Frodo gets a new ring of light: Xbox 360

Today’s the big day of the Xbox 360 announcement. It’s a monster of a machine with 3 3.2 ghz PowerPC CPUs, 512 mb of memory, ATI custom built graphics chip running at 500 mhz (10mb embedded DRAM), a 12x dual layer DVD drive, a 20 gb detachable hard drive, and a wireless controller. No word yet on how much all of this will cost at launch time. Other components include cameras, memory cards, and remote control for the DVD player. Modders are gonna love the detachable faceplates. Xbox Live has a basic free tier of service, but if you want to frag your friends, you still need to pay, and it’s not clear if this is an additional XBL account from your current one. The box is HD ready from the get-go and Microsoft is mandating that all games work on 16:9 widescreen format, 720p and 1080i HD resolutions. I predict consoles like this are going to drive adoption of HD TVs and monitors in greater rates after 2005.

My favorite feature is the wireless controller. Finally, Microsoft has taken the extra step and given us this feature right in the basic package. It will force Nintendo and Sony to do the same. If nothing else, this advances console gaming another step. And even better: the console has a special button to allow you to power on the console without leaving your sofa! There is a special “ring of light” on the console and the controller that will flash if a friend is online and wants to challenge you to a deathmatch. Hmmm, time to buy that barcalounger with the built in refrigerator and cabinets for beer and chips! Call the doctor and tell him I’m putting on an extra 20 pounds after November 2005!

If you missed the MTV special where Frodo spilled the beans, there’s plenty of coverage online, where the game sites have unleashed a torrent of news about the console. Probably the most thorough coverage I’ve seen is over Team X-Box: start here for a great overview of the system with links to the detailed specs. Gamespot also has some excellent in-depth coverage with a special section called XBox 360 Inside and Out, that's chock full of articles, videos, and interviews with various Microsoft bigwigs. XBox360.ign.com has a lot of the same information, but what I find really amazing is the preview and screenshots for Test Drive Unlimited. Those cars look photo realistic!

I have to get the XBox 360. If I don't pre-order I'll just froth at the mouth. Nuff said