Final details, designs for Xbox hardware leaked

[01.04.01] » Microsoft's cat sneaks out of the bag early with console and controller designs among other new details.

   Just a few days before the official unveiling of the Xbox at this weekend's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the final designs and new details about the console have surfaced on the net. The bulk of a feature article was scanned from the upcoming issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly which, according to the magazine editors, has not "officially" gone to publication.

The system

   The scans were quickly posted today on numerous gaming sites and linked to from many others, including EGM publisher Ziff-Davis' own ZDNet. But just as quickly, they were taken down at the request of both Microsoft and Ziff-Davis. Although some sources indicate that the pictures and details about the new console were supposed to be under a nondisclosure agreement until the unveiling on the 6th, Microsoft went as far as to deny the authenticity of the pictures themselves.

   "They aren't official Microsoft pictures," a Microsoft spokeswoman told ZDNet. "Microsoft isn't commenting on it because it doesn't comment on rumors. Official stuff would go on the Xbox site."

   The companies strong denial is most likely only an attempt to save face after what is undeniably a PR disaster. CES was intended to be the grand coming-out party for Microsoft's risky entry into the console market, and having the designs revealed a head of time certainly puts a damper on the festivities.

The controller

    But the scans themselves are undoubtedly authentic. The text even offers up a few extra details about the design of the console. Because the designer heard it as a common complaint, the controllers will have 3-meter long cords to reach across your living room. The hard drive can ostensibly be employed to record your own soundtracks for games. As to the unique lime green color scheme -- it was the only color pen the designer had when he began his concept sketches.

   In terms of the actual design of the Xbox, it seems the ostentatious mockups circulated around the net have missed the mark quite a bit. The final design is a austere back box, best described as a cross between a 3DO and a slide projector. A large "X" is molded across the top, with the the futuristic green bulb from the earliest design at its center. Four controller ports are featured in the front. Beyond the usual power and video connections, the back of the system sports a sizable cooling fan and built-in ethernet connection.

   The green bulb also makes an appearance at the center of the Xbox controllers. The controllers themselves combine the layouts of the GameCube and Dreamcast controllers, with an analog stick in the top right and a d-pad and additional analog stick on the lower left and right, respectively. Six buttons are featured on the face on the controller with two triggers, presumably analog, in the rear.