In-Depth: Microsoft Xbox 360

What does it do?

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Under the hood, the Xbox 360 boasts an impressive portfolio of hardware. A triple-core, 3.2 GHz IBM processor, a 48-pipeline ATI graphics chip, 512MB of built-in memory. These are specs that wouldn't shame a $1500 custom gaming PC. It's capable of outputting in high-definition resolutions up to 1080i, and although you can use it with a regular 4:3 TV, the games are all written with widescreen displays in mind.

Modeled after the Xbox's Controller S rather than the much-criticized Huge Edition pads, the 360's controllers come in wired and wireless varieties. The white and black buttons from the original controller are gone, replaced with a pair of "bumper" buttons, on the front left and right sides of the pad above the triggers. There's also a central, light-up "Guide" button that brings up mini-dashboard menu (mainly Xbox Live features) from any game. The console supports either four wireless controllers or three wired ones at a time.

Always on

The 360 is always connected (unless you set your privacy options otherwise). Whether you're playing online or not, your friends will be able to send you messages or invites without breaking the immersion.

The Xbox Live service -- which has long been the standout online experience among the current generation of consoles -- is getting a major upgrade in nearly every respect. Gamers still have a single identity ("Gamertag") they can use to communicate with friends across every game. But you get a personalized gamer profile, which tracks your achievements and reputation, and lets you choose a matchmaking zone suited to your play style. For example, "recreation" is for the player just interested in friendly matches, while "pro" is for the strong competitors.

Xbox Live Marketplace is one of the Xbox 360's biggest innovations in the realm of living room entertainment. For the first time, console gamers will be able to download demos of new games directly, purchase casual or coin-op classic titles from Xbox Arcade, and access a library of downloadable content for every game on the market. Future potential features includes the ability to share customized content, save games, and even offer a cheap distribution system for independent developers.

Live uses "Microsoft Points" as currency, which you can purchase through retail game cards or via credit card. 800 points translates to approximately $10. Microsoft has announced plans to run game tournaments and other events, which offer MS Points as prizes.

In a smart move to grow its online userbase, Microsoft is giving access to Xbox Live Marketplace and Community features completely free (through the "Silver" package). Plug your 360 into your router at home and you're ready to join the global gaming community out of the box. To actually compete in online games, you need to upgrade to Gold for $60/yr, the same rate as the current Xbox Live service; current users can also freely transfer their Gamertag over to 360, keep their friends list, and interact with Xbox and the new Xbox 360 users.

The media

Is that all? Well, no. The 360 is also designed to be a "media hub" -- an all-in-one unit for watching or hearing just about anything. It plays DVDs, MP3s, JPEGs, CDs, and probably some other abbreviations too, all without the need for any extra playback kits or additional expense.

If you own a PC that runs Microsoft's Media Center operating system, the 360 streams recorded standard or high-def TV content from it. Because it has standard USB ports, like a PC, you can connect it to just about any media-type device from a huge number of manufacturers. It handles MP3 players, digital cameras, and even reads data from Sony's PSP and Apple's iPod. While you're listening, you can take in a synchronized light show -- or "visualization" -- courtesy of celebrated developer and llama fancier Jeff Minter. You can even influence the visuals with the analogue sticks.

In another high-tech touch, the 360 uses an online database to grab artist and track information for any CD you feed it. Yes, that means no more fumbling with a clumsy controller interface to enter the names of the tracks you rip - it fills them in automatically.

In fact, about the only thing it doesn't do is play the high-definition video format that will one day replace DVDs. This will be a key advantage of the PlayStation 3 (assuming Sony's Blu-Ray technology turns out to be that format), but it's a long time until the PS3 hits the streets.

What about original Xbox games? Many people took advantage of the PS2's ability to play PlayStation games, but because the hardware in the 360 is so different to the original Xbox, full compatibility has proved impossible for technical (and, most likely, legal) reasons. Instead, the 360 is able to emulate the original Xbox, but it'll only work with certain games.

Over 200 Xbox titles are on the supported list at launch, including most of the Xbox's biggest hits. Each one requires a different software emulator, so you'll need the optional hard drive to make them work and Live access to download all but the Halo and Halo 2 emulators that come installed on the drive. Notable absences include the Project Gotham and Splinter Cell series, but Microsoft assures us that the list of working games will expand as more updates are released over Live.

1: Video Preview
Our editors go hands-on with the Xbox 360 in this special video segment

2: What Does it Do?
Media options; Xbox Live; The hardware itself

3: What's in the Box?
The core and premium packages

4: Launch Games Line-up
A rundown of all the launch titles

5: Editor Bites
What do the Yahoo! Video Games staff have to say?

6: Gamer Feedback
Words from gamers around the country on Xbox 360

7: Zero Hour, Day 1
Day 1 of Microsoft's massive desert launch party

8: Zero Hour, Day 2
Day 2 of Microsoft's massive desert launch party