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Kinect 250GB Xbox 360 bundle unveiled, TGS unveilings promised

"Special edition" will offer high-storage console, camera-based motion-sensing system, and Kinect Adventures for $400; "new controller-free games" coming at next week's show.

In June, Microsoft officially redubbed its Project Natal motion-sensing system as Kinect and unveiled the new $300 250GB Xbox 360 slim. In July, the software giant announced a new $200 4GB variant of the thinner 360, which will also be available in a $300 bundle with Kinect and the minigame compilation Kinect Adventures.

River rafting is one of the activities in Kinect Adventures. And, no, this is not how one really rides a raft through rapids.

River rafting is one of the activities in Kinect Adventures. And, no, this is not how one really rides a raft through rapids.

Today, Microsoft announced a new $400 bundle that will feature the 250GB Xbox 360, Kinect, and Kinect Adventures. Microsoft is billing the bundle as a "special edition" and, in true promotional form, says it will only be available "while supplies last."

Besides its 250GB hard drive, the top-end Xbox 360 slim comes with a gloss (vs. matte) black finish and built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n connectivity. Its chassis has ample venting to cool its CPU and GPU, which are both made with a 45nm production process--meaning they will run cooler to begin with. As a result, the console requires a smaller fan for its cooling system, which Microsoft promises will be "whisper quiet."

As for Kinect Adventures, the minigames compilation will offer various activities, such as river rafting and the dodgeball game demonstrated at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo. It is one of around 15 launch games for the camera-based, controller-free motion-sensing system, and Microsoft promised even more new games would be unveiled at next week's Tokyo Game Show.

Kinect will launch in North America on November 4 for $150 a la carte and will go on sale in Europe on November 10 and Japan on November 20. Though someretailers are skeptical, some analysts are predicting the system will sell over 4 million units in the fourth quarter alone. The accessory is already stirring controversy, though, with its lack of support for languages and dialects other than North American English, UK English, Japanese, and Mexican Spanish at launch.

329 Comments

  • sleek8811

    Posted Nov 10, 2010 5:01 am GMT

    @PixeAddict FYI Russia is not communist any more.

  • fib112

    Posted Oct 16, 2010 7:15 pm GMT

    If Kinect delivers on even some levels, it will be amazing. I'm in and I can't wait!

  • PrimusTool

    Posted Sep 16, 2010 4:21 pm GMT

    @AncientDozer Troll harder.

  • AncientDozer

    Posted Sep 16, 2010 2:56 pm GMT

    @PrimusTool

    Who are these "most people" you talk about? You've only pointed to IGN and last time I checked, that is not most people. And that is half a point against ONE of the other versions, IE the lower scoring version.

    I don't recall him making any mention of it because of the wii itself. Do remind yourself that RE4 for the Wii received EXTRA content which which may very well be the reason for it receiving the attention it did. But then I wouldn't credit the Wii for that extra content; it's just business sense.

  • PrimusTool

    Posted Sep 15, 2010 6:47 pm GMT

    @AncientDozer No, it's not making an excuse for it. When games get older they don't always age as well. RE4 lost half a point when it came out TWO YEARS LATER and most people agree with that. Here's IGN's review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5moKYwH96o

    Notice how he frequently says it's the best version and you should buy it even if you've already played it before. He also clearly says at the end that the score is lower because it's an older game. What else do you want?

  • PixelAddict

    Posted Sep 15, 2010 1:35 pm GMT

    @zzamaro

    Man i've been called many things, but never a fanboy. Follow me around the site and look at past comments. You'll see POSITIVE comments about PC gaming (SC2 and Diablo II & III), PS3 gaming (most recently the Ico collection and anything Sly), the Wii (Galaxy 2 is one of the best platformers EVAH), and clearly the Xbox (Rocketfight and Flaming Skulls on Reach are nirvana modes).

    I applaud what solid competition has done to our industry this generation. Competition is excellent news for us gamers, and every single one of us is benefiting.

    But people like you just running around yelling "the sky is falling, the sky is falling!" for little to no reason makes me shake my head. Complain about this, complain about that, point out this mistake, point out that. Negativity City, and I don't understand WHY.

    Microsoft made a mistake with this whole issue, for sure, and you and I know a patch is already in the works. Someone probably got fired over it.

    As far as peripherals and their prices, nobody is exempt from this. PS3 fanboys trumpet their HDD purchases, and I don't quite know why. My HDD is about the last thing I think about when I'm gaming or thinking about gaming.

  • zzamaro

    Posted Sep 15, 2010 12:45 pm GMT

    @PixelAddict

    Geez dude. well, I guess there's no hope for X360 fanboys.

    Well, I said it and I'll say it again, M$ FORCES you to buy their OVERPRICED products. There are NOT OPTIONS. You CANNOT buy 3rd party products. You are FORCED, FORCED, FORCED to buy Micro$oft's products.

    Is that so hard to undersanted?

    Well, the news about Reach is already on GameStop so you can see it for yourself. If you still don't get. Well, I hope God bless you.

  • PixelAddict

    Posted Sep 15, 2010 6:33 am GMT

    @zzamaro

    If you or anyone else doesn't like a price on anything, then DON'T BUY IT. This isn't Communist Russia, you can buy whatever you want or do not want. Msoft will get the message (or they won't), and they'll reduce the price (or they won't). That's how supply and demand works.

    As for me, when I do buy, I get deals. As with everything else I purchase. If people have a problem with a price on a Msoft product, they'll do what I do and look on eBay or elsewhere to find 1/2 the price. And the good thing with Msoft hardware and software? It just plain WORKS. It's like the Blackberry of gaming.

    You are aware the Xbox does not require you to install your games, right? It is optional. Saves on hardware, saves on disk noise. With the new slim (and other recent consoles' drives), the last point is made moot.

    Reach only requires 256mb for system updates, and I am sure there will be an update allowing those 4gb HDD owners to play without a problem. Regardless, I suspect most 4gb owners will be playing Kinect and games such as Kung Fu Panda, Pac Man, and all the Lego games. These require next to no space to save and play.

    You claim Msoft is all about big money? That's true, they didn't get where they are today because they give everything away on Bearshare. But the company is all about giving OPTIONS, too.

  • zzamaro

    Posted Sep 14, 2010 11:47 pm GMT

    @PixelAddict

    It's NOT about if you need them or not, it's about the PRICE. They are overpriced. It's ridiculous they want to sell them at that price, M$ makes you think these are good deal but they aren't.

    The 4GB is even worse, what can you do with it? You can't even install a single game. And to make it worse, you can't play coop on Halo Reach because you need the HDD. Get real.

  • COPMAN221

    Posted Sep 13, 2010 4:49 am GMT

    AncientDozer Posted "Except. . it hasn't. I keep hearing how the PSEye Or whatever the hell its called did it already but then why haven't we heard of multiple people using one camera, controlling games in a variety of ways? Because it hasn't. The PSeye was just a camera, maybe it tracked some motion but beyond that it was just a camera. No support, no interest, it is dead. The Kinect does more, does it better, and has more support. It has a chance to take off despite whiny little critic fanboys trying to stir up some noise."

    First off I like to see how you would have multiple people in one room waving their hands and body around. Yeah that will work.. The reason the ps2 eye is dead is because most people like myself grew tired of playing a game without some type of controller. I mean really ho many NEW ideas can one come up with that a controller is not required? I'm not bashing any system and this is not some fanboy rant. I'm just stating the obvious. Like I said before we will see what happens when it launches. If it is a success then you can tell me how wrong I was. But I don't believe that will happen,,

  • Sirbobislost

    Posted Sep 13, 2010 1:00 am GMT

    @ AncientDozer

    "The PSeye was just a camera, maybe it tracked some motion but beyond that it was just a camera" but it did track movement as you said yourself it may be old but doesn't mean it didn't excist and it's the same thing for the eye toy it wasn't the first motion camera both the move and kinect are bigger better versions of things that have already excisted neither are new technology.
    /
    The thing that makes me not like kinect more then the others is it's lack of none party games I was rather interested till fable 3 droped suport for it but I'd still rather stick to a classic pad buying my wii proved that

  • AncientDozer

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 11:52 pm GMT

    @COPMAN221

    Except. . it hasn't. I keep hearing how the PSEye Or whatever the hell its called did it already but then why haven't we heard of multiple people using one camera, controlling games in a variety of ways? Because it hasn't. The PSeye was just a camera, maybe it tracked some motion but beyond that it was just a camera. No support, no interest, it is dead. The Kinect does more, does it better, and has more support. It has a chance to take off despite whiny little critic fanboys trying to stir up some noise.

    @PrimusTool

    That's basically making an excuse for it.

    It doesn't explain the disparity in fan reviews and even if we ignore that, if it's truly the best version, it should at least tie the others. But it doesn't.

  • PrimusTool

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 7:10 pm GMT

    @AncientDozer I wasn't being clever by telling you to use google, I wanted you to use it instead of wasting my time.

    The reason RE4 has slightly lower scores on Wii is because it was a few years old when it came out. It didn't deserve the exact same score. This is why Zelda OoT for Virtual Console has a lower score then back when it came out.

  • Ladiesman17

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 9:36 am GMT

    hmmphh. next.

  • mpeg3s

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 3:09 am GMT

    Kinect seems to be the future, if improved.

    Too many features and games delays for me to consider it this year. It looks like it may take MS a generation to get it all right.

  • evan321456

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 1:31 am GMT

    leave the crappy mini games for the wii and just focus on hardcore games for us microsoft

  • isshiah

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 12:23 am GMT

    I'll buy it when the real games come out. I've had my fill of mini games on the wii.

  • COPMAN221

    Posted Sep 11, 2010 4:23 pm GMT

    AncientDozer Everything shown for the Kinect has already been done on the ps2 eye.. As for the move, I myself have played it and not to bash the wii but it does play a lot better. Sure there are some cool games on the wii but I call it with my honest opinion. Like I stated before we will just see how awesome the Kinect games are when it's released and how well it sell.. See you after the release and then we can compare which one failed and which one did well.

  • AncientDozer

    Posted Sep 11, 2010 3:30 am GMT

    @PrimusTool

    Clearly you're new to the game then.

    The Six Axis was held aloft by sony fanboys, as every fanboy of any thing tends to do with something they haven't actually touched, and declared superior to Wii and the pinnacle of motion sensing technology. Yes, Sony did their fair share but so did the fans on this site. Of course, as often is the case, it dies after mediocre experience and people move on.

    First, I know you believe yourself to be clever, bringing up google, but let me inform you that you aren't the first to think of that quip to throw around. Secondly, "definitive" is just mumbo jumbo reviewer talk. A fancy word to throw in to attract interest.

    Third. RE4 on the gamecube website average 9.6 gamespot 9.6, and fan 9.6. PS2 got 9.3, 9.6, 9.4. The Wii has a 9.1, 9.1, 9.2. You should have seen that.

    I don't even remember what you want, exactly. It doesn't matter. As far as Move and Kinect go, I'd rather try out Kinect. If I want a Move experience, I can just find it on the Wii. Kinect is at least, on a hardware level, different. The games? Maybe they are exact or similar copies but the experience may be different as a result so it's worth giving it a go.

  • shadowysea07

    Posted Sep 10, 2010 4:27 pm GMT

    wow ouch i hope they don't expect natal to sell to well when they want 100 bucks for it

  • Arrogant_1

    Posted Sep 10, 2010 4:26 pm GMT

    @ Fusco1980

    "You also need correct spelling and grammar. Look at your name, doesn't really give you really any support to what you say."

    Guess they forgot to inform me proper grammar and spelling were a prerequisite for commenting... "Thank you." for informing me about that, along with arguing about almost every other comment that has been posted on this article.

    Oh, and just so you know... you can't use "really" the way you did twice in a sentence. Google "predicate nominative" Your welcome! ; ]

  • blackace

    Posted Sep 10, 2010 11:43 am GMT

    Death_Blade_182 Do I smell a desperate attempt at selling an overpriced product? Yes I do...
    *******************************************************
    Which one? The Move, Kinect or Wii? They are all overpriced to me, but I'll still get them all eventually unless the games don't get any better. I still have fun with the Wii. Wii Sports Resort, Mario Galaxy and Zelda are still fun for me.

  • PrimusTool

    Posted Sep 10, 2010 8:02 am GMT

    @AncientDozer Who claimed the Sixaxis had better motion than the Wii Remote, Sony? Their "opinion" doesn't exactly count.

    Why don't you believe that most people thought RE4 was best on Wii? Even THIS SITE says "This is the definitive version of a modern classic". Metroid Prime was also on Gamecube. Seriously, learn to use Google.

  • kavadias1981

    Posted Sep 10, 2010 12:05 am GMT

    @Fusco1980

    You tell them buddy. I agree completely.

  • inferno394

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 10:07 pm GMT

    @ Fusco1980 $430 M$ bundle $215 wii bundle or $430 PS3 bundle Wii is cheaper and has more for the price. People are doing the math. M$ and $ony are great at one thing.......pricing themselves out of the middle class market.

  • PixelAddict

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 9:08 pm GMT

    @zzamaro

    I really don't need 400gb.. not on my Xbox. My computer does, and that's why it has that and more. Anything over 120 would be overkill, at least for me and my needs.

    I don't mind the Msoft products. Because I (mostly) choose not to buy them.

    I will say this about that. I have a 60gb HD, and earlier today I did 5 minutes of looking and found a guy near where I live who was selling a 120gb HD for $50. So deals can be had. The 120gb would give me enough room for all the game installs I choose, more demo downloads, etc, etc.

    I still think that the $300 and $400 bundles are incredibly good buys. No matter how much you stomp or pout or call me uninformed.

  • Mizuki88

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 9:01 pm GMT

    I like the Xbox and all but Kinect just sounds really gimmicky to me. I have a feeling it's going to be forgotten about like that camera thing the PS2 had. I do want the new 250GB 360 though. Too bad I pretty much just recently bought a replacement 360 for my old one that stopped working :I

  • axeman87

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 4:25 pm GMT

    @Fusco1980. Dont worry about it bro just let it go haha, most of the adult gamers know how it is. .
    .
    Obviously the kiddies feel threatened that their beloved MW & Haloe will somehow be taken over by Kinect and casual/family gamers who just want to have a bit of fun instead of jerging off over GamerScore

  • COPMAN221

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 4:07 pm GMT

    monson21502 Posted Sep 9, 2010 4:00 pm PT haha i was right!!!! npd numbers just came up on ign. and used the same words i said on last weeks news thread. 360 is on fire beating everything again this month

    Oh noooooooooooo, monson21502 never trolls and is not a blatant fanboy..

  • FoxbatAlpha

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 4:06 pm GMT

    @Demon6324236

    True. Very true. Without competition there would be no push for the next big thing. Having 3 big game companaies ensures that everyone has something to keep them happy.

  • monson21502

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 4:00 pm GMT

    haha i was right!!!! npd numbers just came up on ign. and used the same words i said on last weeks news thread. 360 is on fire beating everything again this month

  • AncientDozer

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 3:40 pm GMT

    @PrimusTool

    Of course the Six Axis was defended. Just like everything else. It was defended fiercely and proclaimed better than the Wiimote and totally in the works long before the Wii ever was. . until Lair and a number of other games crashed and burned. And then no one really put much support behind it.

    I'm looking at Resident Evil 4 scores/reviews and somehow I fail to believe you. As for Metroid? We have no idea what it's like without the Wiimote because it's only on the Wii.

  • digi-demon

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 3:01 pm GMT

    Am yet to play a 100% accurate motion controlled game and IMHO I really doubt if I or anyone else will do in the foreseable future...kinect - move or Wii plus. Video games using motion control is still 'Emperors new(ish) clothes'

  • mariokart64fan

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 2:58 pm GMT

    hahah minigames? really i thought it was an adventure game , , now i just know i was right when i bought my wii in the first place
    at least its got quality motion titles

  • ANTHONYMVP2U

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 2:36 pm GMT

    cant wait to get mines..

  • PrimusTool posted Sep 9, 2010 2:15 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    PrimusTool

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 2:15 pm GMT (hide)

    @AncientDozer Um, no. The Sixaxis was never really defended. Resident Evil 4 was better with the Wii remote and RE5 will be better with the Move. Metroid Prime was better with the Wii Remote and Socom and Killzone will be better with the Move.

    Meanwhile, the Kinect games look awful.

  • Death_Blade_182

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 2:14 pm GMT

    Do I smell a desperate attempt at selling an overpriced product? Yes I do...

  • monson21502

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 2:14 pm GMT

    @COPMAN221, oh you dont lie huh? what about you saying move plays perfect in darker rooms or with alot of sunlight coming threw a window. which other testers on gaming sites clearly had problems with. i guess since you love sony so much they sent you the only perfect move controller in the world

  • COPMAN221

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 1:29 pm GMT

    mrzero1982pt2 I hear you and respect your comments. I'm just defending myself from monson21502 blatant lies about me..

  • COPMAN221

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 1:23 pm GMT

    zzamaro thanks. I'm just calling it like I see it. I wouldn't tarnish my good name like our misguided fanboy monson21502 and tell you to go out and by the Kinect it is awesome and the games are awesome without even playing it.. That my friend would be foolish of me

  • COPMAN221

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 1:19 pm GMT

    monson21502 Posted "@COPMAN221, do us all a favor and go gloat on youtube about wining a move party pack some more. noone on this news thread cares. this is about kinect not move. maybe you should make a how to troll kinect threads instead of playing something that very few others have right now video on youtube? im sure will be a star in no time." Umm the only troll here is you my friend must I copy and paste all your posting of your trolling on anything and everything PS3..Please post here where I gloat about winning the PS3 because I don't recall doing so. Again you are naking things up my friend. Now I never bashed the Kinect but and only praised what I have played on the move. If i played a game that was garbage I would be the first to tell eveyone not to waste their time. YOU my frined have not even touched the Kinect yet you praise it like the next best thing.. Why is that? Perhaps brainwashed fanboyism? Stop trying so hard to mask your trolling ways as it only makes you look more foolish than you already are...

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