with all Xbox 360 models,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wireninja.com/xbox-360-fat-slim-comparison/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225023543/http://wireninja.com/xbox-360-fat-slim-comparison/ |archive-date=December 25, 2010 |title=Xbox 360 Fat & Slim Comparison |publisher=Wireninja.com |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2013}}</ref> connecting to new models via a custom connector, and to older ones via a USB and mains power adapter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5520812/project-natal--its-instruction-manual-in-the-wild|title=Project Natal & Its Instruction Manual(!) In The Wild|website=Kotaku|date=April 20, 2010|access-date=May 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527034254/http://kotaku.com/5520812/project-natal--its-instruction-manual-in-the-wild|archive-date=May 27, 2010|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> During their [[Consumer Electronics Show|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.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-06-14-vidgame14_ST_N.htm | title=Microsoft Kinect gets into motion as E3 confab kicks off | first=Mike | last=Snider | date=June 14, 2010 | work=USA Today | access-date=September 18, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316140618/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-06-14-vidgame14_ST_N.htm | archive-date=March 16, 2012 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* 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)
 
[[File:Xbox 360 Chatpad+controller.png|thumb|right|Xbox 360 Chatpad from the Messenger Kit attached to a wireless controller]]
===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 AV output ===
Built-in
* All games support at least six channel (5.1) [[Dolby Digital]] surround sound
* [[HDMI]] (only made after 2007)
* Supports 48 kHz 16-bit audio
* [[S/PDIF]] (only Slim)
* 320 independent decompression channels
* Stereo Audio, [[Composite video|Composite Video]] – [[Phone connector (audio)|Jack 3.5&nbsp;mm]] (only Slim E)
* 32 bit processing
Through AV connector (excluding E models which have no AV connector)
* 256+ audio channels
* [[Composite video|Composite Video]]
* No voice echo to game players on the same Xbox console; voice goes only to remote consoles
* [[S-Video]]<!-- Commercial link removed -->
* Voice communication except during games or applications that do not support voice.
* [[SCART]] RGB<!-- Commercial link removed -->
* uses XMA codec (advanced audio technology from Microsoft)
* [[VGA connector|VGA]]<!-- Commercial link removed -->
* [[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]]
* [[D-Terminal]]<!-- Commercial link removed -->
* [[S/PDIF]]
* [[RCA connector|RCA]] – [[Stereophonic sound|stereo audio]]
 
===Video Retail configurations ===
{{Main|List of Xbox 360 retail configurations}}
* [[VC-1]] at non-[[HDTV|HD]] [[NTSC]] and [[PAL]] resolutions
{{multiple image
* [[VC-1]] or [[WMV]] will be used for [[streaming video]]
| align =
* [[VC-1]] supports DVD quality and high definition quality video
| direction =
* [[Bink_video|Bink Video]] is licensed for games like [[Project Gotham Racing 3]]
| width = 130
* additional [[MPEG2]] decoder for DVD video playback
| image1 = Xbox-360-Pro-wController.jpg
| alt1 = Xbox 360 Premium
| caption1 = Xbox 360 Premium
| image2 = Xbox-360-Arcade-wController.jpg
| alt2 = Xbox 360 Arcade
| caption2 = Xbox 360 Arcade (replaced Xbox 360 Core)
| image3 = Xbox-360-Elite-wController.jpg
| alt3 = Xbox 360 Elite
| caption3 = Xbox 360 Elite
}}
At launch, the Xbox 360 was available in two configurations: the "Xbox 360" package (unofficially known as the 20&nbsp;GB Pro or Premium), priced at US$399 or [[Pound sterling|£]]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.<ref name="gamespot-launchprices">{{cite web |last1=Surette |first1=Tim |title=Xbox 360 pricing revealed: $299 and $399 models due at launch |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-360-pricing-revealed-299-and-399-models-due-at-launch/1100-6131245/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-360-pricing-revealed-299-and-399-models-due-at-launch/1100-6131245/| archive-date=2021-10-03 |website=GameSpot |access-date=22 October 2019 |date=18 August 2005}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Elite package was launched later at US$479. The "Xbox 360 Core" was replaced by the "Xbox 360 Arcade" in October 2007<ref name=ArcadeConsolePR>{{cite press release |url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2007/oct07/10-22ArcadeConsolePR.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023204113/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2007/oct07/10-22ArcadeConsolePR.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 23, 2007 |title=Microsoft Launches New Xbox 360 Console for Families |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=October 22, 2007 |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> and a 60&nbsp;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.<ref name="usatoday1">{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/08/microsoft-drops-price-of-120gb-xbox-360-system-/1 |title=Microsoft drops price of 120&nbsp;GB Xbox 360 system |work=USA Today |date=August 27, 2009 |access-date=September 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918223153/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/08/microsoft-drops-price-of-120gb-xbox-360-system-/1 |archive-date=September 18, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
 
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.<ref name="360 Arcade replacement" /><ref name="engadgetnewxbox">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/slim-xbox-360-gets-official-at-299-shipping-today-looks-angul/|title=New Xbox 360 looks angular and Ominous|first=Nilay|last=Patel|author-link=Engadget|date=June 14, 2010|publisher=[[Engadget]]|access-date=June 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617044635/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/slim-xbox-360-gets-official-at-299-shipping-today-looks-angul/|archive-date=June 17, 2010|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="insidenewxbox">{{cite web|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/3774/welcome-to-valhalla-inside-the-new-250gb-xbox-360-slim|title=Welcome to Valhalla: Inside the New Xbox 360|author=Anand Lal Shimpi|author-link=anandtech|date=June 18, 2010|publisher=[[AnandTech]]|access-date=June 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620193703/http://www.anandtech.com/show/3774/welcome-to-valhalla-inside-the-new-250gb-xbox-360-slim|archive-date=June 20, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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]].<ref name=geekcom-xboxe>{{cite web|title=Redesigned Xbox 360 E teardown reveals it's a cost saver for Microsoft|url=http://www.geek.com/games/redesigned-xbox-360-e-teardown-reveals-its-a-cost-saver-for-microsoft-1558846/|work=Geek.com|access-date=December 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102904/http://www.geek.com/games/redesigned-xbox-360-e-teardown-reveals-its-a-cost-saver-for-microsoft-1558846/|archive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===DVD Drive===
A 12X [[DVD-ROM]] 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 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]].
 
==== Timeline ====
It was announced that future revisions of the Xbox 360 '''may''' include [[HD DVD]] drives as part of Microsoft's partnership with [[Toshiba]]. The source of this information is the following statement made by Bill Gates on the 28th of June in Japan:
<timeline>
DateFormat=mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2017
Define $skip = at:end # Force a blank line
Define $dayunknown = 15 # what day to use if it's actually not known
ImageSize= width:915 height:auto barincrement:20
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
PlotArea = right:1 left:1 bottom:130 top:1
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
 
Colors =
:"The initial shipments of Xbox 360 will be based on today's DVD format. We are looking at whether future versions of Xbox 360 will incorporate an additional capability of an HD DVD player or something else."
id:bg value:white
id:lightline value:rgb(0.9,0.9,0.9)
id:lighttext value:rgb(0.5,0.5,0.5)
id:Premium_(20_GB) value:rgb(1,0.7,0.7) Legend:Xbox_360_(20_GB)
id:Premium_(60_GB) value:rgb(1,0.9,0.7) Legend:Xbox_360_(60_GB)
id:Core value:rgb(0.7,0.7,1) Legend:Xbox_360_Core_System
id:Arcade value:rgb(0.7,0.85,1) Legend:Xbox_360_Arcade_Edition
id:Elite value:rgb(0.6,0.6,0.6) Legend:Xbox_360_Elite_Edition
id:S_(4_GB) value:rgb(0.82,0.67,0.90) Legend:Xbox_360_S_(4_GB)
id:S_(250_GB) value:rgb(0.70,0.49,0.83) Legend:Xbox_360_S_(250_GB)
id:E_(4_GB) value:rgb(0.72,0.92,0.72) Legend:Xbox_360_E_(4_GB)
id:E_(250_GB) value:rgb(0.51,0.73,0.51) Legend:Xbox_360_E_(250_GB)
 
id:Premium_(20_GB)2 value:rgb(1,0.8,0.8)
However, as confirmed by Yoshihiro Maruyama, Japan's chief of Xbox operations, Microsoft will never release games in a format other than DVD. [http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=61482]
id:Premium_(60_GB)2 value:rgb(1,0.8,0.6)
id:Core2 value:rgb(0.6,0.6,1)
id:Arcade2 value:rgb(0.6,0.75,1)
id:Elite2 value:rgb(0.5,0.5,0.5)
id:S_(250_GB)2 value:rgb(0.35,0.35,0.35)
id:S_(4_GB)2 value:rgb(0.35,0.35,0.8)
 
BackgroundColors = canvas:bg
The [[HD DVD]] and [[Blu-Ray Disc]] formats have already developed an intense rivalry to become the de facto successor to DVD for high-definition video, and if Microsoft chooses to add HD DVD it could make the Xbox 360 a more competitive multimedia device from a marketing perspective.
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:lighttext unit:year increment:1 start:01/01/2005
ScaleMinor = gridcolor:lightline unit:month increment:1 start:01/01/2005
 
BarData =
Xbox 360 games are limited to the 8.5GB of storage available on a dual-layer DVD. This storage space limitation is a concern to developers, and some games made for the system may span multiple discs. The [[Nintendo Revolution]] uses a similar size of disc while the [[PlayStation 3]] uses a 25GB or 50GB Blu-Ray Disc.
barset:Premium_(20_GB)
barset:Premium_(60_GB)
barset:Core
barset:Arcade
barset:S_(4_GB)
barset:Elite
barset:S_(250_GB)
barset:E_(4_GB)
barset:E_(250_GB)
 
PlotData=
===Physical characteristics===
width:15 textcolor:black shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:s
[[Image:X360_Console_AllSides.png|right|200px|Sides of Console]]
* Weight 3.5 kg (7.7 lb)
* 309 x 83 x 258 mm (12.15 x 3.27 x 10.15 in)
 
barset:Premium_(20_GB)
===Miscellaneous===
color:Premium_(20_GB) from:10/22/2005 till:08/06/2007 text:"$_399.99"
* Support for [[WMVHD|WMV HD]] and [[Progressive scan|progressive]] or [[interlace|interlaced]] [[DVD]] video playback.
barset:break
* Media Center Extender capability
color:Premium_(20_GB)2 from:08/06/2007 till:07/13/2008 text:"$_349.99"
* 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. Publishers have the choice if they want to release a [[List of Region Free Xbox 360 Games|region free Xbox 360 title]]. DVD playback on the console has similar lockouts.
barset:break
* 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 embedded Microsoft [[MSN TV|WebTV]] chip 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.
color:Premium_(20_GB) from:07/13/2008 till:08/01/2008 text:"$_299.99"
* 3 [[USB 2.0]] ports
* Microsoft claims all games will support custom soundtracks. (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) into the system to use custom soundtracks. However, you can only store music on the system's hard drive by ripping your audio CD's.
 
barset:Premium_(60_GB)
==Software development==
color:Premium_(60_GB) from:08/01/2008 till:09/05/2008
===XNA===
barset:break
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.
color:Premium_(60_GB)2 from:09/05/2008 till:08/27/2009 text:"$_299.99"
 
barset:Core
===Procedural synthesis===
color:Core from:10/22/2005 till:08/06/2007 text:"$_299.99"
{{main|Procedural synthesis}}
barset:break
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).
color:Core2 from:08/06/2007 till:10/27/2007 text:"$_279.99"
 
barset:Arcade
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.
color:Arcade from:10/27/2007 till:09/05/2008 text:"$_279.99"
barset:break
color:Arcade2 from:09/05/2008 till:06/14/2010 text:"$_199.99"
barset:break
color:Arcade from:06/14/2010 till:07/01/2010 text:"$_149.99"
 
barset:S_(4_GB)
===Backward compatibility===
color:S_(4_GB) from:08/03/2010 till:06/10/2013 text:"$_199.99"
:''See also: [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360]]''
 
barset:Elite
The Xbox 360 is partially [[backward compatibility|backwards compatible]], being able to play certain Xbox games through [[emulation]] at the CPU level [http://www.bit-tech.net/bits/2005/06/10/richard_huddy_ati/1.html]. 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]]''. Other profiles are available as auto-updates over the [[Xbox Live]] network, provided that there is a hard drive component to store them to. Users may also download the profiles from Xbox.com and transfer them to the console via a [[CD/DVD authoring|burned CD]], or order such a CD from Microsoft for a nominal fee.
color:Elite from:04/29/2007 till:08/06/2007
barset:break
color:Elite2 from:08/06/2007 till:09/05/2008 text:"_$_449.99"
barset:break
color:Elite from:09/05/2008 till:08/27/2009 text:"$_399.99"
barset:break
color:Elite2 from:08/28/2009 till:06/14/2010 text:"$_299.99"
barset:break
color:Elite from:06/14/2010 till:07/01/2010 text:"$_249.99"
 
barset:S_(250_GB)
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, and the Japanese Xbox site shows only 12[http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm]. Note that these figures are current as of November 2005, more emulation profiles will be made available in the future.
color:S_(250_GB) from:06/14/2010 till:06/10/2013 text:"$_299.99"
 
barset:E_(4_GB)
==Xbox Live on the Xbox 360==
color:E_(4_GB) from:06/10/2013 till:04/20/2016 text:"$_199.99"
{{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, aside from massive multiplayer games like ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]''. Microsoft has also announced there will be trial weekends for Silver members to access the full features of Gold service temporarily.
 
barset:E_(250_GB)
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 $49.99 USD, £39.99 Pounds Sterling per year.
color:E_(250_GB) from:06/10/2013 till:04/20/2016 text:"$_299.99"
 
TextData =
===Xbox Gamer Guide===
pos:(25,275) text:"20_GB"
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:
pos:(240,257) text:"60_GB"
* Xbox Live
pos:(32,240) text:"Core"
* Marketplace
pos:(175,222) text:"Arcade"
* Favorites List
pos:(383,204) text:"4_GB_S"
* Custom Playlists
pos:(150,187) text:"Elite"
* Friends Lists
pos:(363,169) text:"250_GB_S"
* and others
pos:(601,151) text:"4_GB_E"
pos:(589,134) text:"250_GB_E"
 
pos:(184,179) text:"↑"
==Marketing==
pos:(172,169) text:"$_479.99"
[[Image:Mtv-xbox-360-unveiling.JPG|thumbnail|200px|MTV's Xbox 360 TV special hosted by actor [[Elijah Wood]].]]
pos:(273,249) text:"↑"
[[Image:X360 BillG TIMECover.jpg|thumbnail|200px|Bill Gates on the Cover of Time Magazine with the new Xbox 360]]
pos:(261,239) text:"$_349.99"
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]
 
</timeline>
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 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.
 
==== United States ====
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 screen of death]] was reported.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
 
'''November 22, 2005'''<ref name="Xbox 360 initial 2005 pricing announcement">{{cite press release |title=Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price for Europe and North America: Starts at $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2005/aug05/08-17EuropeNA360PricePR.aspx |website=Microsoft News Center |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911015959/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2005/aug05/08-17EuropeNA360PricePR.aspx |archive-date=11 September 2013 |date=17 August 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Certain [[EB Games]] locations began displaying the Xbox 360 in their stores just over a week prior to its release.
* Launch of Xbox 360 Premium (20&nbsp;GB)&nbsp;– $399.99
* Launch of Xbox 360 Core&nbsp;– $299.99
 
'''April 29, 2007'''
===Xbox 360 Lounge===
* Launch Xbox 360 Elite (120&nbsp;GB)&nbsp;– $479.99<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070405185941/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm |archive-date=April 5, 2007 |title=Xbox.com &#124; Xbox News&nbsp;– Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 Elite |access-date=November 11, 2010}}</ref>
 
'''August 6, 2007'''<ref name="consoleprice">{{cite press release |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0806-consoleprice.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820211136/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0806-consoleprice.htm |archive-date=August 20, 2007 |title=Microsoft Lowers Xbox 360 Price |publisher=Microsoft Corporation|access-date=July 26, 2008}}</ref>
To boost marketing and Xbox 360 awareness in Japan, an "Xbox 360 Lounge" has been constructed for $410,000 and officially opened on [[November 2]] [[2005]] [http://hardware.gamespot.com/Story-ST-15016-2576-4-6-x]. It is situated in the [[Aoyama, Tokyo|Aoyama district]] in Tokyo, close to [[Omotesando]], a popular upscale shopping area. The lounge has three main areas: a 256 square meter event space that offers five large display screens, an area containing Xbox 360 game kiosks, and a 70-seat café. Doors are open daily from 10:00am to 11:00pm.
* Price cut on Xbox 360 Premium (20&nbsp;GB)&nbsp;– $349.99
* Price cut on Xbox 360 Core&nbsp;– $279.99
* Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite&nbsp;– $449.99
 
'''October 27, 2007'''
===Viral advertising and alternate reality games===
* Launch of Xbox 360 Arcade&nbsp;– $279.99<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/1022-familyconsole.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025003931/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/1022-familyconsole.htm |archive-date=October 25, 2007 |title=Xbox.com &#124; Xbox News&nbsp;– New Xbox 360 Family Console Released |date=October 25, 2007 |access-date=November 11, 2010}}</ref>
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.
* Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Core
{{Col-break}}
 
'''July 13, 2008'''
[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.
* Discontinuation of Xbox 360 (20&nbsp;GB) (price cut to $299.99 for remaining stock)<ref name="20GB_discontinued">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6193719.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123194624/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6193719.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=E3 2008: 60&nbsp;GB Xbox 360 official, 20&nbsp;GB discounted and discontinued }}</ref>
 
'''August 1, 2008'''<ref name="20GB_discontinued" />
[[October 2005]] saw the appearance 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]
* Launch of Xbox 360 Premium (60&nbsp;GB)&nbsp;– $349.99
 
'''September 5, 2008'''<ref name="x3ii">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/xbox360pricedrop.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905184538/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2008/xbox360pricedrop.htm |archive-date=September 5, 2008 |title=Xbox News&nbsp;– Xbox 360 Invites Everyone to Play |date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref>
==Console Launch==
* Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite&nbsp;– $399.99
===United States and Canada (November 22, 2005)===
* Price cut on Xbox 360 (60&nbsp;GB)&nbsp;– $299.99
[[Bloomberg News]] reported that Microsoft shipped between 500,000 to 700,000 units of the Xbox 360 console to retailers all over America for its launch, all of which were sold out. Not a single console was found on [[Black Friday]] (November 25). Prelaunch reports indicate that Microsoft intentionally restricted supply [http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20051101-5510.html], although Microsoft denied it [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 significant supply of consoles prior to the launch, as would be typical in the industry, creating an artifical shortage, allowing them to launch several months earlier than would otherwise be possible.
* Price cut on Xbox 360 Arcade&nbsp;– $199.99
 
'''August 28, 2009'''
[[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]
* Discontinuation of Xbox 360 (60&nbsp;GB) (price cut to $249.99 for remaining stock)
* Price cut on Xbox 360 Elite&nbsp;– $299.99
{{Col-break}}
 
'''June 19, 2010'''<ref name="360 Arcade replacement" />
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. Some of those problems were caused because excited owners did not pause to read the manual which contains warnings about not placing the xbox 360 on soft surfaces or in enclosed spaces. Microsoft has stated that they will look into the reports and has offered assistance reachable by phone.
* Launch of Xbox 360 S 250&nbsp;GB&nbsp;– $299.99
* Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Elite (price cut to $249.99 for remaining stock)
* Discontinuation of Xbox 360 Arcade (price cut to $149.99 for remaining stock)
 
'''August 3, 2010'''
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.
* Launch of Xbox 360 S 4&nbsp;GB&nbsp;– $199.99
 
'''June 10, 2013'''<ref name="Xbox 360 E launch press release">{{cite web |title=Meet the New Xbox 360: With Spectacular New Titles and Free Games for Xbox Gold Members |url=http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/x360-xbox-360-e3-2013-reveal |website=Xbox Wire |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613024552/http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/x360-xbox-360-e3-2013-reveal |archive-date=13 June 2013 |date=10 June 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Microsoft have stated they intend to ship 3 million Xbox 360s within the next three months, but supplies will likely be limited until 2006.
* Launch of Xbox 360 E 4&nbsp;GB&nbsp;– $199.99
* Launch of Xbox 360 E 250&nbsp;GB&nbsp;– $299.99
 
'''April 20, 2016'''
==Xbox 360 screen of death==
* Discontinuation of all Xbox 360 models.<ref name="360discontinuation" />
[[Image:Xbox360_bsod_02.jpg|thumb|A photo of the Xbox 360 "Screen of Death" at a kiosk]]
{{col-end}}
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.
 
=== Technical problems ===
This error has been reported to be caused by a faulty heatsink, which causes the X360 to overheat in the confined area of the Wal-Mart shelf.
{{Main|Xbox 360 technical problems}}
[[File:Xbox360-ringofdeath.jpg|thumb|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 [[Xbox 360 technical problems|technical problems]]. Since the console's release in 2005, users have reported concerns over its reliability and [[failure rate]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6270000/newsid_6277700/6277716.stm|title=Microsoft admit Xbox problems|publisher=BBC|access-date=February 13, 2009|date=July 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016133246/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6270000/newsid_6277700/6277716.stm|archive-date=October 16, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rings-of-red|title=Rings of Red|date=May 25, 2007 |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=July 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008150532/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rings-of-red|archive-date=October 8, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/tale-11-broken-360s |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523001547/http://www.1up.com/news/tale-11-broken-360s |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |title=A Tale of 11 Broken Xbox 360s |work=1Up |access-date=July 26, 2008 |author=Philip Kollar |date=June 26, 2007 |publisher=Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc }}</ref>
The screen contains the text ''"System error. Contact Xbox Customer Support."'' in a variety of languages and the code ''E 74'' in the bottom.
 
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]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/hardware/warranty/warrantyupdate/WarrantyUpdate.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605083902/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/resources/warrantyupdate.htm|archive-date=June 5, 2007|title=Xbox 360 Warranty Coverage Expanded|access-date= July 26, 2008|author=Microsoft|date= June 5, 2007}}</ref> In April 2009, the warranty was extended to also cover failures related to the E74 [[error code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/2009/04/14/xbox-360-warranty-extended-for-e74/|title=Xbox 360 Warranty extended for E74|date=April 14, 2009|publisher=majornelson.com|access-date=April 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125051943/http://majornelson.com/2009/04/14/xbox-360-warranty-extended-for-e74/|archive-date=January 25, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The warranty extension is not granted for any other types of failures that do not generate these specific error codes.
Microsoft hasn't officially released a solution for this yet, though there are rumors that in some cases the cause is due to an overheated power supply. The problem may be solved by putting it on a cool surface (such as wood or tile instead of a rug) or raising it from the ground. It remains to be seen, however, if the problem is present in the European version, as, if the problem is indeed power-related, it is very possibly limited to North America. No problems have been reported (or at least known to have been reported) regarding the demo-kiosks in Europe.
 
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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/inside_the_xbox_360_elite.htm |title=Inside the Xbox 360 Elite |publisher=The Llamma's Adventures |date=April 19, 2007 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316020853/http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/inside_the_xbox_360_elite.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2008 }}</ref> and a second GPU heatsink to dissipate more heat.<ref name="repaired_hardware">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EElEZukFEleqkRrcnN.php |title=New Pictures of 2nd GPU HeatSink on Xbox 360 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |author=XanTium |date=June 13, 2007 |publisher=Xbox-Scene |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718152026/http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EElEZukFEleqkRrcnN.php |archive-date=July 18, 2008 }}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://support.xbox.com/en-us/pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/warranty/xbox-360-new-warranty.aspx |title=Product Warranty and Software License: New Xbox 360 Console |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=January 10, 2011 |quote={{-'}}Warranty Period' for the Xbox 360 S means one (1) year from the date You purchased the Xbox 360 S from an authorized retailer. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114034554/http://support.xbox.com/en-us/pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/warranty/xbox-360-new-warranty.aspx |archive-date=January 14, 2011 }}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Flashing red light on the Xbox 360 S console power button |url=http://support.xbox.com/en-us/Pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/kb/flashing-red-light-on-the-xbox-360-s-console-power-button.aspx?kbid=2122791 |access-date=September 2, 2011 |author=Microsoft |date=July 23, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318044049/http://support.xbox.com/en-us/Pages/xbox-360/troubleshoot/kb/flashing-red-light-on-the-xbox-360-s-console-power-button.aspx?kbid=2122791 |archive-date=March 18, 2011 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|title=The New Xbox 360 Won't 'Red Ring'|url=http://kotaku.com/5566600/the-new-xbox-360-wont-red-ring|website=Kotaku|date=June 18, 2010 |access-date=November 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621114333/http://kotaku.com/5566600/the-new-xbox-360-wont-red-ring|archive-date=June 21, 2010|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> {{Clear}}
===Crashing===
Since its initial release date, a few Xbox 360 customers have complained that the 360 is prone to frequent [[crash]]ing/[[restart]]ing and [[freeze|freezing]], apparently due to overheating because of hot high environment temperatures or a limited airflow around the 360 (and as such the problem can be lessend by allowing a better airflow or cooler environment). Given the lack of independent statistics, it is hard to say whether the 360's tendency to overheat is severe enough that it is to be considered a flaw in the product, to the point that Microsoft should not have released it in that state. It has even been suggested that possibly some PlayStation/Nintendo supporters have been reporting these errors without even having the console. However, '''any''' speculation should be taken with "a grain of salt".
 
===DVD Movies=Software ==
=== Games ===
The website [[Ars Technica]] reports that DVD Movie playback have [[bug]]s "''apparent dithering and artifacts in the black areas of the screen''". [http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2005/11/24/1927]
{{Main|List of Xbox 360 games}}
{{See also|List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360}}
[[File:Rock of Ages - Renaissance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|''[[Rock of Ages (video game)|Rock of Ages]]'', one of many [[Unreal Engine 3]] powered games available on Xbox 360]]
 
The Xbox 360 launched with 14 [[Xbox 360 launch title|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.<ref name="COD2sales">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-07-10-world-war-II_x.htm |title=WWII shows no battle fatigue |access-date=July 26, 2008 |last=Snider |first=Mike |date=July 11, 2006 |work=USA Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622033719/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-07-10-world-war-II_x.htm |archive-date=June 22, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Five other games sold over a million copies in the console's first year on the market: ''[[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter|Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_files/site/270/416/418/926.pdf |title=Ubisoft Entertainment Reports Revenue For Fiscal Year 2005–2006 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=April 27, 2006 |publisher=Ubisoft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625000801/http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_files/site/270/416/418/926.pdf |archive-date=June 25, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]'',<ref>{{cite web|first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=April 10, 2006 |work=GameSpot News |publisher=GameSpot |title=Oblivion enjoying epic sales |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |access-date=July 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122648/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |archive-date=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> ''[[Dead or Alive 4]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamekyo.com/news18066_dead-or-alive-4-passe-le-million.html |title=Dead or Alive 4 passe le million |access-date=November 22, 2006 |last=Calonne |first=Stéphane |date=July 11, 2006 |publisher=JeuxFrance |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114013420/http://www.gamekyo.com/news18066_dead-or-alive-4-passe-le-million.html |archive-date=January 14, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[Saints Row (2006 video game)|Saints Row]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/strong-quarter-thq |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905155730/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/strong-quarter-thq |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |title=Strong Quarter for THQ |publisher=[[Next Generation Magazine|Next-Gen.biz]] |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=November 3, 2006 |author=Kris Graft }}</ref> and ''[[Gears of War]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12306/Gears-of-War-Hits-1-Million-Units-Sold/ |title=Gears of War Hits 1 Million Units Sold |access-date=July 26, 2008 |last=Berardini |first=César |date=November 21, 2006 |publisher=TeamXbox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706182958/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12306/Gears-of-War-Hits-1-Million-Units-Sold/ |archive-date=July 6, 2008 }}</ref> ''Gears of War'' would become the best-selling game on the console with 3 million copies in 2006,<ref>{{cite web | title = Gears of War Juggernauts sells three million units| author = Microsoft Games Studio | publisher = Xbox.com | date = January 19, 2007 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | url = http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0119-gearsofwarjuggernautcontinues.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070202034555/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0119-gearsofwarjuggernautcontinues.htm | archive-date = February 2, 2007}}</ref> before being surpassed in 2007 by ''[[Halo 3]]'' with over 8 million copies.<ref name="17.7million360s">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6184291.html |author=Brendan Sinclair |title=MS: 17.7 million 360s sold |date=January 3, 2008 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=January 4, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210055932/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6184291.html |archive-date=December 10, 2008 }}</ref>
===Possible Market Effect===
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/deadoralive4/news.html?sid=6140447&mode=all |title=Dead or Alive 4 to miss Japanese 360 launch |website=GameSpot |date=November 28, 2005 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207161549/https://www.gamespot.com/games/dead-or-alive-4/news/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/715/715308p1.html|title=The Future of Japanese Gaming|website=IGN|date=June 27, 2006|author=Douglas J. Parry|access-date=July 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925154946/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/715/715308p1.html|archive-date=September 25, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Microsoft also had the support of Japanese developer [[Mistwalker]], founded by ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' creator [[Hironobu Sakaguchi]]. Mistwalker's first game, ''[[Blue Dragon (video game)|Blue Dragon]]'', was released in 2006 and had a limited-edition bundle which sold out quickly with over 10,000 pre-orders.<ref name="Blue Dragon PreOrders">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/blue-dragon-pre+orders-selling-out-in-japan-no-really-208601.php |title=Blue Dragon Sells Well in Japan |access-date=July 26, 2008 |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=October 18, 2006 |website=Kotaku |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013234207/http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/blue-dragon-pre%2Borders-selling-out-in-japan-no-really-208601.php |archive-date=October 13, 2008 }}</ref> ''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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/360.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318173956/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/360.php|archive-date=March 18, 2008|title=Microsoft Xbox 360 Japanese Ranking |publisher=Japan Game Charts |url-status=usurped|access-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref>
[[Hardcore]] and [[casual]] console gamers are now looking towards Microsoft for the answers to this new crashing/overheating problem, while analysts are speculating how it will affect the battle with Sony over the home console market. After the shortages at the Playstation 2 launch and now the Xbox 360, Nintendo and Sony would certainly like to pull off a flawless product launch to kick start their entry into the market in [[2006]].
 
The 2007 [[Game Critics Awards]] honored the Xbox 360 platform with 38 Nominations and 11 Wins.<ref name="MOSTAWARDS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2007winners.html|title=2007 Winners|publisher=GameCriticsAwards.com|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214015607/http://gamecriticsawards.com/2007winners.html|archive-date=February 14, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Further reading==
{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
*[http://www.xbox360.com Official Xbox 360 site]
*[http://www.free60.org XBox 360 Linux Page]
* [http://www.justxbox.com XBOX 360 & XBOX Games, Reviews & News site]
*[http://www.games.net/xbox360/index.shtml Games.net-Reviews, Screens, and News]
*[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/gdc05/default.htm Video of J Allard presentation at the GDC 2005]
*[http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/index.shtml GamePro-Reviews, Screens, and News]
*[http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.06/xbox.html?tw=wn_tophead_3 The Xbox Reloaded - Wired Magazine]
*[http://gameinformer.com/News/Story/200505/N05.0512.1953.02122.htm GameInformer information on Xbox 360]
*[http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/1143/Taking-a-Spin-with-the-Xbox-360/p1/ Taking a spin with the Xbox 360 - Team Xbox]
*[http://www.gamespot.com/features/6124293/index.html Xbox 360 Inside & Out - Gamespot]
*[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/608/608394p1.html Xbox 360 FAQ - IGN]
*[http://download.uol.com.br/jogos/videos/thecolony.wmv OurColony Xbox 360 Video]
*[http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2420&p=5 PowerMacs Running the XBox 360]
*[http://www.beyond3d.com/articles/xenos/ ATI Xenos: XBOX 360 Graphics Demystified]
*[http://www.bigkid.com.au/2005/05/17/xbox-360-vs-ps3 A side-by-side comparison between Xbox 360 and PS3]
*[http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=796 Xbox 360 Price: The Industry Reacts]
*[http://www.winsupersite.com/xbox/ Paul Thurrott's WinSuperSite - Information and images]
*[http://www.qbrundage.com/michaelb/pubs/essays/xbox360.html Michael Brundage on backward compatibility]
*[http://www.xbox360degrees.com/2005/07/04/Article/mainstream-and-then-some.html Xbox 360's stealth weapon - media functionality]
*[http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3145154&did=1 Xbox 360: Dreamcast 2.0? 23 Eerie parallels between the two consoles (humor)]
* [http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/xbox360.asp Paul Thurrot's Supersite Xbox 360 Review]
 
By 2015, 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 2019]], released on October 23, 2018, in North America, and October 25 in Europe and Australia.
==See also==
 
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 2020. 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.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/xbox-360-users-are-getting-free-cloud-saves-to-help-upg-1845357035| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://kotaku.com/xbox-360-users-are-getting-free-cloud-saves-to-help-upg-1845357035| archive-date=2021-10-03 | title = Xbox 360 Users Are Getting Free Cloud Saves To Help Upgrade To Series X/S | first = Mike | last =Fahey | date = October 13, 2020 | access-date = October 13, 2020 | work = [[Kotaku]] }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
 
=== Interface ===
{{Main|Xbox 360 system software}}
The Xbox 360's original [[graphical user interface]] was the ''Xbox 360 Dashboard''; a [[Tab (GUI)|tabbed interface]] that featured five "Blades" (formerly four blades), and was designed by [[AKQA]]<ref>{{cite web |title=AKQA Designs Xbox 360 Game Interface |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/akqa-designs-xbox-360-game-interface-79593/ |website=Adweek |date=May 19, 2005 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818084631/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/akqa-designs-xbox-360-game-interface-79593/ |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[Audiobrain]]. It could be launched automatically when the console [[booting|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.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Xbox 360's cluttered interface led to Microsoft starting from scratch with |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/xbox-ones-interface-designed-scratch-after-xbox-360s-became-too-cluttered/ |magazine=Games Radar |date=September 20, 2013 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818083807/https://www.gamesradar.com/xbox-ones-interface-designed-scratch-after-xbox-360s-became-too-cluttered/ |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/hands-on-with-the-new-xbox-360-dashboard/|title=Hands On with the New Xbox 360 Dashboard|author=Dan Ackerman|website=[[CNET]]|date=November 17, 2008|access-date=October 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117023905/http://www.cnet.com/news/hands-on-with-the-new-xbox-360-dashboard/|archive-date=January 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
Since the console's release, Microsoft has released several updates for the Dashboard software.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox 360 system update gets its colors in order, makes it mandatory |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/xbox-360-system-update-gets-its-colors-in-order-makes-it-mandat/ |website=Engadget |date=February 16, 2012 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818084142/https://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/xbox-360-system-update-gets-its-colors-in-order-makes-it-mandat/ |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mandatory Xbox 360 Update Breaks Some Consoles, Microsoft Claims 'Coincidence' |url=https://consumerist.com/2011/12/16/mandatory-xbox-360-update-breaks-some-consoles-microsoft-claims-coincidence/ |website=Consumerist |date=December 16, 2011 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818083900/https://consumerist.com/2011/12/16/mandatory-xbox-360-update-breaks-some-consoles-microsoft-claims-coincidence/ |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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|date=January 2019}}
 
==== New Xbox Experience ====
{{further|Xbox 360 system software#User interface}}
 
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).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2008-new-xbox-experience-preview/1100-6194093/ |title=E3 2008: New Xbox Experience Preview |author=Sarju Shah |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=July 16, 2008 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118010003/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2008-new-xbox-experience-preview/1100-6194093/ |archive-date=January 18, 2016 }}</ref>
 
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 [[Avatar (Xbox 360)|Avatars]] that can be used for multiple activities, such as sharing photos or playing [[Xbox Live Arcade|Arcade]] games like ''[[1 vs 100 (Xbox 360)|1 vs. 100]]''. The update was released on November 19, 2008.<ref name=xbox2>{{cite web|url= http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-xbox-experience-dated|title= New Xbox Experience|date= October 9, 2008|author= Tom Bramwell|website= Eurogamer|access-date= October 14, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090213001712/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-xbox-experience-dated|archive-date= February 13, 2009|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref>
 
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&nbsp;MB memory card or a [[hard disk drive|hard drive]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/nxe-will-allow-for-remote-downloads|title=NXE Will Allow for Remote Downloads|author=Tom Bramwell|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=October 13, 2008|access-date=July 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712175700/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/nxe-will-allow-for-remote-downloads|archive-date=July 12, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
Microsoft released a further update to the Xbox 360 Dashboard starting on December 6, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/dec11/12-04Xbox360TV.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206120623/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/dec11/12-04Xbox360TV.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2011 |title=The Future of TV Begins Now on Xbox 360 |website=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=December 6, 2011 }}</ref> It included a completely new user interface which utilizes Microsoft's [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]] and added new features such as cloud storage for game saves and profiles, live television, [[Microsoft Bing|Bing]] voice search,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/xbox-com-leaks-e3-secrets-early-voice-search-and-a-new-look-f/ |title=Microsoft's new Xbox 360 UI has Bing voice search across Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and live TV – Engadget |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=October 22, 2011 |work=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011220553/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/xbox-com-leaks-e3-secrets-early-voice-search-and-a-new-look-f/ |archive-date=October 11, 2011 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> access to YouTube videos and better support for Kinect voice commands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/ |title=Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul – Engadget |date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=October 22, 2011 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023215144/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice |archive-date=October 23, 2011 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
 
=== Multimedia ===
The Xbox 360 supports videos in [[Windows Media Video]] (WMV) format (including [[High-definition television|high-definition]] and [[Microsoft PlaysForSure|PlaysForSure]] videos), as well as [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264]] and [[MPEG-4]] media. The December 2007 dashboard update added support for the playback of [[MPEG-4 Part 2|MPEG-4 ASP]] format videos.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/elle/20071130-systemupdate.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202193403/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/elle/20071130-systemupdate.htm| archive-date=December 2, 2007| title=Xbox 360 System Software&nbsp;– Fall Update Summary| date=November 30, 2007| publisher=Microsoft| access-date=July 26, 2008}}</ref> The console can also [[Avatar (computing)|display pictures]] and perform slideshows of photo collections with various transition effects, and supports audio playback, with [[Digital audio player|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 [[Data storage device|mass storage devices]], Xbox 360 proprietary [[Data storage device|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.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/MCEVista.htm| title=Enjoy Windows Media Center on your Xbox 360| publisher=Microsoft| access-date=January 1, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071223104154/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/MCEVista.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = December 23, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/windowsconnectnow.mspx |title=Windows Connect Now Technology |publisher=Microsoft |date=December 21, 2004 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724052845/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/windowsconnectnow.mspx |archive-date=July 24, 2008 }}</ref> As the Xbox 360 uses a modified version of the [[Universal Plug and Play|UPnP]] AV protocol,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gxben.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/why-do-i-hate-dlna-protocol-so-much/|title=Why do I hate DLNA protocol so much ? " Ben's Lost World&nbsp;– Diary of a GeeXboX developer|date=August 24, 2008|access-date=November 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106164552/http://gxben.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/why-do-i-hate-dlna-protocol-so-much/|archive-date=November 6, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=June 2013}} 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 [[codec]]s (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV) and [[container format (digital)|container formats]] (WMV, MOV, TS).<ref>{{cite web| author = Joystiq | title = HD-Streaming: Guide For Streaming HD To The Xbox360 | date = July 27, 2007 | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/how-to-transcode-and-stream-videos-on-xbox-360/ | access-date = July 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081028012741/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/how-to-transcode-and-stream-videos-on-xbox-360/ | archive-date = October 28, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
 
As of October 27, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/skyplayer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107182127/http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/skyplayer/ |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |title=Xbox 360 Sky Player |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> UK and Ireland users are also able to access live and on-demand streams of [[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky television]] programming.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 28, 2009 |title=Xbox 360 to show Sky live and on-demand programming &#124; Technology, Media & Telecommunications &#124; Reuters |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSLS97781220090528 |url-status=live |access-date=September 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531110543/http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSLS97781220090528 |archive-date=May 31, 2009 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
At the 2007, 2008, and 2009 [[Consumer Electronics Show]]s, 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.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Microsoft Integrates IPTV Software Platform With Xbox 360, Creating All-in-One Digital Entertainment Device |publisher=Microsoft |date=January 7, 2007 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-08IPTVXboxPR.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208195429/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-08IPTVXboxPR.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 8, 2007 |access-date=January 7, 2010 |quote=IPTV on Xbox 360 is expected to be available to consumers by holiday season 2007 and will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services over broadband networks based on the IPTV Edition software platform. }}</ref> In 2008, Gates and president of Entertainment & Devices [[Robert J. Bach|Robbie Bach]] announced a partnership with [[BT Retail|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.<ref>{{cite press release|title=BT and Microsoft Announce Partnership to Deliver Powerful, First-of-its-Kind Entertainment Experience to Consumers Through Xbox 360 |publisher=Microsoft |date=January 8, 2008 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/jan08/01-06MSBTXboxPR.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108231713/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/jan08/01-06MSBTXboxPR.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 8, 2008 |access-date=January 7, 2010 |quote=All BT broadband customers will have the unique opportunity to receive the best in high-definition gaming, television and movies through an Xbox 360 console, in a powerful, all-in-one entertainment experience. BT Vision, which is powered by the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) platform, plans to make this first-of-its-kind device and service offering available to customers in the middle of 2008. }}</ref> BT Vision's DVR-based features would not be available on Xbox 360 due to limited hard drive capacity.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7178661.stm|title= Xbox will host BT's TV service|access-date= January 22, 2008|date= January 9, 2008|work= BBC News|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080112085713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7178661.stm|archive-date= January 12, 2008|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/steve/2010/01-06CES.mspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114025804/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/steve/2010/01-06CES.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 14, 2010 |title=Steve Ballmer and Robbie Bach Keynote: 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show |date=January 6, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=January 7, 2010 |quote=J.D. Power and Associates have recently rated AT&T Uverse TV the best-rated, highest-rated residential TV satisfaction in the United States Southern and Western Regions for the second year in a row. I'm happy to announce that later this year AT&T will also enable subscribers to [[U-Verse]] to enjoy that service on their Xbox 360 consoles. }}</ref> As of January 2010, IPTV on Xbox 360 has yet to be deployed beyond limited trials.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}
 
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 (magazine)|Revolver]] Golden Gods, Microsoft's [[E3 2012]] media briefing and the [[Miss Teen USA 2012]] beauty pageant.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}
 
=== XNA community ===
{{Main|Microsoft XNA}}
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.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3545/sponsored_feature_democratizing_.php| title=XNA Community| access-date=April 2, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325201536/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3545/sponsored_feature_democratizing_.php| archive-date=March 25, 2008| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://creators.xna.com/| title=XNA Creators Club| access-date=April 2, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308131615/http://creators.xna.com/| archive-date=March 8, 2007| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref> XNA game sales, however, did not meet original expectations,<ref>{{cite web |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gamerbytes-study-shows-disappointing-sales-for-xna-community-gam/ |title=GamerBytes study shows disappointing sales for XNA Community Games |publisher=Joystiq.com |date=March 30, 2009 |access-date=September 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930042337/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gamerbytes-study-shows-disappointing-sales-for-xna-community-gam/ |archive-date=September 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> though [[Xbox Live Indie Games]] (XBLIG) has had some "hits".{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}
 
== Services ==
=== Xbox Live ===
{{Main|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 [[Stock-keeping unit|SKUs]] of the console. It allows users to create a user profile, join on [[Internet forum|message boards]], and access Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Marketplace and talk to other members.<ref name="XboxLiveFree">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31092/Microsoft_Renames_Xbox_Live_Silver_to_Xbox_Live_Free.php|title=Microsoft Renames Xbox Live Silver to 'Xbox Live Free'|author=Kyle Orland|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511050801/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31092/Microsoft_Renames_Xbox_Live_Silver_to_Xbox_Live_Free.php|archive-date=May 11, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.xbox.com/NR/exeres/F925FE0C-E310-491A-82E0-7A604A353BFB.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204212851/http://www.xbox.com/NR/exeres/F925FE0C-E310-491A-82E0-7A604A353BFB.htm |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |title=Xbox Live The Silver Age |access-date=September 30, 2006 |last=Barker |first=Ben |date=September 19, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/xbox360/morethangames.htm |title=More than Games |access-date=September 30, 2006 |last=Gettys |first=Jim W. |date=September 17, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060908092939/http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/xbox360/morethangames.htm |archive-date = September 8, 2006 }}</ref>
 
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, [[Contact list|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]]<!-- Not a thing any more, replaced by Microsoft Account. Does it still work this way, mutatis mutandis? --> to their gamertag on Xbox.com.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/xboxlive/myaccount/managemyaccount/accountmanagement.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024111920/http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/xboxlive/myaccount/managemyaccount/accountmanagement.aspx |archive-date=October 24, 2008 |title=Xbox Live Account Migration to Xbox 360 |access-date=October 7, 2006 |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> 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 [[Payment card number|credit card number]], which is used for verification purposes and billing. An Xbox Live Gold account has an annual cost of US$59.99, [[Canadian dollar|C$]]59.99, [[New Zealand dollar|NZ$]]90.00, [[Pound sterling|£]]39.99, or €59.99. On January 5, 2011, Xbox Live reached over 30 million subscribers.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/Features/2011/jan11/01-05CESBallmer.mspx |title=2010: A Year Filled with New Experiences for Consumers |date=January 5, 2011 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |publisher=Microsoft |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109002607/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/Features/2011/jan11/01-05CESBallmer.mspx |archive-date=January 9, 2011 }}</ref>{{Clear}}
 
=== Xbox Live Marketplace ===
{{Main|Xbox Live Marketplace}}
 
The Xbox Live Marketplace was 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 demo]]s, 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.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360harddrive/harddriveornot.htm |title=To Hard Drive or Not? |access-date=September 30, 2006 |last=Gettys |first=Jim W. |date=August 19, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070427045612/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360harddrive/harddriveornot.htm |archive-date = April 27, 2007 }}</ref> In order to download priced content, users are required to purchase [[Microsoft Points]] for use as [[scrip]];<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/microsoftpoints.htm |title=Xbox 360 Get the Points |access-date=September 30, 2006 |last=Barker |first=Ben |date=September 20, 2005 |publisher=Microsoft |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123003030/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/microsoftpoints.htm |archive-date=January 23, 2009 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/11982/Xbox-Live-Pipeline-Browse-Live-Marketplace-from-your-PC/ |title=Browse Live Marketplace from your PC |access-date=October 13, 2006 |last=Berardini |first=César |date=October 12, 2006 |publisher=TeamXbox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210090053/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/11982/Xbox-Live-Pipeline-Browse-Live-Marketplace-from-your-PC/ |archive-date=February 10, 2007 }}</ref> An estimated 70 percent of Xbox Live users have downloaded items from the Marketplace.<ref name="Live Stats">{{cite web|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12028/Latest-Xbox-Live-Facts-and-Stats/ |title=Latest Xbox Live Facts and Stats |access-date=October 19, 2006 |last=Berardini |first=César |date=October 18, 2006 |publisher=TeamXbox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104053646/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12028/Latest-Xbox-Live-Facts-and-Stats/ |archive-date=November 4, 2006 }}</ref> The Xbox 360 Marketplace was discontinued on July 29, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/store/xbox-360-marketplace-update |title=Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace FAQ |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref>{{clear}}
 
=== Xbox Live Arcade ===
{{Main|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 game]]s 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 [[Personal computer game|PC games]] such as ''[[Zuma (video game)|Zuma]]''. The service was first launched on November 3, 2004,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2004/10/13/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |title=Xbox Live Arcade to launch Nov. 3&nbsp;– Oct. 14, 2004 |access-date=March 23, 2009 |last=Morris |first=Chris |date=October 14, 2004 |publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214121821/http://money.cnn.com/2004/10/13/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |archive-date=February 14, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> using a DVD to load, and offered games for about US$5 to $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 Turbo: Hyper Fighting|Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting]]'', and ''[[Uno (video game)|Uno]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/30/2006-top-xbox-live-games.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530191824/http://majornelson.com/archive/2006/12/30/2006-top-xbox-live-games.aspx |archive-date=May 30, 2008 |title=Top Xbox Live Games of 2006 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |last=Hryb |first=Larry |date=December 30, 2006 |publisher=MajorNelson }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20001073-56.html |title=Xbox Game Room launches, but with issues |access-date=March 25, 2010 |last=Fried |first=Ina |date=March 24, 2010 |website=CNET |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815114333/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20001073-56.html |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>{{Clear}}
[[File:The Idolmaster DVD-ROM for Xbox 360.jpg|thumb|DVD-ROM for Xbox 360]]<!-- Out of place? Not relevant to the section on services -->
 
=== Movies and TV ===
{{Main|Microsoft Movies & 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|date=January 2022}} 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 sound|surround audio]] and are encoded using [[VC-1]] for video at 720p, with a [[bit rate|bitrate]] of 6.8&nbsp;Mbit/s.<ref name="Xbox 360 live video">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/11/06/microsofts-xbox-live-video-hdtv-and-hd-movie-downloads-for-you/ |title=HDTV and HD movie downloads for your 360 |access-date=November 11, 2006 |last=Block |first=Ryan |date=November 7, 2006 |publisher=Endaget |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110111325/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/06/microsofts-xbox-live-video-hdtv-and-hd-movie-downloads-for-you/ |archive-date=November 10, 2006 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Television content is offered from MTV, [[VH1]], [[Comedy Central]], [[Turner Broadcasting System|Turner Broadcasting]], and [[CBS]]; and movie content is [[Warner Bros.]], [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]], and [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]], along with other publishers.<ref name="Live Video announcement">{{cite press release |title=Movies and TV on your Xbox |publisher=Microsoft |date=November 6, 2006 |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/1106-moviestv.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061211062527/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/1106-moviestv.htm |archive-date=December 11, 2006 |access-date=July 26, 2008 }}</ref>
 
After the Spring 2007 <!-- do you mean 2008? -->update, the following [[video codec]]s are supported:
* H.264 video support: Up to 15&nbsp;Mbit/s, Baseline, Main, and High (up to level 4.1) Profiles with [[2channel|2 channel]] AAC LC and Main Profiles.
* MPEG-4 Part 2 video support: Up to 8&nbsp;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.<ref name="Video Marketplace launches in Europe">{{cite press release |title=Movies and TV on your Xbox 360 in Europe|publisher=Microsoft |date=July 12, 2007 |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/news-features/news/Video-Marketplace-announcement-041207.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620173136/http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/news-features/news/Video-Marketplace-announcement-041207.htm |archive-date=June 20, 2008|access-date=July 26, 2008 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/xbox-live-video-marketplace-live-in-canada-uk-and-elsewhere/|title=Xbox Live Video Marketplace Live in Canada, UK, and Elsewhere|author=Christopher Grant|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=December 11, 2007|access-date=October 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118010003/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/xbox-live-video-marketplace-live-in-canada-uk-and-elsewhere/|archive-date=January 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
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.<ref name="Zune Marketplace">{{cite press release|title=Zune Marketplace |date=May 27, 2009 |url=http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=149641612 |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=May 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714132908/http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=149641612 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> Further details were released at the Microsoft press conference at [[E3 2009]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5274608/zune-video-comes-to-live-in-1080p-hd-this-fall/|title=Zune Video Comes to Live in 1080p HD This Fall|author=Brian Crecente|website=[[Kotaku]]|date=June 1, 2009|access-date=October 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118010004/http://kotaku.com/5274608/zune-video-comes-to-live-in-1080p-hd-this-fall/|archive-date=January 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
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 [[Tablet computer|tablets]], and Windows Phones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-16-xbox-360-dashboard-update-rolls-out-from-today|title=Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Rolls Out from Today|author=Tom Phillips|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=October 16, 2012|access-date=July 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120758/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-16-xbox-360-dashboard-update-rolls-out-from-today|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
On August 18, 2015, Microsoft rolled out an update renaming it Movies and TV similar to the Windows 10 App.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-updates-movies--tv-and-groove-music-apps-on-windows-10|title=Microsoft Update Movies & TV and Groove Music Apps on Windows 10|author=Andy Weir|publisher=[[Neowin]]|date=August 18, 2015|access-date=October 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919131102/http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-updates-movies--tv-and-groove-music-apps-on-windows-10|archive-date=September 19, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
=== Groove Music ===
{{Main|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-03-microsofts-itunes-spotify-rival-xbox-music-out-later-this-year-report|title=Microsoft's iTunes, Spotify Rival Xbox Music Out This Year – Report|author=Wesley Yin-Poole|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=July 3, 2012|access-date=July 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711030915/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-03-microsofts-itunes-spotify-rival-xbox-music-out-later-this-year-report|archive-date=July 11, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
In August 2015 Microsoft rolled out an update renaming it to Groove Music similar to the Windows 10 App.
 
=== Xbox SmartGlass ===
{{Main|Xbox SmartGlass}}
 
Xbox SmartGlass allows for integration between the Xbox 360 console and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft aposenta aplicativo do Xbox 360 SmartGlass |url=https://olhardigital.com.br/games-e-consoles/noticia/microsoft-aposenta-aplicativo-do-xbox-360-smartglass/76203 |website=Olhar Digital |date=May 22, 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818115101/https://olhardigital.com.br/games-e-consoles/noticia/microsoft-aposenta-aplicativo-do-xbox-360-smartglass/76203 |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=E3 2012: A closer look at Xbox SmartGlass |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/e3-2012-a-closer-look-at-xbox-smartglass/ |website=CNET |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818084112/https://www.cnet.com/news/e3-2012-a-closer-look-at-xbox-smartglass/ |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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]],<ref>[http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2007/02/why_partnernet_is_a_pr_nightma.php Why PartnerNet is a PR Nightmare for Microsoft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091059/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2007/02/why_partnernet_is_a_pr_nightma.php |date=August 15, 2018 }} on GameSetWatch</ref> runs on Xbox 360 [[debugging|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]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/14/xbox-360-partnernet-video-hints-at-jetpac-juiced-2007/|title=Xbox 360 PartnerNet video hints at Jetpac, Juiced 2007 [update 1]|last=ludwigk|date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815211358/https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/14/xbox-360-partnernet-video-hints-at-jetpac-juiced-2007/|archive-date=August 15, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> (''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.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Sonic 4 "Leak Week," One Year On |url=http://www.tssznews.com/2011/03/29/the-sonic-4-leak-week-one-year-on/ |website=Tssznews |access-date=24 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726193538/http://www.tssznews.com/2011/03/29/the-sonic-4-leak-week-one-year-on/ |archive-date=July 26, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=MICROSOFT INVESTIGATING HALO: REACH LEAK |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/20/microsoft-investigating-halo-reach-leak |website=IGN |date=August 20, 2010 |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055510/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/20/microsoft-investigating-halo-reach-leak |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Sega used feedback from fans about the leaked version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I to refine it before they eventually released it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yakuza 6's Demo Glitch is Another Mishap in Sega's History of Leaks |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/yakuza-6s-demo-glitch-is-another-mishap-in-segas-history-of-leaks |website=USGamer |date=March 2, 2018 |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055246/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/yakuza-6s-demo-glitch-is-another-mishap-in-segas-history-of-leaks |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite magazine |title=THE YOUNG AND THE RECKLESS |url=https://www.wired.com/story/xbox-underground-videogame-hackers/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819040411/https://www.wired.com/story/xbox-underground-videogame-hackers/ |archive-date=August 19, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Other games that were leaked in the PartnerNet fiasco include [[Shenmue (video game)|Shenmue]] and [[Shenmue II]].<ref>{{cite web |title=European retailers list Bayonetta, Vanquish and Shenmue releases for Xbox One and PS4|url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/11/european-retailers-list-bayonetta-vanquish-and-shenmue-releases-for-xbox-one-and-ps4/ |website=VG247 |date=September 11, 2017 |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055750/https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/11/european-retailers-list-bayonetta-vanquish-and-shenmue-releases-for-xbox-one-and-ps4/ |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
 
== See also ==
{{Portal|Video games}}
* [[List of Xbox 360 games]]
* [[List of Xbox games360 compatible with Xbox 360applications]]
* [[List of original programs distributed by Xbox Entertainment Studios]]
* [[Xbox Live]]
* [[Xbox Live Arcade]]
 
== Further reading ==
==References==
{{refbegin}}
*Lewis, Peter (Nov. 28, 2005). "Let the Games Begin". ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'', pp. 87&ndash;88.
* {{cite book |last1=Takahashi |first1=Dean |author1-link=Dean Takahashi |title=The Xbox 360 Uncloaked: The Real Story Behind Microsoft's Next-Generation Video Game Console |date=May 17, 2006 |publisher=SpiderWorks Press |isbn=978-0-9777842-1-9 |pages=404|___location=Arlington, VA|url=https://archive.org/details/takahashi-d.-the-xbox-360-uncloaked-the-real-story-behind-microsofts-next-genera/ |access-date=2025-05-21}}
{{refend}}
 
==External linksReferences ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
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