Thanks to both Major Nelson's Flickr Photostream and Kotaku, we've got our first look at the new 360 Slim (not the official name; however, it's being called the New Xbox 360 (think along the lines of New Xbox Experience, "NXE," so I guess the new abbreviation will be NX360), spec sheets list it as Xbox 360 250GB still, but the original 360 is called just that, the Xbox 360 Original) as well as a brief, rough-n-dirty tech spec sheet that came with the free slims Microsoft handed out after the conference.
The photos don't do much, but they do show off the back of the unit, where there are some much welcomed additions. Built-in optical audio support, three USB ports on the back (two on the front behind a hide-away panel) and a port labeled "AUX," which, according to the spec sheet, is solely for the Kinect. Now, I won't have to keep my HD-DVD to be used as a USB-hub. Thanks, Microsoft!
I can only derive one thought: DO WANT.
UPDATE: It appears that the 360 Original won't be produced, and that once the available stock is gone, it's gone. The Arcade seems to be getting a refresh (probably white, smaller capacity HDD) and that should fill in the $199 void that the 360 Original is currently at. The exact date for the 360 Slim is this Friday at the earliest, and Sunday at the latest. The price changes for the 360 Original should take effect Tuesday (that's tomorrow!). [Via Engadget]
Check past the break for the spec sheet and the image gallery.
