Well unbelievable Microsoft debuted the Xbox 360 Slim, an updated and redesigned version of its console, which begins shipping to stores in North America today with a $299 price tag.
The company’s Interactive Entertainment SVP Don Mattrick unveiled the new hardware to the public today at Microsoft’s E3 press event, promising that the black system has been “completely redesigned for the future of entertainment”.
The Xbox 360 Slim features a 250 GB hard drive, built-in wifi (802.11N), and, like all other Xbox 360 models, support for Microsoft’s upcoming motion-sensing, controller-free device Kinect.
To emphasize the updated console’s features and Kinect support, Microsoft revealed a short trailer with the slogan “here today, ready for tomorrow”. Mattrick went on to describe the Xbox 360 Slim as “sleeker, smaller, [and] whisper-quiet.”
Despite the system’s new features, Microsoft has decided to keep the Xbox 360 Slim’s price at $299, which is also the price of the Xbox 360 Elite.
Mattrick said the Xbox 360 Slim begins shipping in North America today, and should arrive at stores this week.
Update:We got some Images as well bonus information.
At the company’s E3 press conference Microsoft had a lot of news, but the biggest was the unveiling a new Xbox. The new Slim model will be the same price as previously–$299–and will pack in a 250GB hard drive and wireless n. The console will be shipping to retailers today and will be available to customers later this week. The console will ship in a snazzy gloss black.
For a size comparison the Xbox 360 Slim was hidden inside a hollowed-out Xbox 360 during its unveiling. It was considerable smaller and the design is much more angular.
Regarding the new console, Microsoft had this to say:
The New Xbox 360
Microsoft also surprised the world with a new Xbox 360 console designed for the future. Back in black, the new Xbox 360 is sleek, silent and sexy. Connect in seconds to the always- expanding world of Xbox LIVE through built-in Wi-Fi N and store twice as many games and entertainment on a 250GB hard drive.
The newly designed console is whisper-quiet, so the silent tension of a game or movie is never broken. The new Xbox 360 system also comes with everything you need to get started, including an Xbox 360 wireless controller, Xbox 360 headset, HDMI input, USB flash drive storage capabilities and more, and a one-year limited warranty on the console, available this week and priced at $299.99 ERP.
By the way, Kinect is still unpriced but we know it will ship on November 4th.
Update – 4:14pm – Kotaku has posted the specifications page. Highlights include “whisper quiet” operation during DVD playback, WiFi 802.11n, 250GB internal hard drive (swappable by removing the bottom panel), Kinect-ready through a custom Kinect port on the back, 5 uSB slots (three on the back and two in front), AV, HDMI, and optical audio connections, a smaller power supply (not interchangeable with the original 360 one), and black accessories that match the new console.
Internal changes include: one large fan instead of two smaller ones, a 45nm chipset with integrated CPU and GPU, and integrated WiFi. These first two changes should lead to a system that runs significantly coolers and quieter.
BONUS VIDEO:
XBOX 360 Slim Unboxing Hands on Preview HD
