If you haven’t heard already Microsoft announced this past Tuesday the launch of their newest Xbox 360 S model and the long awaited motion capture device Kinect, formerly Natal. Following suit of Sony they have trimmed down the system for a slimmer and sleeker looking console. Some of the new features include a smaller 45nm processor, integrated 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi, 5 USB ports (2 front, 3 back), custom Kinect port, and a larger 250 GB removable hard drive. Current users will not be able to remove their hard drives and attach them to the new unit. However, there will be a USB transfer cable available to transfer your data. As of Tuesday websites have been reporting that the units were being shipped out to retailers that day and expected to see them on store shelves by the end of this week. Here are some highlights of the official fact sheet that Engadget was given followed by the spec sheet revealed at Joystiq.

Xbox 360 is fully loaded with new features and still comes with everything you know and love. Here’s a feature list to make sure you don’t miss any of the newestXbox 360 250GB parts.

Form Factor: Sleek, lean and gloss black finish with chrome accents. Place vertically or horizontally in any living room entertainment center.

Touch Sensitive Buttons: Turn the Xbox 360 video game system on/off and eject a disc with the swipe of a finger.

Whisper Quiet: Whether you’re playing a DVD disc or from the hard drive, or navigating the dashboard, with the all-new and much quieter Xbox 360, the only noise you’ll hear is your own laughing, cheering and playing.

Wi-Fi: Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi for fast, easy connection to your friends and entertainment on Xbox LIVE.

Hard Drive: 250GB internal, swappable hard drive for even more storage. To access, remove the bottom panel by pushing the small tab toward the front of the console.

Kinect-Ready: Custom Kinect port on the back of the console that directly hooks up to the Kinect sensor for controller-free fun.

USB Slots: Five USB ports; three in the back of the console and two in the front for easy plug and play.

AV Connections: AV Cable included for standard definition TV connection. HDMI port for high definition TV connection. Optical Audio out port integrated on back of console for AV system connection.

Power Supply: Smaller and more efficient. Xbox 360 250GB and
Xbox 360 Original power supplies are not interchangeable.

Wireless Controller: The award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller matches the console in all black with color-matched thumsticks and directional pad with a touch of gloss and chrome to complete the look.

Backwards Compatible. Your favorite accessories and games will work with Xbox 360 250GB. (Xbox 360 External Hard Drives and Memory Units are not compatible.)

Accessories. Customize your Xbox 360 250GB with matching black accessories, including favorites such as Controllers, Wireless Headset, Chatpad, Quick Charge and Play & Charge Kits and more. Get a look at a few of these today.

Key Internal Components Changes:

Fan: Moved from two small fans to one larger fan for improved acoustics. Chipset: 45 nanometer and integrated CPU and GPU.
Wi-Fi: Integrated wireless capability.

Along with the announcement of the new 360 model was Kinect. The device, formally know as Natal, will be released November 4th of this year with a large array of supported games. If you don’t remember what Natal was, it is Microsoft’s leap into the motion control aspect of gaming. The device utilizes cameras and infrared sensors to pick up your placement and movement. Here is the list of upcoming games to utilize the new device. Of course there has to be a sports game, Kinect Sports.

Zumba Fitness
Game Party in Motion
Motionsports
Kinect Adventures
The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout
Kinect Joyride
Kinect Sports
Adrenalin Misfits
Deca Sports Collection
Dance Central
Dance Masters
Sonic Free Riders
Kinectimals
EA Sports Active 2.0
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

Microsft’s Xbox 360 250Gb Slim and Kinect is an article on Pixel Well
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