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Introducing the world of Xbox 360, which in the world of gaming is arguably one of the most innovative, advanced and mind-blowing platforms ever created. Since its introduction on May 12, 2005 on MTV, the Xbox 360 platform has taken the world by storm.

Developed in cooperation with ATI, SIS, and IBM, the Xbox 360 platform has sold over 22 million units globally as of September 30, 2008. The Xbox 360 platform is available in three configurations of consoles. 1) The “Arcade”; 2) The “Pro” or “Premium”, and; 3) The “Elite.” These console choices each ocome with their own complete collection of Xbox 360 accessories, such as heasets for chatting, faceplates for graphic customization, wired and wireless controllers, webcams for video chatting, three different memory card sizes, dance and Gamercize exercise mats, and even three sizes of hard drives (20GB, 60GB, and 120GB), each of which has been designed to coordinate with the console.

With a plethora of different peripheral products and in a variety of configurations, styles and colors, xBox 360 gaming enthusiasts will have a challenging time building their own, perfect custom systems. The following includes just a few of the major Xbox 360 accessory types and descriptions for each:

* Consoles

The heart, soul and brains of the Xbox 360 gaming system is, of course, the console. Placed either vertically or horizontally, the Xbox 360 console, with its sleek, ergonomic design, looks great. Nearly all Xbox gaming accessories are attached to the platform via the console. Measuring 3.3″ x 12.2″ x 10.2″ the unit weighs just over 7-and-a-half pounds. The console gets its power via a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU (three symmetrical cores each operating at 3.2 GHz.) The Xbox 360 console includes a custom ATI graphics processor (10MB of embedded DRAM), a 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically-scheduled shader pipelines, and unified shader architecture. This, by the way, is enough power to enable the system to draw five-hundred million triangles per second–easily enough horsepower to provide for amazing-looking games in standard TV definition, and made even more phenomenal with support for HDTV 1080i TVs. And, as you’d come to expect, the xbox 360 console also supports widescreen 16:9 format. The Xbox 360 console, out-of-the-box, uses a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive, playing games and progressive-scan DVD movies equally well. Users can access media storage and game saving through either the detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive, or a 64MB flash Memory Unit (sold separately). More than simply storing files, the hard drive allows the Xbox 360 backward-compatibility with many of the existing Xbox game library titles.

* Controllers

As the name implies, the xBox 360 Controller is the hand-held device used for navigating and accessing all on-screen activities. It’s boomerang-shape–reminiscent of Batman’s iconic symbol–fits comfortably in the palm of both hands. The ergonomic design includes left and right shoulder buttons, two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and an eight-way directional pad. Controllers come in wired and wireless models. The wired model includes a nine-foot break-away controller cable. The glowing Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller provides quick access to digital movies, music, and your game libraries. You can even contact your friends on Xbox live as well as customize your gaming experiences. The controller even includes a port for your Xbox 360 headset. Many users consider the standard Xbox 360 controller to be the best gaming controller ever made.

* Adapters

Wireless network adapters let you configure your Xbox 360 system to your home wireless network to quickly get online and into the game. These adapters are easily configured, seamlessly synchronizing with the Xbox 360 system. Once connected, you can easily transfer videos and music to your system from your Media Center PC, chat with friends, play games via Xbox Live and more, all without the clutter of wires.

* Batteries & Charge Kits

Rechargeable battery packs and charge kits are recommended for use with wireless controllers. With these packs, you rarely need to buy batteries. With a normal rechargeable life, the packs last a year or two and can be charged while the unit is being used. While the Xbox 360 off, the unit can simply be charged from your computer’s USB port.

* Hard Drives

You can download content to your Xbox 360 hard drive to further expand upon your Xbox 360 experience. Xbox 360 hard drives add to your gaming fun because they let you save both games and game demos, and even soundtracks from your favorite music collections. Of course, these hard drives also make it possible for you to play a boat-load of original Xbox 360 games. They typically even come with an Xbox Live Arcade game, videos and music preloaded on the drive.

* Headsets

A multitude of different headsets have been created to work in harmony with the Xbox 360 system, and are available for your gaming pleasure. Many styles, from over-the-ear headsets to headset earbuds to wireless headsets are available, and each style is flexible to meet the needs of the most discriminating Xbox 360 gamers. Whichever style works best for you, you’re sure to get enhanced performance and clarity along with comfort and stylish, ergonomic design. You will also find state-of-the-art audio technology that provides for clear and crisp reception and audio delivery.

* Remotes

Enhance your gaming experience with the right remote. With the Xbox 360 platform, you have some really nice choices. Take, for example, the Light Up Wireless Remote or the Universal Media Remote, which acts as an integrated control center for your Xbox 360 gaming experience. With this remote, you can play DVD movies or music, and even control both your TV and Media Center PC, all with a single button control on the remote. If a self-programming remote is more your style, then you may find that the Intelligent Remote 360, which learns the functions for other remotes, is more your style.

* Faceplates & Skins

For gamers who like to customize Xbox 360 hardware, faceplates and skins are available that will allow them to express their own personality traits and characteristics. Every faceplate and skin design, from psychedlic designs to favorite sports teams, and even graphics from favorite Xbox 360 games like Halo and Guitar Hero II are available.

* Cables & Wiring

The right cables and wiring can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your Xbox 360 system. When users upgrade their televisions, they may need to take care in order to upgrade their Xbox 360 cables as well. By doing so, they will be able to retain the sharp, crisp screen details they’ve come to enjoy on the Xbox 360 platform. One user describes how he converted from a CRT television to a 60-inch plasma and lost a tremendous amount of resolution in the process. By converting from a CRT television to a 60-inch plasma, for example, you will likely lose a significant amount of resolution in exchange unless their proper cables are upgraded in the process. In this situation, if you were to switch over to Xbox 360 VGA HD AV cables, you would rapidly notice that game images would become crisp, clear and more intense. The on-screen details would be visibly sharper. Fonts on charter conversation’s voice bubbles would suddenly become significantly clearer and easier to read. Having the right cables can make all the difference and you will certainly notice the quality difference from make smart choices about the wiring.

The Xbox 360 gaming system is anything but a one-size-fits-all, out-of-the-box gaming platform. Instead, it is a highly advanced multi-component videogame platform that presents gamers with the opportunity to customize and personalize the game play according to the performance needs and preferences and, of course, their style. With the extensive list of features, functions and accessories available for this platform, the Xbox 360 stands apart as one of the industry’s most advanced, customizable and unique gaming platforms available on the market at any price.