The defending champ
Between its superior online service, early availability, and impressive library of exclusives (including the wildly popular Halo series), the Xbox already edged out other consoles in the minds of many gamers. To this day, more hours are spent playing Xbox each month than any other console. And now, the 360 is better than ever. Not only is it slimmer than before, it offers built-in WiFi. The new model also takes measures to prevent the dreaded Red Ring of Death, so you can play worry-free for years to come. Plus, the new high-gloss design is pretty slick, pun intended. But perhaps the most impressive improvement is the addition of Kinect. With Kinect, you can use your body and your voice as controllers. This makes this the ideal console for the whole family, since you can enjoy the light-hearted fun of E-rated Kinect games, then after the kids are in bed, toss in Medal of Honor for some serious shoot-em-up fun. Better yet, as more games take advantage of Kinect, hardcore gamers will find more and more games designed for them that take advantage of Kinect. And of course, both Kinect and the console itself do a whole lot more than just games. It's safe to say that this 360 is here to stay.
Get Kinected
When someone mentions video games, chances are that the first thought that pops into your head isn't that they're a great way to get a workout. Perhaps that should change. For many years, games have been an exercise focused mainly on the thumbs, but with Microsoft's new Kinect System, that's just not the case anymore. What is Kinect? Well, basically it's a small device with two cameras in it. Those cameras are controlled by some truly incredible software that figures out where your body is and keeps track of it from head to toe. Then, when you move around, it can tell exactly how you've moved and translate your motion into on-screen actions. They're coming out with all sorts of fun games to take advantage of this advanced capability from fighting to driving to family-friendly adventure games, and more are being developed every day. With support for two players, Kinect has several features that make it stand out from other motion-control systems. For starters, all you need to be able to use Kinect is the console, the Kinect sensor, and a game that supports Kinect; there's no need to buy extra controllers or other peripherals. Not only does this potentially save you hundreds of dollars, it helps Kinect do a better job of determining motion than other systems. With Kinect's competition, all you really need to move are your arms and wrists, but Kinect tracks your entire body. This provides for an experience that's more accurate, more immersive, and burns more calories.
It's not just for games!
Perhaps the biggest area Kinect excels over the competition is in its stellar implementation of voice control. In addition to the cameras, the Kinect sensor uses four microphones to accurately "hear" what you're saying and where you are in the room. This has all sorts of handy implications. First of all, it's great for games. Always wished you could command your AI squadmates in your favorite shooter? Wanted to chat with your friend without having to wear a headset? Not a problem. And, since it can hear where the voice came from and see where you are, it knows whether it was you or your practical joker friend that just tried to send your squad on a suicide mission. In addition to gaming, the voice controls are also incredibly handy for controlling your media. Let's say you're cuddled up with that special someone on the couch watching a movie and you want to skip back so you can watch the last part again. Instead of un-cuddling and using your hands to control the movie, you can just say what you'd like the Xbox to do, and voíla, you're back a chapter without letting go of the one you love. Having a system that listens to you will completely change the way you enjoy your home theater. Just remember not to hurt its feelings.
It can hear you, now
Perhaps the biggest area Kinect excels over the competition is in its stellar implementation of voice control. In addition to the cameras, the Kinect sensor uses four microphones to accurately "hear" what you're saying and where you are in the room. This has all sorts of handy implications. First of all, it's great for games. Always wished you could command your AI squadmates in your favorite shooter? Wanted to chat with your friend without having to wear a headset? Not a problem. And, since it can hear where the voice came from and see where you are, it knows whether it was you or your practical joker friend that just tried to send your squad on a suicide mission. In addition to gaming, the voice controls are also incredibly handy for controlling your media. Let's say you're cuddled up with that special someone on the couch watching a movie and you want to skip back so you can watch the last part again. Instead of un-cuddling and using your hands to control the movie, you can just say what you'd like the Xbox to do, and voíla, you're back a chapter without letting go of the one you love. Having a system that listens to you will completely change the way you enjoy your home theater. Just remember not to hurt its feelings.
But wait!
There are still a few more handy ways to use your Kinect. The camera actually functions as, well, a camera, not just a motion detector, so you could choose to take your Gamer Picture for your profile using the camera if you want the world to know who the person behind the GamerTag is. On top of that, as long as you have an Xbox LIVE Gold account and an internet connection, you could use Kinect to video-chat with friends on Windows Messenger. This is an great way to stay in touch with friends across town — or across the world — because it puts them right in your living room.
Something for everyone, seriously
No matter how great a console is, if it doesn't have great games, it doesn't have great value. Fortunately, the Xbox 360 serves up plenty of great titles, with something for everyone. Seriously, it has over 700 games, with more coming out all the time. There are Xbox games available for everyone from kids to teens to adults in all interest areas. Kids will love titles like Kinectimals, Wall-E, and Cars. As they get a little older, games like DECA Sports Freedom, Lego: Star Wars, or Burnout: Paradise will appeal to them. Teens can have fun playing all sorts of games from to Fighters Uncaged to Battlefield: Bad Company to Skate 2 to Midnight Club: La to Marvel Ultimate Alliance. More mature gamers have a wide variety of options from shooters like Bioshock to RPGs like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to combinations like Fallout: 3. Then there are games like Guitar Hero or EA Sports games that most everybody will like. But most of those games are available on other consoles, too. Xbox 360 has an impressive library of exclusives. Some recent 360-only games include Forza 3, Alan Wake, Halo: Reach, Gears of War 2, Fable III, Halo Wars, Lips, Mass Effect 2, and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction. And there are plenty more great games, exclusives and non-exclusives, on the way. On top of that, there are dozens of great arcade games you can purchase and download right from the dashboard! As far as Kinect is concerned, there are two different types of games that work with it. Many games will require Kinect, relying solely on motion control to get you through the game. However, other games will allow you to use Kinect or a standard controller, or possibly even both. It's also possible that some manufacturers of existing games will update those titles with some Kinect functionality. There are over a dozen titles already out from a wide variety of genres, and this is just the beginning. More and more new games will make use of Kinect's incredible capabilities in the future. To get your collection started, this Kinect kit includes Kinect Adventures. This 1- or 2-person game will put your skills to the test as you navigate a series of challenging levels using only your body. This heart-pounding adventure game is lots of fun for the whole family!
Every night, LIVE
When it comes to gaming's online service, you get what you pay for. Nintendo and Sony both offer free online services, and both services could be accurately described as "lackluster". Microsoft offers free online access too (using your existing internet connection), with Xbox LIVE Silver membership, but upgrading to Gold is where it really gets fun. What's the difference? Well, with Silver membership, you get some benefits of LIVE, like content on your dashboard, game updates and patches, the ability to purchase and download games and add-ons like maps, vehicles, or weapons, the ability to maintain a friends list, and even the opportunity to chat with one friend at a time using the included microphone. But for a small fee (less than cable movie channels), you can get so much more. Like what, you ask? Well, for starters, you can check and update your Facebook page and Twitter account for no extra charge. Then you can listen to your own personalized radio stations on Last.fm. If you have a Netflix account, you can instantly stream thousands of titles in High Definition, and you don't need a disc to do it. But here's where the Gold membership really starts to pay for itself: say you've got friends across the country, and you've been chatting on Facebook about how much you want to see a movie that just came out. With a 360 and a Gold membership, you can Party Up (up to 8 consoles at a time) and watch the movie together, chatting on your headsets while it plays. It's the perfect way to reconnect with friends and family across the country. Plus with Gold, you get multiplayer gaming, so you can team up with friends or "mix it with some randoms" for some fun, competive online action. Some games even have other online features, like an online car auction service in Forza Motorsports. In fact, most popular games have online capabilities. One thing, though - a lot of games support voice communication, and not everyone out there shows good sportsmanship, so use discretion when letting kids play online. Overall, though a LIVE Gold membership is definitely a great thing. With its wide range of helpful features, it's easy to see why Xbox LIVE is so popular and highly-acclaimed. LIVE is worth every penny.
Hey, cool it!
The biggest complaint about the Xbox 360 up to this point was the high failure rate. Overheating caused the demise of many an Xbox, prompting the infamous "Red Ring of Death" to appear on the console. This time around, things are better. The console was redesigned to better deal with heat. In addition to changing up the design, Microsoft went the extra mile to ensure that this 360 won't be plagued by RRoD by installing heat monitors. So, in the unlikely event your Xbox starts getting a little too toasty, a message will display letting you know. Then the Xbox will power down, and will not be able to be turned back on until it's cooled off a bit. To anyone who's ever had to deal with Red Ring, this will be a huge relief.
Don't forget the extras!
The new 360 is a great entertainment source, playing DVDs and ripping and playing CDs. And, with a LIVE Gold Membership, you can access all sorts of movies, music, music videos, and games. But the more time you spend with it, the more you'll want to add. Some of the accessories are best to buy early. Read on for some of our picks. 1. Games. You can buy and download a lot of arcade games, demos, and even some full games. But, chances are that you'll want to start your own collection. We've got some pretty good games at really affordable prices right here to get you started. Be sure to check whether Kinect is required, supported, or not supported before you buy! 2. More controllers. The Xbox comes with one controller, but if you ever want to play with a friend, you'll probably want at least one more. Some games let you use up to 4 at a time. And if you and your friend want to play online, you may want to grab another mic, too (provided your friend doesn't already have one). 3. Batteries. A set of AAs will last up to 30 hours in a controller. If you spend much time playing, your battery costs can really add up. Save yourself the money (and the hassle of swapping out the batteries) with rechargeable batteries from Microsoft. They're designed specifically for the Xbox controller, replacing the whole battery holder (not just the batteries). To charge them, you can either get an external charging kit, or better yet, buy the battery in a Play and Charge Kit. With this kit, you get the battery and a charging cord. Just plug it into one of your Xbox's USB ports and keep playing — the battery will charge while you do. It's a good idea to have a Play and Charge kit for each controller you have. Tip: to save money, you can get a wireless controller bundled with a Play and Charge Kit. 4. LIVE Membership. 'Nuff said.
A few quick footnotes . . .
The Kinect will truly change the way you interact with your home entertainment system. It's a ton of fun and super-convenient to boot with its motion and voice controls. There are a few things you should remember, though. With any Xbox, but especially on an Xbox with Kinect, you need to use caution when allowing children to use it. Use ratings to help determine what's OK for your kids and monitor their usage. When you're unsure if a game is right for your kid, check it out yourself. Be especially cautious about allowing children to access the online features. Fortunately for you, there are tools to help. Parental controls on the Xbox allow you to set limits on what ratings kids are allowed to play or watch, what features they're able to access, and even how long or what hours they can play. Secondly, while Kinect makes it incredibly easy to control your media with your voice or your gestures, it only works with your Xbox; adjustments on the TV or receiver will still need to be made with a physical remote. No matter how many times you wave your hand, your TV won't change channels.
What's in the box?
This bundle includes: Console (with 4GB internal storage and WiFi), Kinect sensor, 1 wireless controller (black), 1 power cord, 1 A/V cable, 1 headset, 1 Kinect Adventures game, and a 1-month Gold LIVE Membership trial.
