Xbox 360 facts for kids
Left: Xbox 360 Elite, Right: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller
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| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Flextronics, Wistron, Celestica, Foxconn |
| Product family | Xbox |
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh generation |
| Release date |
Availability by region
Original Xbox 360:
Xbox 360 S
Xbox 360 E
|
| Retail availability | 2005-2016 |
| Discontinued | April 20, 2016 |
| Units sold | Worldwide: 84 million (as of June 9, 2014[update])(details) |
| Media | DVD, Compact Disc, Download Add-on: HD DVD (discontinued) |
| CPU | 3.2 GHz PowerPC Tri-Core Xenon |
| Memory | 512 MB of GDDR3 RAM clocked at 700 MHz |
| Storage | 20 or 120 GB cakera hard, 64, 256 or 512 MB KAD memory
Storage media
|
| Display |
Video output formats
|
| Graphics | 500 MHz ATI Xenos |
| Sound |
|
| Controller input |
Controllers
4 maximum* (any combination):
|
| Connectivity | Original models 2.4 GHz wireless, 3 × USB 2.0, IR receiver, 100 Mbit Ethernet Add-on: Wifi 802.11 a/b/g, Wifi 802.11a/b/g/n Revised "S" models 2.4 GHz wireless, 5 × USB 2.0, IR receiver, 100 Mbit Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n, AUX port |
| Online services | Xbox Live |
| Best-selling game | Kinect Adventures (18 million as pack-in game for Kinect) |
| Backward compatibility |
478 original Xbox games (requires hard drive and the latest update) |
| Predecessor | Xbox |
| Successor | Xbox One |
The Xbox 360 is a popular video game console made by Microsoft. It was the second Xbox console, coming out after the original Xbox in 2001. The Xbox 360 was first released on November 22, 2005. It was a big competitor to other consoles like the Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3. These three consoles were part of what gamers called the "seventh generation" of video game systems.
Microsoft first showed off the Xbox 360 on MTV on May 12, 2005. Later, its successor, the Xbox One, was announced on May 21, 2013. Even after the Xbox One came out in November 2013, the Xbox 360 was still sold until April 20, 2016.
Contents
Creating the Xbox 360
Before its official name was announced, people called the console many things. Some names were Xbox 2, Xenon, and Xbox Next. During its creation, Microsoft wanted the Xbox 360 to start a new age of high-definition gaming. They promised that games would look much more realistic and detailed. The Xbox 360 uses regular DVD discs to play games and other media like movies.
When the Xbox 360 Was Released
The Xbox 360 first launched in the United States and Canada on November 22, 2005. It then came out in Europe on December 2, 2005, and in Japan on December 10, 2005. Over time, it was released in many other countries around the world.
When the console first came out in North America, it was so popular that stores quickly ran out. Many people bought them and then sold them online for higher prices. It took until early 2006 for the Xbox 360 to become easier to find in stores.
Different Xbox 360 Models
Over the years, Microsoft released several versions of the Xbox 360. Each model offered different features and storage options.
- Xbox 360 Core
This was the very first basic package. It came with just the console and a wired controller. This model was later replaced by the Arcade as the cheapest option.
- Xbox 360 Arcade
This was the next basic package. It included the console with HDMI output, a wireless controller, a 256 MB memory card, and five Xbox Live Arcade games. It also came with standard video cables.
- Xbox 360 Premium or Pro
This package was more advanced. It featured the console with HDMI output, a 60 GB hard drive, and a wireless controller. It also included an Ethernet cable, a headset, high-definition video cables, and a one-month trial for Xbox Live Gold.
- Xbox 360 Elite
The Elite was the most expensive package. It had a sleek black console with HDMI output and an HDMI cable. It came with a large 120 GB hard drive, a headset, a wireless controller, and an Ethernet cable. High-definition video cables and a one-month Xbox Live trial were also part of this package.
- Xbox 360 Slim
This model had a shiny piano black finish (or matte black for the 4 GB version). It featured HDMI and came with either a 250 GB or 120 GB hard drive, or a 4 GB SSD. The 120 GB and 250 GB versions included a headset, wireless controller, Ethernet cable, and HD video cable. All Slim models came with a one-month Xbox Live trial.
- Xbox 360 E
This was one of the last models released. It had a design that was half glossy and half matte. It included HDMI and a one-month Xbox Live membership trial. This model was available in 4GB and 250 GB versions.
Cool Xbox 360 Accessories
You could buy many extra items for your Xbox 360. These included both wired and wireless controllers for playing games. You could also get custom faceplates to change the look of your console. Headsets allowed you to chat with friends online. There was even a webcam and a special steering wheel for racing games.
Kinect Sensor
Kinect was a very important accessory for the Xbox 360. It let you control games without needing a controller. Instead, you used your body movements and voice. Kinect was first called Project Natal during its development. It won many awards and became available in late 2010.
Xbox 360 Software and Features
The Xbox 360 was more than just a game console. It could also play music and videos. You could stream or download media from a computer. It could play DVDs, and with an extra HD-DVD Drive, it could play HD-DVDs too. Xbox 360 games could be played from a disc or installed on the console's hard drive. There were many games available for the Xbox 360.
System Updates
Microsoft often released updates for the Xbox 360. One big update was called the New Xbox Experience (NXE). This update added many new features.
- Avatar System: One new feature was an avatar system. You could create a digital character that looked like you. Your avatar could be used in games and on the console's menus.
- New Menus: The NXE update also changed the look of the console's menus. It made it easier to see what your friends were doing online.
- Xbox Live Party: Another cool feature was the ability to create an Xbox Live Party. This let up to seven friends talk online together. You could chat whether you were on the dashboard or playing different games. You could also invite friends to both your party and your game at the same time.
Later updates added more features. You could use Facebook, Twitter, and Last.fm on Xbox Live, though some features were different from the computer versions. You could also pay to download 1080p high-definition movies.
One of the most recent updates allowed users to plug in a USB memory device. This meant you could use USB drives (from 1 GB up to 16 GB) to save things like avatar items or game progress.
Understanding the Red Ring of Death
Some of the earlier white Xbox 360 consoles sometimes had a problem. When this happened, three of the four lights around the power button would flash red. This was known as the Red Ring of Death (RRoD). It meant there was a hardware issue, and the console usually stopped working. On newer models, like the Xbox 360 S, these three red lights usually meant the console was getting too hot.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A Kinect sensor device.
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The Xbox 360 Chatpad attached to a wireless controller.
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Rock of Ages, a game available on Xbox 360.
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A DVD-ROM for Xbox 360.
See also
In Spanish: Xbox 360 para niños
