All eyes are on Microsoft at E3 today, where punters are eager to learn more about the gaming potential of the Xbox One. Imagine their surprise, then, when the company seized the opportunity to first announce a new-look Xbox 360, very much styled after its future heir.
Microsoft suggests that the new slimmer 360 is even quieter than the current model, which itself has made significant gains in the near-silent stakes to earlier iterations of the console.
The company took the opportunity to press home its continued support for the ageing console, with "hundreds" of new games slated for a release this coming year. These include high profile sequels such as Dark Souls 2, Grand Theft Auto V and Splinter Cell: Blacklist. World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition and Max: The Curse of Brotherhood were also announced as 360 exclusives.
Next-gen games that will also see release on the 360 include Call of Duty: Ghosts, Grand Theft Auto V, Battlefield 4, Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Watch Dogs, Batman: Arkham Origins and Fable Anniversary.
Microsoft also announced that Xbox Live Gold subscribers will soon be treated to two free games downloads per month between Jul. 1 and Dec. 31, from a choice including Halo 3 and Assassin's Creed 2.
The unit is shipping today to retailers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland. A 4-GB version looks set to cost US$199.99, a 250-GB version for $299.99, and a 4-GB version plus Kinect also for $299.99.
There's life in the ol' dog yet.
Source: Xbox