We're talking 50% of 360 owners which I suspect will be a demographic with a high uptake of braodband. Anyway, you can't be telling me the US is that much behind Aus :p. Everyone I know who owns an xbox has broadband, so even though hardly any of them are on the Live paid service, they will be on Live by default with 360.

As guess at, we will have two versions of the 360:

$299

Xbox 360 Console
Wired Controller

$399

Xbox 360 Console
20GB HDD
Wireless Controller
Headset
Ethernet Cable
Wireless TV Remote Control

Source: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...k=1&cset=truel

Who is this guy and what does he know? I guess we'll see an OFFICIAL announcement soon. I always thought the HD would be standard. It seems they would screw the people over who did not have it.

Do they even plan on making a wired only controller? I know the wireless controllers have a port to make them wired, but I haven't read anything that says that they are making a wired only controller. That makes no sense to design it just to sell it with the cheaper package. I won't believe any numbers until the come from M$ themselves.

You guys won't have to wait long for the "official" announcement. They are supposed to be on stage any second now. But I'm pretty sure this is official, which will make me laugh. So many empty promises.

There won't be a separate version without the HDD at least not until later.

Someone refresh my memory.. do official console announcements usually happen this close to their release?

Oh really? Microsoft tends to have a different opinion on that subject. Confirmed via IGN:

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/642/642656p1.html

Two versions, as I defined above. The only thing that wasn't included, was that the $400 version will have component cables, and the $300 one won't.

Oh well it goes against everything that allard has said in interviews so whatever, i'll take the egg in my face..
Glad you seem to take personal joy at digging up every possible bit of 360 negativity (and rev for that matter).. suppose it keeps you amused :p.

Microsoft went on at 8:30 a.m. at GDC, so the announcment for the pricing of the 2 versions is legit.

I've always liked the idea of 2 consoles. It gives people a choice of buying as much as they need, want or can afford. And if people are too pissy about the price, they can just wait for the inevitable price drop before the PS3 is released.

Don't let josh get to you. The PS3 news has been a little slow these days, so he has to do something to pass the time.

Unbelieveable....I cannot believe MS did this. I'll probably still get one, since I want my new system, but that just seems poopy. I mean, doesn't this limit developers knowing that some people will have a HD, while others will not. After having an XBOX, I could not imagine NOT having a HD. I don't want to deal with memory cards....oh well, looks like an extra $100 for me. At least I have about $200 credit at GameRush....plus $100 Gift Card readily available from my credit card rewards program

- Also, how long is this ETHERNET cable?
- How long are the component cables?
- Do I really need a remote....I thought the wireless controller was your remote....I thought you could turn your console off with the remote.

:lol:

Who said this was negative? I think its funny that MS spoke of a wireless controller standard, and a hard drive standard, but didn't deliver, but I never said it was a bad thing. I'm just reporting the news... don't shoot the poster.

I wonder if the $399 package will be called a "Value Pack" :lol: rotfl :lol:

The ethernet cable they sell now for the Xbox is 20 feet.

The component cable is probably the same length as the one for the Xbox

The remote is for extended function in DVD, music, and TV playback. Take a look at the hig-res picture on the first page.

For $399 you still have to buy a seperate adapter for wireless networking?

Absurd. I'll see what PS3 has to offer.

LMAO, probably so.

If you add it up, it will probably cost at least $150 (dependent on the cost of the hard drive) for the extras that come with the "Value Pack"

Well, looks like I'd EBAY a few things right off to start. Already have an ethernet cable and a component cable. Oh well.....I just want a HD and a wireless controller. I wonder how much those will cost seperately?

Lame that the HD is apparently not in the "standard" version. I thought that rumor was debunked.

That rules out any innovative use of the HDD in games as developers won't want to limit game sales to those with HDDs. We probably won't see the HDD used for anything but custom soundtracks, downloadable bonuses, etc. But of course, developers have been pretty inept at putting it to any good uses this gen anyway.

However, it really seems to make no sense to have the free X-box live access for downloading stuff if not eveyone is going to have the HDD.

Your current component cable kit probably won't jack into the 360. I'm guessing they changed the connection of the HD adaptor so you have to buy a new one.

I think controllers were $30 at launch last time. As for the hard drive, I'd imagine it's at least $50-$100. Cheaper 3rd party ones or DIY ones will pop up later.

You won't need to download stuff for Xbox Live Arcade and the communication features.

That's true, still lame as the downloadable updates, IMO, are the best feature of the free live stuff. I'd probably never use the arcade or communications stuff.

More pricing info here:
http://www.pro-g.co.uk/news/nid/1307/


At the prices of peripherals I guess I will just get the $400 package, as they want $100 for the hard drive alone.

Wow, that's wild. $100 for the wireless adaptor!

• Faceplate ($19.99)
• Hard Drive (20 GB) ($99.99)
• Memory Unit (64 MB) ($39.99)
• Wireless Networking Adapter ($99.99)
• Wireless Controller ($49.99)
• Play and Charge Kit ($19.99)
• Rechargeable Battery Pack ($11.99)
• Controller ($39.99)
• Headset ($19.99)
• Universal Media Remote ($29.99)
• Component HD AV Cable ($39.99)
• S-Video AV Cable (US) ($29.99)
• VGA HD AV Cable ($39.99)