We love a good throwback here at Pure Xbox, especially when aimed at the underrated original Xbox console that still surprises us with its impressive visuals to this day. But, what if you could instantly make those visuals pop on a HDTV? Well, third-party manufacturer EON thinks it has the answer to that.
Introducing the XBHD, a brand-new plug-and-play adapter that aims at glowing up your original Xbox games on modern displays. Well, we say "introducing", but this thing was already announced once, before an indefinite delay hampered progress. Now though, the team has a nailed-on release date for this thing of October 10th, 2023.
As for the specifics on what the adapter can do, EON says users can expect 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions for the OG Xbox, vastly boosting the system's output image - especially in PAL regions where the machine was limited to 480p maximum. It has additional audio and local multiplayer features too, bringing the original Xbox into the modern age.
As we stressed earlier, EON is gunning for plug-and-play functionality here, so this thing should work as-is when hooked up to a stock Xbox console. That sort of user-friendliness does come at a cost though - the XBHD is $189.99 at RRP.
Still, if you can stomach that cost, the device will be available to order from Amazon in the coming days - with the listing already live ahead of EON opening up pre-orders to the general public.
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Would you be interested in playing some OG Xbox in high-def? Let us know your thoughts on this device down below.
Comments 19
Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo and Sega need to follow what Atari just did. The 2600 with original look and function that can play the original cartridge/discs with all the modern day HD in place at a decent price point that way all the games I already own can work on it. Not only will it make physical media more desirable if developers want they can still make games for it. Saving gaming history by allowing modern day upgrade to the original console model. And for Atari both 2600 and 7800 cartridges work on the machine with only a small number that don’t. Anyway…my 2 cents
I would consider it for 1/3 of that price
Why does it have two hdmi ports and 3 network ports?
@ralphdibny The 3 ethernet ports are to enable linking up to 4 xbox's for multiplayer without a seperate router.
The second HDMI port I GUESS is probably for capture purposes. But take that with a pinch of salt, it's an assumption only.
@everynowandben For non-hardcore enthusiasts I agree the price seems nuts, but this is about what other similar devices cost like the Super 64 HDMI or GCHD MK-II.
The reality is they are super-niche devices with a relatively small market. They can't spread the R&D, fabrication and many other costs across tens of thousands or millions of sales like you can with most high end tech. Hence they are expensive. This is what is costs to design, test, iterate, make, ship and turn a small profit.
@themightyant nice 👍
The Xbox HDMI adapter from Kaico works amazingly well for around £50. I've been using mine for well over 2 years and it's brilliant. Available easily on Amazon too.
Doesn't the xbox already support outputting at 480p, 1080i and 720p via the component cables?
Personally I use Chimeric Systems Adapter. Even includes SPDIF out.
I think my old Xbox looks great on my hdtv 🤷🏻♂️ no complaints at all.
@evan23 Yep, BUT the game it's playing has to support it. If the game itself only does 480p, the Xbox won't upscale it.
The Retro GEM is better.
This is still analogue Component video converted to digital, but the Retro GEM has pure digital output.
anything that pays homage to the GOAT ERA of gaming (aside from 7th generation of course) is awesome to me
i ain’t buying it tho , but glad it exists
Well, wouldn't be easier and cheaper to get a 360 with HDMI port to play the OG games? Seems like most games are playable via BC.
@InterceptorAlpha How in the hell did you get your hands on one of those? I've been trying to order one of those for years. I settled for the Pound cable and it works fine.
@ZYDIO I had been sitting on a wait list for about a year. My turn came up around August of last year.
Sadly they've temporarily closed the store due to a death and injury.
@InterceptorAlpha Sooooooo...... You wanna sell yours?
@Aniscape This is a genius idea!
I have the Kaico HDMI adapter and got it for £25. Will this be that much better to justify the cost?
OG Xbox games already look pretty crisp to me.
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