Product Description

Xbox 360 represents a dramatic leap forward in high-definition gaming and entertainment experiences. Fusing powerful hardware, software, and services, Xbox 360 fully engages you in a gaming experience that is more expansive, dramatic, and lifelike, where the possibilities are limitless and your imagination knows no boundaries. The next generation is here. A merger of form and function, Xbox 360 wraps powerful technology in a sophisticated exterior. Two of the most innovative design firms in the world?San Francisco-based Astro Studios and Osaka, Japan-based Hers Experimental Design Laboratory Inc.?came together to craft a sleek, stylish system that conveys the very essence of Xbox 360. The Xbox Gamer Guide is an entertainment gateway that instantly connects you to your games, friends, music, movies, and downloadable content. Available at a touch of the Xbox Guide Button, the Xbox Gamer Guide gives you instant access to the experiences and content you want, from the gamer card of the player that just invited you to play online to new downloadable content for the game currently running. Xbox 360 lets you create your own unique system and experience. With interchangeable Xbox 360 Faces, it's easy and fun to change the appearance of your console. Switch on your system and customize the look and feel of the Xbox Gamer Guide and Xbox System Guide with unique "skins." From sleek and sophisticated to fun and funky, pick the Faces and skins that show your personality. Divided into four quadrants, the glowing Ring of Light and Xbox® Guide Button visually connect you to your games, digital media, and the world of Xbox Live?, the first global, unified online console games service. Featured on both the wireless and wired controllers, the Xbox Guide Button puts you in control of your experience. In addition to bringing up the Xbox Gamer Guide and the Xbox System Guide, the Xbox Guide Button lets you turn the system on and off without ever leaving the couch. Xbox Liv

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Microsoft
• Released on: 2005-12-02
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults
• Platform: Xbox 360
• Dimensions: 5.53" h x 15.00" w x 15.00" l, 14.84 pounds

Features

• Support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 CD, JPEG Photo CD
• Ability to stream media from portable music devices, digital cameras and Windows XP-based PCs
• Ability to rip music to the Xbox 360 hard drive
• Built-in Media Center Extender for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
• Interactive, full-screen 3-D visualizers High-Definition Game Support * All games supported at 16:9, 720p, and 1080i, anti-aliasing

Amazon.co.uk Review
The Xbox 360 is Microsoft's successor to the Xbox console, and is the first "next generation" games console to hit the market. It has three powerful core processors which pump out 720p/1080i output (translation: graphics look great), 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio (translation: it's sort of like the cinema), anti-aliasing for smooth textures (translation: characters look less like chimps and more like people), full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.

A multi media experience

Xbox 360, shown with levitating wireless controller

In comparison to the Darth Vader inspired design of the original Xbox, the Xbox 360 a thing of (near) wondrous beauty.

In addition to playing games and movies, the Xbox 360 can stream music and video from a wide variety of electronic devices, including iPods and the Sony PSP.

Get Live

The Xbox 360 offers an online gaming experience via Xbox Live. This allows you to play multi-player Xbox 360 games on the internet via your broadband connection. The service also lets you download--and save on the console's hard drive--new missions, characters and vehicles for your favourite games. You can also shout real-time abuse at your opponents using the Xbox 360 headset

Choose the package that's right for you

The Xbox 360 comes in two different packages: the deluxe package includes a wireless controller, 20GB hard drive, and a number of other accessories. Alternatively, the Core System bundle has a standard wired controller and no hard drive.

Which option is right for you will depend largely on your gaming needs--are you a fan of downloadable content? Do controller wires upset the feng shui of your living room? There are pros and cons for each option: for instance, if you do plump for the Core System you will have to buy a separate memory unit if you want to save your games. Likewise, if you opt for the deluxe version you will need a steady supply of AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack to power the wireless controller.

The Xbox 360 is only backwards compatible with a limited number of original Xbox titles, and a hard drive is required for this function.

Customer Reviews

You need this if you like gaming!
I have had this console for over 2 years now and it just keeps getting better. I'm not going to get into all the details like other reviews but am a gaming fan that loves all types of games ( have a wii too ), just here to say if you are even considering it - buy it and enjoy.

It's great!
My boyfriend bought me an Xbox 360 for my birthday and I love it! I was really nervous at first because I've heard that many people have had trouble with it, but nothing funny has happened with mine. The graphics are superb and I love the dashboard. It also looks brilliant with my new HDTV. The only downside is the fan - it's very loud when watching dvds. But other than that, I really like it and have had loads of fun with it. The PS3 is probably a better machine but if you want to save money and liked the old Xbox I'd say go for it.

xbox
I only got the 360 because of the games it has to offer. I had the black x-box and is was brilliant, and the games rocked. That's what pushed me to get the 360, sequels. I heard alot about overheating, but I hadn't had any problems. Saying that, I lie the 360 flat and propped up between two sets of dvd cases; leaving every corner open to let out any heat.
All in all the 360 rocks!