Overview

• On May 12, 2005, Microsoft revealed the Xbox 360 on MTV in a celebrity-driven special hosted by Elijah Wood, departing from traditional trade-show announcements.
• The event officially named the console, previously known as the 'Next Gen Xbox,' and featured a live demo where the console's iconic green ring lit up for the first time.
• The special included a segment with J Allard, showcasing prototypes and introducing the concept of buying digital content on a console via the internet.
• With performances by The Killers and appearances by Lil' John and Ryan Cabrera, the reveal reflected mid-2000s marketing trends blending pop culture with tech launches.
• Twenty years later, analysts credit the event for foreshadowing features like Xbox Live, online voice chat, and digital marketplaces, which are now industry standards.