e had a good feeling that we wouldn't have to wait until E3 before the wraps came off Microsoft's next generation hardware, and sure enough, over the weekend the system was seemingly revealed via leaked pictures, and some extra love from ourcolony.net.

Shot across message boards all over the globe were two new images, and we've had confirmation from sources that this is in fact the real deal.  Here are the first real images of the Xbox 360!

Front View


Top Side View

By looking at these two images, a few things can be assumed.  Since there are no controller ports visible, and an IR port on the front of the unit, we're betting the Xbox 360 will have wireless controllers.  Also, the power button is seemingly massive, so we're guessing that it'll do more than just turn on the unit.  Also, we received this image vertically, so it could be possible that you’ll be able to have your Xbox 360 vertically or horizontally, just like the PlayStation 2.

The second picture shows where the now-confirmed removable hard drive will reside, as well as it’s size – 40GB.  Not only will this allow you to bring over all of your game saves to your buddies house, but with your custom soundtracks, as well as all of your downloaded content.

The front of the unit also has ports for memory cards, and thanks to a recent answered challenge at Ourcolony.net, we have a good idea on how large the initial memory cards will be – 64MB.

Ourcolony.net Is Sneaky!

We still do have a couple items that raise questions.  There’s a button on the right of the memory card slots, and the covered port portion on the right side of the unit that we have no idea of their uses.  We have no clue what the button is for, but could that covered port be a place where you have quick access to connect something?

We expect much more to be revealed shortly as the road to E3 2005 continues…