Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7191 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Microsoft
• Released on: 2004-10-08
• Platform: Xbox

Manufacturer's Description
Bring gaming to life in your living room with the Xbox Video Game System, the essential center-piece to any home entertainment set up. Beneath the cool, tough exterior is a system capable of powering the very best single and multiplayer gaming experiences available today.Designed to push gaming to the absolute limit, the Xbox console delivers incredible graphics and cinematic sound that will drop you and your friends deep into the heart of the action. The immense range of top-class games and online gaming with Xbox Live mean there will never be another dull moment.

Customer Reviews

I may not like Microsoft, but this is simply superb
I will be the first to admit that I'm a long time, devoted hater of Microsoft. However, I'm also a big fan of games, I know what I like, and I know how to look at things in perspective.

Whay an Xbox? Well, I for one am not prepared to fork out 100 pounds every couple of years for a new graphics card just to be able to play the latest games on my PC. I've never really fancied a PS2, due to the lack of games that appeal to me and their reputation for being unreliable. I owned a Gamecube for well over 2 years, before finally selling it due to the dearth of decent multi-format titles (always Xbox and PS2, never Gamecube) and the lack of challenging first party titles.

What the Xbox has is a software catalogue stuffed with gems. In particular, it has the best selection of first person shoot 'em up and adventure titles to be found on any console. Many of its finest games are exclusives (Halo, Project Gotham, Fable) so if you want to play them, you need an Xbox. More than this, however, is the fact that due to the greater power of the console, almost every multi-format game, for the exactly the same price, is better looking and better sounding than the versions available for the other two consoles. I always like getting more for my money.

Simply from the point of view of money, the Xbox is also the best value. It is exactly the same price as the PS2, but does not require a memory card, making it cheaper overall. The Gamecube is cheaper, but throw in a good sized memory card and you'll have little change from a fiver.

So what's the console actually like? I have no complaints over the appearance. Whilst the 'crystal' look may not appeal to everybody it certainly blends in with the rest of the silver gadgets under my TV. First time setup is unbelievably simple and very intuitive. The central control panel, or dashboard, where you configure the console, manage your saved games and so on, is very simple to use. No complaints there. I was initially a little concerned about comments that it had a very loud fan, but in my experience this is definately not the case - it is completely inaudible unless you have the volume turned down very low.

I am also very pleased with the 'S' brand controller. Having tried demo consoles in the shops I was not too keen on the original Xbox controller, finding it a little too big and awkward - and I do not have small hands. This version is much better, and comfortably fits into my grip for long periods of time. All of the buttons are easy to reach, and I particularly like the 'clickable' thumbsticks. Full marks there.

Initial loading times for games are noticeably longer than for the Gamecube, but not too long. However, I'll take these any day, as the console also uses the hard disk to pre-load information and eliminate annoying breaks during gameplay. An excellent feature.

Downsides? Very few. If you regularly like to take your console over to your friends' houses it may be a bit bulky and heavy, particularly compared to the Gamecube and new slimmer PS2. You also have to buy a DVD remote to be able to watch DVDs, though given that this is only a fraction more than the obligatory PS2 memory card you can hardly complain. Finally, many of the console's best games are first person shoot 'em ups, so if you're not a fan of the genre you might want to check how many other appealing titles you can find.

Overall I'm exceedingly happy with my crystal Xbox, and would certainly recommed one to anyone looking for a quality games console at a fantastic price with an excellent catalogue of games. I may still hate Microsoft with a passion, but for once they've got this absolutely spot on.

XBOX DELIVERS EVEN IN 2006
I have owned many of the top consoles and game handhelds but never an XBOX. While waiting for the Wii to come out, I was browsing through Amazon and could not believe just how affordable the Crystal Xbox was now that the 360 is out. So I went ahead and bought one.

All I can say is WOW. The crystal version looks a million times better than the original black brick of an XBOX and the fact that you can buy hundreds of games for it from as little as a few pounds has meant that very quickly I have built up a huge library of games on a limited budget.

No need to purchase any game save cards because of the internal hard-drive and graphically comparing like for like games with PS2 - just that bit sharper and also more detailed.

The choice of games is outstanding - plenty of adventure/rpg games which I love and many PC ports like Broken Sword, Morrowind etc which is fantastic.

I would say that there has never been a better time to treat yourself to an XBOX because of the low price and all the games (even new ones) you can pick up as well for next to nothing. I will still buy a Wii but, having so many great games to play on the Xbox now, I might not rush out and buy it at launch - which is no bad thing because if you wait long enough you can get some really fantastic deals!

I don't feel that I am missing out on not getting the Xbox 360 because I have never had an Xbox anyway. But no doubt in a few years I will buy the 360 as well because I am so impressed.

Thanks Amazon!

brilliant time to snap up an xbox
Although unjustly it seems the xbox is dead and buried.
considering it is still more powerful than the Wii and has
a great game library this is a shame.
if you cant afford 360 or put off by the Wiis lack of decent
games or the Ps3 price.
The xbox is a fantastic alternative especially given the price
and the huge range of games at cheap prices.
Pick up an xbox and call of duty 3 or doom 3,halo 2etc.
And you will see what xbox still has to offer