Microsoft became the newest console-gaming superpower in 2001 with the November release of the Xbox. A bulky, ostentatious console, Xbox launched with several conspicuously unspectacular games, though the best-selling first person shooter (FPS) title, Halo, exclusive to Xbox, single-handedly made it a viable system, beloved by enough "hardcore" gamers to save it from total failure out of the gate.

The subsequent launch of the Xbox Live gaming service exactly one year later, plus a flurry of better-conceived and critically acclaimed games gave Xbox its legs; the 2004 record-shattering release of Halo 2 gave those legs some serious muscle, after which nobody could deny that Microsoft had successfully entered the videogame game.

The advent of the Xbox 360, introduced just in time for last year's holiday shopping frenzy, promised and (eventually) delivered a new wave of richer, deeper and more technically advanced high-definition games along with an expansive overhaul to Xbox Live online gaming service, the operation of which was already smooth, stable and relatively hassle-free (to date, Live boasts some 4 million users).

So, though the Xbox 360 is a year old, it shows no sign of aging; its extra year of amassing momentum to jump-start (some say false-start) the new generation console wars has served Microsoft well. With Sony's new PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's new Wii vying for dominance in a space subjugated by Sony for two console generations running, Microsoft has established a lead with 6 million units sold already. More importantly, Xbox 360 clawed its way through the critical first year of birthing pangs associated with the introduction of new technology, suffering productions problems, safe/tentative /fledgling new game designs, shortages, glitches and malfunctions relatively unchallenged (except, ironically, by the old-generation PlayStation2, which out-sold Xbox 360 in several key months. Fortunately for Microsoft, the PlayStation 3 is already suffering production woes of its own and, in the way of new technologies, isn't expected to deliver a solid experience for at least a year, which is where the Xbox 360's head start actually means something).

Today, Xbox 360 is a rock solid game system and digital-media box; a powerful console at a comparatively-modest price point that belies the value of its costly architecture (it costs more money to make an Xbox 360 that it does for consumers to buy it). The Xbox Live experience is hands-down the best, most unified hub for community, multiplayer matchmaking, game supplements and multimedia access on the planet (including movie and TV show downloads, as just recently announced) - though Microsoft charges a fee for it, like a annual luxury tax...

More importantly, Xbox 360's HD-enabled visuals make many games such as Call of Duty 2, F.E.A.R and last week's triumphantly launched Gears of War look positively phenomenal (ironically, games not developed directly for Xbox 360 but made for some other systems and then translated or "ported" to fit the X360's high definition capabilities often suffer harshly, visually, along the way).

Cosmetically, the unit itself is a little - not a lot - sexier than the "big bertha" form factor of the previous Xbox, though sex appeal is generally lost when placed beside the 360's external power adaptor, a gigantic brick of a thing that seems to throw more heat that a 1000 square foot space heater, as does the system itself.

Still, the 360 can play DVDs (or HD-DVD through an add-on drive, sold separately for $200) and CDs, even rip music from said CDs to the 360's hard drive. Mind you, only the "Pro" Xbox 360 has a hard drive; the cheaper "Core" system does not. The Core systems also lacks a wireless controller (it comes with an old-school wired controlled) and headset (for Xbox Live voice communication in game and out) and a few other features. Then again, the Core system costs just US$300 or C$400 (some retail bundle offers will throw in a game or two for free, too, which otherwise cost $30 - $70 each), some $100 cheaper than the fully functioning system at US$400 or C$500. This Xbox 360 proper, usually referred to as the "premium" system, features an internal 20 GB hard drive, one wireless controller, a communications headset and the proper component cablings to jack it into an HD TV set. Thus equipped, the Xbox 360 is a beautiful game console that plays mostly-amazing games, some of them exclusively so. Plus, it boasts a wealth of other multi-media features and has most of its hardware and software bugs ironed out, making for a comprehensive overall experience that's decidedly slick.

Xbox 360 in Bullet Time

The Goods

• High definition gaming goodness, readily available


• Strong library of top-notch games


• Game makers love its developer-friendly architecture, share love by delivering great, feature-rich games


• Best online features and services, bar none


• Tiered pricing and optional components allows for a somewhat custom system to suit the wants and desires of the user, i.e. optional HD-DVD, optional premium online services (basic services included), optional hard drive that isn't needed to just play games (though it sure helps)


The Grief

• Runs worryingly hot despite its noisy cooling fans


• Noisy cooling fans


• Some games also available on multiple platforms with 360 versions showing little improvement or difference


• A 20 GB hard-drive is too small for all the multimedia and downloadables coming available


• To even come close to competing with Sony's "expensive" out-of-the-box PlayStation 3, you'll need to buy a premium Xbox 360, all of its accessories (HD-DVD, wireless internet adapter, etc) and an Xbox Live Gold subscription year after year, at which point it costs the same.


Should you buy it?

• Yes, but the premium system only and bearing in mind that the best Xbox 360 experience is found only by spending lots of extra cash on accessories and an annual subscription to Xbox Live Gold.

Also see:

• Console Wars '06 - Historically Speaking


• Console Wars '06 - Exhibit A: The Xbox 360


• Console Wars '06 - Exhibit B: The PlayStation 3


• Console Wars '06 - Exhibit C: The Nintendo Wii


• Console Wars '06 - Exhibit D: The Windows PC