2005
MICROSOFT

XBOX 360

MESA
XBOX 360

📜 History & Legacy

The Xbox 360, released by Microsoft in 2005, marked a significant leap forward in console gaming. Succeeding the original Xbox, it entered the seventh generation of consoles, competing directly with the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. The Xbox 360 aimed to provide a complete entertainment experience, focusing not only on gaming but also on digital media consumption. Its launch was highly anticipated, promising enhanced graphics, online capabilities through Xbox Live, and a range of exclusive titles.

The console faced initial challenges, including the infamous "Red Ring of Death" hardware failure, which led to significant warranty costs for Microsoft. Despite these setbacks, the Xbox 360 persevered, evolving through various hardware revisions and firmware updates. The introduction of Kinect, a motion-sensing input device, further expanded its appeal, targeting a broader audience beyond traditional gamers. The Xbox 360 ultimately became a commercial success, selling over 84 million units worldwide and establishing a strong foundation for its successor, the Xbox One. Its legacy includes pioneering online gaming features, popularizing digital distribution, and fostering a vibrant community of players and developers.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: Custom IBM PowerPC-based Xenon processor with three cores running at 3.2 GHz each
  • ❖ GPU: Custom ATI Xenos GPU with 500 MHz clock speed and 10 MB of embedded DRAM
  • ❖ RAM: 512 MB of GDDR3 RAM
  • ❖ Storage: Initially 20 GB or 60 GB hard drive, later models offered up to 250 GB, 320 GB, or 500 GB. Also supported external USB storage.
  • ❖ Media: DVD-ROM, later models supported digital downloads via Xbox Live

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ Halo 3
  • ★ Gears of War
  • ★ Mass Effect 2
  • ★ Grand Theft Auto V
  • ★ BioShock
  • ★ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
  • ★ Red Dead Redemption
  • ★ Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
  • ★ Forza Motorsport 4
  • ★ Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition

🎥 Video Review

💡 Curiosities

  • ? Did you know that the internal codename for the Xbox 360 during development was "Xenon"?
  • ? Did you know that the "Red Ring of Death" issue cost Microsoft over $1 billion in repairs and replacements?
  • ? Did you know that the Xbox 360 was originally planned to have a different name, with options like "Xbox HD" and "Xbox Next" considered?
  • ? Did you know that the Xbox 360's dashboard received several major redesigns throughout its lifespan, including the New Xbox Experience (NXE)?
  • ? Did you know that the Kinect was initially conceived as a peripheral for the original Xbox but was delayed and eventually released for the Xbox 360?
  • ? Did you know that the Xbox Live Arcade helped popularize indie game development on consoles?
  • ? Did you know that the Xbox 360 was the first console to offer streaming video services like Netflix and Hulu?
  • ? Did you know that some Xbox 360 games could be played on the Xbox One through backwards compatibility?
  • ? Did you know that the design of the Xbox 360 controller was heavily influenced by the original Xbox controller, but with ergonomic improvements?
  • ? Did you know that the Xbox 360 faced competition from the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, each offering unique features and target audiences?