So Microsoft have announced a new X-Box 360 and also finally given a release date of “Project Natal” renamed Kinect at E3 2010.  Before we go in to too much information the release date is what you are probably interested in first:

New X-Box 360 release date – 16th July 2010
Project Natal now called Kinect release date – November 2010

You can pre-order now from Game << click here to pre order now >>

New X-Box 360

What is new with this xbox then?
What’s in the Box?
Xbox 360 S Console (Gloss Black)
Xbox 360 S 250GB Removable Hard Drive
Xbox 360 Black Wireless Controller
Xbox 360 Black Headset
Xbox 360 Composite A/V cable (Standard Definition)
One Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership
1 Year Limited Express Warranty

Design and Ports

First thing you will notice is the new sleek looking design of the actual box.  It’s not black and shiny.  With it’s new look we think it certainly looks impressive. It still has all the normal connections in the hidden front panel and the usual usb, HDMI and optical ports on the back.

The new design is also a lot quieter (according to reports we have read).

Storage

There is now a 250gb Hard Drive as standard, so you can store more movies, games and music on your HDD ready for play back.

Connectivity

The console comes with the normal wireless controller connectivity and you can still use your old wireless controllers that you have.

Now though the new xbox 360 has built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi meaning that streaming your music and movies will be much quicker.

Kinect ready

The new 360 has a dedicated and specialised port ready for you to plug in your Kinect controller, where you are the controller. This will require you to buy the sensor and also have 175mb worth of free memory.

Kinect

Microsoft originally showed off a version of Kinect back at E3 2009, so it has been a long time coming.  Working on feedback and accuracy they are now ready to release this out to the public.  The release date is scheduled to be November 2010.

Here is the promo video from xbox

In our opinion, if this works as well as all the promotional videos it could see the end of the Nintendo Wii. With plenty of options for games developers to bring out the usual Dance games, Fitness games, driving games and also fighting games, We think that Kinect could be a big hit for Christmas 2010. It will certainly be on my shopping list and to fund our purchase we will be selling our Nintendo Wii ASAP.

Useful Links
Pre order and Buy from
Game.co.uk
or
Play.com

Sell your items on:
E-Bay

If you are looking at renting or buying DVD’s, BlueRay or games online then you should take a look at LoveFilm.com

With 1000’s of games, DVD and BlueRay to rent online and the convenience of not having to have late fines then you can look no further. Whichever option you choose you will not have to pay the postage either way and there is no late fees, so if you really like the film you can watch it over and over again as many times as you want. I use LoveFilm to rent my DVD’s and games that I will then be writing reviews for online. You can even rent games for your Xbox 360, PS3, wii, DS, PSP, PS2 and Gamecube.
At the time of writing this review the options are as follows:

DVD
Unlimited – 1 DVD at a time = £9.78 a month
Unlimited – 2 DVD at a time = £12.72 a month
Unlimited – 3 DVD at a time = £15.65 a month
Light Option
2 DVD’s a month – 1 DVD at a time = £3.91
4 DVD’s a month – 2 DVD at a time = £7.82

DVD & Games combo
Unlimited – 1 disc at a time = £10.76 a month
Unlimited – 2 discs at a time = £14.68 a month
Unlimited – 3 discs at a time = £18.59 a month
Light Option – 2 discs at a time up to 4 a month = £9.78

Pay As You Go option
For anyone who doesn’t want to sign up to the monthly amount, then why not try the Pay As You Go Option. This allows you to pay a set amount for an agreed number of rentals. Ideal gift idea or for people that don’t want the commitment of the monthly charge or people that don’t watch that many DVD’s.

The costs are very competitive:
4 rentals – 1 disc a time = £9.99 (£2.50 a disc)
9 rentals – 1 disc a time = £19.99 (£2.23 a disc)
15 rentals – 2 discs a time = £29.85 (£1.99 a disc)

With the BlueRay boom predicted for 2009, one of the best places to buy or rent online is LoveFilm. Rent your films, games and many more. Or why not try a combination of both.