Microsoft's Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft, and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles.

A prominent feature of the Xbox 360 is its integrated Xbox Live service that allows players to compete online and download content such as arcade games, game demos, trailers, TV shows, and movies. Major features of the console include its Windows Media Center multimedia capabilities, mandatory support of high definition in all games, movie rentals and game downloads from its online marketplace and the ability to watch HD DVD movies with an add-on drive.

The Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information divulged later that month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The console sold out completely upon release in all regions except in Japan, and, as of January 5, 2009, 28 million units have been sold worldwide, according to Microsoft.[1] The Xbox 360 is currently available in three configurations: the "Arcade," the "Pro," and the "Elite" console, each with its own selection of accessories.

Special editions

On a few occasions, Microsoft has produced special editions of the console, usually to coincide with the release of a major product. These special editions are typically custom-colored Xbox 360 models, and are produced in limited numbers.

• At the E3 2007 press conference, Microsoft announced the Halo 3 Special Edition console, released September 16, 2007. It sports a Halo 3 theme on the console, wired headset, wireless controller, and play and charge kit. Other than the unique "Spartan green and gold" color scheme, exclusive dashboard theme and downloads, and an HDMI port, its features were identical to those of the Xbox 360 system at the time. It is priced at US$399.99 and £279.99 (the original price of the Xbox 360).

• To promote The Simpsons Movie, Microsoft created a specially designed, yellow Xbox 360 console. The configuration was based on the Xbox 360 package of the time, the only difference being the color scheme of the Xbox 360 console and wireless controller. The consoles were to be given out to winners of drawings taking place between July 18, 2007 and July 27, 2007, in which a name was randomly drawn each day in the "10 Days and 10 Chances to Win" sweepstakes. Ten consoles were produced in total.^[35]

• A Resident Evil 5 bundle containing a red Xbox 360 Elite console was released on March 13, 2009. The bundle also contains a red, wireless controller and a black, wired headset.

Holiday bundles

As with the original Xbox, Microsoft has continued bundling two video game titles in console retail packaging during the holiday season. In Holiday 2007, Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Elite packages were bundled with Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. Forza 2 was bundled with Viva Pinata in the UK. Holiday 2008 Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Elite packages are bundled with Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Kung Fu Panda, while Arcade consoles are bundled with Sega Superstars Tennis.