The second Xbox 360 revealed: codename Zephyr

Ever wonder why Microsoft hasn't released an HDMI cable for the Xbox 360, or whether the AV port was really capable of digital out? Well, here's your answer: we landed pictures of what appears to be the second Xbox 360 -- the Xbox 360 v2, if you will -- codenamed Zephyr. (The original Xbox 360, if you recall, was codenamed Xenon.) The long rumored about and awaited update to the console won't just feature a new, cooler 65nm processor, it's also finally added an HDMI port for full digital 1080p pleasure, as well as a 120GB drive, just what the doctor ordered. The 120GB drive may or may not come bundled with the kit, we don't yet know, just as we also don't yet know how much a Zephyr 360 is going to run (we imagine it'll go for the same price as currently so they can keep up a little on their expanding margin). But our very kind Xbox insider seemed happy to let us know we'd be able to get them "soon."

[bigeddie2525 @ Jan 5th 2007 6:14PM]

Yeah unfortunatley you are going to miss out on about 2 years of titles. You think your cool for playing the waiting game, but I have spent hours upon hours of oblivion, ghost recon, rainbow six, dead rising, fight night, madden, nba, gears of war goodness. And I am about to spend hours upon hours of brothers in arms, mass effect, and bio shock goodness these upcoming months. To me that is worth the $800 plus I spoent so far. Whos your f-cking daddy now bitch!!!

[Aaron @ Jan 6th 2007 12:17AM]

very true, bigeddie. I also am enjoying my time playing such mentioned games, especially Oblivion. My only concern is that if this does come out that Microsoft will forget the owners of the original 360 and make games based on this systems specs, example: like games using the new graphics card and processor therefore less pretty games on the original 360, that would be gay.

[JBDragon @ Jan 6th 2007 4:31AM]

I just look at is as you've been missing out on some great games for over a year. Doesn't matter how long you wait, there's always something better around the corner.

It doesn't bother me if MS comes out with this new version. I hope they do. I've been expecting something just like this from them for months now. I have no problem selling my current 360 and buying a new version. Or just have 2 360 systems.

[BasicBlak @ Jan 8th 2007 12:49AM]

That was totally uncalled for, Frank. Besides, nothing's EVER engraved in stone when it comes to consumer electronics. He who laughs first often gets laughed AT. So I'd temper my profanity-laced cabbage patch dance until some real-world specs from MS come out.

[sammym00782 @ Jun 29th 2008 5:46PM]

I have an original 360 that my g/f bought when it first came out. I've had few problems with it, never had to send it back though. Recently I gobbled up all the hd dvd stuff I could find regardless of what everyone thinks about it. The fact that they're coming out with a newer HDMI version is just what I've been waiting patiently for. Eventually we all knew it had to happen right? If it comes with a blu player fine but I could care less about a sony pushed product. Honestly, in these troubled times with the economy, HD DVD would've been better off anyway.

[verguit @ Jul 10th 2008 7:08AM]

I hope this one works. this time, most places round here are no longer stocking parts for the 360 like av cables and so on, EB games is one.

[Ibojonko @ Sep 2nd 2008 1:02PM]

Soon when is soon.
An is it really true wil i really come out or is this just bullschit

[Smith @ Jul 22nd 2009 4:24PM]

If the new version still gets the red ring of death I'm through with mircosoft

[Estepeddy @ Aug 9th 2009 5:27AM]

It's just like the elite. What's up with that?

[Didou @ Jan 5th 2007 9:01AM]

So how long before early Xbox 360 adopters sue MS ? ;-)

[EBG @ Jan 5th 2007 3:26PM]

Do you see Sony being sued for introducing the Slimline PS2? What about Nintendo, with the DS Lite?

[modenadude @ Jan 5th 2007 10:32PM]

Well the DS Lite is very cheap in comparison to an XBOX 360 - and the Slim PS2 was released what, five years after the regular PS2?

And besides, I think Didou was joking. He's probably a bit bummed like I am (while at the same time elated) and is hoping that Microsoft offers some upgrade plan.

[Stas @ Jan 6th 2007 11:42PM]

EBG, but those are simply cosmetic enhancements. The DS lite plays the same as a regular DS. So does the slimline PS2. However, this actually adds stuff like an HDMI port, which is a crucial addition that all current members want.

[Aaron @ Jan 6th 2007 12:21AM]

An upgrade plan would be nice considering I just bought a premium and somewhat feel ripped off yet don't care at the same time. Especially a 120gb HDD that would be nice...

[Disturbed1 @ Jan 6th 2007 5:59PM]

Actually DS lite got a new(better)LCD and the PS2 had many internal components changed in the slimline version.So read your game consoles Users Manual,the manufacturers are free to make changes/improvements without notice.

[icepop4who @ Jan 5th 2007 8:59AM]

wow, this should give PS3 a run for their money (although they are not taking in a lot. in fact they are losing $200 -$300 per unit when the 360 racks in more than 75 washingtons per unit). hope they fix the overheating and loud drive as well. maybe a cheaper xbox live. then this will really rock. of course, it better be "soon". but anyhow, this will most likely to come out sooner than PS3 v2 (with a 65nm cell and larger hdd)

[shirizaki @ Jan 5th 2007 10:04AM]

The 360 loses money per unit. Not as much as PS3 mind you, but it isn't even close to breaking even. The only consoles currently breaking even are last gen systems and the Wii.


HDMI doesn't tickle my fancy, since I don't even have an HDTV. The point I like that might make me wait is the possible inclusion of a 120GB HD. That alone might make me waitm, because I have a funny feeling it alone will be priced around $200. And having a cooler processor does have it's perks obviously.

I wonder how the fanboys are going to deal, especially with the fact that they'll have to buy a new proprietory HD. At least with the PS3 you cna swap it out with any SATA HD on the market, as long as it fits.

I wonder with these new hardware additions if the Xbox's Firmware will see updates, and where that leaves the people without the new hardware?

[matto123 @ Jan 6th 2007 12:47AM]

man... cheaper xbox live...

who cares about that,
prefer HD DVD DRIVE... thats the main thing we should be focusing on..

its great they have 1080p coming with the "Zephyr"

your into xbox mate, so your kool by me!

[mordor\\\'s finest @ Jan 7th 2007 2:13PM]

People should relax. I really think that there will be some sort of discount for current XBOX 360 adopters to upgrade to the new version with HDMI. But i think ultimately there will be an optional HDMI port adaptor for HDTV users. Plus you can just switch out the "removable" hard-drive for a larger one if you need larger harddrove space. Microsoft knows this and would not want a bunch of useless XBOX 360's on the market. I mean think about it, what would the EB/GAMESTOP do withthe old XBOX 360s if people traded them in? They would pretty much be useless. Since the HD-DVD drive is USB connected directly to the XBOX, you would have true HD now with the HDMI port and it would be an easy transition. Micorsoft can't afford to screw it's customers.

[Aln T @ Jan 13th 2007 11:54AM]

Dunno about making Xbox Live cheaper...less than 5 dollars a month seems reasonable to me.

[Rou @ Jan 5th 2007 9:00AM]

Now the question is, how much will this cost?

[KineticOnline @ Jan 5th 2007 12:23PM]

No harm but until they announce something solid this should stay in the very very shakey rumor section. I saw an image similar to this a while back, which turned out to be a case mod.

[andy @ Jan 5th 2007 9:05AM]

Isn't the bigger question whether it has a built in HDDVD drive or not?


I mean, these are NEEDED updates, but what about an internal hddvd drive to clean up the whole setup?

[andy @ Jan 5th 2007 9:46AM]

Secondly, what about XBOX MEDIA CENTER?


I don't have a 360 or PS3 yet. If this box includes built in HDDVD, that will lean me to the 360.

However, without a workable XBMC on the 360, I know my better hope is going to be a PS3.

I stream media at least as much as I play games so that's a pretty important feature to me.


My buying decision is still pretty tough because I only have room/money for one console, and no one has given me Halo2 online, HD movies, and media streaming.


(I know about Media center extender crap, but I want something that 1. actually works and 2. plays all of my crap in ANY format; you know, kind of like XBMC on the XBOX 1)

[modenadude @ Jan 5th 2007 1:27PM]

no no no, I don't think a built in HD DVD is necessary AT ALL. Who knows who's going to win the race? Why would Microsoft risk that by putting a possibly lost format in its version 2 360? It was smart to have it external.

Upgrades should be positive upgrades, not upgrades just for the hell of it.

[sazemaster @ Jan 5th 2007 5:09PM]

if you really want (and need it I hope) an hddvd drive you can buy it! but for many people like me it is not essential and is better like this so we can save two hundred bucks ;)

second thing: only microsoft is giving away an hddvd reader at that price.. remember also this ^_^

[Z @ Jan 5th 2007 7:45PM]

Well, for me, I want the HD-DVD drive integrated. I hope they just go ahead and offer two versions: One Xbox v2 with the drive, and one with a standard DVD drive - that way, people can choose.

I'd also like to see integrated WiFi.

If not, then oh well... but I've grown tired of external components.

[matt.k.mead @ Jan 5th 2007 9:07AM]

I hope this isnt the only way to get HDMI is to buy a new xbox360. They better plan on releasing a cable or something.

[Alex Padilla @ Jan 5th 2007 9:09AM]

Ah, I like this. I like it a lot. Now I'll be getting my Xbox 360 when this comes out (I've been waiting for it for a while).

[fd @ Jan 5th 2007 9:49AM]

Looks like a European model with a SCART connector as well.

[badabing @ Jan 5th 2007 11:00AM]

Where is the SCART connection

[fd @ Jan 5th 2007 12:40PM]

It is the large port ( trapezium shape with a rectangular connector in the center ) above the HDMI one, almost centered in the image.

[David C 77 @ Jan 5th 2007 9:26AM]

And this is 100% legit correct?

I would love to be able to use an HDMI connection with my 360. HD-DVDs would look awesome then, of course they look pretty slick right now with VGA but thats besides the point.

[ex @ Jan 5th 2007 9:11AM]

they better come out with a new hdmi adapter- i'm not buying a new xbox 360 with add on's that should have already been there. this is BS, and what happens when you rush to market.
I am not happy.

[Aaron @ Jan 6th 2007 12:11AM]

The HDMI output for me isn't exactly a concern for me, as I find 1080i and 720p just fine.

[Erik_the_Red @ Jan 6th 2007 3:55PM]

I hate to be seen as a MS-basher here, but shouldn't we all be use to this: paying top dollar to MS for the priviledge of serving as 'beta testers' for their unfinished work. Who shelled out money for Windows 95? What a kludge -- Win98 was basically just a big (and expensive) patch. Xbox 360 is no different.

[spick @ Jan 5th 2007 9:12AM]

The pic also begs the question, how will one use optical audio and HDMI? I realize HDMI carries the audio but I'm not about to trot out and buy a new receiver that handles HDMI switching. That said, I'm not about to replace my current 360 for HDMI either...

[EdwardA @ Jan 5th 2007 12:45PM]

For those concerned about optical audio and HDMI, TVs equipped with HDMI should have an optical audio passthrough. That means your optical audio cable connected to your xbox will now be connected to your TV.

[ZPrime @ Jan 5th 2007 1:43PM]

Most TVs that have HDMI on the back have an optical or RCA digital output on them. This lets you take the video in via HDMI, strip out the 5.1 audio and redirect it to an external reciever.

I'm more concerned about what you'll do if you want to connect to a TV via DVI. Will it allow you to plug in the component cable and use it for analog sound, while you use HDMI + DVI converter for video?

At this point we don't even know if this xbox is real or just a good photoshop...

[kdo @ Jan 8th 2007 12:31AM]

easy. you can use both ports at the same time. just because you're using HDMI for video doesn't mean you can't also be using the muli-AV port for just audio. this is pretty much a fargone conclusion. i'm sure you could use the analog plugs too.

[john.f.obirenjr @ Jan 5th 2007 9:12AM]

they should run a discount where its only like $100 when you trade in your old xbox 360

[Jason @ Jan 5th 2007 2:42PM]

I think that is a great idea. Or maybe they could send out vouchers for those that registered their systems and have them send in the old system for a new replacement. Companies sometimes have to eat the cost when they mess up(it's called shrink)... If they take care of their customers from the get go, they'll greatly increase their customer loyalty and create HUGE word of mouth and customer evengelist!!!

[modenadude @ Jan 5th 2007 1:30PM]

Agreed. There should definitely be some kind of program like that.

hot damn if it isn't, haha.

[Nick @ Jan 5th 2007 11:01PM]

You can forget the 100 dollar trade in because then they are basically giving you a free xbox 360

[Stoney @ Jan 6th 2007 11:44PM]

Are you kidding, of course GAMESTOP will do a trade-in deal, it'll have nothing to do with microsoft however. Did Nintendo do anything when the DS lite came out? Nope. But GAMESTOP did.... so of course you'll be able to get a good deal, gamestop would love to get their hands on a load of used 360s , and i don't blame them, this would truly be a great move in my opinion. Especially for expanding the market for 360 and pushing Sony directly out completely.

[kevin s vaughn @ Jan 6th 2007 3:14PM]

make that atlease 450.00

[Irfan @ Jan 5th 2007 9:12AM]

early adopters cant sue microsoft over this because MS never tricked them into thinking they were getting a 65nm chip, HDMI, or a 120GB drive. They knew what they were and werent getting. Do you sue your car manufacturer every year when they update their models?

[swedrows @ Jan 5th 2007 12:19PM]

excellent excellent point! why are people going to be up in arms when this is not going to affect their current 360 at all?? it's not like they are changing the internal dvd drive to a hd-dvd drive and only making future games using hd-dvd....that would be something to be pissed about. everyone that has an existing xbox360 will be able to use it without changing anything...plus you will have the option of buying a larger harddrive if you want to. i personally think this is a good move for microsoft since people gripe about not having hdmi...this will probably be packaged as an upgraded system...they will probably have the core system, the premium system, and the platinum system, giving people choices for what they want.

[Dan @ Jan 5th 2007 1:17PM]

Good point Irfan

[Ryan @ Jan 5th 2007 9:51PM]

Cars still have a high resell value when the new model comes out... I have a feeling my new/old 360 will depreciate at a much higher rate and therefore can't exactly be compared to the resell value of a car.