Video Games : Xbox 360 Console (20 GB Hard Drive)

Rating: - Put it Online!
Ok, if you're going to buy this, bear one thing in mind - get it online as soon as you can!

Xbox Live is amazing and to not put your console online, is to not even derive half of the pleasure from it as is possible to do so. Playing other people who you can talk to and interact with, as opposed to AI characters generated by a computer-chip, brings a whole new dimension to gaming.

As for the HDMI connection issue mentioned in an earlier review on here, this is only true of the older consoles - the newer ones all have the HDMI port, built-in. Also, the red-ring issue has been addressed by Microsoft as they have started installing cooler-running processors.

The noise that it makes is comparable to any normal desktop PC and this is because it essentially IS a gaming-spec PC - not like the consoles of the past. The power-brick isn't really that much of a problem to house, but it is advisable to give it plenty of space.

This console looks amazing in HD and actually puts out 1080p, not 1080i, as described in a previous post - it is pin-sharp and the movement is as smooth as silk.

All-in-all this is a great machine and I would well advise buying it. The hot games to look out for are Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 - they will keep you entertained for hours.

Basically, you shouldn't be reading this by now - you should be placing it in your shopping cart and proceeding to checkout.

See you online!

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Rating: - Good console
XBox 360 is a very good console and has a lot of power there for the odern game experience.

Few minor niggles: DVD-based and not Blu-Ray so potential limit on complexity of games or we have to use mutliple DVDs, separate power unit is unwieldy.

Interface is good and solid sales mean there is a lot of game support out there, and more games coming.

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Rating: - Microsoft works
I bought an Xbox 360 a year ago and have been very impressed. I never had the original Xbox and got the 360 based on recommendations and because it had experienced a price drop. I am very glad I did. The price Amazon are currently offering (£230) is an amazing offer and well worth considering. The catalogue of games is much better than the PS3's and it has some exclusives like PGR4, Halo 3, Mass Effect and Bioshock that puts it head and shoulders above anything the PS3 can offer. Xbox live is also amazing and adds a different dimension to gaming. There is an issue regarding reliability and I have already had the 'ring of death' (which means the console has stopped working). Luckily Microsoft replaced the model for a brand new one, which now has a HDMI port, very quickly and without hassle. I would recommend this console to anyone.

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Rating: - The console of choice for the serious gamer
At the moment the 360 is leading the way in the quality & range of games available to the serious gamer.
This year has seen the release of Call of Duty 4, Project Gotham 4, Halo 3, Bioshock, Mass Effect & PES 2008 amongst others. Predominately the 360 has had the best versions of the multi format releases and also offers the best and highest subscripted online gaming service.
I know the wii is winning the sales battle at the moment but it doesn't really have that many quality games to offer anybody anything that will last you past boxing day.
Also the xbox 360 has the best controller on the market at the moment. It has banished the memory of the poor xbox original in magnificent fashion.
All in all it has made me appreciate gaming more than at any other point in my 30 or so years of gaming.

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Rating: - Fantastic games, hardware could be better
The 360 is blessed with an amazing catalogue of games. The hardware however, is something that could be improved upon. My main complaint is the noise. It is by far the loudest console I've ever heard, it's even way louder than my PC. I have a Falcon with a BenQ drive - don't believe the hype about those drives either. They really aren't any quieter than the others.

BTW, to make sure the model you're getting is a Falcon, you need to check the label on the power brick. If it's 175 Watts, you're good to go. Even if the sticker on the outside of the box says 203 Watts, the console might still come with a 175 Watt power brick and is therefore a Falcon.

Overall I give the 360 4 stars. The games are superb, as is Xbox Live. It's a great media player too, but they really need to address the noise issue if an Xbox 720 ever hits the market.