Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Xbox 360: It's fast, it's slick, it's pricey
The battle for video-game supremacy starts in one week.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, is when Microsoft begins selling its newest -- and highly anticipated -- console, the Xbox 360.
Featuring lightning-quick load times and hyper-realistic graphics, it smokes every other console out there -- just as you'd expect. Be prepared, though, to shell out a lot of cash.
The core Xbox 360 system runs $299, and the upgraded premium model goes for an extra $100. But both will do more than just play games; they also are able to play DVDs, download music and store photos.
While serious gamers and novices will see little difference in game play, the hefty price tag (the current Xbox runs about $150) is worth it because of the upgrade in graphics and power. Most gamers will probably want to splurge and buy the premium edition, which includes such must-have accessories as a wireless controller, headset and detachable hard drive that lets you take the game with you. Sold separately, those accessories would cost an additional $225.
The new console is much sleeker than its predecessor. The original Xbox never really caught on in Asia, and many analysts blamed its bulky design. Microsoft partnered with two design firms for the 360, Astro Studios in San Francisco and Hers Experimental Design Laboratory in Osaka, Japan.
Like the Sony PlayStation 2, the 360 can stand vertically or horizontally, and it's only slightly larger than a digital cable box. Optional faceplates -- a great way to customize your Xbox -- also will be available at launch.
Grass is greener on high-def TV
The new unit was designed for high-definition TV. We tested the unit at home on both a standard television and an HDTV on the highest resolution possible. On the standard TV, the graphics were better than those on the current Xbox, but things were really noticeable on the HDTV.
In "Madden," snowflakes randomly fell during a Bears game at Soldier Field, and it was cold enough to see the players' breath. With "Tiger Woods" you could make out the individual blades of grass better in high-definition. Everything was just crisper, which means if you don't currently own an HDTV, this could prompt you to buy one now.
Xbox 360 is built to be online every minute you play, making a broadband connection essential. Both the premium and core 360 units come with a free Xbox Live silver membership that will enable you to send and receive voice and text messages as well as download free game demos and premium content such as vintage arcade games. If you want to play your friends around the globe, you'll need to upgrade your Xbox Live account to the gold package ($69.99 a year).
Tuesday, Nov. 22, is when Microsoft begins selling its newest -- and highly anticipated -- console, the Xbox 360.
Featuring lightning-quick load times and hyper-realistic graphics, it smokes every other console out there -- just as you'd expect. Be prepared, though, to shell out a lot of cash.
The core Xbox 360 system runs $299, and the upgraded premium model goes for an extra $100. But both will do more than just play games; they also are able to play DVDs, download music and store photos.
While serious gamers and novices will see little difference in game play, the hefty price tag (the current Xbox runs about $150) is worth it because of the upgrade in graphics and power. Most gamers will probably want to splurge and buy the premium edition, which includes such must-have accessories as a wireless controller, headset and detachable hard drive that lets you take the game with you. Sold separately, those accessories would cost an additional $225.
The new console is much sleeker than its predecessor. The original Xbox never really caught on in Asia, and many analysts blamed its bulky design. Microsoft partnered with two design firms for the 360, Astro Studios in San Francisco and Hers Experimental Design Laboratory in Osaka, Japan.
Like the Sony PlayStation 2, the 360 can stand vertically or horizontally, and it's only slightly larger than a digital cable box. Optional faceplates -- a great way to customize your Xbox -- also will be available at launch.
Grass is greener on high-def TV
The new unit was designed for high-definition TV. We tested the unit at home on both a standard television and an HDTV on the highest resolution possible. On the standard TV, the graphics were better than those on the current Xbox, but things were really noticeable on the HDTV.
In "Madden," snowflakes randomly fell during a Bears game at Soldier Field, and it was cold enough to see the players' breath. With "Tiger Woods" you could make out the individual blades of grass better in high-definition. Everything was just crisper, which means if you don't currently own an HDTV, this could prompt you to buy one now.
Xbox 360 is built to be online every minute you play, making a broadband connection essential. Both the premium and core 360 units come with a free Xbox Live silver membership that will enable you to send and receive voice and text messages as well as download free game demos and premium content such as vintage arcade games. If you want to play your friends around the globe, you'll need to upgrade your Xbox Live account to the gold package ($69.99 a year).
