Without a doubt, Microsoft's E3 centerpiece was the launch of the Kinect solution for Xbox 360, formerly known as “Project Natal,” a revolutionary movement-based control system that will certainly bring up a whole new category of games and make the Wii seem like “last-gen.” However, the company from Redmond decided to push things to the next level by announcing a long-awaited update to its iconic (yet fairly aging) console, the Xbox 360.

The new gadget is quite a sight for avid gamers' eyes, featuring a redesigned, significantly slimmer form factor, with a very cool aspect, angled front side and some fierce cooling grilles on the side. Plus, the choice of color is piano black with a couple of chrome accents, the result being a console that, as far as we're concerned, actually looks a lot better than Sony's current offering, the PS3 Slim.

However, the changes are more than skin-deep in the case of the fresh Xbox 360. So, Microsoft moved from two small fans to one larger fan for improved acoustics, but also changed the chipset, which is now built using the 45 nanometer technology and features an integrated CPU and GPU. Last, but certainly not least, the console now provides integrated wireless capability (built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi module), a feature many users have asked for time and time again. There's plenty of storage space available for one's save games and content, since the console packs a 250GB HDD.

Other interesting upgrades include touch sensitive buttons (users can turn the Xbox 360 video game system on/off and eject a disc with the swipe of a finger), as well as the addition of a custom Kinect port on the back. And since we're on the topic of connectivity, we'll also have to mention that the gaming gadget now has five USB ports (two in the front and three in the back), and AV output, as well as an HDMI port for high definition TV connection and an Optical Audio out port.

The new Xbox 360 will be backward compatible with the Xbox 360 Original games, so you don't have to worry too much on this issue. Plus, it comes with a black wireless controller to match its dark design.

The fresh console is priced at $299.99 ERP, which is quite an interesting sum, all things considered. Microsoft also informs us that the Xbox 360 Original will remain up for sale as long as stocks last, but no more units will be produced. Oh, well, that's the end of an era, folks.


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