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Xbox 360 Preview

For Xbox enthusiasts, the wait is finally over. Xbox 360, the latest gaming system created by software giant Microsoft, was unveiled at this year's annual E3 Expo. The Xbox 360 Preview was one of many previews of new systems to be released in the coming year, but it's safe to say that it stole the show.

The original Xbox game system was released with rave reviews in 2000 along with direct competitors Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube.

Xbox 360 Game System Notables

Xbox 360 is rumored to be as much as 10 times as fast as its predecessor, the standard Xbox unit. With 512 MB of 700 MHz GDDR3 RAM memory, a storage capacity of 20 GB (removable) and a multi-channel surround sound output supporting 48 KHz 16-bit audio, the Xbox 360 represents the future of gaming.

Xbox 360 physical specs are as follows:

Weight: 7.7 lbs.

Dimensions:

  •  Height: 83 mm
  •  Width: 309 mm
  •  Depth: 258 mm

Xbox 360 and Broadband Internet 

One of the best features associated with Xbox 360 is Xbox Live. Xbox Live is an account that allows Xbox owners to connect their Xbox 360 to the Xbox Live Marketplace via a broadband Internet connection. The Xbox Live Marketplace allows Xbox users all over the world to come together and compete using all compatible games. Xbox 360 comes complete with a free subscription to Xbox Live Silver. This basic service does not allow online gaming. If you are looking to compete against other online players, you will be required to purchase an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Xbox Live Gold features include some of the following:

Talk with other Xbox enthusiasts using 1 of these chat modes:

  •  Voice chat (available with Xbox Live Silver subscription)
  •  Video chat
  •  Video messaging

Recorded achievements / statistics

Intelligent matchmaking: This feature helps group you with fellow online gamers with similar interests and skill level.

A large selection of online games.

Xbox Live Marketplace Benefits

The Xbox Live Marketplace offers a smorgasbord of services including downloads of new game trailers, game demos, game upgrades such as additional levels, weapons, maps, vehicles, skins, etc. If you have an Xbox 360 and a broadband connection, you can experience online gaming to its fullest extent.

Games for Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is backward compatible, meaning all standard Xbox games can be played using the updated model. New game titles that have been previewed include Tony Hawk's American Wasteland, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006, Madden NFL 2006, Ghost Recon 3, Project Gotham Racing 3, Quake 4, Gears of War and lots, lots more. Expect Xbox 360 games to boast upgraded depth, clarity and sheer entertainment value.  

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