Xbox 360

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Xbox 360 Chatpad+controller

Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. It was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information announced later that month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The Xbox 360 is the successor to the Xbox, and it is the second console in the Xbox series. It competed with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles.

Development

The project was headed by Microsoft's Vice President J Allard. The Xbox 360 project was aimed at creating a console that would deliver not only in terms of gaming performance but also as a hub for multimedia applications, enhancing the living room entertainment experience. The development of the console was known under the codename "Xenon", and it involved many significant advancements in hardware design, online functionality, and game development technology.

Hardware

The Xbox 360's hardware was designed to be more powerful than its predecessor, featuring a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical cores running at 3.2 GHz each. It also included a graphics processor that was designed by ATI, allowing for advanced graphical capabilities and high-definition video playback. The console came with a detachable hard drive, which varied in capacity between models, to store games, music, videos, and downloadable content.

Models

Over its lifespan, the Xbox 360 was released in several different models, including the original model, the Xbox 360 S (a slimmer version introduced in 2010), and the Xbox 360 E (a further streamlined version introduced in 2013). Each model saw improvements in design, storage capacity, and energy efficiency.

Xbox Live

A key feature of the Xbox 360 was its integrated online service, Xbox Live, which allowed players to compete online, download games and media, and access various digital services. Xbox Live was divided into two services: Xbox Live Silver (later renamed Xbox Live Free) and Xbox Live Gold, with the latter requiring a subscription fee.

Games

The Xbox 360 had a vast library of games, ranging from action and adventure to sports, racing, and family entertainment. It was known for popular franchises such as Halo, Gears of War, and Forza Motorsport, as well as for supporting a wide range of third-party titles. The console also promoted indie game development through the Xbox Live Arcade service.

Reception and Legacy

The Xbox 360 was well-received by critics and consumers alike for its robust online features, multimedia capabilities, and strong game library. However, it faced challenges, including technical issues such as the infamous "Red Ring of Death" (RRoD) hardware failure. Despite this, the Xbox 360 sold over 84 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game consoles of its time. It was officially discontinued on April 20, 2016, but it left a lasting impact on the gaming industry and helped solidify Microsoft's position as a key player in the video game market.

See Also

• Video game console
• Microsoft
• Xbox (brand)
• Xbox One
• PlayStation 3
• Wii