Although the gaming public has known about many of the technical ins and outs of Microsoft's upcoming Xbox 360 console, there's still a lot we don't know. When will the system be released? How much will it cost? Exactly what will be getting for our hard earned dollars? As we get closer to the proposed November launch date, however, the software giant is beginning to loosen its lips.

This morning, at the Leipzig Games Convention, Peter Moore, Microsoft's VP of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for the Xbox, took the stage to make several announcements. As many people expected, Microsoft will be releasing two versions of the Xbox 360 system, each with different features and retailing at different prices. Considering that Microsoft has always said that they wanted the Xbox 360 to be highly customizable, this really isn't a surprise.


The Xbox 360 will offer the most bang for the buck, although it might have some features that may not interest some casual gamers. Retailing for $399.99, the Xbox 360 is being aimed squarely at the gamers who want "the ultimate gaming experience." Included in the Xbox 360 pack will be the Xbox 360 Console itself, a 20 GB detachable Hard Drive (which will be preloaded with some undisclosed high definition content), a single Wireless Controller, a removable Faceplate, a wireless Headset, a Component HD AV Cable, an Ethernet cable, an Xbox Live Silver membership, and, for a limited time, the Xbox 360 Media Remote.

For the more casual gamer (or for those who'd rather pick and choose their accessories), there's the Xbox 360 Core System ($299.99). Consumers who purchase the Xbox 360 Core System will be able play right out of the box, and the pack will include the Xbox 360 Console, an Xbox 360 Controller (not the wireless one), a removable Faceplate, an Xbox Live Silver membership, and the Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable.

It seems pretty obvious that Microsoft expects the majority of the system's early adopters to purchase the more complete of the two choices. It will support the all-important high definition support right out of the box thanks to the Component HD AV Cable, and the decision to include a hard drive and the wireless controller and headset seems to be aimed squarely at the hardcore.


The company also released an initial list of some of the accessories that will be available at launch. It's interesting to note that gamers who purchase the Xbox 360 (as opposed to the Core System) will be saving a chunk of change over their friends who purchase the accessories separately. Here's what you'll be able to pick up on launch day:

-Xbox 360 Faceplate (Suggested Retail Price: $19.99)
-Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB) (SRP: $99.99)
-Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB) (SRP: $39.99)
-Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter (SRP: $99.99)
-Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (SRP: $49.99)
-Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit (SRP: $19.99)
-Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack (SRP: $11.99)
-Xbox 360 Controller (SRP: $39.99)
-Xbox 360 Headset (SRP: $19.99)
-Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote (SRP: $29.99)
-Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable (SRP $39.99)
-Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (US only) (SRP: $29.99)
-Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable (SRP: $39.99)

Although it's nice to finally get an idea of how much money you'll want to have in your pocket if you want to get a system on launch day, there's still a lot of details we haven't learned. Will there be other hard drive sizes for those of us who want to use the system as a media center? How much will the Xbox Live Gold Membership cost? And, most importantly, when will the system be on store shelves? Hopefully, we'll be getting the answers to these questions and many more in the coming weeks.