Originally released on November 22, 2005, Microsoft's Xbox 360 Pro gaming system offers high-definition video games, DVD playback, an online-play option for many of the available games via their subscription-based Xbox Live service, as well as both downloadable Xbox Live arcade games and video content. The Pro is the mid-range Xbox 360 model between the hard drive-lacking Arcade and the beefier Elite.

The 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft, its major competitors are the Sony PS3 and the Nintendo Wii, and it's the only console on which the extremely popular Halo game franchise is available.

Like the Elite model, the Xbox 360 Pro supports up to four wireless vibrating controllers, has backwards compatibility with over 300 original Xbox games, comes with standard and HD video and gaming connections and connectors, a headset for in-game chatting with other players, three USB 2.0 ports for adding peripherals, memory card slots for additional game storage, an infrared port, a trial of an Xbox Live gold membership, and an Ethernet connection.

Unlike the Elite model, the Pro only has a 60 GB hard drive. As of August 27th, 2009, the Pro's retail price has been cut to $249.99 and manufacturing of the model has ceased, so new units will not be shipping.

See also:

Xbox 360 accessories »