Xbox 360 Video Game System

So, What Is New About The Xbox 360?

Nearly everything! According to Microsoft's announcements and sneak peaks, the Xbox 360 is a sleekly designed machine that will let you customize your console experience with skins. As part of its configurable nature, it can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. Overall, the machine has improved the graphics and audio quality to enhance the gaming experience. There is an emphasis on connectivity and online gaming; it comes out of the box ready to connect to Microsoft's Xbox live online service. It includes a voice chat function and is WI-Fi and video camera ready.

The Specs

Illuminated lights help indicated the status of your game, console and controllers. Games will come on discs compatible with the Xbox 360's 12x DVD-ROM drive. And, most important is how the games will look and play. All of the Xbox 360 titles will be displayed at 720p and 1080i resolution in 16:9 widescreen; it also offers with anti-aliasing for super smooth graphics, high definition output and provides multi-channel surround sound for an awesome listening experience.

Enhanced math, polygon and CPU performance make previously impossible gaming into reality.

A detachable 20 gig hard-drive is upgradeable and it can handle memory units starting at 64 MB. The system sports support for up to four wireless controllers. The Xbox controllers will not work with the new 360 system.

Can't get enough and need to read the complete hardware specs? Check out Microsoft's Xbox 360 fact sheet.

The Price

The (somewhat steep!) pricing for the Xbox 360's launch. versions available at different prices - a more affordable core system and a fully tricked out player.

Core System - $299 (299 Euros, 209 GBP)

• Game Console
• Wired controller
• Detachable faceplate
• Xbox Live Silver membership
• Standard AV cables

$399 (399 Euros, 279 GBP)

• Game Console
• 20GB detachable hard drive
• Wireless controller
• Wireless Xbox Live headset
• High-definition AV cables
• Ethernet cable
• Xbox 360 Media Remote Control (limited time)
• Detachable faceplate
• Xbox Live Silver membership

The Games

Of course, it all comes down to the games. It doesn't matter what a console can do if the games for it aren't awe-inspiring. Of course, they have stiff competition in the wings as gamers are looking ahead to Sony's Playstation 3 and wondering where to spend their gaming dollars. Since Playstation 3 is not slated for release until Spring 2006, those who simply cannot wait will definitely have to own the Xbox 360.

Some of the anxiously awaited games that have been announced for Xbox 360 include:

• Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
• Perfect Dark Zero (Action)
• Final Fantasy XI (RPG)
• Full Auto (Combat Racing)
• Gears of War (Action)
• Madden 360 ((Football)
• NBA 2K 06 (Basketball)
• Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (Action/War)
• Halo 3 (Action, not out until Q2 2006)