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New "Falcon" chipset for 360

Cheaper and cooler.

Microsoft has created a smaller chipset for the Xbox 360 that allows it to cut production costs, GamesIndustry.biz is reporting.

Dean Takahasi, writing in the San Jose Mercury News, reported that Microsoft's new chipset was code-named "Falcon."

The new chipset has an IBM microprocessor and an AMD/ATI graphics chip that are both manufactured in a 65-nanometer production process. The original chipset was manufactured in a 90-nanometer process.

The smaller chipset both reduces the risk of overheating and lowers the production costs associated with the Xbox 360.

Microsoft has not yet officially announced an Xbox 360 price reduction, although the move is expected by many analysts, including everyone's favourite Michael Pachter.

The "Falcon" chipset redesign would certainly be a step towards a price reduction. The Xbox 360 has now been on the market for nearly 20 months without a drop in price.

Head over to GamesIndustry.biz for more industry news.