Creators of the Rainbow & Fantasy360 product series

SINGAPORE, 27 Oct 2006 (Fri) In response to customer demands for a local US retailer, we are pleased to announce that Decalgirl has been granted Official Distributorship for our Fantasy360 line of products. Not only does this partnership greatly lower the shipping costs for customers, product prices have also been drastically adjusted to give that high quality at low prices. With a streamlined distribution system in place, Decalgirl is well poised to offer a faster and better service for all customers.

For a start, they already have the Fantasy360 wireless controller shells in stock and these are going for a crazy price of only $16.99! More Fantasy360 products are headed their way very soon so do look out for our announcements online.

Fantasy360-Console to support Nyko Intercooler

SINGAPORE, 17 Oct 2006 (Tue) In the latest news about our Fantasy360-Console, design and development work is being carried out to enable the award-winning Nyko Intercooler to be used with the new console case. In addition, the wireless networking adapter will also fit easily as per stock. It is worth mentioning that due to the radical design changes that is being carried out on the Fantasy360-Console, the console's rear landscape will be vastly different from stock and hence, the important consideration of enabling third party equipment on the new case.

Update: We have finished work on the Fantasy360-faceplate and have tested the machining. Will be posting pictures of these as soon as we have done the adjustments to perfection.

Feature Story : Fantasy360-Console in the works (PART III)

SINGAPORE, 26 Sep 2006 (Tue) In Part II, we talked in detail about the overall shape of the 360 and how it did not support the inclusion of jewels, dualfan and cooling issues. We had some really good feedback on the second article such as the part about pouring water on the 360 shells to test the water pooling effect. Another excellent suggestion (if you did not want to take apart your 360) is to lay the 360 on its side, and roll a marble on it and you will find it settling down quite nicely in the center.

By now, we presume that everyone who owns a 360 will have completed its 3 month warranty and is familiar enough with 360 casemods that involve not only faceplate replacements, but also the full console case dismantling process. Various tools can be used, as long as it is slim and sharp enough to contact the clips that hold both the top/bottom vents as well as the rear of the console. Fortunately, the original 360 case is made from durable composite plastic that flexes without breaking when one attempts to snap open the console shells. The same cannot be said for aftermarket replacements (faceplate and console shells alike).

Casemodding on the original 360 case is easy enough once you get the hang of it. It is common for users to open up their cases more than once during the casemod process. What we don't like is the 360's tricky design which makes it difficult and sometimes frustrating to do just that. This is even more so when using copy cases of inferior quality that either does not fit correctly or snaps/breaks when a slight pressure is applied on it.

If you take a closer look at the interior structure of the screw-less console case, you will find that the rear clip-on points follows the curved shape of the console and becomes excessively difficult to enable a tight fit. This explains the multiple clip-on points created to ensure that both sides of the console case snap tight, a sore point for many casemod enthusiasts. Moreover, the RF cage does not follow the curvature of the rear, thus creating a space in-between that resists airflow, thus lowering the cooling effectiveness of the dualfans. As modders place a high premium on ease of dismantling/assembling, as well as space utilisation, we found that such a design did little to assist in those departments.

We have already talked about how removing the bottom cage will be impossible based on the present design of the stock console case. Is there a way the motherboard can be removed and attached to the console case direct, as was the case in the first Xbox? How would it affect the installation of the rest of the required components? Will the alignment of the rear end wire attachments and the front end faceplate/DVD drive be drastically affected? Will the top/bottom vents have any attachment problems? To put it simply, once all these issues have been solved, one can retain/remove the RF cage freely. Why do we harp so much on this? The answer lies in space.

Space

Anyone who has taken apart the 360 will know that space is a luxury in that tight little box. Keeping all stock parts intact will mean little to no space being available for other add-ons like additional fans or lighting options. Hence the fury in the modding community to push for more space within the 360. We understand the constraints and as such, are working hard to get around the present stock console case and transform it into a mod-friendly console case that will give users all the possibilities for innovation.

The easiest way to release space is achieved by simply removing the RF cage cover. The second way is to remove the fans and heatsinks in exchange for a watercooling solution. All other solutions require some kind of drastic structural change with the stock case. The kind that requires a total redesign of the inner space usage while retaining its functionality and external look. Yes, after the Fantasy360 console facelift, your neighbors and friends will still know that the game console sitting in your living room is an Xbox360. A 360 that is more spacious, better ventilated and full of mod options. How are we going to achieve this? Read on ... (by the way, check out our Fantasy360 Christmas Twin Offers HERE)

Feature Story : Fantasy360-Console in the works (PART II)

SINGAPORE, 23 Sep 2006 (Sat) In Part I, we talked about how critical the RF cage was in holding together the main elements of the Xbox360 together with its other role as a RF interference inhibitor. We also mentioned how the Xbox360 was actually a box within a box and how removing the RF cage will have a minimal effect on the gaming experience. Having said that, RF shielding plastic enclosures (available commercially in aerosol spraycan solutions at less than $25) can still be achieved painlessly should there be a need.

In designing a new console case for the Xbox360, due consideration was given to retain the original look of the 360 while endeavouring to add as many mod options to the user as possible. We continue our feature story with more design considerations of the Fantasy360-Console.

One major complaint that we have is how the 360 is shaped the way it is. If you take a closer look at the 360 faceplate and console case, you will realise that it is curved in 5 axes: X, Y, Z, A & B. This has several implications for the rest of the case. It means the front face with all its requisite parts (eg. dvd bezel, USB doors, power buttons) and the part where the faceplate attaches itself will have to be designed in the same degree of curvature, thus making the job of shell duplication alot more complex than usual. This is also a common cause of duplicate shells not being able to fit correctly since this curvature design requirement was given a quick-and-dirty-fix treatment.

Alot of gamers were quite surprised at the exclusion of the jewel (that became synonymous with the identity of the Xbox) in the Xbox360. In place of the jewel, M$ chose instead to carve its nexgen console name "XBOX360" directly on the plastic face. Deliberate or not, this was another design limitation due to the shape of the console. If you check the opposite side of the console shell sidefaces, you will find that the centre of each sideface is substantially shallower than its edges. To confirm this fact, lay the Xbox360 shells on its side and pour enough water on its center and soon enough, a little pool of water will collect in the center. Due to this design, there is very little to no clearance space from the sideface to the RF cage within, which meant the jewel idea had to be booted out.

The final complaint we had was the dualfans with its associated attachments. The air funnel that channels hot air from the CPU/GPU heatsinks was designed with 4 securing points, only 3 of which was used: The 2 screw positions, a tab that hooks to the dualfans and the unused 4th screw position next to the DVD leg insert (positioned directly under the screw position that holds the DVD drive cover). Although the merit of securing the air funnel to the DVD drive is questionable, we were unhappy with the air funnel's loose seating position and its effectiveness in channelling hot air.

The dualfans are exclusively designed to fit the use of the 360 and alot of users will have preferred that such a standard computer accessory was interchangeable with commercially available PC fans. The dualfans have 2 attachment points to the RF cage: the 2 bottom legs and top stubs that slots into holes. Also, the dualfan sits into an angled bottom slot on the RF cage, which is a further custom design point that makes it even more difficult to fit standard fans. The hot air is then exhausted via holes in the RF cage, then out of the box via holes in the console case. Due to the random nature of the exhausted air movement, accessory companies have come up with various devices to assist in withdrawing this hot air out of the 360 at a supposedly faster rate than stock. However, we feel that once the internal hot air guidance solution is solved, such "cooling add-ons" will no longer be necessary.

Indeed, at Xtreme Enterprise, we would go even further to say that M$ may not have considered the implications of its unfriendly design for its 2nd Xbox iteration. The giant of a machine with the first Xbox enabled gamers in such a way not even fathomed by its originator: Coders and developers, case manufacturers and third-party accessory makers all came together and created a powerful secondary industry that supported the growth of the Xbox and ensured its longevity until the plug was prematurely pulled with the introduction of the Xbox360. In an industry where game software sales make up for the losses of every console sold, swifter market penetration via a friendly and flexible console design is paramount.

Feature Story : Fantasy360-Console in the works (PART I)

SINGAPORE, 20 Sep 2006 (Wed) We've been pretty swamped with work lately, with the launch of new products coming up in late September and October and the start of several new projects come November and December this year. It has been a pretty fruitful year for us at Xtreme Enterprise and we would like to thank everyone for supporting us thus far. Give yourself a hip-hip-hooray!

In our introduction to the Project Fantasy360-Console, we mentioned that the heat issues continue to bring alot of apprehension to gamers, prompting many to think of innovative ways to get around the problem. In addition, many are looking for cases that will complement their individuality such as unique case colors and modding options. Over at Xtreme Enterprise R&D Department, we are hard at work to make sure that this wishlist is not just a dream but is to become a reality.

This is the first part of a series of releases that will explain in detail the types of features that will be going into our Fantasy360 console case. Read on to appreciate :

Part I : Shape

You might say "Oh no! Not another colored case for the Xbox360 that does nothing but copy the originals curve for curve." The market is littered with copy cases made by companies wanting to earn a quick buck with little regard for the potentials of the Xbox360 and the options that are available to the user. Real easy to get away with making a straight copy. But how often does a manufacturer go further and ponder about the enormous potential of the 360 case and actually invest some time and money incorporating new features into the case?

First thing that struck us was the compactness of the 360 case. If one looked back at the first-gen Xbox, we immediately realise that the older console had tons of space as compared to the 360. In fact, so much space that people are able to put up to 4 HDDs into a stock case, and still manage to slap on the top cover. And now, the 360 has raised the bar of difficulty for people to actually install more add-ons to the stock case by keeping everything within a strong metal cage! So strong that to cut it, you will need an industrial grade metal saw. Definitely not a job for amatuer modders!

By keeping everything compact within the metal RF cage, it seems the 360 has effectively retained its form factor thus gaining a threefold advantage of a reduced size, functionality and keeping modders at bay. The one thing we didn't like about the case is that it really is a case within a case. If we stripped down the 360 and left everything within the RF cage only, the 360 will still work very well on its skeletal form. But obviously, aesthetics matter most in every product and so the 360 had no choice but to dress itself up in another layer of plastic.

So really, does the 360 need to be caged up twice? At first glance, it seems obvious that the cage functions as an RF interference inhibitor and hence preventing gameplay disturbance. However, time and again, people have proved that the level of interference was low enough to be insignificant and that the metal cage was actually a redundant item. Well we can throw away this notion of redundancy as M$ ensured that the cage becomes well utilised to serve dual functions of signal disturbance prevention as well as physically seat the motherboard, ON/OFF PCB and dual fans in place.

So what happens if we remove the RF cage? Removing the top cover of the cage is non-consequential. Users have also come back to us and said they have not experienced any problems when they started gaming with the cage cover removed. It is the problems that are associated with removing the lower cage which becomes more glaringly significant, as well as more hardware than software related. The related problems are as follows :

1. The dual fans will lose its major support via the cage and cannot stand on its own.
2. The motherboard will be unable to secure itself to any anchor points.
3. If the motherboard cannot be secured, it leaves the DVD drive dangling at the seams too.
4. There are no alternative anchor points for the motherboard anywhere on the case
5. The power button PCB will lose its anchor point on the cage

(To be continued...)

This story is copyrighted to its owner, Xtreme Enterprise. Any unauthorised duplication of the above story in any form is considered unlawful and will not be supported by us (unless expressly approved by Xtreme Enterprise). To obtain permission to publish this story in your website, please contact us via email.

Fantasy360 Controller Shells Ships Today!

SINGAPORE, 15 Aug 2006 (Tue) This is a public announcement to inform everyone that our warehouse is now fully stocked with our Fantasy360 series of wireless controller shells as promised and we will be shipping out all backorders asap. As mentioned earlier, all customers will be getting a FREE Jewel360 guide button mod along with their orders as well. Please wait for us to send you an email that informs you of your product shipping.

Fantasy360 Console - An Introduction

SINGAPORE, 9 Aug 2006 (Wed) Project Fantasy360 is an Xbox360 casemod initiative by Xtreme Enterprise (XE) specifically targeted at replacement cases for the Xbox360 wireless controller (Part I) as well as the actual console case (Part II). As Part I of the project has been completed and ready to ship, Xtreme Enterprise has commenced Part II of the Fantasy360 project with an aim for prototype completion by late September/early October 2006.

Heat Issues

The Xbox360 has been launched for almost 10 months now and continues to see some phenomenal growth , both in terms of sales as well as the amount of work done on the homebrew side. However, overheating issues (whether real or otherwise) continue to plague the console since launch. We notice gamers engaging in multiple projects that include modding the cases to increase airflow, adding larger fans, liquid cooling as well as the safer option of getting a commercial product such as Nyko's Intercooler, all in a concerted effort to cool down the heat generating console. Project Fantasy360 Console decided to take a direction which immediately addresses the heat issues - the direction of an improved console case design.

Considerations

Not only does the Xbox360 has needs for better case ventilation, XE recognises that there are other desirable options that gamers are looking for: such as LED lighting projects, add-on hardware such as larger fans and neon sticks, custom case jewels, and many others. All these wishlists were carefully considered and incorporated into an innovative design concept for an exceptional case that will provide casemodders with many hours of hands-on fun with projects galore that is limited only by your own imagination.

Fantasy360 Console will take some time to materialise as our engineers take on the huge task of designing the dream case for the Xbox360 that will be the envy of all your friends. This huge undertaking is not simply a direct copy of the original case (which many has already done), but one that will become a showpiece of the living room once it is completed. More about this project will be revealed in stages.

Fantasy360 appears in OXM July 2006

SINGAPORE, 8 Aug 2006 (Tue) We're pretty excited about this. We've been informed just recently that the July issue of OXM (available in American news-stands all over the nation) makes a mention of our spectacular Fantasy360 cases, thus signalling our entry into the mainstream for Xbox360 accessories. Everyone who has a doubt as to the legitimacy of these products can now put them to rest as we continue to shock the nations of the world with the release of high quality, revolutionary products that will accessorise your gaming world. Read 'em and weep folks!

Fantasy360-Controller Shells To Ship on 15 August 2006 and other news...

3 Aug 2006 (Sat) After much anticipation for this product's full release to the Xbox360 world, we are happy to announce that a large shipment of products will be coming into our warehouse on 14 August 2006 and shipping of orders will be out the next day. For all our loyal fans who have made an order of this wonderful, high quality product, you will be pleased to know that your patience will be rewarded with a free Jewel360 guide button.

In addition, our marketing department has just informed us that the world will see a Fantasy360-Console prototype by end-September 2006. We do invite all interested resellers to book a slot with us early as we forsee that our set of color matched products will be selling like hotcakes throughout the living world. More to come later...

Fantasy360 Clear West - Priceless! For Installation Instructions, Read On...

SINGAPORE, 11 Jul 2006 (Tue) In a world of where product design reigns supreme in addition to functionality, we've chosen an iconic gadget and turned it into crystals. If you do believe its true, then you've joined the fantasy world where everything is possible - the world of Fantasy360. Introduced at around the time when the Xbox360 was born, Xtreme Enterprise has timed the release of the Fantasy360 crystals to coincide with the Summer Holidays where teens and adults alike will need to ice down the heat of the sun. And now that you've seen the whole crystal installed, isn't it time to get yours too? Click HERE to learn about the installation process.

Fantasy360 wireLESS controller replacement shells in the Flesh!

SINGAPORE, 9 Jul 2006 (Sun) As promised earlier this week, we have brought back the first few production shells specially for a photoshoot. And we have them presented here right before you. Mind you, as we've taken these from the production rooms thousands of miles away (while everything is still in the process of getting perfected), we were only able to show partial images of how it would look fitted on an actual controller. This is the frosty look, guys. The one look which you've all been waiting for. And guess what? We're going to release Fantasy360-Console in the not to distant future as well! So everything will come in a high quality set to match your nail color.

We've done a few colors for a start to keep your adrenalin pumping and these are the ever-popular series of Rainbow colors which we have tested and proven to be high popular. So why change a formula which has worked thus far? So here is the list of amazing colors which we have come up with :

Crimson South

Bleu East

Black North

Clear West

Orange Tange

Green Mid

Production Status Check : Our products have just entered the final phase of assembly and packaging for the initial batch. Although we have yet to receive a final date for shipping to our customers, we are estimating it will be within the month of July. Already, so much has been done to ensure a high quality product is delivered to all customers that we are just so excited to the day it rolls out into the hands of all who have supported us. Fantasy360 is the way to go people! There is no other viable alternative.

Fantasy360 controllers in the works - estimated to be ready to ship by late-July 2006. Decalgirl designs packaging paper for Fantasy360. Fantasy360-Console in the works.

SINGAPORE, 2 Jul 2006 (Sun) This is to inform all anxious customers (we're equally anxious!) that our famous Fantasy360 controller replacement cases is currently in the mid-phase of its production. 4 out of 7 colors have already been made in our first release batch. We have also received the paper insert design from Decalgirl and will be incorporating it in our final packaging.

Why take so long? I think this question has to be answered in the most sensitive way. Alot of customers have given us feedback about the cheap glossy look of the initial design and this prompted us to re-look at how we can incorporate the frosted look into our Fantasy360 shells. After much discussion as well as throwing in extra funds to make it happen, our engineers set out to work on a frosted version.

Inevitably, this took some time to happen but we feel that the wait is well worth it. After a month and a half, the frosting process was completed and production was resumed a few weeks ago. At the time of writing, 4 out of 7 awesome colors have already been born and assembled and all we can say is that it looks stunning! We will be posting out pix of some of these colors in the middle of the month in preparation for our Fantasy360 official launch.

But wait. What about the Fantasy360-Console project? We have not forgotten. In the past, we totally ignored the production of the first-gen Xbox replacement case for 2 reasons : First, a cheap manufacturer has already entered and spoilt the market with CD quality cases that if you will remember, break just as easily. Second, the Xbox has already entered the end of its life-cycle and the excitement was dimming. So what about now? What is the argument for us producing a high quality replacement console case?

If you will remember, the Xbox was a target for modders - chip and case alike. There was a frenzy in opening the Xbox either to chip it, light it up or to add a higher capacity drive(s) into the system. Let's just say that you can do almost anything to the Xbox (even run it as a computer). The same enthusiasm is yet to be found on the Xbox360 as its relatively high price and complexity deters gamers from meddling with the innards for fear of breaking the warranty.

Granted that hackers have already found a loophole into the CD drive and enabled back-ups/homebrew to be used, this is only the very early stages of mod-development and not good enough reason for gamers to void their warranties for something that has not fully developed. Also, its relative high price has also somewhat thwarted its market penetration strategies and although it has taken the lead ahead of Sony and Nintendo in releasing the next-gen gaming console, it leaves to be seen how the 3 systems will gain market share in an ever changing gaming landscape.

Our Fantasy360 team has taken all factors into consideration and decided that we will indeed enter the console case market with our renowned consistently high quality offerings. Indeed, with so much feedback from our customers and prompting to get the case project started, we believe that by the time we are ready to release the initial batch of Fantasy360-console cases, it will already have sold out on pre-order. Stay tuned for more great news.

Fantasy360 Plata Mid (Chrome) Preview Release

SINGAPORE, 14 May 2006 (Sun) I know, its the weekends and perhaps a great time for everyone to relax after a long and heaving week at E3. However, work is only beginning for us here at Xtreme Enterprise and we're not about to let up on giving all we got to our beloved customers. If you will make it a point to visit our site for Xbox360 news items that cannot be found elsewhere in the internet, you will soon discover that this is also the only place where you will be also be able to purchase the coolest items on the planet! We kid you not when we say we're the authority on street mods for the Xbox360.

So here is the Plata Mid (Chrome) preview release. Notice that every external part of the case that is visible to the naked eye has been chromed to give it the ultimate effect. Don't forget that it will also add quite a few grams to the overall weight of the controller, but it only serves to make the feel of the controller rock solid. The chrome is REAL SOLID METAL CHROME that is cold to the touch! Not some cheap spray chrome paint that will peel off after some time of use. This is indeed the real deal and thus, is going to last you the whole lifespan of your game console and beyond. Such is the solid built of this mean beast!

We have no firm dates at the moment for the full release of the Plata Mid. However, our chrome faceplates are already being sold in some websites (including ours). If you have already got one in your hands, you will understand the kind of superb quality we are known for. Click on the picture above for a larger resolution picture. And keep your eyes peeled on our blogosphere.

Highlights : Fantasy360 Clear West Released. Xtreme Enterprise listed as a manufacturer on TeamXbox.Com

14 May 2006 (Sun) We have just received the first ever wireless crystal Xbox360 controller to ever walk the face of this earth - and its sweet! This brings me back to the days of the good ol' crystal Xbox limited edition sets of which I still have one sitting in my living room. I wonder when will this controller ever be compatible with the old Xbox...

In other developments, TeamXbox.com has officially recognised us as an Xbox360 peripheral manufacturer with some product reviews already up on the Fantasy360 faceplates which we released much earlier before (see HERE). We would like to thank TeamXbox.com for including us in their list.

CUSTOMER ALERT : We are still receiving enquiry emails from customers asking about their order status and sales enquiries from our Paypal address. This is to reiterate that all customer service questions should be directed to sales@e-linksoft.com only. We seek for your kind understanding.

Fantasy360 Loves Red Hot Chilli Pepper! More news releases on Project Fantasy360-Console

10 May 2006 (Wed) We were serious when we told you that our 360 range of products are going to burn some rubber and traverse the red hot trail to stardom. So comes along Crimson South, the timed release of an everlasting masterpiece which will capture the hearts and minds of gamers. When your game is wrapped with such sizzling materials, you've got to be hot to the touch! Get it HERE! More luscious stories HERE.

In other developments, Xtreme Enterprise recently announced in mid-April 2006 that Project Fantasy360-Console has already commenced and is targeted to see a release of an initial prototype next month. We now confirm this information to be true. Gamers will be sure to see matching controller and system cases in the not-too-distant future at a quality unmatched by other 3rd partyers. There is no other choice but to fantasize. Fantasy360.

Fantasy360 Smoke Out!

29 Apr 2006 (Sat) When the smoke disperses, clarity sets in. Only with the ultimate gaming machine can you achieve the level of superiority that befits your prowess. With the Fantasy360 Smoke Controller replacement cases, you can crystallize that power in the palms of both hands and transfigure into the superior immortal of the Seven Realms. On sale now at Xbox-Central.com. Click HERE.

Press Release : Fantasy360 Full Wireless Case Ready for Launch

18 Apr 2006 (Tue) Don't hold your breath as we're now ready to announce the release of the full Xbox360 controller case (wireless version). This comes together with the announcement of the subsequent timely release of the full Xbox360 console case as well. Read the full press release here.

Full installation pictures can be found HERE.

Console360 Faceplate - The Next Wave 2006

22 January 2006 (Sun) As we march onwards in the beginnings of the console wars that has already unfolded this year, Microsoft takes the lead to release its first salvo against its opponents with the Xbox360. Already sold out in most states back home since launch, its stellar sales results signals the coming of age in Microsoft's foray into the gaming industry which was previously dominated by Sony and Nintendo not too long ago.

However, it may be a case of too much reliance on the "first-mover's advantage" in the next-generation console wars for Microsoft. In its drive to push sales for the Xbox360, its first generation Xbox was largely ignored and game sales for it suffered as a result. In addition, development work (both soft and hardware) more than ground to a halt, dealing a final deathblow to the Xbox altogether. This unfortunate circumstance came swiftly for the first-gen Xbox. In fact, much too swift we reckon, as major game developers for the Xbox360 were not able to churn up enough titles and release them in tandem with the last stages of the firstgen Xbox's product life cycle. It simply meant a chunk of lost revenues for the older system and also, the newer Xbox360 not being able to satisfy the hunger needs of the growing gamers' market. A double step on its own feet!

The gaming industry has always been segmented and instead of doing what Sony and Nintendo has done, Microsoft's unusually mature games for its firstgen console meant that a huge segment of the marketing pie was largely ignored. Perhaps this was a deliberate marketing decision to go after a smaller segment as a test-run for bigger things. Or perhaps the complexities of console gaming just isn't suitable for young children. Whatever the reasons, the technologies touted in the Nextgen Consoles marks a significant improvement in gameplay experience and if worth anything at all, it is the content aspect of the industry which will prove to be the determinant of who wins the console wars.

Light up my 360 - Controller Mods 2006

10 January 2006 (Tue) As we pick up momentum on our Xbox360 casemods, our technical team has informed us that via a simple tapping of a power point on the controller PCB, the Jewel360 is now good to go!

Not only are we now able to demonstrate the full potential of the Jewel360, we will soon demonstrate how to light up the whole controller and view the effects after installing our semi-transparent Fantasy360 faceplates, which will come in a variety of beautiful colors. So stay tuned for more information.