IGN learned this week that Microsoft has finally sent Xbox 360 beta kits to its core development partners, which are currently analyzing the new hardware.

Three independent sources confirmed their arrival, and one source said that their team is in the process of "wrapping their heads around the new machines."

Prior to their arrival, Xbox 360 developers used G5 Macs or PCs with approximate specs. The lack of beta kits at E3 had a profound affect on Microsoft's and its partners' showings. None of the teams demonstrated games using the beta kits, which contain the Xbox 360 chipsets, including the powerful custom graphics ship. All of those games were running at 25% to 30% of the chips actual potential, and well, it showed.

But if the visuals shown on Bizarre Creations are to be believed, then the new beta kits will indeed materialize the graphic punch that Microsoft has had planned all along.

None of the development teams would comment on the beta kits, however, as they are under strict guidelines not to speak to the press. We will have more on this development as soon as possible.