The headset is wired.

The remote is limited time only.

Yes, I'm sure the HDD will be required for backwards compatibility. And I agree that no Silver Live on the Core system is absurd as well.

Microsoft is used to having a monopoly and being able to screw customers and still make money. Hopefully they'll be in for a VERY rude awakening when they try to push these prices on gamers. If not, my opinion of the hard core gamer crowd will drop even lower.

I think SILVER comes with both....and this announcement said WIRELESS headset:

Xbox 360 Core System - $299 (299 Euros, 209 GBP)
•Xbox 360 console
•Wired controller
•Detachable faceplate
•Xbox Live Silver membership
•Standard AV cables


Xbox 360 - $399 (399 Euros, 279 GBP)
•Xbox 360 console
•20GB detachable hard drive
•Wireless controller
•Wireless Xbox Live headset
•High-definition AV cables
•Ethernet cable
•Xbox 360 Media Remote Control (limited time)
•Detachable faceplate
•Xbox Live Silver membership

I like the HDD being external. If something happens to the HDD somehow at least its much easier to replace compared to the current Xbox.

The downside is most games aren't going to use it the way they did with the currrent Xbox. Downloadable content is nice, but it seems like a bit of a waste overall. I guess they want it used to make the 360 a multimedia center mostly.

My one wonder is if the Xbox Wireless controllers are going to be $50 what the heck are the wireless controllers on the Revolution with 12 gyros, 2 touch screens, 48 buttons and sprinkled with pixy dust going to cost?

Owning all three consoles with the next generation is going to be a very tough thing to do.

So Europe reports no Live Silver in the core package, but Gamespot reports that it is in there???

I like how they reference that this past generation has shown them that people like choices. What exactly showed them this (besides the PSP launch, of course, where I would've liked a choice)? When has a console successfully launched with a "core" and "premium" package? It seems like they're only doing the core package to be able to say that you can get one for 300. Especially since they even say they expect most people to buy the premium anyway?

They better support their Microsoft Xbox Network adapter from this past gen. It should be trivial to do. (oh, and that one's wireless G, so I assume their new one will be too)

Indeed. The hard drive is probably the must vulnerable part of the machine, which makes repairing it very easy when it is a simple snap on/snap off thing. It also means that your $400 isn't hosed when the hard drive craps out. That had to have more that a few people pissed when they realized that their HDD was hosed and they now had to purchase a new Xbox.

Speaking of somebody who's HDD went kaput on their current Xbox, I too am glad they are going external this time around.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/news/2005/...nchdetails.htm

Newsflash:
The Countdown Begins: Xbox 360 Launch Details!


Leipzig, Germany— Ending weeks of speculation about which upcoming videogame platform will give gamers the most bang for their buck, today at the German Games Convention Microsoft® revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360™—the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system—for as little as $299.99 U.S. starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S., giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.

The Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System—along with an impressive lineup of high-definition game titles from the world's best publishers and developers—will make their debut in North America, Europe, and Japan in time for this holiday season, several months ahead of the competition. Although details for the Japan launch will be addressed at the Tokyo Game Show in September, the unprecedented three-region launch signifies an industry first. The Xbox 360 platform will deliver the most powerful console, the best games, the next generation of the Xbox Live® service, and amazing digital entertainment experiences never seen in console entertainment.

"The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated," says Robbie Bach, chief Xbox® officer for Microsoft. "While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio, and online play, it's also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s, and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras."

With its built-in Ethernet port and free Silver level of service right out of the box, Xbox 360 also connects players to Xbox Live, the premier global online console games and entertainment network. With Xbox Live, gamers can chat with friends online, build and share gamer profiles, send and receive text and voice messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace for new content such as game demos, trailers, and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. Subscribers to the Gold level of service will also enjoy access to online multiplayer gaming in their favorite games, as well as great promotional programs such as worldwide tournaments, the chance to play online with their favorite celebrities, and opportunities to win big prizes.

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S. Xbox 360 console. This premium edition—distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself—comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately. The system includes:

Xbox 360 Console: Sexy styling that packs a punch—three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and DVD playback right out of the box.

Xbox 360 Hard Drive: 20GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music, and games libraries as well as a range of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of battery life on two AA batteries. 3

Xbox 360 Faceplate: The removable Faceplate comes in stylish "chill" (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.

Xbox 360 Headset: This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.

Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable: This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.

Xbox Live Silver membership: With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace like demos, trailers, and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.

A bonus Media Remote: Included for a limited time only, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies, and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC with a single remote.

At $299.99 U.S., the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

Xbox 360 console: As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and DVD playback right out of the box.

Xbox 360 Controller: This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.

Xbox 360 Faceplate: Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish "chill" (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers' personalities or decor.

Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable: This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S.), Xbox 360 Controllers (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*), and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

Xbox 360 Hard Drive: 20GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace, and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB): Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements, and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music, and games libraries as well as a range of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of battery life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit: This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack: This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter: With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 Headset: This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote: Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies, and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) / Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only): This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S.*).

Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable: Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S.*).

"With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we're offering consumers real choice and real value," says Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. "We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers' living rooms this Christmas holiday."

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around you.

The system will launch this holiday season in Europe, Japan, and North America, to be followed by availability in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan in 2006. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

*Actual retail price may vary.


Chris

Edited to fix formatting

The current wireless adapter for Xbox is also $99 and is "fully compatible with all 802.11g and 802.11b Wi-Fi networks". It connects via an ethernet cable so it should (hopefully) work on the new system.

Well I have a 3rd party one right now, so I hope that it will work with the XBox 360.

Chris

The part about streaming videos and music to the XBox 360 is very important to me, as I would like to stream Internet Radio from my PC to my home stereo. But does this mean that I have to buy a new computer that has Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 on it?

Is that just software that I can buy? Will it work on a XP computer that was made in 2003?

Chris

I have to admit the idea of playing NBA and College Hoops 2K6 on the 360 this Fall definitely have me considering jumping aboard. However, I was hoping the HDD would be included with the $299 version as it was rumored at one point that MS would not sell the 360 without it. Now I would definitely go with the $399 version as getting the $299 version makes no sense as I have an HDTV and would want the extras. Add to that the price of an extra controller and Wi-Fi adaptor which would also be a must and I just can't see how I could pull it off.

The accessory prices are the biggest thing right now that would just keep this out of my budget. $50 for a wireless controller? Damn. $60 games isn't winning me over either if that is true. However, I'm betting all of this will be the same when the PS3 rolls out as well.

I don't have a media center PC either so I will be missing out on all of those features.

But it's made to be configurable through the XBox. I'm hoping that it's also configurable through the 360.

Is the Hard Drive some proprietary HD, or is it a standard one with an Xbox 360 wrapper? Is it possible to upgrade the drive yourself? If it is standard, 100 bucks for a 20 gig HD is possibly the biggest ripoff of them all.

Can anyone tell me why you would opt for the 299 version? I think MS basically threw that one out there to satisfy the budget-minded folks, but for the life of me I can't see why you'd just want the scaled down version. No HD is a biggie (for one thing it means no old Xbox games will work). You can buy the HD as a stand-alone, but that will cost you $99 anyway, so you might as well get the 399 version if you want the HD. Another thing that stinks about the 299 version is the crappy A/V cables....why buy this console if you can't really experience all it can show?

Anyway, glad they are making more of the 399 versions. My hunch is that the only people getting the 299 versions will be the ones who came late to the party and are desperate to have a new xbox under their tree this xmas...

I'm pretty sure its a proprietary one, but someone will come up with a way to attach a 200GB on there. I agree its not going to be much of a home multimedia center to me with a 20GB hard drive, my freaking iPod is 3 times that size.

I read some where earlier that you could not save games on the HD but I can't find the link now. With 2 memory ports I doubt that they don't want people to buy their 64MB memory cards for $50. I have one 8MB one for my PS2 and have yet to ever fill it.

At any rate why would you want to pay extra for the HD when the games don't support it? What is the purpose of the drive? I don't get it? Custom playlists? That doesn't seem worth it. Also the whole splitting the market with the HD and non HD and the wired and non-wired accessories seems silly. Almost as silly as Sony's stupid muti-tap device. I think MS has priced everything a bit too richly. The accessories alone are too much.

The lack of the HD and backwards compatibility kills the 299 version. I don't care about the cables as I don't have an HD TV or plans to buy one so I just use S-video for my consoles.

I couldn't care less about graphics anyway, so that's not a reason I buy a console. Hence I don't care about being able to "experience it all."

I think MS is hoping to make a buck on this one which is why the accessories are pricey and why they are putting tight controls on who can make them. If they roll out some must buy games those expensive accessories won't be a problem to many. Also, some people are just going to buy the $300 version and a memory card. Granted if you are going to do that why not just get the premium version, but anyway I think they will sell some of those core versions.

It will come down to games as always. Can MS deliver is the question.

Downloadable content would be the main reason for most I assume. Especially for people that play the online games and want the added Halo maps and what not.

But I agree, it's a rip off and should have been in the $299 and the $399 pack.

The headset is wireless after you plug it into the bottom of wireless controller I believe. You still have to plug the headset into the controller but then it transmits wirelessly over the controller frequency. At least that's what I make of it.

Probably because it's wrong.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/07/22/xbox360_peek/
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6124293/p-2.html
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/608/608394p2.html
http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/12...p3/#memoryunit
I can't imagine you're correct about the hard drive not carrying game saves.

Jeez. Don't rub it in or anything

Doesn't make sense. If you attach your HDD to a friends, more than likely he will have to remove his first. Not sure how that would work. Not sure they want people being able to share 20GB of music with a few simple steps.

That's not what I'm trying to do. I use lots of words when I write reviews. I don't in message board posts, so I wind up sounding a lot meaner than I really am.

If he has to remove his hard drive to use yours, how can he transfer anything particularly sizeable over from one hard drive to another? I guess maybe the best way to look at it is not as a hard drive, but as a very big memory card.