| The World of Xbox 360 Gets a Boost Through Xbox 360 Accessories |
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| Games - Computer Games |
| Written by Toby Johns |
| Monday, 20 April 2009 08:02 |
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Welcome to the world of Xbox 360--the gaming world's most powerful, innovative, and advanced platform ever! Since its unveiling on MTV on May 12, 2005, Xbox 360 has taken the world by storm. Preceded by the much-hyped Xbox, this phenomenal gaming platform is the second video game console produced by Microsoft The console completely sold out when it was released in all regions except for Japan.
Welcome to the world of Xbox 360--the gaming world's most powerful, innovative, and advanced platform ever! Since its unveiling on MTV on May 12, 2005, Xbox 360 has taken the world by storm. Preceded by the much-hyped Xbox, this phenomenal gaming platform is the second video game console produced by Microsoft The console completely sold out when it was released in all regions except for Japan. In cooperation and coordination with IBM, ATI and SIS, the Xbox 360 platform was developed jointly and, according to Microsoft, has sold (as of September 30, 20008) over 22 million units across the globe. Three console configurations are available for the Xbox 360: a) The 'Arcade', b) The 'Pro' or 'Premium', and; c) the 'Elite'. Each console includes its own game-enhancing collection of accessories such as three different hard drive sizes (120GB, 60GB, and 20GB; each of which matches the console), three different sizes of memory cards, webcams for videochatting, Gamercize and dance mats, head sets for chatting, faceplates, allowing you to customize the look of your hardware, and wired or wireless controllers. With a plethora of different peripheral products and in a variety of configurations, styles and colors, xBox 360 gaming enthusiasts will have a challenging time building their own, perfect custom systems. The following includes just a few of the major Xbox 360 accessory types and descriptions for each: * Consoles At the heart of the Xbox gaming system, the console is the "heart, soul and brains" of the platform. It's sleek, ergonomic desktop design looks great in either horizontal or vertical placement. The Xbox 360 console is the component into which nearly all other accessories are attached. The unit measures 3.3 by 12.2 by 10.2 inches and weighs a mere 7.7 lbs. It's power comes from a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical cores each running at 3.2 GHz. Furthermore, the console contains a custom ATI graphics processor having 10 MB of embedded DRAM, 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically scheduled shader pipelines and Unified shader architecture. As a point of reference, this is enough power to enable the system to draw 500 million triangles per second....more than needed for great looking games in standard TV definition, which is made even more awesome thanks to built-in support for HDTV 1080i televisions. The console even supports the widescreen 16:9 format. Out of the box, the Xbox 360 console employs a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive, which plays both games and progressive-scan DVD movies. For game-save and media storage, users can select between the detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive, or a 64MB flash Memory Unit (sold separately). In addition to storing files, the hard drive makes the Xbox 360 backward-compatible with part of the existing Xbox game library. * Controllers The Xbox 360 Controller, a hand-held device, allows users to navigate and access all on-screen activities. Reminiscent of Batman's iconic symbol with its boomerang shape, the controller fits well in the palm of both hands. The ergonomic device employs right and left should buttons, 2 analog pressure-point triggers as well as two vibration feedback motors, and an 8-way directional pad. Wired and wirelss controller models are available. With the wried model, you get a nin-foot break-way cable. At the center of the controller is a glowing Xbox Guide button which gives quick access to your game libraries as well as music and digital movies. You can also customize your gaming experiences or contact your friends via Xbox Live. In addition, the controller provides a port for your Xbox headset. Among all gaming controllers, many users consider the standard Xbox 360 controller the best game controller ever made. * Adapters Wireless network adapters let you set up your Xbox 360 system to your wireless network at home to help you get online and into the game. Easily configured, these adapters synchronize with your Xbox 360 system seamlessly and in no time at all. You can then quickly transfer music and videos via your Media Center PC to your system. You can also chat with friends, go online via Xbox Live, play games and much more, all without the disorganization of wires. * Batteries & Charge Kits It is highly recommended that you use rechargeable battery packs and charge kits with your wireless controllers. These battery packs will eliminate your need to buy disposable batteries. The packs last over a year with its normal rechargeable life, and will recharge your batteries even while you're using your system. When your Xbox 360 system is shut off, the unit can still be recharged by connecting it to the USB port on your computer. * Hard Drives By downloading content to your Xbox 360 hard drive, you can expand your Xbox 360 experience. Hard drives are great because they let you save game demos, custom soundtracks from your music collections and, of course, save your games. Xbox 360 hard drives also let you play a variety of original Xbox 360 games. They even come with an Xbox Live Arcade game, music and videos pre-loaded. * Headsets Many different types of headsets designed specifically to work seamlessly on Xbox 360 system are available for the Xbox 360 platform. From the Xbox 360 wireless headset to the over the ear headset, to headset earbuds, each style lets Xbox 360 gamers choose the perfect fit for them. Regardless of the style you choose, you're guaranteed enhanced clarity and performance, stylish ergonomic design for comfort, and state-of-the-art radio technology for crisp, clear reception and audio delivery. * Remotes Enhance your gaming experience with the right remote. With the Xbox 360 platform, you have some really nice choices. Take, for example, the Light Up Wireless Remote or the Universal Media Remote, which acts as an integrated control center for your Xbox 360 gaming experience. With this remote, you can play DVD movies or music, and even control both your TV and Media Center PC, all with a single button control on the remote. If a self-programming remote is more your style, then you may find that the Intelligent Remote 360, which learns the functions for other remotes, is more your style. * Faceplates & Skins For gamers who like to customize Xbox 360 hardware, faceplates and skins are available that will allow them to express their own personality traits and characteristics. Every faceplate and skin design, from psychedlic designs to favorite sports teams, and even graphics from favorite Xbox 360 games like Halo and Guitar Hero II are available. * Cables & Wiring Enhance your Xbox 360 gaming experience with the right cables and wiring. By upgrading your cables if/when you upgrade your television, you can retain the sharp, crisp details you've come to enjoy from your Xbox 360 system. If you were to convert from a CRT television to a 60-inch plasma, for example, you could lose a tremendous amount of resolution in the process without having the right cables. Upgrade to Xbox 360 VGA HD AV cables, and you will quickly see that game images became crisp and intense. The details will appear sharper; fonts displayed during a game character's conversations will become significantly clearer and more legible. With the right cables, you will certainly notice the quality difference you get through something as basic and fundamental upgrading the wiring. Hardly a generic, one-size-fits-all system, the Xbox 360 gaming platform is a highly sophisticated, multi-component device. The system allows gamers to personalize their game play based on their style, preferences and personal performance requirements. The ability to select among these features makes the Xbox 360 platform one of the most flexible, exciting and technically-advanced gaming systems available today. About the Author: Contributing writer, Toby Johns, gives Xbox 360 gaming news, market analysis, and consumer product reviews to the xbox 360 Accessories Guide.Toby recommends Amazon affiliate store, xbox 360 accessories, for the largest and best collection of Xbox 360 gaming accessories, peripherals, and components that support Microsoft's premiere gaming platform. |