Xbox 360 E

Xbox 360 E
Manufacturer	Microsoft
Developer	Microsoft
Type	Console
Generation	Seventh
Shelf Status	Discontinued
Release Date	NA: June 10, 2013 EU: June 20, 2013
Variants	Glossy Black, Blue
Bundles	Bundles
Backward Compatibility	Select original Xbox games
Competitors	PlayStation 3 Super Slim
Predecessor	Xbox 360 S
Successor	Xbox One

The Xbox 360 E is a video game console developed and marketed by Microsoft. It was the third and final Xbox 360 model and is the successor to the Xbox 360 S.

The console was announced at on June 10, 2013 during E3 and was released the same day in the United States. The console was also released in Europe on June 20. The console was made available in 4GB, 250GB, 320GB and 500GB variants.

Early Xbox 360 E models used the Corona motherboard, which was the same board used in late Xbox 360 S models. Later models of the Xbox 360 E used the Winchester board, which had previously not been used in any Xbox 360 model.

Announcement

At the Xbox's press conference at E3 2013, Microsoft announced two new consoles. One being the much-anticipated Xbox One, and the other being the Xbox 360 E.

During the announcement, Microsoft revealed that the new model of the Xbox 360 would be smaller, sleeker, and quieter than the older S model.

Microsoft also announced that the Xbox 360 E would be available for purchase on the day it was announced in the United States, UK, Canada and Australia, with the console being released very soon in other territories.

Microsoft also announced the Games with Gold program at the Xbox 360 E and Xbox One's announcement. Microsoft stated that new games would be added every month to both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Pricing

Pricing for the Xbox 360 E was revealed to be the same as the previous model, with a 4GB (no Kinect) for $199.99 and a 250GB model priced at $299.99. A 4GB system that includes the Kinect would cost $299.99.

New features and differences

Despite being a new model, the Xbox 360 E doesn't really have many new features compared to the Xbox 360 S.

When the console was announced, Microsoft stated that it would run quieter and cooler compared to the original Xbox 360 and the slimmer redesign, the Xbox 360 S.

The console is slightly smaller than its predecessor the Xbox 360 S. The Xbox 360 E has also been completely redesigned on the outside to match its successor, the Xbox One.

Another major difference is the absence of multi-AV out port. Instead, what's left is a jack for a 1/8-inch breakout AV cable. A cable for a composite connection (yellow video plus red/white stereo audio) comes in the box, but you'll need to find an HDMI cable for HD.

Microsoft has also removed some of the versatile connection interfaces that were present on the Xbox 360 S. This includes the dedicated optical audio-out found on earlier Xbox 360 models. This means the only way to get surround sound on the Xbox 360 E is through a HDMI connection.

Another loss for the Xbox 360 E is one of its USB ports. This means that in total the 360 E only has 4 USB ports compared to 5 on older models.

The touch power and eject buttons from the 360 S have also been replaced with more-traditional physical buttons.

Special Edition Blue Bundle

Approximately one year after the release of the standard Xbox 360 E, a Special Edition Blue Bundle was released. This was the only alternate variant of the Xbox 360 E that was released and the very last Xbox 360 model to be produced.

Approximately 10000 and 50000 models of this variant were made. The bundle included a Special Edition Blue console, which included a 500GB hard drive which was the most storage available in any Xbox 360 model. A standard 500GB Xbox 360 E was eventually released not long after the Blue console. A matching controller, copies of Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Black Ops II and one month of Xbox Live Gold were also included in the bundle.

Trivia

• The Xbox 360 E was the last Xbox to have a pop-open disc drive.
• The Xbox 360 E has one less USB port than the Xbox 360 S.

Gallery

Xbox 360 E with a Kinect.

Everything included with a standard Xbox 360 E bundle.