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Microsoft · Xbox
Xbox 360
Microsoft's original 2005 Xbox 360, the first HD Xbox with a tri-core CPU and 512 MB of unified memory, for collectors and anyone comparing it with the PS3, Wii or Xbox One.
- Type
- Home console
- Output
- 1080p
- Memory
- 512 MB
- Storage
- 20 GB
- Weight
- 3,500 g
What reviewers say
Reviewers found it powerful, with smooth Xbox Live integration and broad media features that put it well ahead of the previous generation. CNET criticised the bulky power brick, the lack of HDMI and a hard drive missing from the base model; IGN noted early reports of crashes, patchy backward compatibility and many launch games that were upgraded ports.
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specPerformance
- Type
- Home console
- CPU
- IBM Xenon (PowerPC), 3 cores, 3.2 GHz
- GPU
- ATI Xenos, 500 MHz
- Memory
- 512 MB
- Storage
- 20 GB
- Disc drive
- Yes
- CPU
- IBM PowerPC-based tri-core Xenon CPU at 3.2 GHz (Microsoft)
- GPU
- ATI Xenos at 500 MHz with 10 MB of eDRAM frame buffer memory (Microsoft)
- Memory detail
- 512 MB GDDR3 at 700 MHz, shared by CPU and GPU (Microsoft)
- Storage detail
- Detachable 20 GB hard drive on the standard console (none on the Xbox 360 Core); 12× DVD drive
- Storage expansion
- 2 × Memory Unit ports; USB storage
Display and video
- Maximum output
- 1080p
- Built-in screen
- No built-in screen
- Video output
- AV port only on the first models, with composite, RGB SCART, component or VGA cables; up to 1080p after the autumn 2006 software update; HDMI on later 2007 models (Microsoft)
- Audio
- Analogue stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1 through a suitable AV cable (Microsoft)
Design and power
- Weight
- 3,500 g
- Colours
- White with a grey DVD tray
Connections
- Ports
- 2 × Memory Unit ports, 3 × USB 2.0 (2 front, 1 rear), Ethernet, AV port, DC IN
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wireless controllers; Wi-Fi through a separately sold Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter (Microsoft)
- Controller
- Xbox 360 controller, wireless or wired
- Backward compatibility
- Selected original Xbox games through software compatibility; requires the hard drive (Microsoft)
Pros and cons
Pros
- 512 MB of unified GDDR3 memory for CPU and GPU
- HD output up to 1080p (after an October 2006 software update)
- Detachable hard drive on the standard model; plays selected original Xbox games
Cons
- No HDMI port on the first models; HD needs component or VGA cables
- Wi-Fi needs a separate USB adapter
- DVD drive only; HD DVD was an external add-on
Closest rivals
Model | Type | Output | Memory | Storage | Weight | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home console | – | – | – | 900 g | Nov 2004 | |
| Home console | 1080p | 512 MB | 60 GB | 5,000 g | Mar 2007 | |
| Home console | 480p | 88 MB | 512 MB | 1,220 g | Dec 2006 |
Previous model: Xbox. Newer model: Xbox One.
Sources
- ukstories.microsoft.com/features/xbox-360-launched
- news.xbox.com/en-us/2005/08/17/xbox-360-details-and-prices
- news.microsoft.com/source/2006/09/27/xbox-360-ushers-in-exclusive-new-worlds-of…
- news.xbox.com/en-us/2007/10/23/officially-announcing-the-xbox-360-arcade-finally
- news.xbox.com/en-us/2005/12/09/xbox-360-bc-list-updated
- ftp.zx.net.nz/pub/archive/ftp.microsoft.com/MISC/KB/en-us/906/660.HTM
- web.archive.org/web/20081224042833/http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/nxe/Ha…
- Xbox 360 generation exhibit at GDC 2026 with several differently finished consoles and controllers: Microsoft Game Dev, GDC 2026 Xbox history exhibit photograph; Xbox 360 generation exhibit at GDC 2026 with several differently finished consoles and controllers. Exhibit finishes/configurations shown; no unmodified retail finish or storage capacity implied.
