Creators of the Rainbow & Fantasy360 product series

SINGAPORE, 20 December 2005 (Tue) Amidst the cheers and adulations for the recent launch of the Xbox360 comes the emergence of a secondary market for accessories and hardware. The first in the salvo of case products for this new gaming platform from Xtreme Enterprise is a product codenamed Project Fantasy360. Get ready for more ripples in this new gaming age as we begin with this announcement of the first-ever casemod accessory for the Xbox360 controller - Fantasy360 faceplate.

An Introduction

This is a top case replacement that is compatible to both the wired and wireless versions of the Xbox360 controller. It is widely accepted that gamers not only want to get the most from their gaming experience, they also want a good-looking weapon (controller) to use in a color scheme that says "I am Powerful". Fantasy360 has that and more.

Unlike the original case, this new and improved casing not only fits snugly into its seating, it possesses several practical features that goes beyond the usual functionalities of the original. For this case accessory, we have embossed the words "Fantasy360" so that buyers can be sure that they are getting the same, high quality product from Xtreme Enterprise (not some knock-off, cheap and breakable plastic produce known to pervade the first-gen Xbox market).

What is it made of?

Made from a composite ABS (for durability) and polycarbonate (for compacting strength and glossy shine) material, customers can be assured of a very high quality product that is much improved from its first generation Rainbow S Controllers. In addition, we have engaged another company (known for producing for large companies like Foxconn, Sony and MS) this time for all our chrome products. All cases are industrial grade and have an additional applied layer of polyurethane for extra protection against wear and tear.

Xbox Live Gamertag Slot

The world of live gaming not only connects gamers in an unprecedented way, it adds an online identity that defines the gamers' persona. Have you ever finished a difficult game and felt such a strong connection between yourself and your gaming controller that you swear that you'll never use another? Do you think you will ever achieve the same scores using your friend's controller? Have you always wanted to christen your controller with your gamertag and turn it into an invincible weapon where only you have access to? If you feel the same as we do, then this new feature in our Fantasy360 faceplates will fulfil your wishes.

The Xbox Live Gamertag slot allows you to stick your printed gamertags on to define your online identity and also to make sure that your beloved controller does not get mixed up with your friends. A cool and necessary feature for all Xbox Live fans.

Colors Available

Customisation does not stop here. Personalisation at its best also means having colors of the spectrum applied to all our cases. Initially, up to 6 colors will be released on launch day and the Fantasy360 faceplates include the following cardinal series :

Fantasy Bleu East (semi-transparent)
Fantasy Clear West (semi-transparent)
Fantasy Black North (opaque)
Fantasy Crimson South (opaque)
Fantasy Plata Mid (Liquid chrome)
Fantasy Platinum D (Liquid platinum)

Great! Now where can I get some?

To start your customisations, Xtreme Enterprise is now open for Pre-orders. Simply click on the Market tab above (or HERE) to make your pre-orders.

Project Console360- Xbox360 Faceplates!

SINGAPORE, 1 December 2005 (Thu) With the official launch of the Xbox360 console on 22 Nov 2005 (or 11/22/2005), the world witnessed the advent of the third generation gaming console that is slated to take gamers all over by storm. Already, stores throughout the US are finding it hard to keep up with the huge demand for the Xbox360 and this is expected to carry on even beyond the first 90 days of its launch.

Although Microsoft has stated time and again that up to 3 million units will be released over a 90-day period, it seems like present demand has far outstripped supply. At Xbox-Central.com, we predict that this great software company is going to meet and exceed its sales targets earlier than expected (on condition that its factories are able to churn up consoles just as fast to meet the enormous demand). Woot!

Hot on the heels of this outstanding development, gamers who have already gotten hold of their pre-ordered consoles have begun to remove, uninstall, cut, drill, paint and what you will to bring life to an otherwise dull and milky white colored console. Xbox-Central.com anticipated that this would happen and therefore announced (even before the Xbox360 launch) on 17 Nov 2005 of the commencement of Project Console360 - an alternative to stock faceplates.

We feel, as many gamers do, that the total experience of gaming includes customisations through creativity. And this can be done as long as one has a platform of choice (via airbrushing, paints and even skinning) to work on as well as a place to display one's artistic talents. Project Console360 therefore establishes Ground Zero, enabling You (the gamer) to start off with an empty faceplate and walk away with a mountain of creations. This is indeed, customisations at its best. More details to be released soon.

Return of the Rainbow - Controller S Shells

SINGAPORE, 30 November 2005 (Wed) Who says too much of a good thing is bad for you? Well, at Xbox-Central.com, we'd like to think not. The first-gen Xbox is still very much a strong gaming console due to its ease of customisation and wide range of peripherals and hardware available. This helps to provide Xbox fans with the necessary tools to personalise the game machine to the fullest extent.

We are thus happy to announce the return of the Rainbow Controller S Cases at a reduced price of $9.90 for all non-chrome colors!

This price will include the top & bottom shell as well as the memory slot cavity. We expect these babies to fly off our shelves with this announcement so do visit our market to get yours now! While stocks last.

Fantasy360 Work-in-Progress - Appetizers for the hungry

SINGAPORE, 29 November 2005 (Tue) As we ready ourselves for the first major wave of Xbox360 hardware mods, we are not going to leave any stones unturned. Be warned that what is to come will not only take the Xbox360 controller mods by storm, it will also usher in a new standard that gives gamers an identity that is theirs to keep, wherever they go. Here are some of the pictures of works-in-progress to whet your appetite.

	Interesting to note, that the Fantasy360 will be the first Xbox360 faceplate of its kind that will not only feature a multitude of color choices, but also include a sticker slot for Xbox Live Gamertags. Talk about innovative niceties!
	An almost finished piece of fine paladium!

Xbox360 USB Device Compatibility - An updated list

SINGAPORE, 28 November 2005 (Mon) Thanks to the guys at xbox.com, we now have a wiki-list of all USB devices that are compatible with the Xbox360 in alphabetical order as follows :

Antec Notebook Cooler
Apple Keyboard (w/ Built in USB Hub)
Belkin 64mb USB Flash Drive
BUSlink USB 2.0 Disk On The Go/Lite (20GB and 40GB external)
Cannon Powershot A70
Creative Muvo 1GB MP3 player
Creative Zen MP3 Player (w/ firmware upgrade from creative.com)
Creative Zen Micro MP3 Player (w/ firmware upgrade from creative.com)
Dell 256mb Memory Key (thumb drive)
Fuji Digital Camera
Generic 256 MB USB Pen Drive
Hitachi Micro Drive 6GB (via CFII reader)
HP Photosmart 735 Digital Camera
Iomega 60 GB USB Hard Drive
iPaq rx3115
iPod (all) - AAC patch from the Marketplace is needed for iTunes.
iPod Nano - AAC patch from the Marketplace is needed for iTunes.
iPod Shuffle - AAC patch from the Marketplace is needed for iTunes.
iPod Video 5th Generation (Doesn't stream video, WILL work for audio and picture)
iRiver T-10
iRiver PMP-120
Pocketec (External USB) 40 GB Drive (Formatted in fat32 and 32gigs or smaller)
Keyboard - Basic USB
Kodak CX7430
Lexar Flash Jumpdrive (Should work for most sizes if not all)
Memorex 1GB Memory Stick
MS Natural Pro keyboard
Original Xbox Wireless adapter (MN-740)
Rio Carbon 5GB
SanDisk Cruzer 256 mb Mini USB Drive
SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer
Sony DSC-F707 Digital Camera
Sony (Playstation Portable) PSP
USB Hub (4-way-connector has been tested)
Visual Land VL-340 1GB MP3 player / USB Thumb drive
VuPoint MSX400 Digital Camera

Jewel360 How-to Instructions - Completely Customised Jewel

SINGAPORE, 21 Nov 2005 (Mon) Its hard these days for 3rd party manufacturers to come up with a product that is suitable both for regular gamers and hardcore modders alike. Jewel360 is such a product as it provides sufficient convenience for regular gamers with minimal technical skills to install as well as enough challenge for hardcore modders to come up with variations of style and design. Designed with flexibility and ergonomy in mind, the Jewel360 is ready to flaunt the work of any creative genius, with the added ease of design swaps.

We have completed all tests for this design and have commenced work on the mold production process for this innovative product. In our forums, you will find the first instructions on "how-to" install procedures and what you can actually do with this fun product. We are guessing that once this product is released to the masses, we will at once start a gallery to showcase all possible designs on the all new Xbox360 controller jewel - the Jewel360.

Project Jewel360 - Concept Picture Released!

SINGAPORE, 20 Nov 2005 (Sun) Here is "Connie" again, with a brand new accessory called the Jewel360. Ever since the concept of jewels emerged with the first gen Xbox, game consoles have never been the same again. People have so gotten used to having jewels on their main consoles that it was really quite disappointing to not see the Xbox360 main console having one.

Fortunately, all is not lost. Clever design and artful work on the current Xbox360 jewel (aka power button) by Xtreme Enterprise, will ensure that the spirit of customisation lives on. This is simply achieved by a one-to-one replacement of the original centre-piece button with its X-shaped cap and replacing it with our technically superior Jewel360. Not only will the new Jewel360 fit the original casing to a Tee, it also will provide the following benefits to the user :

a. Illuminates from its centre core using LEDs which are simply, "Plug-and-Play"
b. Minimal soldering work for power connect
c. Swappable Jewel Designs anytime, while magnifying the 4 corner indicator lights
d. Top cap replaceable and to be made available in various colors for maximum effect
e. Design and print your motifs using ink-jet / laser-jet printers

Currently under its final design phase, work on tooling production will commence end-Nov 2005 with the first prototype making its debut appearance and test-drive just before Christmas (hopefully).

Project Jewel360 - A Xbox360 Controller Jewel Mod

SINGAPORE, 19 Nov 2005 (Sat) Remember how the old Xbox S Controller used to have a little circular disc for a jewel? Well, the new Xbox360 Controller (whom I'll affectionately call "Connie") has replaced that space for a functional button to be used as some sorta power on/off switch. We decided to strip Connie to see how her new body part actually functions and whether there was room to support not one, but two 3mm LEDs. The answer was an obvious YES, YES, YES! (keep it down, Connie...)

And then we went about our usual business and fondled with the idea of empowering gamers in personalizing their jewel designs. With the greatest of flexibility and using the most basic tools at home (namely ink-jet printers), gamers can now create their favorite motif designs, and change the jewel designs as often as they like. So effectively, we have created a Jewel360-scene that has the potential of exploding into an uncontrollable sphere of creativity! With the Jewel360, now everyone has the potential of becoming Picasso. Prototype pictures will be released at the end of the month.

Enter the Dragon, Release the Mystery - Case Cracked!

SINGAPORE, 18 Nov 2005 (Fri) Raking up the Xbox360 modscene to a feverish pitch, Anandtech has solved what was the greatest tech mystery of all times - the Xbox360 case. With some standard equipment for disassembly (the familiar Torx screwdrivers and some long, thin iron sticks), the screw-less console case was cracked open to reveal the innards of a powerful architecture that is to be a work of art.

Opening the box solved the following mysteries:

a. There is no chassis intrusion detection mechanism
b. No special tools other than what was used to open the old Xbox (Torx Screwdrivers) can be used to open the box
c. Opening the console and reassembly does not freeze up the machine
d. A regular DVDrom (similar to the old Xbox) is used
e. A regular 20GB ATA 3.5 inch portable hard drive is used (although it is not known at this moment the software bundled into the hard drive)

Project Fantasy360 - Console Faceplate in the works!

SINGAPORE, 17 Nov 2005 (Thu) Gathering pace and hot on the heels of the modding scene, Xtreme Enterprise has again embarked on another landmark project to provide gamers all over the world with an alternative to stock. Work has begun on the Xbox360 faceplate and we have already been swamped with requests at this early stage to create custom colors and designs to match our high quality Rainbow series products.

Well, not too much word on that as yet as we're still trying to concentrate on getting the right mix of options together so that eventually, what emerges is a product that customers want : a fully customisable, swappable design. More details will be given once available.

The Era of 360 - The battle for our minds

SINGAPORE, 13 Nov 2005 (Sun) The psychological battle has begun.

The first gen Xbox did it. We saw how youths and adults alike spend countless hours, modding and improving their systems to maximise its functionalities and beautify its looks. Downloading games and emulators onto their hard drives, developing programs and modchips to exploit the fullest potential of the box that has attained almost cult status in the minds of gamers.

We saw how 3rd party manufacturers joined the fray to develop peripherals and accessories that helped support the fledgling Xbox industry. Filling gaps and wishlists of gamers and ultimately, the M$ mind-control mechanism.

And now, the era of 360 dawns upon mankind, threatening again to unleash another wave of mind-controlling activities. Subliminal messages tells us the age of a new world in gaming has arrived. We need it. We want it. But we don't have it. Yet. And then the animal arrives, almost with a vengeance. Providing more challenge, better security features, backwards compatibility with emulation software and a screw-less console case with interchangeable faceplates : everything that gamers hate and want at the same time. The same features that would fuel the desire of the hackers' minds to disrupt their lives once again to test, develop and create proofs of concept and ultimately, crack the system.

How much time and money have you spent on the first-gen Xbox?
How much more time and money are we going to spend on the 360?

There are no answers. The battle for our minds has started. Welcome to the era of the 360.

Project Fantasy360 - Xbox360 Controller Faceplate

SINGAPORE, 12 Nov 2005 (Sat) Here is a little preview of what is to come in this exciting age of the Xbox360. As most Xbox fans already know, the worldwide launch of the Xbox360 system falls on 22 Nov 2005 and to date, only Joytech has been licensed to manufacture 3rd party peripherals for the magical console. Well, it isn't easy for anybody to manufacture anything at this point (even after E3's preview) since no one really knows the full potential of the Xbox360.

And if you have also been following the hardware mods of Xbox-Scene, apparently Llamma has been successful in implementing the first-ever wired controller LED mods for the tiny SMD LEDs as well as the central button (of which its function is still vague). However, such mods are still in its infancy as we do not know the full impact of this mod on the button functions. Hence, it is at best, an attempt at lighting the buttons up without much thought of how it will complement the button functions.

Project Fantasy360 - Countdown Begins!

SINGAPORE, 3 Nov 2005 (Thu) Work has already commenced on Fantasy360 and we expect to see a working prototype hopefully by early December. Being that the top case is interchangeable between the wireless and wired versions of the controller, we think lighting mods in this special case for the Xbox360 controllers will be limited to the top now. The bottom of the wireless controller seems much too ugly and bulky to be of any good use for lighting mods.

In addition, we will be creating an all new customisable jewel for the 360controller which will enable users to create their very own custom designs and change it anytime they like. Users will also be able to light up the jewel as they are used to in the first-gen Xboxes. More design details will be available at a closer date to release.

So 2 new products to come for the controller before Christmas. And we hope to ship by then as well. If everything goes according to schedule, we will try to roll out a pre-order scheme once we are able to show the initial prototypes to you.

Project Fantasy360 - Different Schools of Thought

SINGAPORE, 1 Nov 2005 (Tue) All too often we have heard the following comments being made : "Oh no! Not another top cover-only controller case! When are these companies going to come up with full case replacements?"

Interestingly enough, another camp of users are saying, "Yes, only the top case will do. Who looks at the bottom anyway? And think about the additional money we have to fork out just to get a complete case! I think the original white base will look great with any kind of top-cover color combination anyway." While we might find a single shade of uniform colors appealing, our research and experience has proven that not all consumers will be willing to fork out that extra few dollars for a complete controller case replacement.

Even more reason is the compatibility of the top-cover controller case replacement with both the wired and wireless versions of the new Xbox360 Controller. This interchangeability provides consumers with the choice to swap cases anytime they like.

Furthermore, the attachment points for the electronics of the controller already makes it difficult for the average consumer to dismantle and reattach. Already faced with the risk of damaging the surface mounted LEDs while performing some lighting mods on the controller case, consumers are going to double that risk by self-removal of the controller's sensitive electronics. But there will still be brave ones. Let us wait and see what happens...

Fantasy360 Controller Faceplates coming?

SINGAPORE, 28 Oct 2005 (Fri) The world of Xbox is a world of customisations. Not only do gamers want to conquer every game that is being rolled out, they are ever-so-eager to conquer its technology and hardware and test the limits of their own creativity. This concept was evident in the first generation Xbox and now we are pushing this idea of customisation further in the next-gen console - the Xbox360.

To start with, we introduce the Fantasy360 Controller Faceplate - an entry-level customisation that enables gamers to have their favorite colors capped on the controllers. Not only does that eliminate the problems of mis-identifying your own controller during LAN parties, it is also the loudest fashion statement you can make - so far.

A few of us might wonder if the Fantasy360 controller faceplate will be an external clip-on piece. Interesting idea, but not quite. This will be a top-half case replacement (which we will call the faceplate) that will continue to use all other parts of the controller (such as analog sticks and buttons).

With the release of the first wired controllers into the stores, the modding community is only beginning to discover ways of adding and changing lighting effects to the new Xbox360 controller and we believe, soon enough, some genius will also find out how to add LEDs to the controllers and light it up (just like the previous ones). This will mean faceplates will not only take on a different color, but also vary in texture and transparency.

Having been successful in marketing our high-quality Rainbow Controller Cases for the first-gen Xbox, we now want consumers to focus their attention on the all-new Fantasy360 Controller Faceplates. More news will come once we have it.