The new Xbox 360 broke cover last night and we’ve been scouring the specs ever since to discover its secrets. And since we brought you news this morning of an Xbox 360 slim UK wait, you’ve got plenty of time to peruse 10 things you didn’t know about the new Xbox 360…
It’s 15% smaller…
Microsoft has shrunk the new Xbox 360 250GB by 15% compared to its predecessor but in practice that basically means a curvier shell and an inch lopped off its height. With stats so similar to the last model, we’re not surprised Microsoft shied away from officially giving it the Xbox Slim name.
There’s a dedicated Kinect port…
The new Xbox 360 has a big advantage over its slightly tubbier predecessor when it comes to playing nice with the new Microsoft Kinect motion controller. Concealed round the back among the other connections there’s a dedicated Kinect port. It’s essentially a powered USB port but means you’ll be able to plug in the Kinect without needing an external power supplier.
But current Xbox 360s work with Kinect too…
If you don’t plump for the new Xbox 360 and stick with the current version of the console you’ll still be able to hook up a Kinect but you’ll need to rely on another external power supply and a USB dongle to get your motion-sensitive gaming fix.
It’s easy to upgrade the hard drive but old ones won’t fit
The new Xbox 360 has an upgradable 250GB hard drive which you can poke at via a small user-accessible hatch. Getting at the hard drive doesn’t need any tools but the one nestled within the new Xbox 360 is entirely different to previous models and won’t work with existing consoles. Luckily existing Data Transfer cables will let you copy content between old and new Xbox 360 models.
There’s some beautiful new buttons…
The new Xbox 360 adds capacitive power and eject buttons. You’ll be rewarded with a beep when you press them so you’ll know everything’s working fine and early reports suggest they’re really responsive.
And the controllers have been redesigned too…
The new Xbox 360 controllers have had a bit of brush up too with a new shinier Xbox button that boasts a chrome effect instead of the previous brushed steel style. And if you’ve always been frustrated with grey d-pad and joysticks clashing with your console there’s good news, they’re now matching black.
Optical audio is now there as standard…
Previously you had to pick up an adaptor to use HDMI for video and the optical port for audio. With the new Xbox 360 an optical audio port has been added along with three additional USB ports which brings the total up to a Rock Band 3-friendly 5 as well as an ethernet connection.
But you don’t get an HDMI cable…
While the new Xbox 360 has HDMI out, you won’t get an HDMI cable in the box. That’s not new but it’s still annoying, especially as PS3 Slim bundles now include one.
It’s packing a more petite power supply…
The new Xbox 360 has a completely redesigned power supply too. It finally comes dressed in black like the consoled and ditches the grille and air vents of the old model. Microsoft says the new Xbox 360 power supply is more efficient than the previous one and there’s a new connector to stop you from plugging it into an old Xbox 360.
You can lock it down
Microsoft has added a Kensington security lock slot to the back of the new Xbox 360 so if you’re worried about light-fingered family members or your untrustworthy new flatmate, you’ll be able to bolt it down.
Have you noticed any other interesting features in the new Xbox 360 specs? Let us know in the comments. And make sure to vote in our Xbox 360 slim poll to let us know whether Microsoft has beguiled you into buying an update console.
Out July 16 | £199 | Xbox
