Xbox 360 coverage roundup!

We know a lot of you gamers out there are chomping at the bit right now for some more Xbox 360 coverage (and for those of you who are sick of it, well, just ignore this post then) — so here it is. The best of ours, Joystiq's, and Xbox 360 Fanboy's launch of the latest and greatest. Our official PlayStation 3 coverage starts, um, any day now, so catch you on the flipside!

Unpacking the Xbox 360
Xbox 360 gutted!
Engadget Podcast 053 - 11.22.2005
Xbox 360 backward-compatibility list (1.0) released

Joystiq

Microsoft to sell 3 million 360's by year's end?
Joystiq Review: Kameo: Elements of Power
Xbox 360 launch day blues
Xbox 360 launch — Midtown style

The Setup
Unpacking the Xbox 360; hot unboxing action
Our sweet test setup
Our sweet speaker setup
Our sweet screen setup
Fuel for a 48-hour gaming fiesta
Blockbuster & Hollywood Video: 350 what?

The Hardware
Joystiq, PGR3 and faceplate. PGR3 and faceplate, Joystiq
Invasion of the Xbox 360 faceplates
Xbox 360 controller range: Can you hear me now?
Side-by-side of Xbox 360 remotes
Titlefight: 480p v. 720p for the championship!
Parasitic Play-and-Charge controllers get juice from Windows, but Windows gets nothing in return
Xbox 360 heat concerns are no concern
Xbox 360 fan noise ranked

The Services
Visualize this: Xbox 360's visualizer taken for a spin
Game trailers available on Xbox Live
Live: best way to download game trailers
Best and worst trailers from Xbox Live Marketplace
Gaming trailers are insulting to gamers
360 plays videos, but controls are lacking
MP3s streamed to Xbox 360 via laptop
Xbox Live arcade titles added: free to try, $5 to $15 to buy
Our first Xbox Live friend: you like us, you really like us
Joystiq Guide: iPod on the Xbox 360

The Games
3 copies of Kameo = MS wants us to play it
2K on the 360: NBA 2K6, Amped 3, & NHL 2K6
Joyswag caption contest: win a copy of Kameo
Joystiq review: Geometry Wars demo
Joystiq review: Bankshot Billiards 2 demo
Joystiq review: Gauntlet demo
Joystiq review: Hexic HD
Are we perverse? There's nothing retro about this experience!
Joystiq review: Joust demo, thy game is over
Joystiq review: Bejeweled 2 Deluxe demo
Kameo's in the house, er... 360 tray
Super-frustrating boss fight in Kameo
Joystiq is better than GameSpot
And the best Xbox 360 launch title is...

Xbox 360 Fanboy

Nintendo and Sony line up in support of Xbox 360 launch
Quake IV struggles on the 360
PDZ upgrades planned through Xbox Live Marketplace
Some games not backwards compatible?
MetaReview: Perfect Dark Zero
It's here!
Xbox's corporate celebrities
Line up to meet Bill Gates (he's dreamy)
Ebay catches the 360 fever Xbox 360 as Long Tail video platform
HDTV Buying Guide: Xbox 360 Edition Get podcasts on your 360
Microsoft's hype machine is still rolling
What's TSOP doc? Is the 360 hackable?
Square Enix responds: No FF and DQ on 360
All "aboard": touring the Xbox 360's motherboard
Make your own Xbox 360 VGA adaptor
Microsoft Game Studios GM Shane Kim Speaks!
Xbox 360 Loves Halo 2

[Maestro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I am definitely interested in the 360, but now I am kind of on the fence about picking one up after I heard that Sony is going to take a loss on the PS3 by charging $3-$400 dollars for it. Here is an article about it: http://nerdapproved.com/gaming/playstation-3-price-revealed/

After hearing that the PS3 may acutally be affordable I may wait until both systems are out to make up my mind.

[George @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Can't wait!

Anyone know what kind of system the wireless controllers use? Such as the range, etc? Do they need to be in line of sight of the XBox? I was hoping to stick the xbox in an enclosed component closet about 15 ft. away...

[chico @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I want to know how this baby performs as a DVD player. I know; stupid, buy a dedicated DVD player (p.s. I already got one of 'dem). But heres to the crazy ones, and maybe just maybe I could get rid of my DVD player.

[Rick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Anyone else notice how there isn't a lot to say? Hm.

[Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Will the xbox upconvert a convetional dvd to 1080i. If so i will buy one but i would like to konw this.

[Doot @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Does anyone know how to connect two Xboxes 360 together over a network for split screen gaming? That is, two players on one screen, two players on another? Me and some buddies are trying to play PGR and / or Call of Duty 2 on the 360 and can't get all 4 players playing unless we all play on the same screen. ;_;

[Kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

i just want one so i can sell it on eBay and make some phat cash.

[DC @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

your for yo info... 360 is a progressive scan DVD play out of the box, and DOES upconvert DVDs, and does it very well actually.

[JJ @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

awh man i wish i had the money to buy an xbox 360

[JJ @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

man i wish i had the money for an xbox 360, better start savin :)

[JustinWhy? @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I totally agree with #8. The only reason I'd want a 360 is to sell it on eBay.

[http:financenstuff.blogspot.com @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

These puppies are going for over 1k on ebay!

[Greg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I would forget about the 360, and just wait for the PS3 next year. MS is doing the typical bait and switch, overhyping the box, and rushing it out for Christmas only to not meet demand and create an artificial vacuum. Plus according to IGN, the PS3 is going to blow it away:

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/668/668446p3.html

[Arj @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

#4

The wireless controllers use a 2.4Ghz signal

[Justin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Yeah. PS3 blows the 360 away.

Because IGN has a PS3 to play with. . .

We'll see who has the stronger offering when it is released. I'm not saying it will be the 360, but making that choice now is just stupid.

[Dread @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Seriously, wait for ps3. I'll Just type one spec to show you all how much better ps3 is going to be:

-Sony ps3: uses Blu-ray dvds up to 50gb(dual-Layer)space on each disk

-Xbox 360: Standard dvd with only 8.5 gb of space

By the way ps3 will still play normal 8.5gb dvds.

[Peter @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I hate people like 13 and 14 always having to be fanboys and bringing up a different system... who cares just stick the the xbox 360 conversation man..

[CV @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I was ready for a new system a year ago. Wait another year for high-definition gaming? No, thanks. And no, #9, it doesn't upconvert movies. They seem to have no qualms upconverting PGR3, though. I still want an Xbox 360, but Microsoft seems to be fumbling the ball. I suppose I'll wait until the issues are sorted out, even though I already bought two games and a controller. I have a Sony SXRD TV to save up for, anyway. I just hope they release a newer SXRD by the time I have the money that actually accepts 1080p signals.

[stingraze @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I just went to touch the 360 in akiba, it was pretty great...

[John Doe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Meh....XBox smeckbox. Over-hyped hardware IMHO and this coming from someone who doesn't give a rats ass about Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo. I�ll wait until all three system are out, do a comparison then, and pick a system or two. Until then I�m going to pick up a gamecube this weekend.

[John Doe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

This just proves that the success of MicroSoft was based on luck and monopoly.
This kind of launch is a massive business disaster. I just hope that it was not planned.
I hope it was due to a shortage of parts. If the "brains" at MS deliberately created the shortage...OMG!!!!!!!! The stupidity!!!!!!

[CrAzY American @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I waited for 9 1/2 hours and got mine. Its pretty sweet. COD 2 and PD0 are both fun as hell.

Greg, #13-

Just to let you know, thats the ps3 IGN. They love playstation. They have a list called top ten reasons not to buy the 360. There is also a Xbox 360 IGN. They love the 360, and they did top ten reasons to buy a 360. They are both biased in their opinions. So I wouldn't count on either of them to have good insight because they are both subjective.

[DCFC Fan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

If I had a dollar for everytime I've heard or read the words "xbox 360" this week, I'd have enough money to buy one. Then I would promptly burn the bastard.

Enough already, we are aware it is out.

[AnonVideogamer @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

"CONCLUSION
When you break down the numbers, Xbox 360 has provably more performance than PS3. Keep in mind that Sony has a track record of over promising and under delivering on technical performance. The truth is that both systems pack a lot of power for high definition games and entertainment.

However, hardware performance, while important, is only a third of the puzzle. Xbox 360 is a fusion of hardware, software and services. Without the software and services to power it, even the most powerful hardware becomes inconsequential. Xbox 360 games�by leveraging cutting-edge hardware, software, and services�will outperform the PlayStation 3."

Source: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/617/617951p3.html

[DCFC Fan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

#24

Don't you find it ridiculous that you quoted a statement like "has provably more power than the ps3" when the PS3 hardware isn't even finalized, produced or realized? I know specs supposedly have been leaked, but IGN writing something like this is completely ridiculous

Just another example of bias and hype. While I used to read and subscribe to IGN, they have really gone to hell in a handbasket over the last year or two.

Here is an idea. I don't need a list of "10 Reasons to Be a Tool and Not Think for Yourself". How about this? How about a person expressing some cognitive thinking and draw their own conclusions.

I still love the fact that Mario Kart DS has had over 50% of it's users go online in the first week, higher than the 18% penetration than Halo 2. But these figures are from memory, go check out the Joystiq entry on it.

[Freaky Smalls @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Did anyone watch the countdown on G4 and notice that Adam Sessler was really coked up or something? He was slurring and just wigging out.

[justed @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

It is a progressive scan DVD player but does not upconvert to 1080i. There is no "upconverting" to 1080i ever. The Xbox 360 is only capable of 720p until (and this isn't definate) it upgrades to HD-DVD drive.

I really want an Xbox 360 but I have to point out two things.

COD2 looks better on PC and plays better

Quake 4 is having problems without the Xbox bogging down under their satisfaction level.

[Zadillo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Wait, how did you get an xbox 360 from kmart.com? When I search that I only see games, but no actual systems.

[jeff howard @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I don't have the 360 yet, but have noticed comments on other forums (Gizmodo.com etc) about the 'stupidity' of the timing of its release---a rush for Microsoft to get it out quickly that has gotten bad responses on some forums. There IS a marketing reason for this.... it's called the 'Golden Rule of Marketing': "It's better to be FIRST than it is to be BETTER".

Who was the first man to fly non-stop solo across the Atlantic? That's right---Charles Lindbergh. Who was the second man to do so? ..... Don't know? His name was Bert Hinkler, and he did it faster than Lindbergh---but he was second, not first� Coca-Cola has benefited from this rule for decades. You don�t have to necessarily taste better, just be the first to create the product---it�s called �top of the mind awareness� and its value can turn mediocrity into millions.

[Quality @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

What a huge disapointment the xbox 360 is, graphics are a bit better but the gameplay is exactly the same, games have less content, it was more exciting to open the box then to play it. It is an xbox just better hardware, crashed after an hour, returned it for a refund, will never buy another one, Ps3 and Rev will be worth the wait I hope.

[maymay4568 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

if anyone is trying to find out when the 2nd shipment of xbox 360's r comin' it's on dec. 5th

[brin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

the list on ign of y not to buy an x360 is utter bullshit, how can u belive it when it says the xbox doesnt suport 1080i gaming...eh?? somethings wrong with there heads


2nd dec is uk launch...cant wait yay!!!!!!!!!

[Fuzzy Nuts @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

#7: I don't even know if you still check back on this page or not for an ANSWER to your question, but what you need is a CROSS-CABLE. A cross-cable does NOT work with standard interent connections, as it is ONLY designed for networking, thus you will need a separate cable for interet play, and network play. If you STILL wish to play over a network, just go to any computer store (radioshack, or even Electronics Botique) and ask for a CROSS-CABLE or a CROSS-CONNECT CABLE. OK? hope you get it working. Enjoy!

[Taylor smith @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I just wanted to say this is the greatest system I have ever played ever since the night I got my xbox 360 i have been on it. I went and camped out in front of best buy and got 2 systems. I was getting one for me and one for my brother but my brother already got one that night. So much for my christmas presents to him. now I have the xbox 360 premium for sale on ebay please take a look I have to get rid of it. thanks

[Taylor smith @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I just wanted to say this is the greatest system I have ever played ever since the night I got my xbox 360 i have been on it. I went and camped out in front of best buy and got 2 systems. I was getting one for me and one for my brother but my brother already got one that night. So much for my christmas presents to him. now I have the xbox 360 premium for sale on ebay please take a look I have to get rid of it. thanks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8239484913&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

[quentin reutershan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

ah, its not dec 5. all of the stores have been saying not to expect anythin until after dec 18

[michael m2 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

My regular xbox stopped working a little over six months ago. My parents told me to wait till the 360 comes out. well i had a chance to put my name on a list at blockbuster to preorder it. My parents said no and said how many people are really going to go buy this $400 dollar system anyway.Now that people aresaying how they are breaking down, im now going to get a regular xbox till they fix the 360 problem.