| Microsoft: Xbox 360 Core Console [Old Version] |
|---|
| Model | 882224035835 | | Producer | Microsoft | | Date | 2005-11-15 | | Media | Video Game | | Catalog | Video Games | | List Price | US$199.99 |
Goto Amazon.com
|  |
3 choices for the next generation game consoles:
1) XBox 360
2) PlayStation 3
3) Nintendo Wii
For hardcore gamers, it probably be either XBox 360 or PS3, for everyone else Wii is the way to go.
I'm not a big fan of console games, most of my games are PC based. At one point, they had better graphics than any console games. I'm not sure that's true anymore. Not to mention that a good PC based game system is more expensive than any console on the market (even the new PS3).
So I was thinking about buying a console. Before, I thought it would be either PS3 or XBox 360, because I thought Nintendo was only for kids. But after seeing their innovative Wii controls, I'm totally impressed. They did it this time. The most impressive roll out for a video game console. Even complaints like
broken plasma TV sounds more positive than negative (it was so hilarious).
The control is more than a novelty, or rather a novelty that would last and even revolutionize game play. The reason is: it reaches out to the non-gamers and female gamers. Of course, their graphics and sound sucks (or at least not too impressive), but I see that as an extremely clever move by the Nintendo executives (to keep the cost down and not to compete head to head with PS3 and XBox 360). It's the game that's most important. The control is as much important as the graphics and sound (and much cheaper to develop and manufacture). I vision this console as a huge success. But of course, it all depends on if they can deliver titles that takes advantage of their new controls... And it's a big challenge. I can see developers coding the games while fiddling with a game pad, but I can hardly vision a developer coding and swinging the WII control at the same time. I guess that will take a new bred of developers. I'm not the WII's targeted consumers, but I've a huge respect for their innovative minds.
As for PS3, well... what can I say? The best review I have seen is from Ars Techinica
The reviewer was pretty kind in words, but you can sense the negative feeling and disappointment behind. CNet gave it a pretty positive reviews, but I think it's a bit shallow compare with the other review. PS3 has good potential. Sony have a huge line up of titles in PS2. But they lost their vision and innovation this time. After a year of waiting, I think I can safely cross out PS3 and pick up an Xbox 360, and if I feel like it, I might even pick up a Wii at the same time.
Microsoft has a pretty good success in courting the developers, their games titles are still mediocre compare to PS2, but I can see they are catching up fast. Micro$oft has money to burnt. As for Sony, at least they can sell HDTV to people who play XBox games (even Microsoft sales use Sony TV to demo their XBox games).
|
Product Description
Comes with:Microsoft Xbox 360 Core SystemPower Supply and CordAudio/Video Cable1 Wire Controller
Amazon.com
Xbox 360 sets a new pace for digital entertainment. More than just a cutting-edge game system, Xbox 360 also integrates high-definition video, DVD movie playback, digital music, photos, and online connectivity into one sleek, small tower.
About the Xbox 360 Hardware
 |
| Xbox 360, shown with separately sold wireless controller, is a sleek, customizable gaming and entertainment system. |
Xbox 360 is much smaller than its predecessor--it measures approximately 3.3 by 12.2 by 10.2 inches and weighs 7.7 lbs. It's powered by custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical cores each running at 3.2 GHz. It also carries a custom ATI graphics processor with 10 MB of embedded DRAM. This is powerful enough to draw 500 million triangles per second. In other words, it makes for great looking games on standard TVs, and even better looking ones on HDTV sets thanks to built-in support for HDTV (720p/1080i/1080p) resolutions.
The unit has a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive, which plays both the game media and progressive-scan DVD movies right out of the box (the optional Media Remote is sold separately). For game-save and media storage, users can choose between 64MB flash Memory Unit, or a detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive (sold seperately). Along with storing files, the hard drive will make the Xbox 360 backward-compatible with part of the existing Xbox game library.
Xbox 360 uses a refined button layout for its controllers. Back and Start buttons sit at the center of the controller and between them is a new Xbox Guide button, which instantly takes the user to the Xbox 360 user "Dashboard" interface. From there, they can check for friends online, access personal digital content like photos songs, and more. The black and white buttons of the first Xbox controllers have been replaced with new shoulder buttons placed above the left and right triggers. The Xbox 360 can accommodate up to four wireless controllers and has three USB 2.0 slots to use for wired controllers or for streaming your digital media from digital cameras, MP3 players, and any Windows XP-based PC.
 |
| Xbox 360 can manage your games, your online friends, and your personal digital library. |
About Xbox 360 Games and Media
All Xbox 360 titles can be played in either standard or high-definition resolution in 16:9 widescreen, with anti-aliasing for smoother graphics. Game designers will be able to take advantage of the system's multi-channel surround sound. The Xbox 360's digital media allows users to supplement any game's music from tracks in their own personal library.
About Xbox Live
A built-in Ethernet port allows users to connect their system to a broadband connection for access to the new Xbox Live service. The included Silver membership lets anyone create a Gamertag and gamer card to express your online identity, chat live with voice chat (separately sold headset required), and connect to the Xbox Live Marketplace to buy and download expansions, maps, and other digital goodies for your games. Upgrading to a Gold membership adds to that online competition, game stats, demos and video chat/messaging. The separately sold wireless network adapter supports the common 802.11a, -b, and -g standards.
What's Included in Core System
- Xbox 360 console
- Wired controller
- Detachable faceplate
- Xbox Live Silver membership
- Standard AV cables
