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This is the Craziest Xbox Ever Made, But Why Did Nobody Buy It?
The Xbox has been a popular gaming console for decades now and has released some of the most iconic consoles in the gaming world. However, there is one Xbox that stands out from the rest, not for its innovative design or features, but for the fact that it was hardly bought by anyone. Yes, we’re talking about the Xbox 360e, the ultimate farewell to the beloved Xbox 360. Let’s dive into the history of this peculiar console and understand why it failed to make an impact in the gaming market.
The Unveiling of the Xbox 360e
In 2013, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Xbox announced the release of their next-generation consoles – the Xbox One. Along with this highly anticipated console, another console was announced – the Xbox 360e. This console was meant to be the grand farewell to the Xbox 360, which had sold over 80 million units and was considered a huge success. The goal of the 360e was to unify the Xbox lineup by making the older 360 model look more modern and match the design of the new Xbox One. The 360e had a smaller and sleeker design and was also much quieter than its predecessor.
It was a unique concept to see an Xbox 360 that looked like an Xbox One. However, it was also one of the most confusing consoles ever to be released, leaving many people scratching their heads. But it did make sense in a way, as the launch of the Xbox One was not a smooth one. The console received a lot of backlash for banning pre-owned games, heavy integration with the Kinect, and the compulsory online connection. Furthermore, the Xbox One lacked the feature of backwards compatibility, meaning owners could not play Xbox original or Xbox 360 games on their new console.
And here’s where the 360e came into play. Microsoft’s solution for this issue was to encourage people to purchase both the Xbox One and the 360e, thus providing an immersive gaming experience with both the current and older generation consoles. In hindsight, it now seems like a strategic move to keep the 360 alive, but did Xbox ever intend to kill the 360 in the first place?
Fortunately, Microsoft’s then-president, Don Mattrick, had an answer to this. In an interview, he stated, “We have a product for people who aren’t able to get some form of connectivity; it’s called the Xbox 360.” So it seems like the 360 was never meant to be phased out and was supposed to coexist with the Xbox One.
Our Experience with the Xbox 360e
Fast forward to 2022, let’s take a closer look at the Xbox 360e and see if it still holds up as one of the best gaming consoles ever made. We got our hands on a used 360e from Amazon to explore what this console had to offer.
As promised by the seller, we received the complete box, which was a great start. However, we were disappointed with the condition of the console itself. It was covered in scratches, and the glossy plastic finish made it prone to getting damaged easily.
But putting the cosmetic flaws aside, the 360e still packs a punch. It runs smoothly, and the graphics hold up well, considering its age. So it can still be a good budget option for someone looking to play games on a budget. But it’s important to mention that the lack of backwards compatibility can be a major setback for players who want to try out older Xbox games on this console.
Final Thoughts
The Xbox 360e may have been overshadowed by the Xbox One, but it still remains a unique console in the gaming world. Its unusual release and the purpose behind it make it an interesting piece of Xbox history. So if you come across an Xbox 360e, don’t be quick to dismiss it as just another old console. It’s a reminder of a time when Xbox was trying to coexist with its past and future. It’s a reminder that some things in life, even the craziest ones, just don’t make sense.
