At Microsoft's E3 2010 keynote address, the company unveiled, and released, the new Xbox 360 250GB. The new machine will cost AU$499 and comes with built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and a 250GB hard drive among its many upgrades. Microsoft also gave the console a glossy black case and a more svelte look. New consoles are already en route to stores and should be widely available on 1 July.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
Chips
Microsoft updated the internals of the console with a 45nm integrated CPU and GPU. By comparison, the chipset at launch was manufactured on a 90nm process, and was later updated to be manufactured on a 65nm process. Smaller manufacturing processes generally lead to cooler running chips and reduced manufacturing costs.
Sound
Based on our brief encounter with the Xbox 360 250GB, the machine does seem much quieter than the original. Turning on the machine we had to move our ears to within inches of the machine to notice it, but we do have to note that we were in a rather crowded room. A single large fan cools the console. In comparison to smaller fans, large fans are able to move an equivalent amount of air at lower fan speeds, which also reduces noise output. The original Xbox 360 used two smaller fans to get the same job done. Putting a game into the DVD drive raised sound levels slightly but didn't affect acoustics anywhere near as much as the original Xbox 360.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
Size and shape
According to Microsoft representatives, the Xbox 360 250GB is 15 per cent smaller than the original Xbox 360. Side by side, the new console looks to be an inch shorter, but roughly the same in terms of width and breadth. With such similar sizing, it's not a surprise that Microsoft steered away using nomenclature to that effect.
Microsoft shifted the look of the console slightly when compared to the original by adding a slightly off-centred taper to the exterior. The design styling gives off the visual effect of a giant X. The console also no longer has a matte finish, as Microsoft opted for a glossy black look. We might also add that it's quite prone to fingerprints.
Numerous large vents line the Xbox 360 250GB to provide adequate cooling for the console. The main fan vent resides on the top face of the console if it is placed horizontally.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
Capacitive touch buttons
The new Xbox 360 250GB has touch-capacitive power and disc eject buttons. Unlike many touch-capacitive buttons, both are highly responsive and emit a slight beep when touched to signal that you actually pushed them. The disc eject button looks quite small but is easy to press.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
Upgradeable hard drive
The internal 250GB hard drive is upgradeable via a small user-accessible port. Opening the port will not require the use of tools. The new hard drive casing fits inside the console completely and is not compatible with existing consoles. Older hard drives are similarly incompatible with the new Xbox 360. The new hard drive casing's connector looks to be composed of standard SATA power and data ports, as opposed to the proprietary connector present on the original Xbox 360. Microsoft did not state what RPM the internal hard drive was running at.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
Ports
The port configuration on the new machine changed considerably from the original Xbox 360. On the front of the console you'll find two USB ports and no Memory Unit ports. Recently, Microsoft allowed users to plug in external USB storage devices in lieu of Memory Units, essentially rendering the Memory Units unnecessary and obsolete. However, Microsoft capped external storage devices to a maximum of 16GB.
On the back side, there are an additional three USB ports (bringing the total to five), and an Ethernet plug. For AV connections you can find HDMI and optical audio connectors as well as Microsoft's proprietary connector for access to component video/composite/S-Video options. The key addition here is the optical audio port, previously users had to purchase the appropriate proprietary adapter in order to use HDMI for video and the optical port for audio.
A brand new Kinect port has also been added to the Xbox 360 250GB. The new port will provide Kinect with power and data transmission capabilities. Owners of the original Xbox 360 will need to use a USB port and an included power adapter to use Kinect.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
A large vent on top of the console helps to remove heat.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
Power
The Xbox 360 250GB comes with a new smaller and more efficient external power supply. Microsoft states that the console consumes roughly 130W. To prevent confusion and prevent users from plugging older power supplies into the new console, the new one has a unique two-pin connector.
-
(Credit: GameSpot)
Outside of a glossy strip of plastic, the included controller is identical to current models.
Add Your Comment 24