Microsoft Releases Xbox 360 Video Gaming Console

Microsoft officially unveiled its next generation video game machine – XBOX 360.
The 360 is powered by a processor with three IBM PowerPC 3.2GHz chips, with a custom ATI 500MHz graphics processor and 512Mb of RAM. The drive will be 20GB (versus the current 8GB drive on the Xbox). It will also be detachable, allowing users to take their data to friends’ houses, and upgradable.

All Xbox 360 games will be formatted for high definition televisions, with a 16:9 widescreen format, 720p or 1080i resolutions and multichannel surround sound. Games will play on standard televisions as well. The machine will double as a progressive scan DVD player. Users will also be able to rip their CDs directly to the machine’s hard drive.

The system will support both wired and wireless controllers and comes wi-fi ready. The machine will automatically connect and stream digital media including video and digital pictures stored on any PC running Windows XP.

Pricing for the device hasn’t been announced yet, but the console will be shipped in Asia, Europe and North America by the holiday season. [via CNN Money]

Check out the official Xbox 360 site for more information. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 will give tough competition to Sony’s Playstation and Nintendo. Who benefits? The video gaming fan!