XBOX 360

Play the latest games online with an XBOX 360

The antecedent to Microsoft's popular XBOX video game unit, the XBOX 360 is part of the so-called "seventh generation" of home entertainment gaming consoles. Introduced in the United States in May of 2005, this popular device has gone on to sell more than 44 million units worldwide. Originally available with 14 games in North America, the XBOX 360 can now host over 250 games.

Featuring a built-in service known as XBOX Live, it is possible for users to play in real time with other gamers around the world via an online interface. The XBOX 360 was updated in June of 2010 with improved wireless networking, Internet and optical audio output capabilities.

XBOX 360 Specifications

The specs for the standard version of the XBOX 360 are as follows:

Operating system: XBOX 360 System Software (a Microsoft-designed proprietary OS designed solely for this console)
Central processing unit (CPU): 3.2 gigahertz PowerPC Tri-Core by Xenon
Storage: Detachable hard drives are available with capacities ranging from 20 gigabytes to 250 gigabytes; removable memory cards allow for an additional 64 to 512 megabytes of storage
Memory: 512 megabytes of RAM that runs at 700 megahertz
Sound: The system plays analog stereo sound as well as stereo LPCM, Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital WMA Pro
Graphics: The XBOX 360 features a ATI Xenos 500 megahertz graphics card
Display: The XBOX 360 can output composite video, S-video, RGB SCART, component video, D-Terminal, VGA and HDMI formats

There are several special editions of the XBOX 360 console available, including the popular Super Elite editions, which feature larger hard drives and wireless controllers and headsets for improved game play. Several discontinued models were also produced, including the Core, Pro/Premium, Elite and Arcade XBOX 360 models; games designed for these consoles are compatible with subsequent console releases.