Understanding the Xbox 360: How it functions

Since its debut in 2001, Microsoft's first video game console, the Xbox, has sold over 20 million units worldwide. Despite the Xbox's impressive capabilities, the strong lineup of game titles and the success of Xbox LIVE, Sony's PlayStation 2 ultimately outsold it.

As the gaming industry entered the next generation of technology, Microsoft set out to challenge Sony's PlayStation dominance. This marked the arrival of the Xbox 360.

Microsoft completely overhauled the Xbox, from its name and design to its hardware and capabilities. The Xbox 360 emerged as a much more powerful and diverse machine than its predecessor. It is not just a gaming console; it serves as a full media center, allowing users to play, connect, rip, stream, and download various types of content, including high-definition movies, music, photos, and game-related media.

In this article, we will explore the hardware and features that make the Xbox 360 a significant step into the next era of gaming consoles.

The Xbox 360, like all gaming consoles, is essentially a computer with hardware and software optimized for running video game applications. The original Xbox was essentially a Windows-based PC with a modified Pentium III processor, powerful graphics and audio hardware, and a customized version of Microsoft's Windows 2000 operating system, all encased in its iconic black box. The Xbox 360 is also a specially designed computer, but inside it reveals a much more advanced machine:

As you can see, Microsoft has designed the Xbox 360 to be a powerful gaming machine. The company is also focused on appealing to a wider audience with the Xbox 360. In the next section, we'll look at the various Xbox 360 models designed for different types of gamers.

Xbox 360 Consoles

Microsoft launched two variants of the Xbox 360 in November 2005: the Xbox 360 Premium Package and Xbox 360 Core System. Over time, the product lineup has evolved. The Premium Package is now simply called the Xbox 360 console. In April 2007, the new Elite system arrived, and another model, the Xbox 360 Arcade, was introduced in October 2007.

The Core System is a straightforward "plug and play" setup—along with the console, it includes a wired controller and an AV cable. The Xbox 360 comes with a wireless controller, an HD AV cable, an Ethernet cable, a headset, and a detachable 20-GB hard drive. Initially, it also included a DVD remote, though this is no longer part of the package.

The Xbox 360 Elite shares similarities with the standard Xbox 360, featuring a black casing, matching wireless controller, and headset. It also boasts a larger 120-GB hard drive and includes an HDMI cable.

To compete with Nintendo's unexpected success, the Wii, Microsoft introduced the Xbox 360 Arcade in October 2007. Targeting casual gamers, this version came bundled with three to five Xbox LIVE Arcade games, likely including "Pac-Man," "Uno," and "Luxor 2."

Microsoft has also created limited edition consoles as part of marketing collaborations. To celebrate the release of "The Simpsons Movie," they produced 100 special-edition Simpsons Xbox 360s, which were distributed in promotions. Fans of Bungie's "Halo" series can buy the "Halo 3" limited edition Xbox 360, which features a "Spartan green and gold" design and a matching controller.

On the next page, we'll dive into what powers the Xbox 360 — the central processing unit (CPU).

CPU: The Heart of the 360

As is the case with any computer, the CPU serves as the core of the Xbox 360. Microsoft has equipped the 360 with a multi-core processor containing 165 million transistors, powered by three 3.2-GHz PowerPC cores.

Each core in the processor operates as an independent unit. Recently, hardware manufacturers have begun integrating multiple cores, or processors, into a single chip. This combination, known as a multi-core processor, offers a balance of impressive computing performance and efficient energy use. These cores distribute tasks across several units.

Instead of relying on one super-powerful processor, multi-core processors divide demanding workloads across multiple powerful units, ensuring smoother performance.

Another notable feature of the Xbox 360's CPU is its ability to handle two threads per core simultaneously. A thread represents a series of instructions for a task. While a conventional processor can execute just one thread at a time, each core of the Xbox 360 can handle two, effectively giving the system the power of six processors working together.

In terms of gameplay, this means that one core could be dedicated to handling sound, another could manage the game's collision and physics engine, and yet another could focus exclusively on rendering high-definition graphics. The flexibility is in the hands of game developers, who can allocate resources as needed. Thanks to its multi-core processor, the Xbox 360 is more than capable of managing the computational requirements of modern games, delivering a powerful and smooth gaming experience.

The GPU

Another powerful component in the Xbox 360 is its Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The console is equipped with a specially designed 500-MHz ATI GPU, complete with 10 MB of embedded DRAM. While the 500-MHz graphics processor delivers impressive power, and the 10 MB of DRAM offers enough memory for efficient processing, the standout feature of this GPU is its unified shader architecture.

Shaders are small programs that define how animations appear on screen. These shaders take 3D objects, which are made up of polygons (the fundamental elements of 3D animation), and transform them into more lifelike visuals. Shaders come in two varieties: pixel shaders and vertex shaders.

Pixel shaders modify the lighting, color, and surface of each pixel. This impacts the overall appearance of 3D objects by adjusting their color, texture, and shape. Pixel shaders help create a smoother, more organic feel to 3D objects. To explore more about pixel shaders, visit nVidia: Pixel Shaders.

Vertex shaders manipulate the position of an object within 3D space. The term 'vertex' refers to the point where two coordinates intersect in space. The system tracks the position of an animated object by assigning it specific x, y, and z coordinates. By modifying these values, vertex shaders generate realistic animations and special effects, like 'morphing.' For more about vertex shaders, check out What are Gouraud shading and texture mapping in 3-D video games?

In real-time graphics, such as those found in video games, shaders work closely with the graphics processor. These shaders perform billions of calculations per second to complete their tasks. These operations occur step by step through various computational components. You can think of this process like an assembly line. In hardware, these assembly lines are referred to as pipelines.

Typically, pixel and vertex shaders each have their own dedicated pipelines, as they have specific and unique requirements. However, the new ATI graphics card in the Xbox 360 uses unified shader architecture. This means that both types of shaders now share the same pipelines. ATI has designed the hardware to accommodate the needs of both shaders using a single pipeline.

The main benefit of shared pipelines is the ability to add more assembly lines, which accelerates computations. ATI claims that this unified shader architecture can achieve 48 billion shader operations per second. The Xbox 360 is the first device to feature this cutting-edge architecture.

In the following section, we will explore how the Xbox 360 integrates with your home entertainment setup.

Jacks, Tracks and Other 360 Features

Input/Output

The Xbox 360 can accommodate up to four wireless controllers simultaneously. Additionally, it features three USB 2.0 ports—two in the front and one in the rear—which can be used to connect wired controllers for gameplay or to charge wireless controllers. These USB ports can also be utilized to hook up devices like digital cameras, MP3 players, and computer keyboards to the system, though the keyboard is restricted to text entry and cannot be used for gaming.

Online

The Xbox 360 is equipped with an Ethernet port to connect to a broadband network and a slot for adding a WiFi card. Right out of the box, the system is WiFi-ready, and the package includes an Ethernet cable for connectivity.

TV Connections

The Xbox 360 comes equipped with both composite and component video ports for connecting to a TV. Additionally, it offers optional S-Video and VGA connections, and it supports certain SCART-type adapters popular in Europe. The Xbox 360 Core System is bundled with a standard-definition AV cable, while the other Xbox 360 packages include an AV HD cable and a media remote.

Audio

The Xbox 360 offers multi-channel surround sound with 256 channels of 48 KHz, 16-bit digital audio. The CPU handles 32-bit audio processing. One of the standout audio features of the Xbox 360 is the ability to create customizable soundtracks. Regardless of the game you're playing, you can play or stream your own music while gaming.

Removable Hard Drive and Storage

The original Xbox featured a built-in 8-GB hard drive, which was groundbreaking at the time. The Xbox 360 takes this concept even further: it includes a removable 20-GB hard drive, while the Xbox 360 Elite boasts a 120-GB removable hard drive. The Xbox 360 also supports up to two 64-MB memory cards simultaneously.

The Disc Drive

As part of its role as a comprehensive media center, the Xbox 360 is equipped with a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive that supports a wide array of formats, including DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 CD, and JPEG Photo CD. An external HD-DVD player is available for purchase for the Xbox 360, but it does not support Blu-ray discs.

Cooling

The original Xbox was often criticized for its bulky design, with the cooling system being a major contributor to its large size. The Xbox 360, however, took a different approach to this challenge.

To keep the Xbox 360's internal components cool while maintaining a sleek, compact design, Microsoft implemented an innovative cooling system. This system combines a small, vacuum-sealed, liquid-cooling mechanism with fans that regulate temperature by adjusting liquid flow and fan speed. The system also monitors the workload of the cores: If fewer cores are needed (for example, when watching a DVD), the unused cores are automatically powered down to reduce energy use and heat.

Other Accessories

A variety of accessories are available for the Xbox 360, such as headsets, wireless controllers, cooling systems, rechargeable batteries, and much more. You can also play compatible Xbox 360 titles on a Windows PC using the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. The Live Vision Camera allows players to create in-game avatars in select games. The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel provides a force-feedback steering experience with gamepad buttons and floor-mounted pedals for acceleration and braking. Additionally, the Messenger Kit attaches to Xbox 360 controllers and includes a keyboard for messaging other players.

In the next section, we'll explore the evolution of the Xbox 360 controller and how it has progressed from the original Xbox controller.

Xbox Controller

The design of the Xbox 360 controller draws heavily from the original Xbox controller, specifically the Controller S.

The primary distinction between the Xbox 360 controller and its predecessor is that the Xbox 360 controllers are mostly wireless. To address potential issues like latency and bandwidth, Microsoft developed a unique technology. The Xbox 360 can handle up to four wireless controllers simultaneously.

All Xbox 360 bundles, except for the Core system, come with a wireless controller. The Core system instead includes a wired controller with a nine-foot cable. Other than this difference, the design remains the same. Of course, wireless controllers are also available for purchase separately if you prefer to upgrade.

The Xbox 360 wireless controllers can be powered by either AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack can be charged either quickly in a charger or via a USB connection to the console. It also notifies users when the charge is low.

The Xbox 360 controller features a central Guide button that provides an array of functions. The button is split into four quadrants that light up to convey various information during gameplay. For example, during a split-screen match, the quadrant that lights up shows the player's designated portion of the screen. It can also illuminate when a player receives a message from another gamer. Pressing the button brings up the Xbox dashboard, akin to a PC's desktop. The dashboard allows access to features like messaging, downloading content, voice chatting, and customizing soundtracks, all while staying in the game. The controller also has a standard headphone jack for voice communication, and some wireless headsets are compatible with the Xbox 360.

The Xbox 360 controller retains the familiar button layout of the Controller S, but with a few changes. The "back" and "start" buttons are now placed closer to the center, and the previous "white" and "black" buttons have been replaced with two new shoulder buttons located above the analog triggers on the back of the controller.

A standout feature of the Xbox 360 is its online capabilities, allowing players to engage in multiplayer matches. More details about Xbox LIVE are available on the next page.

Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is an online service that provides Xbox players with the opportunity to play video games with others, as well as download additional content through the Internet. Once connected, gamers can compete with one another and communicate in real-time using a headset (included in the bundle). The service has fostered a massive global community of gamers. With the Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE enters the next era of online gameplay and community interaction, featuring a redesigned and enhanced platform.

The new Xbox LIVE offers improvements such as better matchmaking, more interactive feedback systems, and voice chat as well as video conferencing capabilities. The interface has been overhauled to provide a smoother and more integrated experience for online communication during gaming. Xbox LIVE on the 360 is split into two categories: Xbox LIVE Silver and Xbox LIVE Gold.

Xbox LIVE Silver is a free service that comes with every Xbox 360, allowing users with a broadband connection to go online, create a gamer tag, and set up a new type of profile called a gamer card. This gamer card showcases a player's interests, gaming skills, competitive edge, and achievements. Xbox LIVE Silver lets users chat, download content, and enjoy certain games. While it provides access to many Xbox LIVE features, the ability to engage in online multiplayer gaming is not available with this free service.

To enjoy multiplayer online gaming, an upgrade to the Xbox LIVE Gold subscription is necessary. Xbox LIVE Gold offers all the benefits of Silver, along with the added perk of playing multiplayer games online. It also includes exclusive content, tournaments, and special events.

For more details on how this service works, check out How Xbox LIVE Works.

Hardcore gamers are well aware that the Xbox 360 boasts an impressive selection of games. Dive deeper into the world of Xbox 360 games on the following page.

Xbox Games

As history repeatedly proves, no console is truly great without amazing games. Microsoft has committed to developing a range of flagship titles for the Xbox 360 while also forming partnerships with numerous third-party developers. The power of the Xbox 360 entices game creators to explore new ways of pushing the boundaries of gaming, and in the coming years, we'll see innovative games that leverage the full potential of this platform.

No other game franchise has so profoundly shaped the success of both the Xbox and Xbox 360 like "Halo." Microsoft acquired Bungie Studios in 2000 to bring the game to the original Xbox. The game became a sensation, leading to a successful sequel. Then, on September 25, 2007, "Halo 3" was released. Within just 12 days, it outsold the best-selling game of 2007, "Wii Play," reaching 3.3 million copies sold and pushing the Xbox 360 ahead of the Wii in console sales for the month [source: Casamassina]. To further cater to its devoted fan base, Microsoft even launched a special edition Xbox 360 console themed after "Halo."

The game's influence even extended into the film industry. For the weekend of October 5, 2007, ticket sales amounted to just $80 million, marking a 27 percent drop from the same weekend the previous year [source: Brodesser-Akner, Claude]. Some in Hollywood blame Bungie and Microsoft for siphoning away their sales.

Below is a list of titles that launched alongside the Xbox 360. For a full roster of current and upcoming games, visit Xbox.com Games.