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Xbox 360 F.A.Q.

General Questions

When did the system launch?

Launched on November 22nd, 2005 in the United States. European launch December 2nd and Japanese launch December 11th.

How much does the Xbox 360 cost?

$299 for the Core package which includes:

Xbox 360 Console
Wired Controller
Composite AV cable

$399 for the Premium package which includes:

Xbox 360 Console with Chrome tray finish
20GB HDD
Wireless Controller
Headset
Ethernet Cable
Component HD-AV cable

Do I need a High Definition Television for the 360?

No, but you will really want one. All Xbox 360 games will all run in at least 720p with a 16:9 aspect ratio. But when playing on a 4:3 display, games will run in widescreen by default, though gamers will have the option to switch to 4:3 should they so choose. Designers are very much encouraged to design their games so that they're playable in a 4:3 ratio, with dialog text, HUDs and those sorts of things appearing properly at 4:3.

Solution for the HDTV-less: Use the $40 VGA cable with an existing monitor. This can be a temporary High-Res solution until you purchase a HDTV.

Is the Xbox 360 backwards compatible?

Yes! 214 titles at the moment with many more to be added in the future. Check out the list here: Link

How many games are available now?

160 titles should be available by the end of 2006.

What are the basic specs for the Xbox 360?

3 IBM 3.2 Ghz CPU’s
500 MHz ATI GPU with 10 MB embedded DRAM
512 MB RAM
20 GB hard drive
12X DVD-ROM
Support for up to 4 wireless game controllers
3 USB 2.0 ports.
1 Ethernet port
Wi-fi Ready (Adaptor sold separately)
Video Camera Ready (Camera sold separately)
Dimensions: 309 mm wide x 83 mm high x 258 mm deep or 12.15 in wide x 3.27 in high x 10.15 in deep
Weight: 7.7 pounds (3.5 kg)


Peripherals

What peripherals can I buy for the 360?

Peripheral	Price	Picture	Specs
Logitech Harmony 360 Remote	$129.99		Out of the box, the Harmony remote for Xbox 360 can control the console. Users can navigate the Xbox 360 interface with the remote´s X, Y, A and B buttons. These buttons coincide with commands in different Xbox 360 screens for selecting and navigating games, settings, music and media.
Hard Drive	$99.99		Included with Premium package. 20 Gig Detachable Drive for storing game saves, music and video content. Also contains pre-loaded HD bonus content, including the arcade game Hexic HD
Wireless Network Adapter	$99.99		Dual band 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wireless A/B/G home network compatible. Allows you to stream photos and music from Microsoft Windows XP and recorded TV, movies, and videos from your Microsoft Windows XP Media Center based PC.
Xbox Live Vision Camera	$39.99		VGA 640x480 video at 30 frames per second and takes 1.3-megapixel (1280x1024 resolution) still photos. Stills can be taken for your use in the UI, game, or in the moment of glory.
Wireless Controller	$49.99		1 included with Premium package. 2.4 GHz wireless technology with 30-foot range, Integrated headset port for Xbox Live play, Adjustable vibration feedback for longer battery life.
Wired Controller	$39.99		1 included with Core package. Integrated headset port for Xbox Live play, Works with most Windows XP-based PCs, Adjustable vibration feedback for a personalized gaming experience.
64 mb Memory Card	$39.99		Required in absence of hard drive to play on Xbox Live and to save game progress. Also comes with carrying case for your keychain.
VGA Video Cable	$39.99		Standard VGA Connector, Video output settings of 480p, 720p, or 1080i, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound output, 8-foot long.
Component HD AV Cable	$39.99		Included with Premium package. High-definition gaming output of 720p or 1080i, Progressive-scan DVD playback in 480p, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound output, 8-foot-long shielded cable
S-Video/Composite AV Cable	$29.99		Included with Core package. S-Video & Composite Video output, Digital Optical Audio output & Stereo Audio output, 8-foot-long shielded cable.
Universal Media Remote	$29.99		Ergonomic design with backlit buttons, Universal TV remote, Integrated Windows XP Media Center controls.
Play & Charge Kit	$19.99		Play & Charge Cable enables continuous game play for a wireless controller, more than 30 hours of play per charge, battery fuel gauge through the Xbox 360 dashboard, includes cable and NiMH rechargeable battery pack.
Xbox Live Headset	$19.99		Included with Premium package. Noise-canceling microphone with adjustable boom, Volume control and mute switch.
Interchangeable faceplates	$19.99		Matching Xbox 360 dashboard themes available online

Xbox Live

Can I register a gamertag without an Xbox 360?

Yes! Go to http://www.xbox.com/en-US/myxbox/myprofile.htm and sign up. You also have the ability to post it on web sites such as forums or blogs. For instance:

<iframe src="http://gamercard.xbox.com/AwfullyGood.card" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" height="140" width="204">AwfullyGood.</iframe>

Is there a list of DVDTalk members on Xbox Live?

Yes: GoLucky's Xbox Live Gamertag list GoLucky was nice enough to add links to our online gamertag info at Xbox.com. Just add your name to the thread if you would like to be on the list.

What’s the difference between Xbox Live Silver and Xbox Live Gold?

Xbox Live Silver completely free. You get access to Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox Live Arcade, Acheivement listings and comparisons, Community and Communication Features, and Limited Online Multiplayer Gaming (an occasional free weekend of Gold membership).

Xbox Live Gold is everything mentioned above along with online multiplayer gaming all the time. You have 3 options in terms of a flat subscription fee: monthly ($7.99), 3-months ($19.99), 1 year ($49.99). Alternatively, if you got stuck with a core, snatch up one of the Xbox Live starter kits to get a headset. The pricing for those 2 items is:

$69.99 for the Twelve-month Xbox Live Premium Gold Pack

$39.99 for the Three-month Xbox Live Premium Gold Pack

What are the new features of Xbox Live?

Xbox Live Marketplace allows you to download demos, trailers, episodic content, levels, weapons, vehicles, and more. Eventually, players will be able to open their own “Ebay-inspired” storefront’s and sell player created content. You will be able to design game content on your PC using tools that could be available on the game DVD and then stream them over to the XBox360.

Here’s a list of all current marketplace content broken down by game: Link

Marketplace Picture

Xbox Live Arcade gives you access to old school arcade games and lots of card games. This will also be integrated with video chat which will allow you to talk and play at the same time.

Live Arcade games available:

Game Title	Point Cost
Astropop	800
Bankshot Billiards 2	1200
Bejeweled 2	800
Cloning Clyde	800
Crystal Quest	400
Feeding Frenzy	800
Frogger	400
Galaga	400
Gauntlet	400
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved	400
Hardwood Backgammon	400
Hardwood Hearts	400
Hardwood Spades	400
Hexic® HD	FREE
Joust	400
Marble Blast Ultra	800
Mutant Storm Reloaded	800
Outpost Kaloki	800
Pac-Man	400
Robotron 2084	400
Smash TV	400
Street Fighter 2	800
Texas Hold'Em	800
Time Pilot	400
UNO	400
Wik: Fable of Souls	800
Zuma	800

Live Arcade Picture

Your new friends list keeps track of your friends and what games they are currently playing. If you are watching a movie or don't wish to be disturbed, you can list yourself as Busy. Each player's reputation is also listed in the Friend's view. Microsoft describes a player's reputation as their equivalent of an Ebay reliability rating, though it is more sensitive to time.

Invite Screen & List with Reputations

There is also a new feedback option that passes data into the matchmaking system. Rating someone positively tells the system that you would enjoy being matched with them in the future. Rate someone negatively and you will most likely never see them again.

How much are Marketplace Points in real money?

1 Point is the equivilent to 1.25 cents. In other words, 2000 points would equal $25.

Media Capabilities

Will custom soundtracks still be available?

Yes, all games will support custom soundtracks. You can easily access your music and playlists during any game by pressing the center button on your controller.

Can I use my Ipod or PsP with the Xbox 360?

Yes. From the two USB ports on the front of the system (one in the back), you can attach any portable MP3 player and stream music through the console. Songs that you've downloaded from iTunes (with their DRM entact) will not be playable through the Xbox 360 dashboard, but any other MP3 files that you've stored on your iPod will work just fine.

Also, the console is fully compatible with the latest version of Windows Media Center, so gamers with a home network can use 360 to stream music and HD movies from their PC.

Media Center Picture, Music Playlist Picture, Play screen with Visualizer, High Def Visualizer

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