General Xbox 360 Questions



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1. What is the official name of the Xbox successor?

The official name of the Xbox successor is the Xbox 360.


2. Who is the company that makes the Xbox 360?

Microsoft Corporation is the developer of the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system.


3. Who designed the Xbox 360?

The Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system was designed by Microsoft, in conjunction with two of the most innovative design firms in the world: San Francisco-based Astro Studios and Osaka, Japan-based Hers Experimental Design Laboratory Inc; which worked together to craft a sleek, stylish system that conveys the very essence of the Xbox 360. In addition, Microsoft chose IBM, ATI and SiS at its technology partners for the design of the Xbox 360 hardware.


4. What does the “360” stand for?

Microsoft’s main objective when designing the Xbox 360 was to “create a living entertainment experience powered by human energy.” The idea is to create a gaming platform that offers players unique experiences that will differ based upon an individual’s playing style and their decisions rather than the game itself, thus making the gamer the center of the entire experience and letting everything associated to revolve around them.


5. When will the Xbox 360 be available?

At the Tokyo Game Show 2005, Microsoft announced that the Xbox 360 will arrive on store shelves Tuesday, November 22 in North America, Friday, December 2 in Europe, and Saturday, December 10 in Japan.


6. In which territories will the Xbox 360 launching?

This 2005 holiday season, the Xbox 360 is projected to launch in North America, Europe, and Japan simultaneously; a first for a videogame console. The Xbox 360 will launch globally in calendar year 2006 in Asia Pacific and Latin America.


7. What is the price of the Xbox 360?

Microsoft announced at the Leipzig Game Convention that the Xbox 360 will be available for as little as $299.99 in the US. (€299.99 in continental Europe /£209.99 in the UK) starting this holiday season. Microsoft also announced a Premium model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 in the US (€399.99/£279.99).


8. How much will the Xbox 360 games cost (average)?

The same as current generation: $49.99 USD for new releases. Microsoft has confirmed that they don’t have plans to charge more than fifty bucks for their first-party next-generation titles, although some games will have special editions that will be sold at $59.99.

The price of games is often determined by individual publishers and retailers. Therefore, many third-party games are currently listed to retail for $59.99.


9. Which games will be available at launch?
OLD

10. What is the difference between the Xbox 360 Core System and the Premium edition?
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Console X
Wireless Controller X
Wired Controller optional
Component HD AV Cable X
Composite Cable X
Hard Drive X
Play Original Xbox games X
Ethernet Cable X
Headset X
Xbox Live Silver X
Xbox Live Gold 30-day Trial X
Premium Chrome Details X Not available
Price $399.99 - €399.99 - £279.99

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Console X
Wireless Controller optional
Wired Controller X
Component HD AV Cable optional
Composite Cable X
Hard Drive optional
Play Original Xbox games optional
Ethernet Cable optional
Headset optional
Xbox Live Silver X
Xbox Live Gold 30-day Trial X
Premium Chrome Details Not available
Price $299.99 - €299.99 - £209.99





11. Does the Xbox 360 come with a hard drive?

Only the Premium model comes with a hard drive. The Xbox 360 Core System does not come with a hard drive but users can upgrade their Xbox 360 console and incorporate at any time the Xbox 360 Hard Drive.

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12. What is the capacity of the hard drive?

The Xbox 360 hard drive is 20 GB.


13. Is the Xbox 360 hard drive internal?

No, the Xbox 360 hard drive is detachable and upgradeable.


14. What disc formats will the DVD drive support?

The DVD drive supports for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 CD, JPEG Photo CD.


15. Will it support HD-DVD or Blu-Ray?

At the moment, the Xbox 360 has a standard 12X DVD-9 (dual layer) drive. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates revealed that the Xbox 360 video may incorporate in the future the next-generation DVD format developed by Toshiba. To read more about that comment, click here.


16. What is the The Guide?

The Guide is an entertainment gateway that instantly connects players to the Xbox 360 experience: your games, your friends, your music. It is a brand new interface designed exclusively for the Xbox 360 that can overlay on top of any content that is being played on the Xbox 360; whether that is a game, a DVD movie, a picture or a music visualization. There is no need for the user to leave a game or any other content being played on the Xbox 360 to access The Guide. You can receive game invites from friends while playing games, watching movies, or listening to music.

17. What happened with The Dashboard?

The dashboard as you knew it on the Xbox no longer exists and it has evolved into The Guide. All the functionality found in the Xbox Dashboard can now be found in the Xbox 360 Guide.


18. What is The Ring of Light?

Divided into four quadrants, the glowing Ring of Light is a system that combines hardware and software features into one entity, that together with the Xbox Guide Button on the controller, connect you to your games, digital media, and Xbox Live. The Ring of Light will also indicate such items as player specific notifications and is fully programmable by developers for possible use in games.


19. What is Xbox Live Marketplace? The Xbox Live Marketplace is a one-stop shop to download new game trailers, demos, and episodic content, plus new game levels, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins, and more. Accessible to everyone who establishes a broadband connection with their Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace lets you personalize and extend your experience, on demand.

20. What OS does the Xbox 360 use?

The Xbox 360 uses a custom operating system. In an exclusive interview with TeamXbox.com, Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox Product Group at Microsoft, explained, “The best way to think about the Xbox 360 OS is that it is an extension of the Xbox 1.0 OS.” To read the complete interview, click here.


21. Why was the Xbox called a “videogame system” and now the Xbox 360 is being referred to as a “videogame and entertainment system”?

The Xbox videogame system was Microsoft’s first foray into the videogame industry. Microsoft had to avoid its PCish look and prove it was serious about his home console. Now that Xbox is an established player in the industry, Microsoft is extending the entertainment capabilities of the Xbox platform by incorporating a vast array of new features related to digital entertainment.

The Xbox 360 is an integrated music, picture, games, and movie center. You can use the Xbox Live Camera to video chat or send video messages to friends across the globe via Xbox Live. You can also connect to a Windows XP Media Center PC and stream recorded television, videos, movies, music, and photos from the MCPC straight to the Xbox 360.

You can connect your portable music device to enjoy your favorite music while playing a game or chatting with friends online.

You can enjoy and share your digital photos with friends and family.

You can keep in touch with instant messaging via Windows Messenger and Xbox Live.


22. Is the Xbox 360 a computer?

The Xbox 360 it is not a personal computer in the sense of PC as a productivity tool. However, its hardware capabilities and technical specifications make the Xbox 360 more powerful than any desktop computer available on the market at this time.


23. Is the Xbox 360 a Media Center PC?

No, the Xbox 360 is not a Media Center PC. It can connect to a Windows XP Media Center PC to stream content, but it is more of a Media Center PC amplifier/extender than a Media Center PC substitute.

24. What are the physical dimensions of the Xbox 360?

The Xbоx 360 weights 7.7 pounds (3.5 kg) and is: 12.15 in (309 mm) wide x 3.27 in (83 mm) high x 10.15 in (258 mm) deep.


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25. Is the Xbox 360 smaller or bigger than the current Xbox?

The Xbox 360 is smaller than the Xbox. You can see a side-by-side comparison here.


26. If the Xbox 360 Core System doesn’t come with a hard drive, nor a memory unit, how would I save games?

Unfortunately, in order to save games you’ll need either the Xbox 360 hard drive or an Xbox 360 memory unit.


27. I have seen a black Xbox 360, would that Xbox 360 be available for sale?

That black Xbox 360 is the current Xbox 360 development kit and for the moment, Microsoft doesn’t plan to sell a black Xbox 360.


28. Why does the Xbox 360 hard drive costs ten times more than a PC hard drive of the same size?

The Xbox 360 hard drive is a 2.5” hard drive, similar to those found in notebooks. The hard drive that you buy for your PC are 3.5”. Considering that notebook parts are always more expensive than desktop PC components, it is reasonable that the Xbox 360 hard drive costs more than a desktop PC hard drive of the same size.


29. Will the Xbox 360 games use the hard drive for game saves and caching like the original Xbox did?

In a special chat held after the Xbox 360 price announcement, J Allard said: We think game designers have all kinds of innovative ideas that the hard drive will be used for. Use of the hard drive is not limited to game scenarios. Like Xbox 1 you will be able to do things like rip and store music and don't forget about live scenarios and all the downloadable content.


30. Will the Xbox 360 work on any TV that Xbox is able to work on?

Yes, the Xbox 360 will work on any TV that also works with the current Xbox. Even if the Xbox 360 has been designed to play games in HDTV 720p (1280x720) mode with 5.1 surround sound, the Xbox 360 will also work with regular TV that has NTSC or PAL and stereo audio capabilities.


31. Xbox 360 is supposed to be a digital media hub, Can it play Divx or Xvid content? My current DVD player can but what about 360?

No, the Xbox 360 won’t be able to play MPEG-4 variants other than Windows Media.


32. Since there are going to be two versions of the 360 controller (wireless and wired), will we be able to choose which version we want at launch, or will the console just come with one of the versions?

No, you won’t be able to select which type of Xbox 360 controller you are getting with your Xbox 360. Those who get the Xbox 360 Core System will get the wired controller while those who acquire the Xbox 360 Premium Edition will get a wireless controller.


33. If my TV has a 4:3 aspect ratio, will I still be able to play games at full screen?

Of course you will. The Xbox 360 is compatible with both 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 aspect ratio TVs. Just make sure that you set the video settings properly so the Xbox 360 knows which type of TV you have.


34. I live in the U.K and I’m planning to order my Xbox 360 from the U.S, as it is much cheaper than here in the U.K. I wanted to know if it would be compatible here in the U.K.

Just like current generation consoles, a console designed for North America (NTSC) won’t work on Europe (PAL) for the simple reason that games are region locked. So if you get an US Xbox 360, you’ll have to purchase NTSC games because those titles sold in Europe won’t work on your North American Xbox 360.


35. Can I change the look of the dashboard?

Yes, with the Xbox 360 you can personalize your dashboard too. Available at the Marketplace and included also in some games, you’ll be able to change the appearance of the Xbox 360 blades by installing new themes.


36. Will developers continue to develop games for the Xbox or will all be for Xbox 360?

Yes, developers and publishers will still support the Xbox throughout 2006 and beyond. Just as an example of how serious developers and publishers are about Xbox development after the launch of the Xbox 360 you have EA’s BLACK, developed by Criterion Games.


37. I have been reading on the Internet reports that there might be an HD DVD drive added to the Xbox 360 in the future. Should I wait until next year to purchase this newer, upgraded Xbox 360 with added HD DVD capability?

You shouldn’t wait for an add-on that might never see the light of the day and that will only be used for HD DVD movie playback. Microsoft’s Japan Xbox division head Yoshihiro Maruyama revealed that if the HD DVD drive is ever developed, it will only be used for movie playback capabilities. No Xbox 360 games will be recorded in the new format.


38. If I purchase the Xbox 360 on Nov 22nd, will I be able to purchase the add-on HD DVD component for it later? Will the Xbox 360 have an expansion port or some sort of way of connecting it to this HD DVD drive?

Microsoft has not revealed if the HD DVD drive, if ever released, will be an optional add-on for existing owners of the Xbox 360 or if it will simply replace the existing 12X DVD drive on the Xbox 360, upgrading the retail model to HD DVD.


39. Now that the Xbox 360 will boast USB ports, is it feasible to assume that the next-generation of gaming will combine RTS games into its lineup and take cue from computer game sales?

Although there has been some attempts to bring RTS games to the Xbox, including Shattered Union and Goblin Commander, we haven’t had the chance to experience games like Age of Empires or Command & Conquer. The fact that the Xbox 360 has USB ports doesn’t guarantee we’ll be able to plug in PC input devices, like a mouse and keyboard, plus this time all Xbox 360 peripherals must be approved at a silicon level in order to work for the console. If PC peripherals ever are compatible with the Xbox 360 it will completely up to Microsoft.


40. Will the Xbox 360 play video from any Windows XP computer, or just media center PCs? What codecs is it going to play? DivX?

In order to stream content from a PC, you’ll need the Media Center edition of Windows plus the latest Update Rollup that will allow you to stream digital music, videos, photos, and standard and high-definition television and movies from Media Center PCs to any television in their home via the Xbox 360 gaming system.

The good news is that Windows Vista, the next-generation Windows due out in 2006, will be Xbox 360 compatible right out the box, without requiring a Media Center edition of Vista.

Regarding video codecs, the Xbox 360 will be play anything that a Windows Media Center PC streams to it, so the question of the codec applies more to the PC, not the Xbox 360 which simply act as an extender.







Xbox 360 – Hardware – Console:


1. What CPU does the Xbox 360 have?

The Xbox 360 has a custom IBM PowerPC-based Central Processing Unit.


2. Who is the designer of the Xbox 360 CPU?

Microsoft and IBM are the designers of the Xbox 360 CPU.


3. Who is the manufacturer of the Xbox 360 CPU?

IBM is the manufacturer of the Xbox 360 CPU, which will be built at the East Fishkill IBM Fab in New York.


4. What GPU does the Xbox have?

The Xbox 360 has a custom ATI graphics processor.

5. Who is the designer of the Xbox 360 GPU?

Microsoft and ATI are the designers of the Xbox 360 GPU. Microsoft licensed technology from ATI for the design of the Xbox 360 GPU.


6. Who is the manufacturer of the Xbox 360 GPU?

The Xbox 360 GPU will be manufactured at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company facilities. TSMC also manufactures ATI GPUs for desktop PC and other appliances.


7. Where can I see the complete list of technical specifications for the Xbox 360?
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8. What resolutions does the Xbox 360 support?

The Xbox 360 supports all worldwide variations (NTSC, PAL) of composite video, all component video resolutions (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) and VGA resolutions (from VGA 640x480 at 50 Hz and 60 Hz, passing through 1024x768 at 50 and 60 Hz, to 1920x1080 at both 50 and 60 Hz)

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9. Do I need a HDTV capable TV to play Xbox 360?

No, you don’t need a HDTV capable or a HDTV compatible TV to play the Xbox 360.


10. Will the Xbox 360 work on a regular analog TV?

Yes, the Xbox 360 will work fine on a traditional analog televisions with 4:3 aspect ratio.


11. If my TV only supports 480p and 1080i, will the Xbox 360 reduce game visuals to 480p?

The high-definition support for Xbox 360 is dynamic, so even if a game is designed with 720p in mind, but your TV only supports 480p or 1080i, Xbox 360 will run the game in the best resolution your TV offers; in this case would be 1080i.


12. I live in Europe. Will the Xbox 360 support SCART and PAL resolutions?

Yes, the Xbox 360 will support SCART, Euro connector, and also PAL resolutions.


13. What audio and video connections does the Xbox 360 have?

The Xbox 360 has a proprietary A/V connector like the Xbox and a cable adapts this signal to a standard A/V format such as composite, component, S-video, VGA/stereo, and surround sound.


14. What video connections will the Xbox 360 support right out of the box?

The Xbox 360 will support composite and component video out of the box in North America. The Xbox 360 Core system only supports composite video right out the box while the Xbox 360 Premium edition includes the Component HDAV Cable that has both component and composite video cables in addition to stereo and optical surround sound audio.


15. What are the different A/V packs?

So far Microsoft has announced plans for an S-Video, a VGA, and enhanced SCART RGB in addition to composite and component cables. A surround sound optical connector will also be available in addition to standard stereo audio.


16. Can I connect the Xbox 360 to my PC monitor?

Yes, you can connect the Xbox 360 to your PC monitor using the first-party VGA cable (sold separately).


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17. Does the Xbox 360 support DVI or HDMI?

At the moment, Microsoft does not plan to offer a DVI or HDMI pack, but it may be available in the future. Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox Product Group at Microsoft, elaborated, “We’re poised to hit the sweet spot of the HD market at launch and as the market matures, we will provide an HDMI for our customers when it makes sense. The reality is, you don’t need HDMI for HD gaming.” To read the complete interview, click here.


18. If I have a HDTV, do I need the HD cable in order to play the games in high definition, or will the games be in high definition without the cable?

Yes, in order to play Xbox 360 games in HD, you need either the component or VGA cable. If you use the regular composite video or the S-Video cables, you’ll only be able to play Xbox 360 games in standard definition.


19. Is there any way to play Xbox 360 games through a large HD screen (Apple) which only has a DVI connector? I heard Microsoft may release a DVI cable. Will this be ready for launch?

Since there is no Xbox 360 cable with DVI or HDMI output, you’ll need a VGA to DVI adapter if you want to connect via a DVI input.


20. I’m trying to find out if the Xbox 360 will be able to upscale DVDs to run on a HDTV at 720p?

Microsoft has not yet decided if standard definition DVD will be upscaled to 720p or 1080i, but we expect them to hold on this feature because the DVD Forum (the organization that sets DVD standards) forces hardware manufacturers to use HDMI or DVI video output to deliver high definition video.


21. I have pre-ordered an Xbox 360 and I want to know how to connect via the HD-AV cable. I imagine 2 plugs are for Audio, 3 plugs are component video, what is the remaining plug for?


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The AV cable that comes with the Premium Edition of the Xbox 360 has three audio connectors and four video cables. The red and white cables are for standard stereo audio; that is left and right audio channels. There is one optical audio connector that plugs into the Xbox 360 AV port. Finally, you have four video cables: Red, Green and Blue are the component video cables, while the yellow one is for composite video.


22. If I put a high definition AV cable on my TV would I get the same viewing experience as if I put the regular A/V cord or will the HD AV cable be better?

No matter which type of TV you have, component video cables will always be better than standard composite video. If you have an HDTV, then the HD AV cable is a requirement for you to enjoy 720p. However, if you have a regular TV with component inputs, Xbox 360 will play content in standard 480p but you’ll definitely receive a better picture using component video instead of composite.


23. I heard that some games and accessories will be available in stores before the console’s launch. Is that true?

Yes, many titles and Xbox 360 peripherals will ship into stores and be available for sale two weeks before the official launch. Right now you can find in your local store Kameo: Elements of Power as well as the wired controller (sold as a PC gaming controller).





Xbox 360 – Hardware – Peripherals:


1. What peripherals will be available from Microsoft for the Xbox 360?

The first-party peripheral line-up includes the Xbox 360 controller, in both its wired and wireless versions; the Xbox 360 headset, which at launch will be wired; the Xbox Memory Unit, which allow you to save your in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles and take it to other Xbox 360s; the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote, which allows you to play DVD movies and music, plus control your TV and your Media Center PC with one controller, the Xbox 360 wireless network adapter, a USB-powered wireless bridge that lets you connect your Xbox 360 to other Xbox 360s or to a router in order to play Xbox Live; the Xbox Live Camera, which supports up to VGA 640x480 video at 30 frames per second and takes 1.3-megapixel still photos and allows you to video chat, video message with your friends and comes with a microphone that connects to the controller (so everyone in the room can chat online with their friends). The Xbox Live Camera will not be available at launch.

You will also be able to buy different AV cable packs, including the Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only), Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only), the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable and the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable.


2. What peripherals will be included with the Xbox 360?

The Xbox 360 Core System comes with a wired Xbox 360 controller and a composite video, stereo audio AV cable. The Xbox 360 Premium Edition comes with a wireless Xbox 360 controller, a component HD AV cable, a 20 GB Hard Drive, a headset and an Ethernet cable. Included for a limited time, the Premium Edition will also include an Xbox 360 media remote.


3. I heard about a QWERTY key pad for the Xbox 360. Is there such peripheral planned?

Microsoft has yet to officially announce that peripheral but at an Xbox 360 presentation in Spain, Microsoft showed a QWERTY key pad similar to those found in the BlackBerry handhelds. To read more about that, click here.



Xbox 360 Controller:


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1. Will the Xbox controller work on the Xbox 360?

No, the Xbox controller is not compatible with the Xbox 360.


2. Where are the White and Black buttons?

They have been eliminated in the new Xbox 360 controller. In exchange, two shoulder “bumper” buttons have been added to the controller, right above the left and right triggers.


3. What does the button with the new Xbox logo do?

The Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller gives you quick access to all your favorite Xbox 360 system activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, contacting friends on Xbox Live, and customizing your gaming experiences.


4. What is the length of the cord for the wired Xbox 360 controller?

The length of the Xbox 360 controller cord is the same as the Xbox controller: 9-foot or 3 meters.


5. Does the wireless Xbox 360 controller feature rumble capabilities?

Yes, both versions of the Xbox 360 controller feature rumble capabilities.


6. Can you set the intensity level of the rumble feature?

Yes, you can set the Xbox 360 controller rumble intensity to Full, Medium, Low, or Off to match your personal preference.


7. What is the range of the Xbox 360 wireless controller?

The Xbox 360 wireless controller has a 30-foot wireless range.


8. How many wireless controllers does the Xbox 360 console support?

You can connect up to four wireless controllers to the Xbox 360 simultaneously.


9. Can I connect wireless and wired controllers at the same time?

You can connect up to four controllers in any combination you can think of with a maximum of up to two wired and two wireless controllers.


10. What happens if you are playing System Link? Can all participants still use wireless controllers?

Yes, the Xbox 360 wireless technology supports up to four Xbox 360 videogame systems connected in System Link with up to 16 wireless controllers (4 wireless controllers per console) without any interference or confusion.


11. How do you know which controller number you’re using on wireless controller?

Around the Xbox Guide Button, the Ring of Light has four quadrants, on both the controller and the Xbox 360 console. Clockwise, the upper left quadrant is controller number one, upper right quadrant is controller number two and so on. When you connect a wireless controller to the Xbox 360 for the first time, the Xbox 360 will assign an available port to your controller automatically. Alternatively, you can also press the "connect" button on the console (the circular button right after the memory slots), to enable an “auto-detect” function.


12. What is the price of the wireless Xbox 360 controller?

The (estimated retail) price of the wireless Xbox 360 controller is $49.99 in the U.S., €44.99 in continental Europe and £32.99 in the UK.


13. What if someone uses an Xbox 360 controller to turn on/off my console on in my room from outside the room? Is my console automatically locked on with my Xbox 360 controller?

No one can turn on/off your Xbox 360 without your permission, assuming of course you’re using the controller number 1. First, in order for someone to use an Xbox 360 wireless controller, that controller must first be recognized by the Xbox 360 console. That means that first the Detect Wireless Controller button on the front of the console must be pressed.

Finally, all controllers are locked to an Xbox 360 controller once the Detect Wireless Controller button has been pressed. So yes, your Xbox 360 wireless controller is automatically locked to the Xbox 360 console that previously detected it.


14. I am disappointed about the Xbox 360 wireless controller with the AA battery pack. I don't want to pay more for AA batteries. Is there any way that I can rechargeable or like a laptop rechargeable battery?

Yes, you can charge Xbox 360 wireless controllers in many ways. One way is to connect the Xbox 360 wireless controller to the Xbox 360 video game system using the Play & Charge kit, which connects to either one of the two USB ports found in the front of the console, or the ports found on the back. Of course, you’ll need rechargeable AA batteries.

It has been also rumored that Microsoft will sell some charge accessories for you to charge the Xbox 360 wireless controllers.



Faces:


1. What are the Xbox 360 faceplates?

The Xbox 360 faceplates are interchangeable fronts for the Xbox 360 console that allow you to customize your Xbox 360 in the same way you can change the face of your cell phone.

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2. Will changing the front of the Xbox 360 affect the console in any way?

No, changing the aspect of the Xbox 360 by using the faceplates will not affect the Xbox 360 functionality. You can maintain full functionality of your system, regardless of which face you choose.


3. Does the Xbox 360 come with a faceplate?

Yes, the Xbox 360 comes with its default faceplate that matches the pearl white color of the rest of the system. It remains unknown if Microsoft will include additional faceplates with the retail Xbox 360.


4. How much does a faceplate cost?

Each faceplate costs $19.99 in the U.S., €19.99 in continental Europe and £14.99 in the UK.






Memory Unit:


1. Why do I need a memory unit if the Xbox 360 has a hard drive?

You don’t need the memory unit to save data, but if you need to transport any info or as a back-up, you can use the Xbox 360 Memory Unit. You can save your games, your Xbox Live profile, and more with the Xbox 360 Memory Units.


2. What is the capacity of the Xbox 360 Memory Unit?

The capacity of the Xbox 360 Memory Unit is 64 MB.


3. How many memory units can I connect to the Xbox 360?

You can connect up to two Memory Units simultaneously to the Xbox 360.


4. Does the Xbox 360 Memory Unit require any configuration?

No, the Xbox 360 Memory Unit is a plug & play device.


5. How much does a Memory Unit cost?

The Xbox 360 memory unit has an estimated retail price of $39.99 in the U.S., €34.99 in continental Europe and £22.99 in the UK.



Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote:


1. Can I turn on/off the Xbox 360 console with the Universal Media Remote?

Yes, you can power your Xbox 360 system on or off with the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote or with the Xbox 360 controller.


2. What can I do with the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote?

You can power on/off the Xbox 360, you can access and navigate the Xbox 360 Guide, you can play and navigate through your music, pictures and play DVD movies, including opening and closing the DVD tray. You can also control a Windows XP Media Center PC.


3. Can I use the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote as a universal remote control?

Yes, you can use the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote as a universal remote control. The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote supports universal TV and console functionality, including volume and mute buttons and up-and-down channel changing.


4. What other buttons does the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote include?

The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote includes A, B, X and Y buttons.


5. Can I use the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote as an Xbox 360 controller replacement?

Yes and no. Yes, you can use it as a replacement for the Xbox 360 controller in Xbox Live Arcade and any game that doesn’t require the functionality provided by the analog sticks or the triggers.


6. How much does the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote cost?

The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote costs $29.99 in the U.S., €29.99 in continental Europe and £19.99 in the UK.


7. Can the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote turn on/off any TV?

Well not exactly any TV. The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote can turn on/off any TV that its universal remote control capabilities recognize. If your TV is recognized by a DirecTV, VCR, DVD or similar control, then you can be sure it will also be recognized by the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.


8. Will the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote come with the Xbox 360?

The Xbox 360 Premium Edition will include throughout the holidays an Xbox 360 universal media remote, but after Christmas, you’ll have to buy it as an additional accessory.


9. Do you need to buy the remote to watch DVDs on the Xbox 360 like the first Xbox?

No, this time you don’t need to buy any additional hardware to unlock DVD movie playback capabilities; however, using the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote will allow you to use the Xbox 360 in the same way you use a DVD player.



Xbox 360 Headset:


1. Where does the Xbox 360 Headset plug in?

The Xbox 360 Headset plugs in the Xbox 360 controller and Xbox 360 Wireless controller.


2. What happened to the Xbox Communicator?

The Xbox Communicator no longer exists as the Xbox 360 Headset plugs directly into either the Xbox 360 controller or Xbox 360 Wireless controller.


3. The first-party Xbox Headset was a “behind the head” design. Does the Xbox 360 Headset have the same design?

No, the Xbox 360 Headset has a different design. The Xbox 360 Headset has an over-the-head design like the majority of popular gaming headsets.


4. If there is no longer an Xbox Communicator, does the Xbox 360 Headset have volume control and/or mute button?

Yes, the Xbox 360 Headset has an in-line volume control and mute switch that let you adjust the headset volume or switch mute on and off easily.


5. How much does the Xbox 360 Headset cost?
The Xbox 360 Headset costs $19.99 in the U.S., €19.99 in continental Europe and £14.99 in the UK.


6. While using the headset to communicate on Xbox Live with Xbox 360, does the controller have to be wired into the console to be able to use the new Communicator? Basically, does the wireless controller support the headset without having to be plugged in to Xbox 360 or will the controller have to be plugged in?
Although the new Xbox 360 controller is wireless, the first party Xbox 360 headset is still wired. However, you don’t need to use a wired controller or plug the wireless controller into a USB port to use the new Communicator. The controller automatically sends all the headset data over the air, just like all you inputs using the controller.


7. Will I be able to listen to game audio using the Xbox 360 headset so that I can have my privacy while playing games?
Unfortunately, the Xbox 360 headset is still intended for voice communication purposes (and that’s why it has only one earpiece) so you won’t be able to use the headset as a headphones.



Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter:


1. Does the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter require a power adapter?

No, the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter does not require a power adapter because it is a USB device, which means that it takes the necessary power via the Xbox 360 USB 2.0 port.


2. Is the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter compatible with 802.11a Wi-Fi networks?

Yes, the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter is compatible with all 802.11 Wi-Fi networks including 802.11a.


3. Do I need the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter to connect my Xbox 360 in System Link to another Xbox 360, or to a router to play on Xbox Live?

No, you don’t need the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter for System Link or Xbox Live gameplay. The Xbox 360 comes with a built-in Ethernet port and an Ethernet cable for wired connections.


4. How much does the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter cost?

The Xbox 360 wireless network adapter costs $99.99 in the U.S., €79.99 in continental Europe and £59.99 in the UK.


5. Is the Xbox 360 wireless network adapter able to connect to another Xbox 360 via System Link, without the need of network hub?

Yes, the Xbox 360 wireless network adapter is what is known in networking terminology as a wireless bridge, which allows an Xbox 360 to connect to another Xbox 360 in wireless System Link, known in Wi-Fi terms as “ad hoc mode”. In this mode, two devices communicate directly over the air without the use of an access point. “Ad Hoc Mode” is also known as peer-to-peer.


6. I know the new Wi-Fi adapter for the Xbox 360 is USB based, but will we be able to use the current Xbox wireless network adapter with the new Xbox 360?

Yes, you’ll be able to use any Ethernet-based wireless bridge (aka wireless adapter) with the Xbox 360. Just plug it into the Xbox 360 Ethernet port and installation will be the same as with the Xbox or any other console. The reason why Microsoft made the new adapter USB-based is because they wanted to eliminate an external power source for this adapter; other than that, it is identical to other wireless bridges



Xbox 360 Live Camera:


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1. Will the Xbox 360 Live Camera will be available at launch?

No, the Xbox 360 Live Camera won’t be available at launch. The peripheral will be available after a few games that take advantage of the technology appear on the market.


2. Can I use the Xbox 360 Live Camera for video chat?

Yes.


3. Can I use the Xbox 360 Live Camera while playing games?

Yes, you can use the Xbox 360 Live Camera for video chat while playing different games, watching movies, listening to music, and more.


4. Can I use the Xbox 360 Live Camera for video messaging?

Yes, you can use the Xbox 360 Live Camera to record video messages just like you use today the Xbox Communicator to record audio messages.


5. Can I use the Xbox 360 Live Camera to scan and put my face on games?

Yes, this functionality is planned for the Xbox 360 Live Camera.


6. Is the Xbox 360 Live Camera similar to the Sony EyeToy?

The Xbox 360 Live Camera has a higher resolution and Microsoft plans to unlock the true potential of the camera through software applications and services.


7. What is the resolution of the Xbox 360 Live Camera for video?

The Xbox 360 Live Camera supports up to VGA resolution (640x480) at 30 frames-per-second for video.


8. Can the Xbox 360 Live Camera take still pictures?

Yes.


9. What is the resolution of the Xbox 360 Live Camera for still photos?

The Xbox 360 Live Camera can take pictures with a resolution up to 1.3 megapixels.


10. You state that the video cam will support VGA at 30 frames/sec. While the VGA aspect has been seen in various presentations and shows, the 30 frames/sec has now caused some confusion due to the pics from the Spain presentation (where it was shown as 8 frames/sec). While this last figure seems completely unlikely, has there been any confirmation as to the 30 frames/sec AFTER the Spain showing?

That was a typo on the Spanish presentation. The Xbox 360 Live Camera supports up to VGA resolution (640x480) at 30 frames-per-second for video.



Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable:


1. What is the price of the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable?

The Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable costs $39.99 in the U.S., €24.99 in continental Europe and £19.99 in the UK.


2. Can I use the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable with a PC monitor?

Yes, you can use the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable with your PC monitor, whether this is a CRT (tube) or a LCD type monitor.


3. When using the VGA cable, if I have a LCD monitor, how can I hook it up with white and red audio? I have only two small speakers.

The Xbox 360 VGA cable is not just an only-video cable. In fact, it comes with two audio options; standard red and white connectors for stereo audio and also with an optical audio cable for those with surround sound equipment.


4. My HDTV has in addition to component video connectors a VGA input, can I use the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable?

Yes, you can use the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable in any display that has a D-SUB 15 VGA input.





Backward Compatibility:


1. Will the Xbox 360 be backward compatible with the Xbox?

Yes, the Xbox 360 will be backward compatible with the Xbox. To take advantage of these features though, the Xbox 360 hard drive is required.


2. If I buy the Xbox 360 Core System (no hard drive), can I play Xbox games?

Yes, but you’ll need to purchase the Xbox 360 hard drive, which is sold separately as an accessory.


3. Many game publications claimed the Xbox 360 won’t be backward compatible with the Xbox. Is that true?

No, that is false and pure rampant speculation based on the fact that Microsoft changed its technology partners for the CPU (from Intel to IBM) and GPU (from nVIDIA to ATI). This speculation ended when Microsoft officially announced that the Xbox 360 will be backward compatible with the Xbox.

4. When did Microsoft confirm that the Xbox 360 will be backward compatible with the Xbox 360?

Microsoft confirmed that the Xbox 360 will be backward compatible with “top-selling Xbox games” on May 16th, 2005 at the E3 2005 Xbox Press briefing. On November 12th, Microsoft announced the initial list of Xbox games that will be playable on Xbox 360 at launch.


5. What does the “compatible with top-selling Xbox games” means?

It means that the most popular Xbox titles, based on sales figures, will be playable on the Xbox 360. However, Microsoft has not released official information as to which titles will be backward compatible.


6. So that means that not all Xbox games will be playable on the Xbox 360?

At the moment, Microsoft has announced the initial list of Xbox games that will be playable on Xbox 360 at launch. After launch, Microsoft will increase the backward compatibility capabilities of the Xbox 360.


7. Will there be any benefit from running Xbox games on the Xbox 360?

Yes, ALL Xbox games will be able to run at 720p (1280x720) with full screen anti-aliasing (FSAA) on the Xbox 360.


8. Which Xbox games will be playable on the Xbox 360 at launch?

The following is the complete list of game that will be playable on Xbox 360 at launch:


AirForce Delta Storm
Alias™
Aliens versus Predator™ Extinction
All-Star Baseball™ 2003
Amped®: Freestyle Snowboarding
Army Men®: Sarge's War™
Atari® Anthology™
ATV: Quad Power Racing 2™
Baldur's Gate™: Dark Alliance™ II
Barbarian
Barbie™ Horse Adventures™ Wild Horse Rescue™
Batman Begins™
Battle Engine Aquila
Battlestar Galactica™
BMX XXX™
Brute Force™
Buffy the Vampire Slayer™: Chaos Bleeds
Cabela’s® Dangerous Hunts™
Cabela’s® Outdoor Adventures™ 06
Cabela's® Deer Hunt™ 2005 Season
Cabela's® Deer Hunt™ 2004 Season
Call of Cthulhu®: Dark Corners of the Earth™
Call of Duty™: Finest Hour™
Casino
Catwoman™
Chicago Enforcer
Circus Maximus
Close Combat: First to Fight
Codename: Kids Next Door™
Colin McRae Rally 4
Combat Elite: WWII Paratroopers™
Commandos 2: Men of Courage™
Conflict: Desert Storm
Constantine™
Crash Twinsanity™
Crash Nitro Kart™
Crimson Skies®: High Road to Revenge™
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon™
Curse: The Eye of Isis
Dark Angel
Darkwatch™
Dead or Alive® 3
Deathrow
Digimon® Rumble Arena®
Dinotopia
Drake™
Egg Mania™: Eggstreme Madness
ESPN MLS ExtraTime 2002
Euro 2004
F1 2001
Fable®
Fable®: The Lost Chapters™
Fairly Odd Parents: Breakin' da Rules
FIFA Soccer 2003
FIFA Soccer 2004
FIFA STREET
Fight Night 2004
Fight Night Round 2
Ford Mustang
Ford vs. Chevy
Forza Motorsport™
Freedom Fighters™
Frogger Beyond™
Futurama™
Fuzion Frenzy®
Genma Onimusha
Goblin Commander™: Unleash the Horde
Grand Theft Auto 3
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas™
Gravity Games Bike: Street. Vert. Dirt.
Grooverider: Slot Car Thunder
Half-Life® 2
Halo®
Halo® 2
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone™
He-Man: Defender of Grayskull
Hitman: Contracts™
House of the Dead 3
IHRA Drag Racing Sportsman Edition
IHRA Professional Drag Racing 2005™
Jade Empire™
James Bond 007™: NightFire™
Judge Dredd®: Dredd vs. Death™
Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis
Kabuki™ Warriors
Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer
kill.switch
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events™
LOONS—The Fight for Fame
Manhunt
Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX™ 2
Max Payne
Max Payne® 2
Medal of Honor European Assault™
Medal of Honor™ Frontline
Medal of Honor™ Rising Sun
Mega Man® Anniversary Collection
Metal Arms™: Glitch in the System
MicroMachines
Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing
Monster Garage™
Mortal Kombat®: Deception™
MTV Music Generator™ 3
Murakumo: Renegade Mech Pursuit
MX World Tour™: Featuring Jamie Little
Namco Museum™
NBA LIVE 2003
NBA LIVE 2004
Need For Speed™ Underground 2
NFL Blitz 2002
NFL Blitz 2003
NFL Blitz 2004
NHL® 2004
NHL Hitz™ 2003
Ninja Gaiden®
Ninja Gaiden® Black
Outlaw Golf 2
Outlaw Volleyball
Pariah™
Phantom Crash™
Pinball Hall of Fame™
Pitfall®: The Lost Expedition™
Predator Concrete Jungle™
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time™
Pro Evolution Soccer 5
Pro Race Driver™
Pump It Up™: Exceed
Pure Pinball
Puyo Pop Fever
Quantum Redshift®
Rayman Arena
Raze's Hell™
Red Dead Revolver
Red Faction® II
RedCard™ 2003
Robotech: Battlecry
Rocky™ Legends
Rogue Ops
Samurai Jack
Samurai Warriors™
Scooby Doo!™ Night of 100 Frights
Scrapland
SEGA GT™ 2002
Shadow The Hedgehog™
Shamu's Deep Sea Adventures
ShellShock: Nam '67™
Sid Meier's Pirates!®
Sneakers™
Sniper Elite
Soccer Slam
Sonic Heroes™
Sonic Mega Collection™ Plus
Speed Kings™
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy™
Splat Magazine Renegade Paintball
SpongeBob SquarePants™: Battle for Bikini Bottom
SpyHunter® 2
Spyro™ A Hero's Tail
SSX 3
Stake™
Star Trek: Shattered Universe
Star Wars®: Episode III Revenge of the Sith™
Star Wars®: The Clone Wars™
Star Wars® Jedi Knight®: Jedi Academy™
Star Wars: Starfighter™ Special Edition
Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™
Star Wars® Knights of the Old Republic® II: The Sith Lords™
Street Racing Syndicate™
Stubbs the Zombie™ in Rebel without a Pulse™
Super Bubble Pop
Super Monkey Ball™ Deluxe
SX Superstar™
Tecmo Classic Arcade
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™
Test Drive®: Eve of Destruction
Tetris Worlds™
The Great Escape
The Hulk™
The Incredible Hulk™: Ultimate Destruction
The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer
The Lord of the Rings™: The Return of the King™
The Simpsons™ Hit and Run™
The Simpsons™ Road Rage
The Terminator™ Dawn of Fate
The Thing™
Thief: Deadly Shadows™
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® 3
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater™ 4
Tony Hawk's Underground 2
Tork™: Prehistoric Punk™
Toxic Grind
Ty The Tasmanian Tiger™
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger™ 2: Bush Rescue™
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger™ 3: Night of the Quinkan
Urban Freestyle Soccer
Vexx™
Volvo: Drive for Life
World Series® Baseball 2K3
Worms 4 Mayhem
Worms™ Forts: Under Siege
WWE™ Raw™ 2
XIII
Yourself!Fitness™



9. So, how does backward compatibility work on the Xbox 360?

Backward compatibility in the Xbox 360 works like in all other backward compatible consoles; through emulation.


10. What is emulation?

As the name suggests, emulation is the process of provide the functions of one system with a different system so that the latter appears to behave like the first system. In the case of the Xbox 360 backward compatibility, the emulation will consist of making Xbox games think they are running on the Xbox hardware when, in fact, they are running on a different console (the Xbox 360).


11. I heard there are hardware and software emulations. What type of emulation is the one used on the Xbox 360?

The Xbox 360 will use a combination of both hardware and software emulations.

It is a hardware emulation because the hardware architecture has changed dramatically (CPU changed from a x86 to a PowerPC architecture and the GPU changed from DirectX 8 to “well beyond DirectX 9”.

It is also a software emulation because Microsoft needs to develop a piece of software that allows the Xbox games to run on a different platform other than the one they were written for. The fact that there is a different architecture and hardware, forces this software emulator to simulate the Xbox hardware, accept the Xbox code, execute the Xbox games, and provide the same performance of the Xbox videogame system. Not only does this software emulate the Xbox CPU and GPU, but also provides the functionality of some other hardware components found on the Xbox that no longer exist in the Xbox 360.


12. How can Microsoft increase the amount of Xbox titles that can be played on the Xbox 360 after launch?

Thanks to the power of Xbox Live, yes. The software giant will offer updates (emulation profiles) to its software emulator so the Xbox 360 can offer backward compatibility to more Xbox titles; Xbox games that might not be playable on the Xbox 360 at first but will be playable in the months after the console’s launch.


13. How would I get new updates if I don’t have a paid subscription to Xbox Live?

You no longer need to pay to get Xbox Live. The new Xbox Live Silver level will allow you to access to basic Xbox Live features such as the Marketplace and hopefully to backward compatibility updates and emulation profiles. To read more about Xbox Live Silver and Xbox Live Gold, check out the Xbox Live section of this FAQ.


14. What are “emulation profiles”?

Although none of this is official, it has been reported that Microsoft will implement a per title emulation in the form of emulation profiles. Richard Huddy of ATI Technologies (one of the technology partners Microsoft chose for the Xbox 360) was the first to reveal the existence of these emulation profiles. Huddy said:

“They have implemented compatibility purely through emulation. It looks like emulation profiles for each game are going to be stored on the hard drive, and I imagine that a certain number will ship with the system. They already have the infrastructure to distribute more profiles via Live, and more and more can be made available online periodically.”

To read more about Richard Huddy comments on Xbox 360 backwards compatibility, click here.


15. How am I going to know which Xbox games are compatible with the Xbox 360?

We simply don’t know at this point but we guess that the backward compatibility technology will detect when any Xbox game is loaded onto the Xbox 360 and inform you if that game can be playable on the Xbox 360 or not.


16. I heard that Microsoft can’t make Xbox 360 backward compatible with the Xbox because they don’t own the Intellectual Property of the nVIDIA technology found on the Xbox console. Is that true?

That is partially true and partially false. It is a true that Microsoft doesn’t own the intellectual property to the nVIDIA technology found in the chips (GPU and MCPX) provided by nVIDIA; however it is false that the Xbox 360 won’t be backward compatible with the Xbox.


17. Some Xbox games might use specific functions found in the nVIDIA chips. When emulating those specific hardware capabilities, isn’t Microsoft violating copyrights by emulating an nVIDIA technology?

Probably, but it has been rumored that Microsoft has acquired the intellectual property for nVIDIA technology used in the Xbox chips.


18. Why is the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Revolution backward compatible with previous systems without all this complexity?

Because both Sony and Nintendo own the intellectual property for the technologies used in their past consoles.


19. Will the successor to the Xbox 360 require all this complex technology to be backward compatible with the Xbox 360?

Probably not because this time Microsoft acquired the intellectual property for the technology created for the Xbox 360. In the previous generation, Microsoft basically bought the parts from Intel and nVIDIA like a PC builder or a graphic card maker, without acquiring the intellectual rights for that technology.

For the Xbox 360, Microsoft acquired the licensing rights for the specific IBM, ATI and SiS technologies used in the Xbox 360, which means that it owns the intellectual property for it and therefore it can emulate it without restrictions. This has allowed Microsoft, among other things, to manufacture the parts with whoever they choose, becoming what is known in the industry as a fabless company.

This new model was an idea of Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox Product Group at Microsoft.


20. Can I System Link the Xbox and the Xbox 360 to play an Xbox game?

As of yet it remains unknown if the emulation technology will allow such a level of backward compatibility.


21. Can the Xbox 360 play normal Xbox games both online and offline?

Microsoft has not yet revealed the backward compatibility features so it is unknown if it will be possible for an Xbox game to also use Xbox Live when it is played on Xbox 360.


22. Will Xbox 360 be able to play backup or copies of present Xbox games?

No. Just like the current Xbox, Xbox 360 won’t allow consumers to play backup copies of games.


23. Why can't Microsoft make an Xbox 1 emulator for the Xbox 360 that can have all of the Xbox games working on the Xbox 360?

Because an all-in-one emulator would only be able to offer a simple emulation that would not offer Xbox Live compatibility and other advanced features such as cross platform System Link.



Xbox Live:


1. What is Xbox Live?

Now in its third generation, Xbox Live is the world’s only unified global online console games service. This unique service unites gamers together in a dynamic community where they can experience the best online games, exclusive programming, and continuous downloadable content. Xbox Live launched in the United States in November 2002 and is available in 24 countries.


2. Do I need to pay to have Xbox Live?

Not necessarily. On the Xbox 360, you'll have two choices of service level: Xbox Live Silver and Xbox Live Gold. Xbox Live Silver will offer limited Xbox Live functionality at no cost, while the Gold package will be a fully functional pay service.


3. What is the Xbox Live Marketplace?

The Xbox Live Marketplace is a one-stop shop to download new game trailers, demos, and episodic content, plus new game levels, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins, and more. Accessible to everyone who establishes a broadband connection with their Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace lets you personalize and extend your experience, on demand.


4. Do I need an Xbox Live paid subscription to access the Xbox Live Marketplace?

No. The new Xbox Live Silver level allows you access the Xbox Live Marketplace without a paid subscription.


5. What is Xbox Live Silver?

The Xbox Live Silver service means you can connect your Xbox 360 console to a broadband Internet connection and get functionality right out of the box without having to pay any amount of money.

With Xbox Live Silver you can:
Create an online Gamer Profile
Access the Xbox Live Marketplace
Engage in voice and text messaging
Talk to a single friend at a time using voice chat
Receive video messages from Gold level members
Access massively multiplayer online games (additional fees may apply)


6. What is Xbox Live Gold?

The Xbox Live Gold is similar to the current paid Xbox Live service. The Xbox Live Gold service delivers the complete online connection package. With Xbox Live Gold you have all the features of Silver level, and additionally:


Play multiplayer games online
Video chat
Multiplayer online tournaments
Participate in Xbox Live online programming, such as Game with Fame, Play and Win, and Prime Time activities.



7. I heard that the Xbox Live Silver service will allow me to play multiplayer games online on weekends. Is that true?

Yes and No. It is not true that Xbox Live Silver users will be able to play multiplayer games like Xbox Live Gold members every weekend. However, Microsoft plans to allow Silver users to play multiplayer games online on special weekends similar to when HBO has free programming weekends.


8. What is the Gamer Profile?

It is a summary of a gamer’s preferences, achievements, and online personality. Every Xbox Live member, whether he, or she is a Silver or a Gold member will have a Gamer Profile.


9. What is the Gamer Card?

The Game Card is like a gamer identification card on Xbox Live. The gamer card gives you a quick summary of other Xbox Live members including: their Gamertag, Gamerzone, Achievements, Reputation, and Gamerscore. Gamer cards let you instantly connect with people with similar skills, interests, and lifestyles, as well as maintain bragging rights over your achievements and scores.


10. What is the Gamerscore?

The Gamerscore is a cumulative score of all achievements that allows you to quickly compare profiles between other gamers.


11. What is the Reputation?

A rating provided by the community that indicates how an Xbox Live member is perceived by other players. You can think of it as the Xbox Live equivalent of a reliability rating.


12. What is the Gamerzone?

The Gamerzone indicates an Xbox Live member style of social gaming. The choices are R&R, for those who just want to hang out and play without undue competitive stress; Pro, for those who are fiercely competitive and must win at all costs; Underground, for those who take an alternative approach to gaming; and Family, for those who want to make sure the environment they play in is kid-friendly.


13. What are the Achievements?

Now, on every Xbox 360 game, whether it is single-player only or multiplayer enable, you can earn achievements and accolades to indicate progress, skill, and accomplishment. You can share your achievements online and compare what you've accomplished with your friends, or use them as indicators of skill to new friends.


14. What is the Spectator Mode?

It is a mode in which you can watch other gamers compete in titles that support the Spectator Mode. You can use this mode to learn tips from the best players of every game. Games that support the Spectator Mode will give you the ability to participate online without having to compete.


15. What is the Feedback function?

Xbox Live for the Xbox 360 lets you provide feedback on other gamers that will determine how frequently you are matched with them. Give them a good rating, and matches will happen frequently if you're both available. Give them a bad rating, and you're far less likely to play with them online again.


16. What is the Message Center?

All of your notifications, voice and video messages, and even system and service-based communications will be stored in one location.


17. Will I have to buy a whole new account for my Xbox 360?

No. Remember that the idea of Xbox Live is to provide a single identity across the entire global gaming service. That is why existing Xbox Live accounts will work on both platforms and automatically obtain a Gold level status on Xbox 360.


18. I have just renewed my Xbox Live subscription. Does this mean I have to repay for Xbox Live Gold for the 360?

No, as mentioned above, all existing Xbox Live subscriptions will be transformed into Gold accounts when the Xbox 360 launches. The same Xbox Live account will work on Xbox and Xbox 360 and at the same time both accounts constitute a single Xbox Live account.


19. Will I be able to have more than one profile for the same Xbox Live Gold account?

No, you should not confuse an Xbox Live account with a gamer profile. A single Xbox 360 console will be able to host several gamer profiles but each Xbox Live account is linked to one and just one Gamertag.


20. If I have an Xbox Live account, do I have the option to go to Silver?

Microsoft has not yet specifically addressed this question but we guess that those who decide to no longer renew their paid subscription will automatically be downgraded from Gold to Silver level.


21. What will Microsoft do so people don’t abuse with the webcam over Xbox Live if you know what I mean?

Microsoft has not yet revealed details about the Xbox 360 Camera and web chat but we guess there will be a similar option to the one found in current Xbox Live, that is the mute option. Also, don’t forget the new Xbox Live has a feature called Reputation that is a rating provided by the community that indicates how an Xbox Live member is perceived by other players. Someone who abuses the Xbox 360 Camera over Xbox Live will definitely get a bad reputation for this.


22. Is it going to be possible to use my current Gamertag on Xbox 360? And let's say my Xbox Live account reaches its end on February. If I buy my Xbox 360 in December, will I be able to play as a Gold member, since I have already paid Xbox Live on the original Xbox?

Yes, you’ll be able to use your current Gamertag on the Xbox 360. If your subscription is due out for renewal after you acquire your Xbox 360, you will be able to enjoy Gold Level membership until your current subscription expires. You can renew your Xbox Live account in the same way you’d do it on the current Xbox.


23. I wanted to know if you will have to change your Gamertag when switching over and what will happen to your Friends List. Will it be reset?

You won’t have to change your Gamertag when the next generation Xbox Live launches with the Xbox 360. Your current Xbox Live account will be upgrade to Gold Level, which means that you’ll keep your Friend’s List.


24. How will we transfer our existing Xbox Live account from the Xbox to the Xbox 360? Especially if we own an Xbox from the original launch day that has died and we can’t do a System Link?

There is no need for you transfer any Xbox Live information since your current Xbox Live account will be upgrade to Gold Level the day the Xbox 360 launches.


25. Will I, using my new Xbox 360, be able to play via Xbox Live with friends with an "old" Xbox?

I guess you mean both consoles using an Xbox game, one copy running on an Xbox, another copy running on an Xbox 360 using the console’s backward compatibility features. As of yet, Microsoft has not announced if the backward compatibility capabilities of the Xbox 360 will allow this level of interaction.


26. Will Microsoft charge an extra fee for MMO games?

That will depend up to every publisher, but it is expected that extra fees would not necessarily require a credit card transaction. Instead, Microsoft is evaluating the possibility of paying extra fees with Marketplace points.


27. If any specific user doesn't have a credit card, can he/she still access Xbox Live gold services some how?

Yes, you can still get Xbox Live Gold without a credit card. You have two options when signing for an Xbox Live Gold account. One is to become an Xbox Live Gold member through the Xbox Live Dashboard on your Xbox 360 system using a credit card.

The other option is to purchase your Xbox Live subscription at your local retailer. There are a few different versions, including Premium Gold Packs and Subscription Cards.


28. What are the different Xbox Live subscription plans?

There are three prepaid Subscription Cards that can be acquired at game retailers:


Twelve-month (plus bonus!) Xbox Live Gold Subscription Card Estimated Retail Price: $49.99 USD or $59.99 CAN
Three-month Xbox Live Gold Subscription Card Estimated Retail Price: $19.99 (Not available in Canada)
One-month Xbox Live Gold Subscription Card Estimated Retail Price: $7.99 (Not available in Canada)



29. I have never had a subscription to Xbox Live and I am wondering - how would I pay for an Xbox Live Gold subscription on the Xbox 360? Do you do it from your console or do you need to purchase some sort of card or something and enter a serial?

Actually, you have both options. You can either subscribe using a credit card via your Xbox 360 or you can also get a Subscription card. Don’t forget that this means you are upgrading your default Xbox Live membership to the Gold level.


30. Will we ever have demos for the Xbox 360 as a part of the Xbox Live features?

Yes, one of the new features added to the next-generation Xbox Live is the ability to download game demos, trailers, and other game-related content. However, Microsoft has not yet specified if a Gold Level membership will be required to access such content.

Nice, I don't have an xbox but I might get one. Thanks for the information.

This should be sticky Like mine on The ps3 FAQ

P.s You got that idea from me lol