Today at the German Games Convention Microsoft revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360—the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system—for as little as $299.99 U.S. starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S., giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.
"The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated," says Robbie Bach, chief Xbox® officer for Microsoft. "While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio, and online play, it's also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s, and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras."
For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S. Xbox 360 console. This premium edition—distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself—comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately. The system includes:
- Xbox 360 Console: Sexy styling that packs a punch—three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and DVD playback right out of the box.
- Xbox 360 Hard Drive: 20GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
- Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music, and games libraries as well as a range of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of battery life on two AA batteries. 3
- Xbox 360 Faceplate: The removable Faceplate comes in stylish "chill" (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.
- Xbox 360 Headset: This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
- Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable: This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
- Xbox Live Silver membership: With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace like demos, trailers, and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
- A bonus Media Remote: Included for a limited time only, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies, and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC with a single remote.
At $299.99 U.S., the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:
- Xbox 360 console: As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and DVD playback right out of the box.
- Xbox 360 Controller: This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
- Xbox 360 Faceplate: Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish "chill" (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.
- Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable: This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.
The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S.), Xbox 360 Controllers (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*), and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:
- Xbox 360 Hard Drive: 20GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace, and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB): Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements, and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music, and games libraries as well as a range of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of battery life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit: This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack: This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter: With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 Headset: This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote: Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies, and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) / Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only): This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S.*).
- Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable: Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*).