Holiday Guide #2: Gaming Consoles
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Microsoft Xbox 360
After having a look at the very interactive Wii, the Xbox 360′s strengths are in other places. Having the huge success of the first Xbox, Microsoft’s console has a buttload of great game franchises, such as Halo and Project Gotham Racing, and new games to play as well as a superb online platform that goes unmatched among the other consoles. This consoles main capabilities lie in high-definition and multiplayer gaming.
Wireless and Comfortable!
Like the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360′s controllers are wireless. They utilize an Xbox 360-only technology so there is no interference or lag while playing games. You sync up your controllers to the console and you’re ready to go! The controllers can either have replaceable AA batteries, or you can purchase a rechargeable battery that lasts for quite a while before needing a recharge. Microsoft also has wired controllers so you don’t have to worry about batteries at all!
The major difference between the Xbox 360 and the Wii is its games. Instead of having interactive, family-friendly games, the Xbox is more hardcore gamer focused. The games are harder, and center around violence or are generally more advanced than your typical Nintendo game that was made for a younger audience.
Not only are the games are more hardcore, the majority of them have multiplayer-focused features thanks to Microsoft’s Xbox Live online platform. Xbox Live is the subscription-based service ($49.99/year) offered by Microsoft to play competitively or for recreation online against other players from around the world through your connection to the Internet. The service allows you to play multiplayer online with your favorite games that have the capability. Xbox Live’s service on the Xbox 360 is always on, so your always connected to the friends you meet by playing online and using its in-game voice chat and texting features.
Xbox Live is So Good!
Other services offered by Microsoft’s Xbox Live service is the ability to download movies and game packs such as extra Rock Band songs, as well as customize your Xbox’s interface with downloadable themes and “gamerpictures.” Microsoft also included Netflix with their latest release of the Xbox Dashboard, so you can stream rented movies straight to your Xbox 360 in high-definition (where available) — all you need is a subscription to Netflix and Xbox Live.
The Xbox 360 has native high-definition up to 1080p, the highest resolution currently available. You’ll be able to play all Xbox 360 games in high-definition fantasticness. Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is also a plus, allowing dynamic surround sound to flow through speakers leaving you completely immersed into the video games.
The Xbox 360 isn’t perfect, however. If you have bad luck with hardware, the Xbox 360 has some ghosts and Microsoft has been paying the price. From “red-rings” and failing consoles, you’ll want to be sure you take extra care of your Xbox 360 system so that it doesn’t end up a fried piece of hardware.
Another downside to the console is that it is expensive to upgrade. If you’re looking at a 60Gb version, an upgraded hard drive to 120Gb will cost you a whopping $150! If you want to put your console in an area where its hard to get a wired network connection, a wireless network adapter for the Xbox 360 will also cost you a whopping $99. If you want a wireless headset, the Xbox 360 is not bluetooth compatible, so you will have to buy the Xbox 360 Wireless Communicator… for a whopping $59.99, the same price as a video game, or an extra wireless controller.
The Xbox 360 does play DVDs, however, not the latest Blu-Ray high definition DVDs. Although you can get high-definition movies off of Netflix, sometimes people like collecting DVDs. Since the new high-definition era began a few years ago, Blu-Ray has made its way as the future media of choice and the Xbox 360 does not currently support it. If it ever did, it would be via an add-on disc drive that may cost just as much as the system thanks to the competitor Sony, who owns rights to Blu-Ray technology.
Unlike the others, Microsoft offers 3 different price points for the Xbox 360: $199, $299, and $399. They all look the same, but inside the box you get different packages.
- Xbox 360 Arcade: $199, no hard drive, 256mb of storage. No HD cables included.
- Xbox 360: $299; 60Gb hard drive for storage, component-cables for HD included.
- Xbox 360 Elite: $399: 120Gb hard drive for storage, HDMI cables for HD included. This console is black, rather than white.
- Check out Amazon.com for great deals.
In conclusion, the Xbox 360 is a great gaming system for multiplayer, socializing with other people, and is the console for choice for serious gamers and fans of very popular franchises such as Gears of War, Halo, Fable, and a ton of amazing others. You’ll want this console if you enjoy recreation and playing games at any time. Xbox Live is a fantastic backbone that offers unparalleled multiplayer gaming with dedicated servers and player matching.
Finally, we take a look at the Sony Playstation 3. Keep reading!
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Great and detailed guide, Steve! Nice to see all three consoles represented fairly and equally – they all have superb titles to offer and are each unique in their own right.
Cheers,
Bienko
Thanks, Chris! Appreciate your comment. Each console is unique, and each one has a unique “feel” or target associated with it. You have to have a keen sense about those things, however, to understand (e.g. if you’re a gamer, you know what I’m talking about).
Awesome review Mr. Staggs. Too bad you didnt include the n64, that stuff is so mint mcmoney and the graphics are still amazing.
Hey Staggs, that was a great guide. Will most definitely help me with my purchases this christmas.
Let me know how it goes, Adam!