Rumour: Slimmed-down Xbox 360 motherboard images leaked
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/gamxbox360slimmobo580.jpg)
Last week, speculation surrounding a pending announcement of the oft-rumored, slimmed down "Valhalla" model of the Xbox 360 was kicked into high gear, thanks to a Microsoft hiring notice for a motherboard engineer, and Steve Ballmer's reference to "more form factors" for the hardware. Earlier today, a Chinese tech forum purportedly posted a pair of pictures of the newly remodeled motherboard, which has undergone a massive size reduction from the current iteration of Xbox 360 hardware.
A few noteworthy changes in the motherboard are a consolidated GPU/CPU (one of the rumored features of the Valhalla chipset), an extra SATA port, and a much smaller heatsink. Though the design could just be a mock-up from an extraordinarily talented modder, it certainly looks like professional-quality work. We've contacted Microsoft to see if they'll comment on the skinny-fied hardware.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/gamxboxmobo1580.jpg)
Ben Heck ponders Xbox 360 Slim: Motherboard, Memory Unit support, internal hard drive
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/benheckcalloutwater580.jpg)
In light of recent Xbox 360 hardware news, like pictures revealing an alleged Xbox 360 Slim motherboard and documentation of USB storage in a future update, we decided to see if the two stories tied together in some technical way. Surprisingly, they just might. Modding artist, hardware sculptor and warranty wrecker, Ben Heck, told us that if the leaked Slim motherboard is legitimate, not only does he see no place for memory cards (lending even more credence to USB storage for data transfer), but he dropped on us the idea that it may also have an internal hard drive. To emphasize, this conversation is speculation based on potential evidence that has not been confirmed by Microsoft.
Joystiq: Okay, before we go any further, explain this internal hard drive theory?
Ben Heckendorn: Well if you look at the upper left of the board, there appear to be (2) SATA connections. One is clearly for the DVD-ROM, of course, but what's the other one for? My guess is an internal hard drive. How it connects I'm not sure, but why else have 2 SATA connectors? Also there's an extra plug that could be hard drive power (next to DVD power).
Now, after looking at the board, you said you were "99 percent sure" there are no Xbox 360 memory card slots. Please explain.
None of the connectors look remotely like an Xbox 360 memory card reader [Ed: See one after break]. Keep in mind the memory cards were kind of a "Trojan horse" to have a hard drive-less (cheap) 360 back in 2005. Now, especially with built-in memory since the Jaspers, they are essentially useless. Why waste money and space on adding something none of your new customers will even need?
Of note: The memory cards were basically USB devices, except they ran off 3.3 volts and had security chips to authenticate them, as do all Xbox 360 peripherals.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/memorycardconnector580-1.jpg)
Internal optical audio, that's new, right?
Yes in all likelihood that's what the black thing at the middle top is. So it'll be like the PS2 / PS3 in this regard. The 360's A/V plug has had optical audio connections all along but the connector itself would be in the cable / dongle. Seems kind of pointless considering HDMI has audio, but maybe audiophiles dig that stuff, who knows.
Where's the HDMI port?
Probably stacked under or on top of the A/V connector, as it is with current 360s.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/new-360-callouts---benheck.jpg)
Is it possible that "Not sure" could be the Natal connector? Or will that be wireless?
Well to work with existing 360s Natal will be USB-based. I highly doubt it would be wireless as a) it's not meant to be moved b) it would then require batteries c) that would increase the cost, even though it'll still probably be $100 -- the "it's only gonna be $50" crowd is nuts.
I also highly doubt Natal would be built into this new unit, but it could be bundled with one. I expect a brand relaunch almost.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/new360maybe-1268948061.jpg)
Theorize about the "Not sure" things in the top left of the motherboard.
I'm not sure if they're connectors. The motherboard seems to appear THROUGH them, not reflected off them. They look more like bent pieces of metal, not solid boxes. I would then guess some sort of cheapy heatsink, but again it's nowhere near the power input.
The alleged 16GB limit on USB storage. Is that an artificial limit, or does that have to do with "FAT32 HDD structure"?
FAT32 tops off around 2 TB I believe. However most IDE hard drives ran into a different barrier based off the number of bytes they could use for sector addressing (limited it to 130 gigs for a while)
However the Xbox doesn't use FAT32, or NTFS, rather some weird hybrid of the two. Biggest limit is probably cost, don't 16 gig flash USBs run at least $75? [Ed: Amazon turns a couple up for as little as $28]
Speaking of costly, the Xbox 360 WiFi adapter costs a pretty penny. Do you see internal WiFi on here?
Nothing that screams out WiFi. The photo isn't good enough resolution to pick up the antenna connectors (if any, I'm guessing no) and there don't appear to be any daughterboards for it either (as with the Wii). It is possible, but highly unlikely, that the mystery pieces of bent metal are the antenna but that would be really weird. In almost anything I've ever seen a pair of antenna are splayed out from the WiFi, either around the case (PS3 / Wii) or around the screen (DS, or a laptop)
It is pretty weak that the 360 STILL doesn't have WiFi when everything else does, but I imagine they are going for cheapness over features. I could see this puppy, with hard drive built-in, dropping for $250 or maybe even $200. PS3 is catching up and MS will have to do something.
Also considering there are very few components around the power jack this thing will still use an external brick a la the PS2 Slim.
So, how big do you think the Xbox 360 Slim would be, based on the specs of the motherboard?
This new MB is appx 8.35" wide X 7.8" high.
The old MB was 10.25" X 8.25.
However, considering they still need the DVD drive in there and that's not going to magically shrink much (slot loading a la Wii doesn't make it much smaller, especially on the X Y since a disc is always 4.715" diameter) overall size reduction probably won't exceed 1" on height (standing) and possibly very little to .5" on depth (standing)
It's hard to gauge thickness from this photo, but I could see it being slightly thinner than an existing 360. They could mount the DVD lower than it is currently, since there's no pesky overheating GPU / heatsink under it now.
Thank you, Ben!
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/new360maybe2.jpg)
Xbox slim sounds like a great idea.... I would trade my current elite in for upgrade straight away.
But also wouldn't want one straight away just incase there are bugs
yeh i'd wait to see if they all explode like the very first xbox's
Yeah I am on my 4th xbox so far! but there is no way in hell i'd ever get a frakking PS3
PS3 = devils spawn ;D
You'd take a free one. I did. ;)
You'd take the PS3's failure rate thats for sure, something around 3% for the Slim, compared to a whopping 55% for the 360
Quote from: GamerMan316 on March 19, 2010, 10:12:35 AM
You'd take the PS3's failure rate thats for sure, something around 3% for the Slim, compared to a whopping 55% for the 360
55% was some unscientific result from a magazine survey.
I did see some industry report on G4 a while back that gave an "estimated" 18% failure rate for 1st-gen 360s. 18% is still a high number, but doesn't get the same attention as 55%. ;)
The actual 360 failure rate is somewhere upwards of 72.86%, and that's a fact. I've got evidence to back this up, I just can't find it, nor am I inclined to be bothered to look for it.... So don't even ask for it, just accept it as fact, er uh, because I said so.
I'd buy the new 360 'slim' and give my current one to my youngest son. But I'm a cool dad like that ;)
Quote from: CRracer_912 on March 19, 2010, 03:39:48 PM
The actual 360 failure rate is somewhere upwards of 72.86%, and that's a fact. I've got evidence to back this up, I just can't find it, nor am I inclined to be bothered to look for it
Thats because your a liar :P. I believe Neato though I thought it was 16 %
Rumour: Is this the Xbox 360 redesign?
(http://www.razzamataz.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/schermata20100614a00341.png)
Oh dear, it looks like the rumoured redesign of the Xbox 360 may have been leaked through an online advertisement.
A banner, which first appeared on console-tribe.com (and is still active at the time of posting), shows a very professional looking flash advert which links to the Italian Xbox website. The console itself boasts a 250GB hard drive, embedded WiFi and is combatible with "Kinect" which may well be Natal's retail title.
Of course this is all rumour for now, but with Microsoft's E3 conference less that 2 hours away, we won't have to wait long.
Looks nice, built in wi-fi is a big plus if true.
i'll buy one.... obviously once the failure rate is known :P
Officially announced, apparently the same price as a standard Elite with a 250GB HDD, Wi-Fi built in and shipping to retailers today :o
oh and it's whisper quiet according to Don Mattrick
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/500x_php1qahuhimg_0137-w800.jpg)
is the HDD detachable ?
I will not be buying one , I already got three working xboxs and one dead one.
Not sure if the HDD is detachable
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233001.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233002.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233000.jpg)
Quote from: Failed on June 14, 2010, 07:41:32 PM
is the HDD detachable ?
dont think so.
The diet xbox looks very slick...I fully expect Neato to snap one up!
Video Walkthrough (http://kotaku.com/5563360/video-walkthrough-of-the-new-xbox-360)
I may even purchase one of these as mine does look a bit tatty now!
(http://i48.tinypic.com/24v8yms.jpg)
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 14, 2010, 07:47:32 PM
Not sure if the HDD is detachable
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233001.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233002.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233000.jpg)
Tres Sexy :-* I want one
On sale in America this week, apparently we'll get them in Europe midway through July, if I get one i'm gonna have to do another Hard Drive transfer, they do look bloody cool.
I actually really want this!!
What do you think I will get for my Elite Say-Puu-Kuu?
Also I would love to keep my Hard Drive any suggestions on how not lose all my data?
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 15, 2010, 09:03:53 AM
On sale in America this week, apparently we'll get them in Europe midway through July, if I get one i'm gonna have to do another Hard Drive transfer, they do look bloody cool.
Ahh you sound experienced.... if I partition my Mass Storage HD which I think is a Maxtor through my xbox and set aside 100GB will that do anything to anything I currently have on there?
Eurogamer Tech Breakdown (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-xbox360-slim-details-blog-entry)
Microsoft working on cheaper slim 360
Microsoft has said that it is working on a second version of the new slim Xbox 360 that can be sold at a lower price point.
The new Xbox 360 was unveiled last night and will cost £199 / €249 when it launches in Europe on 16th July.
As well as a new design, it sports a removable internal 250GB hard disk as standard, and has integrated 80.211n Wi-Fi.
According to GameSpot, both the existing Xbox 360 Elite and Xbox 360 Arcade models will be reduced in price by $50 in the US, where the new 360 launches this week. The old models will then be discontinued once stock is cleared.
More intriguingly, Microsoft said that a second Xbox 360 in the new form factor would be put together to replace the lower-price Arcade SKU, which currently retails for $200 (now $150) in the US and £159 / €199 in Europe.
There's no immediate word on corresponding plans for Europe - either for a clearance price cut or a second model - but we're inquiring.
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 15, 2010, 10:04:11 AM
Microsoft working on cheaper slim 360
As well as a new design, it sports a removable internal 250GB hard disk as standard, and has integrated 80.211n Wi-Fi.
If it's the same shape and size as the original HDD then i'll get one, if not, then there's no point as i won't be able to take my HDD into work with me. Unless ofcourse i buy 2 of them.
Quote from: Failed on June 15, 2010, 10:42:19 AM
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 15, 2010, 10:04:11 AM
Microsoft working on cheaper slim 360
As well as a new design, it sports a removable internal 250GB hard disk as standard, and has integrated 80.211n Wi-Fi.
If it's the same shape and size as the original HDD then i'll get one, if not, then there's no point as i won't be able to take my HDD into work with me. Unless ofcourse i buy 2 of them.
Old HDD not compatible with new 360.
Quote from: Failed on June 15, 2010, 10:42:19 AM
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 15, 2010, 10:04:11 AM
Microsoft working on cheaper slim 360
As well as a new design, it sports a removable internal 250GB hard disk as standard, and has integrated 80.211n Wi-Fi.
i won't be able to take my HDD into work with me.
Aww poor Failed life is so hard for you :'(
kay serah
Just pre-ordered mine from Gamestation and Game, Gamestation will be helping customers do a data transfer, Game are taking a £20 deposit.
Sorted! July 16th will be awesome ;D
I'll get one whenever my Elite dies and is out of warranty.
Oh yeah my boyfriend says he will buy me one instead of the black Wii he was going to get me. :)
Quote from: TaraJayne on June 15, 2010, 01:56:28 PM
Oh yeah my boyfriend says he will buy me one instead of the black Wii he was going to get me. :)
i had black wii once.... bladder infection apparently ;D
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 15, 2010, 05:05:07 PM
Quote from: TaraJayne on June 15, 2010, 01:56:28 PM
Oh yeah my boyfriend says he will buy me one instead of the black Wii he was going to get me. :)
i had black wii once.... bladder infection apparently ;D
brilliant :)
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 15, 2010, 05:05:07 PM
Quote from: TaraJayne on June 15, 2010, 01:56:28 PM
Oh yeah my boyfriend says he will buy me one instead of the black Wii he was going to get me. :)
i had black wii once.... bladder infection apparently ;D
:D funny
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
Yep and at exactly the same price and in stores in a month, sods law my friend.
Though like Failed has said, need to know just how reliable they are before rushing out to buy one, at least with the newer Elites, we know they are far better than the old Premiums and Arcades in the reliability stakes, the new Slim 360 should be super reliable but you never know with MS.
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 16, 2010, 09:47:23 AM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
Yep and at exactly the same price and in stores in a month, sods law my friend.
Though like Failed has said, need to know just how reliable they are before rushing out to buy one, at least with the newer Elites, we know they are far better than the old Premiums and Arcades in the reliability stakes, the new Slim 360 should be super reliable but you never know with MS.
Very true. And mine runs silent anyway - well if the games on the hard drive it does :)
One thing we can guarantee with the new 360 is that it still f**ks your discs up.
Link (http://n4g.com/news/544076/e310-new-xbox-360-destroys-disks-when-moved)
For some reason I can't see the video.
If people mess around with their xbox whilst a game is running then it's there own fault for bring careless
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 15, 2010, 09:03:53 AM
On sale in America this week ...
I'm in line right now (j/k).
I will probably buy this if it comes with a sweet bundle/rebate offer. I've purchased 3 Xbox 360s so far, each came with a sweet deal that I couldn't refuse.
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 15, 2010, 10:43:47 AM
Quote from: Failed on June 15, 2010, 10:42:19 AM
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 15, 2010, 10:04:11 AM
Microsoft working on cheaper slim 360
As well as a new design, it sports a removable internal 250GB hard disk as standard, and has integrated 80.211n Wi-Fi.
If it's the same shape and size as the original HDD then i'll get one, if not, then there's no point as i won't be able to take my HDD into work with me. Unless ofcourse i buy 2 of them.
Old HDD not compatible with new 360.
It's much like the PS3 now. I wonder if you can use your own 2.5 Hard Drives now (complete system format required)?
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 07:37:23 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
That's very good of her, i'm in no rush, probably have loads of hardware faults in the first batch, this is Microsoft we're talking about afterall.
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 07:37:23 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
If you guys ever consider polygamy, give me a call. I cook great italian food, know my way around a grill, and clean bathrooms. ;D
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 07:37:23 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
Jammy git, you don't deserve her :P you must have a big schlong, that's why she keeps you in comfort :P
Quote from: Failed on June 17, 2010, 10:02:50 AM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 07:37:23 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
Jammy git, you don't deserve her :P you must have a big schlong, that's why she keeps you in comfort :P
She's just holding out for when he becomes a famous, rich rock star! ;D
Some bloke in Game just tried to get me to pre-order a slim. £25 deposit, plus a guaranteed £100 trade in for my elite. And I think I could also get £20 trade in for my wireless adaptor. So £80 for a new xbox? Tempted.
Quote from: RedMaster11 on June 17, 2010, 11:47:56 AM
Some bloke in Game just tried to get me to pre-order a slim. £25 deposit, plus a guaranteed £100 trade in for my elite. And I think I could also get £20 trade in for my wireless adaptor. So £80 for a new xbox? Tempted.
I'd be tempted if I was sure it wouldn't die on me within a few months, though with warranties and MS still sorting RROD's out I suppose it's not much of a risk anymore.
Quote from: RedMaster11 on June 17, 2010, 11:47:56 AM
Some bloke in Game just tried to get me to pre-order a slim. £25 deposit, plus a guaranteed £100 trade in for my elite. And I think I could also get £20 trade in for my wireless adaptor. So £80 for a new xbox? Tempted.
It shouldn't be £25 mate, it should be £20, was it the fat indian dude?
I'm thinking of trading in a few games also, hoping to only pay around £40 come July 16th
Quote from: Astrex on June 17, 2010, 12:53:37 PM
Quote from: RedMaster11 on June 17, 2010, 11:47:56 AM
Some bloke in Game just tried to get me to pre-order a slim. £25 deposit, plus a guaranteed £100 trade in for my elite. And I think I could also get £20 trade in for my wireless adaptor. So £80 for a new xbox? Tempted.
It shouldn't be £25 mate, it should be £20, was it the fat indian dude?
I'm thinking of trading in a few games also, hoping to only pay around £40 come July 16th
Nah, English dude with a beard.
E3 2010: Xbox slim doesn't red ring... it 'red dots'
Microsoft support reveals our new friend: the red dot of death
Microsoft's confirmed that the new Xbox 360 'slim' doesn't suffer the red ring of death... because it's changed it to the 'red dot of death'.
Xbox's director of global marketing, Albert Pernello promised CVG earlier this week that the Red Ring problem had "pretty much gone away" (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=251314). But we didn't realise it was just because it's changed the LEDs around...
According to Microsoft's support team, while the new console won't display a "red ring" in times of hardware failure, it will still clearly indicate an error by switching its power indicator (the light in the centre of the ring) from green to red.
See a picture below, error fans.
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233689.jpg)
The very sleek new 250GB Xbox 360 was announced at E3. It houses one fan - which Microsoft claims makes it a quieter machine than existing SKUs, which contain two.
Pernello told CVG of the red ring this week: "When you say [Red Ring] is an old problem, you've got to go really old. It's unfortunate, and I'm not trying to dismiss it. It hurts me personally when that happens. But it hasn't really happened for a while. The stuff we're seeing is only really happening to people with launch consoles.
"We wanted to make sure that this [250GB Xbox 360] is rock steady, rock solid."
Someone has already case modded the new 360 Slim, apparently the disc drive is a Philips Lite-On DG-16D4S too in case anyone was wondering.
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 16, 2010, 07:47:31 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 07:37:23 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
That's very good of her, i'm in no rush, probably have loads of hardware faults in the first batch, this is Microsoft we're talking about afterall.
we are in no rush either. We will prob wait and see what kinect/360 slim packages are available before purchasing
Quote from: Failed on June 17, 2010, 10:02:50 AM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 07:37:23 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
Jammy git, you don't deserve her :P you must have a big schlong, that's why she keeps you in comfort :P
It's because i'm a great cook, and i am very unselfish in the 'bedroom' dept. :)
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 18, 2010, 11:48:34 AM
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 16, 2010, 07:47:31 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 07:37:23 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 16, 2010, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on June 16, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
bloody typical. I buy a super elite thinking, brill, now i own the best version of the 360 out there, and I'm all happy and stuff, then they go and announce an even better one!!
If the store has any type of exchange policy, you can probably just take it back for an even swap. They should cost the same. ;D
my lovely wife has agreed to buy me the new, new one and then she will have my super elite in the bedroom. I am so lucky :)
That's very good of her, i'm in no rush, probably have loads of hardware faults in the first batch, this is Microsoft we're talking about afterall.
we are in no rush either. We will prob wait and see what kinect/360 slim packages are available before purchasing
Good idea mate, there's bound to be some good bundles in November and also in the run up to Christmas, plus you can gauge the whole RROD/RDOD thing, see if it's even a problem this time around, hopefully it's not. :)
Quote from: The Fuzz
.. i am very unselfish in the 'bedroom' dept. :)
You weren't in Manchester, you made me do all those degrading things with the popcorn :-[
250GB Xbox 360 Slim Review
CVG tests out Microsoft's slimmer, shinier Xbox...
We've just got our greasy hands on and all over the new Xbox 360 250GB, poking its buttons and pressing our ears to its shiny outer shell to see if it really is as whisper quiet as MS is making out.
As we rip the new console out of the box shiny case is striking - it's more compact than the original of course and noticeably lighter but its the sheen of that plastic that really stands out. We feared that the lighter weight and shiny finish risked giving it a slightly cheaper feel but that's not the case. This is one sexy console.
The prominent grills on the side of the case give you a clear look at the fan system and cooling heatsink metal that sits under the shiny plastic, which is an odd design choice for a games console, which are usually very closed-in boxes that offer you little to no view of their inner machinery. It gives the machine a look comparable to high-end gaming PCs with those big clear side-panels that show off their powerful guts rather than then hide them away.
As with the old Xbox and all current-gen consoles, the slimmer Xbox can be placed in either vertical or horizontal configurations. There are vents on both ends of the console, the underside of which will be restricted when placed vertically, but with grills covering a large proportion of the machine we can't imagine there being any issues with heat in either configuration.
It's a pretty console - very pretty. A subtly futuristic aggressive appearance without being cheesy like an AlienWare PC. Our only complain would be the fingerprints - the glossy finish, like the Black Wii and first PS3, will be covered in your gamer grease within minutes.
Flip it around and on the back you see the usual selection of ports - USB, HDMI, power and the Xbox's proprietary component video out (you can see the full specs of the console here so we won't waste time going through them again). Optical support is now built in, and there's the extra addition of a special port for the Kinect which will supply the device with its power, while old Xbox owners will need to plug Kinect into a wall outlet.
The power supply is much nicer than the bricks we've all had to hide behind our TVs for the past four years, its size sliced down to a fraction of the previous model's, lighter and smoothly clipping into the back of the console with none of forced clunkiness of the original.
It's ironic that, just as Sony chooses to rid PS3 of its (slick, we thought) touch-sensitive buttons for regular push-in ones, Microsoft has taken the new Xbox in the opposite direction.
Turning on the machine requires only the slightest of swipes over the circular power button on the front of the machine, with it firing up silently - no microwave bleep like the PS3. Instead, Microsoft saved the hardware bleep for the disc tray open and close button (which is also touch sensitive), although this console's bleep is more of a smoother, nicer tone, not quite as high-pitch and ear-piercing. We're not quite sure why it's necessary though.
With no disc in the tray this console is absolutely silent - the single larger fan that replaces the multiple fans of the old noisy console clearly doing the trick in the decibel-trimming department.
Where the old Xbox disc tray was slow to respond on opening and had that unnerving 'ker-chunk' sound as it came to a close, the new disc tray does its job quietly and smoothly, which adds to the more polished, finished feel of the new console.
Slip a game disc in and close the tray and the device makes its first mechanical sound as the disc drive spins up. The sheer spin speed of that drive remains clearly audible as it was in the first console so it's not an entirely silent experience, although we think that's unavoidable.
After the Xbox start-up screen we're greeted with the setup menus, which take us through the usual selection of language and region options. No differences here at all - not that we expected any. So identical is it to the original Xbox dashboard that it even recognises the now built-in Wi-Fi card as an Xbox 360 Wireless Adaptor, asking if we'd like to search for networks as we skim through the setup screens.
There's a zippy 802.11n Wi-Fi card in this box (the fastest Wi-Fi standard so far), and although we haven't yet had the chance to try out its wireless connection capabilities we expect the internal card to perform far faster and more reliably than the shockingly shonky wireless adaptor of old.
Once we hit the dashboard we got into a game of Alan Wake and all was familiar from there, minus the intrusive whir of the box.
Fingerprinting aside, the only other downfall of upgrading to the new box would be the hassle of transferring your data (the old hard drives won't clip into the new machine), which requires the purchase of a $19.99 data transfer adaptor or a large USB stick if you have one.
Where PS3 has lost features over the years (PS2 support, USB ports, card reader ports), the new Xbox 360 250GB enhances the experience with built in Wi-Fi and optical ports, more USB ports (five instead of three) and all-round better build quality. And it'll be the same price as the current Xbox ($299 confirmed in US).
Speaking to Microsoft reps at the unboxing event, we were told repeatedly that the firm believes this is the best console it's ever made. We make them right. This is the solid, polished machine it should have been to begin with. If PS3 had one undeniable advantage over 360 in the past it was in the hardware stakes, but MS has truly stepped up its game.
We want one, you should too, 9/10
few pics from the above review
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233023.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233022.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233021.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233020.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233019.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233018.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233017.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233026.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_233025.jpg)
Wow, thats enough black accessories to keep TJ happy... ;D
any pictures of the fat & diet xbox's together so I can see the difference in size?
Quote from: Lukehi on June 18, 2010, 04:27:28 PM
Wow, thats enough black accessories to keep TJ happy... ;D
any pictures of the fat & diet xbox's together so I can see the difference in size?
Just looking for one now, i'm sure i've seen one.
Here it is compared the PS3 Slim, in someone's kitchen :)
(http://cdn.medialib.oxm.co.uk/screens/screenshot_14780.jpg)
(http://cdn.medialib.oxm.co.uk/screens/screenshot_14779.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/06/xboxvsxboxslim530.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/06/img2907-1276830608.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/06/img29082.jpg)
nice cheer GM
Has anyone else noticed that the old 360 looked like a Dell Desktop, now the new 360 kind of looks like an Alienware Desktop?
(http://i46.tinypic.com/10zwug7.jpg)
Sort of like Alienware knocked up an Air Purifier.
(http://www.jeffsreviews.com/Images/Household/alen%20air/alen%20T100%20air%20purifier%20sml.jpg)
Good spot Neato :)
120GB 360 Slim? (http://kotaku.com/5567525/wait-theres-a-120gb-xbox-360-slim)
Quote from: GamerMan316 on June 19, 2010, 12:59:49 PM
120GB 360 Slim? (http://kotaku.com/5567525/wait-theres-a-120gb-xbox-360-slim)
If non-MS Hard Drives can be used (a la PS3), I'd rather just buy a core model without a HDD and buy my own HDD from a wholesaler.
I'm sick of this slim sh*t, any news on the new xbox 360 super fat version. Supposedly 27.6% fatter than the original 360 ???
Quote from: Failed on June 21, 2010, 09:51:11 PM
I'm sick of this slim sh*t, any news on the new xbox 360 super fat version. Supposedly 27.6% fatter than the original 360 ???
with built in cholesterol and blood sugar testing capability
Quote from: Lukehi on June 21, 2010, 10:02:21 PM
Quote from: Failed on June 21, 2010, 09:51:11 PM
I'm sick of this slim sh*t, any news on the new xbox 360 super fat version. Supposedly 27.6% fatter than the original 360 ???
with built in cholesterol and blood sugar testing capability
SOLD!
New Xbox 360 Slim Hard Drive Is Replaceable ... sort of? (http://www.justpushstart.com/2010/06/17/xbox-360-slims-hard-drive-is-replaceable-but-with-a-catch/)
(http://images.anandtech.com/reviews/gadgets/microsoft/valhalla/SATA.jpg)
"In a recent conversation with the Xbox Support Team, they said that the Xbox 360 Hard Drive equipped on the Xbox 360 Slim can be replaced with a generic hard drive, HOWEVER, you will need to break the case so that it fit in the enclosure. The support representative didn't necessarily approve of it, BUT, it's possible."
Quote from: Lukehi on June 18, 2010, 04:27:28 PM
Wow, that's enough black accessories to keep TJ happy... ;D
I just said to my boyfriend "finally a black chat pad and headset" then read your quote :) I must be so predictable
Quote from: nCogNeato on June 18, 2010, 05:32:51 PM
Has anyone else noticed that the old 360 looked like a Dell Desktop, now the new 360 kind of looks like an Alienware Desktop?
That's the first thing my boyfriend said GEEKS UNITE!
Didn't take long, no doubt only a small percentage of the consoles will have problems, but still cause for concern.
I've been seeing some reports of people experiencing a 'white dot pattern' video issue with the new 360 Slim model. Again, something that is probably a very small fraction of a %, but still something Microsoft should be worried about.
I'll probably wait until the $199 model releases later this year (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/110/1100596p1.html), or for some kind of value bundle. Hopefully by then these issued will be resolved.
Until then, my Modern Warfare 2 console is doing just fine. :)
Microsoft Responds To 360 Red Dot Claims
Microsoft has responded to claims that the latest iteration of the Xbox 360 is prone to overheating, resulting in the so-called 'red dot of death'
Various reports have suggested that the new Xbox 360, unveiled at E3 and released in the US last week, is prone to overheating, resulting in an error screen.
"We couldn't be more proud of the consoles we are building now"
When asked about this specific issue, in an email to NowGamer, the console manufacturer said: "We couldn't be more proud of the consoles we are building now, as well as the new Xbox 360. This console is the culmination of years of continuous innovation in design, testing and learning. Today we are confident we are shipping a high quality product."
The new Xbox 360 is due to hit Europe on July 16.
So they respond by not mentioning the problem at all, awesome!!!
The New 360 Torn Apart (http://kotaku.com/5572483/the-new-xbox-360-torn-apart/gallery/)
annoyingly my super elite freezes when i am ending a game starting a game or leaving a session.It's happened four times already and i've only had it a few weeks. Lets hope the new one doesn't do the same, it's about time they brought a console out that doesn't freeze or overheat all the bloody time!
I find myself wanting to get one of these just because i can. Never mind that my pro from 2 years ago and my current elite have never had any problems (I only got rid of the pro because I needed the money) so I don't even need to replace yet. But it looks really pretty in comparison to the 'fat' Xbox. The only thing I'lll have a problem with if I do ever give in to temptation and buy one is that it's a glossy finish, and not a matte finish. This is bound to drive me insane with fingerprints and smudges and all kinds of sh*t. >:C
Failed great idea #357
Buy some cotton butler gloves and only ever use them to 'touch' it.
Quote from: The Fuzz
.. i am very unselfish in the 'bedroom' dept. :)
Now that Mrs. Fuzz is on board, maybe she would care to comment on Mr. Fuzz's inflated self image? ;)
Quote from: nCogNeato on July 06, 2010, 04:23:28 PM
Quote from: The Fuzz
.. i am very unselfish in the 'bedroom' dept. :)
Now that Mrs. Fuzz is on board, maybe she would care to comment on Mr. Fuzz's inflated self image? ;)
by unselfish he meant, he lets MrsFuzz have all the bed and he sleeps on the sofa :P
Quote from: Failed on July 06, 2010, 05:45:56 PM
Quote from: nCogNeato on July 06, 2010, 04:23:28 PM
Quote from: The Fuzz
.. i am very unselfish in the 'bedroom' dept. :)
Now that Mrs. Fuzz is on board, maybe she would care to comment on Mr. Fuzz's inflated self image? ;)
by unselfish he meant, he lets MrsFuzz have all the bed and he sleeps on the sofa :P
lmao
There has been a 'significant sales spike' for Xbox 360 following the release of the new slim model and price cuts to older models.
Xbox 360 sales have seen 'a significant spike' since mid-June, says Microsoft.
"...We are hearing great feedback from retailers that the new Xbox 360 250GB is experiencing unprecedented demand," the company said in a statement.
"Strong demand for the new Xbox 360 250GB combined with a $50 price reduction in the US on the Xbox 360 Arcade and Elite consoles, now US$149.99 and US$249.99 respectively, has resulted in a significant sales spike for Xbox 360 since the new console hit shelves on or around June 14."
the new 360s is sexy and sex sells
Yeah it doesn't come as much of a surprise. Sales will decline again within the next few weeks I reckon, until Christmas at least. Still, this just means more people on XBL to harass and destroy ;D
Quote from: sambo on July 06, 2010, 08:05:56 PM
There has been a 'significant sales spike' for Xbox 360 following the release of the new slim model and price cuts to older models.
Xbox 360 sales have seen 'a significant spike' since mid-June, says Microsoft.
"...We are hearing great feedback from retailers that the new Xbox 360 250GB is experiencing unprecedented demand," the company said in a statement.
"Strong demand for the new Xbox 360 250GB combined with a $50 price reduction in the US on the Xbox 360 Arcade and Elite consoles, now US$149.99 and US$249.99 respectively, has resulted in a significant sales spike for Xbox 360 since the new console hit shelves on or around June 14."
As long as we do not hear screaming teenagers, becuase I only what to face nice friendly people.
Singing 10 year old American boys are my biggest worry.
Quote from: Legion on July 07, 2010, 01:42:22 AM
Singing 10 year old American boys are my biggest worry.
If I know the words to the sing I normally sing along..... if you can't beat em, join em ;D
Or mute them 8)
Quote from: Legion on July 07, 2010, 01:42:22 AM
Singing 10 year old American boys are my biggest worry.
By the way ... sorry about that. :-[
You ruined my GTAIV experience you bastard D:
Quote from: Legion on July 07, 2010, 03:32:41 PM
You ruined my GTAIV experience you bastard D:
hehe, the singing will never be as good as the Ponies Left 4 Dead Show Tune Extravaganza, truly surreal having 360DF singing Disney classics and west end hits at 3am Sat morning.
Quote from: Failed on July 08, 2010, 10:21:32 AM
Quote from: Legion on July 07, 2010, 03:32:41 PM
You ruined my GTAIV experience you bastard D:
hehe, the singing will never be as good as the Ponies Left 4 Dead Show Tune Extravaganza, truly surreal having 360DF singing Disney classics and west end hits at 3am Sat morning.
Oh god I remember that. He is an awesome singer though even if he is a big wierdo :)
Damn!
I just noticed that Xbox Slim doesn't come with a HDMI cable!!!
I am trading in my elite which means I am having to trade in my HDMI cable to only friggin buy one! kind of annoyed by this.
Quote from: Astrex on July 14, 2010, 09:56:56 AM
Damn!
I just noticed that Xbox Slim doesn't come with a HDMI cable!!!
I am trading in my elite which means I am having to trade in my HDMI cable to only friggin buy one! kind of annoyed by this.
Normal Elite's don't come with them now either mate, MS stopped bundling them a while ago, going down the Sony route of just giving us a crappy Composite cable.
I am going to have to fork out for it now, it's a shame that they expect me to give them mine but I don't flipping get one back in return, hopefully no more than an extra £10.... or I might try and not give it and just give them my old AV cable ;D
Quote from: Astrex on July 14, 2010, 11:55:33 AM
I am going to have to fork out for it now, it's a shame that they expect me to give them mine but I don't flipping get one back in return, hopefully no more than an extra £10.... or I might try and not give it and just give them my old AV cable ;D
Just get a £2 HDMI cable off Amazon.
Nice one, Il try and hunt one down tonight so I have it for Friday 8)
I don't know of any UK retailers, but in the US and Canada I buy all of my AV needs at monoprice.com. I'm sure the UK has a similar online wholesaler.
Quote from: nCogNeato on July 14, 2010, 01:43:07 PM
I don't know of any UK retailers, but in the US and Canada I buy all of my AV needs at monoprice.com. I'm sure the UK has a similar online wholesaler.
We have many stores that do electrical goods and they are usually cheap makes and do the exact same job
Yey just got my new xbox!
I got it for £48 in the end and I had to buy a HDMI cable... Traded old elite.
Very excited... can't wait to get home but flipping still at work for 3 hours then 2 hours down the gym! I can't stop staring at the greatness :P
I was in my local Gamestation earlier and quite a few people were getting the new 360, good to see them selling transfer kits too, i'm guessing a lot of people will be needing them.
Congrats, Rex.
Personally, I prefer using USB storage to transfer between Hard Drives. The Transfer Cable will erase things without giving you any customizable options.
USB may take longer, but at least you get to control what is and is not deleted.
I might be getting one of these for my birthday.Will find out soon enough!
I felt and held my next door neighbours just ten minutes ago. :D
I really want one now
Quote from: TaraJayne on July 16, 2010, 04:30:22 PM
I felt and held my next door neighbours just ten minutes ago.
lol
I'm sure it was forcibly removed from your grip.
It slipped out of my grip. It's so smooth and glossy.
He is such a child he hadn't even plugged it in and he knocked on my window and held it in the air >:(
I am a little jealous but on the plus side I marked it with my fingerprints. The new xbox is a dust magnet and a muck harbourer but it looks sexy
I got one! Charlie traded in his Elite for it but it's all mine!!! Yippee! Also got Crackdown 2!!!
Quote from: NeuroticSarge on July 17, 2010, 06:56:53 AM
I got one! Charlie traded in his Elite for it but it's all mine!!! Yippee! Also got Crackdown 2!!!
As soon as I get some to just relax and play games, we're going "Orb Hunting"! ;D
Quote from: nCogNeato on July 17, 2010, 06:58:50 PM
Quote from: NeuroticSarge on July 17, 2010, 06:56:53 AM
I got one! Charlie traded in his Elite for it but it's all mine!!! Yippee! Also got Crackdown 2!!!
As soon as I get some to just relax and play games, we're going "Orb Hunting"! ;D
I've been Orb Hunting today, still need another 30 or so of the Agility Orbs and quite a few Secret ones if I can be bothered looking for them. :)
Xbox 360 S UK launch does business
Microsoft's redesigned Xbox 360 has enjoyed the biggest launch for a "revised" home console in UK history, GFK Chart-Track has said.
Over a two day period, the new Xbox 360 sold "around the same" as the original Xbox 360, released in 2005. No sales figures were provided.
However, Chart-Track did say the launch surpasses that of both the PlayStation 2 Slim and PlayStation 3 Slim.
The new 360 model, described by Microsoft as "whisper quiet", includes built in Wi-Fi and a 250GB hard drive.
Last week specialist retailer GAME said it saw "amazing demand" for the console, which costs £200. It opened 400 stores at midnight Thursday.
In the US, sales of the new Xbox 360 made up 40 per cent of the 451,700 Xbox 360s sold in June. The total number of Xbox 360s sold rose by 88 per cent year-on-year.
To be honest,not really had a chance to play it yet! I set it upon Saturday,played for 5 mins,then Charlie took over and hasn't looked back yet! Last night he even created a new account for himself so he could play MW2 with his mates! Bloody cheek!!!!
Kids eh?
Microsoft has a limited edition Halo Reach Xbox 360 S bundle planned, which seemingly appeared prematurely on the official Xbox site.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234930 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234930)
The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach bundle will be available on September 14 when Halo: Reach launches.
Designed by Bungie, the bundle includes the newly designed Xbox 360, plus two limited edition Wireless Controllers and a standard edition copy of Halo:Reach.
The bundle will be available for £249 in the UK
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234927 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234927)
This has got me thinking. Maybe i should wait and see what gets announced for april next year, a gears 3 console sounds very sexy to me ;)
Quote from: markav on July 24, 2010, 09:49:55 AM
Microsoft has a limited edition Halo Reach Xbox 360 S bundle planned, which seemingly appeared prematurely on the official Xbox site.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234930 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234930)
The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach bundle will be available on September 14 when Halo: Reach launches.
Designed by Bungie, the bundle includes the newly designed Xbox 360, plus two limited edition Wireless Controllers and a standard edition copy of Halo:Reach.
The bundle will be available for £249 in the UK
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234927 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234927)
This has got me thinking. Maybe i should wait and see what gets announced for april next year, a gears 3 console sounds very sexy to me ;)
It annoys me that they only ever seem to put the standard editions of games into the bundles.
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on July 24, 2010, 10:44:52 AM
Quote from: markav on July 24, 2010, 09:49:55 AM
Microsoft has a limited edition Halo Reach Xbox 360 S bundle planned, which seemingly appeared prematurely on the official Xbox site.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234930 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234930)
The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach bundle will be available on September 14 when Halo: Reach launches.
Designed by Bungie, the bundle includes the newly designed Xbox 360, plus two limited edition Wireless Controllers and a standard edition copy of Halo:Reach.
The bundle will be available for £249 in the UK
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234927 (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/viewer.php?mode=article&id=234927)
This has got me thinking. Maybe i should wait and see what gets announced for april next year, a gears 3 console sounds very sexy to me ;)
It annoys me that they only ever seem to put the standard editions of games into the bundles.
Yeah it's kinda sh*t. You'd expect a collectors edition to come with it at the very least, otherwise you gotta make the effort of going out and trading in your standard copy for a collectors edition, which means you have to spend yet more time away from your precious Xbox. It's kinda shitty business sense really seeing as the more time you're away from it the less time you have to spend buying market place games or XBL time.
Doesn't look too bad I suppose.
(http://cdn.medialib.oxm.co.uk/screens/screenshot_15165.jpg)
i like it, looks smart and futuristic
Looks better than the black version, plus it ain't a gloss finish, so won'y attract dust as much.