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New Consoloe Review: Xbox 360

New Consoloe Review: Xbox 360

Well, the time is here. Microsoft finally sent over a demo of the Xbox 360 and the CheatCC team couldn’t wait for a chance to demo it. The team took a hard look at the graphics, controllers, and online capabilities. Here is what we have to report.

Graphics

The console was hooked up to a 42″ Sharp Aquos flatscreen that supports up to 1080p. All Xbox 360 games have resolutions of 720p or 1080i so there should been some awesome graphics! Unfortunately, the console didn’t live up to the hype. However, it is entirely possible that the early games were lacking in development on the new platform. The graphics were definitely better than the graphics for the Xbox, but they weren’t mind-blowing.

Controller

The controller was very impressive. It fit perfectly into our hands and was easy to play with. Microsoft has replaced its black and white buttons with the four colored buttons on the Xbox controller with one button on each side of the controller above the left and right triggers (similar to where the L1 and R1 are on the PlayStation controller). We liked the feel of these buttons labeled LB and RB. They made the controller easier to play with. Another awesome feature of the controller is a headset hook-up that allows you to plug your headset right into the wireless controller and use them both at the same time.

Online Capabilities

One of the best parts of the console was Xbox Live. The online capabilities have definitely given Microsoft an edge over the competition. Although they were already leaders in online capability, Xbox Live stepped up another notch. The Xbox Live Marketplace was a little disappointing but that might change. Yet, who wants to pay for these things when you’ve already dished out hard-earned money for the console, the game, and the Xbox Live membership? Of course, we did think it was sweet to be able to download free demos of games.

At any point during gameplay, you can push the Xbox guide button (that glowing green button in the center of the controller) to pause the game. At this point, a screen comes up that allows you to do many things. You may chat with friends, see who is online, change your themes, check your reputation and gamer profile, or look at all the games you have played and your achievements in the games.

General System Specs and Packages

These stats and packages are coming directly from Microsoft’s core marketing.

Premium Package

 For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./399.99 euro/279.99 pounds Xbox 360 console. This premium edition distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself — comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:

  • Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch — three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16×9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
  • Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
  • Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.
  • Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish “chill” (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
    Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
  • Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
  • Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
  • A bonus Media Remote. Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC’s controls with a single remote.

Core Package

At $299.99 U.S./299.99 euro/209.99 pounds, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

  • Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16×9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
  • Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
  • Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish “chill” (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
  • Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

Add-on Deals

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./19.99 euro/14.99 pounds), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./34.99 euro/24.99 pounds*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./29.99 euro/19.99 pounds*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

  • Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./99.99 euro/69.99 pounds*).
    Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./34.99 euro/22.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./44.99 euro/32.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./19.99 euro/14.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./14.99 euro/9.99 pounds*).
    Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./79.99 euro/59.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./19.99 euro/14.99 pounds*).
    Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./29.99 euro/19.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./24.99 euro/17.99 pounds*).
  • Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./29.99 euro/19.99 pounds*).

Final Thoughts

The Xbox 360 gives games a new way to enjoy games for years. Yes, it is lacking a few things out of the box. However, with time and given Microsoft’s reputation, it stands to reason that the Xbox 360 will only get better with time.

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