Xbox 360

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Microsoft Xbox 3601148251152

Pros:

Outstanding design, great controller, amazing online capability

Cons:

Core System package is dreadful, high-definition TV or VGA monitor setup required for best results

The Xbox 360 features a sleek, clever design and pairs it with an easy-to-use, yet high-tech, interface. It is an amazing piece of hardware - even though Sony's PlayStation 3 will be releasing at the end of 2006, a year later, the PlayStation 3 is said to be only slightly more powerful in terms of graphical and gameplay capability. When playing games that take advantage of the system, it is obvious that the Xbox 360 ushers the industry into the "next generation."

Currently, the console is available in two different preset packages: the "Full System" (or "Premium System") and the "Core System." There is a marked variation between the two. The Full System is commonly found for the price of $399, and the Core System's cost is reduced to $299.

With reduced cost, however, comes drastically reduced features.

The Full System includes the Xbox 360 console, a single wireless controller, HD-AV cables, an AC adapter, an Xbox 360 Live headset with microphone, and most importantly a twenty-gigabyte hard drive.

The Core System, on the other hand, only includes the Xbox 360 console, a single wired controller, standard A/V cables and an AC adapter.

But do you really need the headset, HD cables, and hard drive? In short: YES. In order to communicate with Xbox Live users (in multiplayer online games), you will require the headset; if you wish to truly see the power of the Xbox 360's graphics, then you will prefer to have a high-definition cable (and a high-definition TV, of course); and if you ever want to save your game files, or anything else, then you will need to have a hard drive.

You can purchase all of the above separately, but it actually comes out far cheaper to just go ahead and buy the Full System.


Overall, I would definitely suggest the purchase of an Xbox 360 to any gamer out there. It's a powerful system with cutting edge technology, great control, and a quickly expanding library of excellent games. When compared to its main competitor, the PlayStation 3, which is planned to release at the price of $599, the cost of a 360 seems very fair and affordable. Keep in mind that the 360 is rumoured to have a price drop when the PS3 releases, however.

The Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii both look like they will be amazing consoles also, and though it is unclear how the Xbox 360 will fare against them, right now the future looks rather bright for the Microsoft console. It offers many features and enhanced online connectivity that neither of the other two systems will likely offer (at least not as well).

If the Xbox 360's library continues to improve, as it appears ready to do this 2006 holiday season, then I would consider it a very solid purchase for any gamer.