Features

Xbox 360
Action-packed online gaming fun!

Who's it best for?

Home to many of gaming's top franchises and boasting the Xbox Live service, Xbox 360 is the serious player's pick for competitive action gaming.

If you're looking for a decent family console, don't be put off by the Xbox's hard-core reputation. The Xbox has family settings, which allows you to regulate what games and DVDs your kids can play and watch on and offline.

Plus there are hundreds of terrific games for kids aged 3 and up.

Best Bits

Two words: Xbox Live.

Xbox Live is an online service which allows you to compete with gamers all over the world. In addition, the service allows you to:

• download games, updates and movies,
• access free game demos so you can try before you buy,
• enjoy early and exclusive game content,
• take part in voice and video chat,
• access Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm Radio and Zune Video,
• keep track of all your in-game achievements so that Xbox Live match you with other gamers of the same skill level,
• look forward to live TV streaming via the all new Sky Player,
• plus much, much more besides!

What's more, the Xbox 360 also has the biggest choice of games, appealing to people of all ages and abilities. See GAMES

Worst Bits

Additional costs.
Xbox Live membership starts at around 0 per year. Plus, the Sky TV packages will be subscription based too.

No built-in Web browser
This means you can't surf the net in the traditional sense. I know, I know - it's confusing. But Xbox LIVE isn't a Web browser; it's a special application designed by Xbox which requires Internet access. That said; you can still access Twitter and Facebook via Xbox LIVE.

Not as easy as the Wii
At the moment, Xbox isn't as easy to pick up and play as the Wii. The controls aren't as intuitive, and require a little more dexterity and practice. However there are some exciting new innovations in the pipeline which Xbox hope to change all that.

Bonus Extras

Xbox LIVE. Need I say more? See WHY BUY?

Online Features

Xbox Live is NOT FREE. It's a subscription based service. Xbox Live Gold Membership will cost you in the region of 0 per year. Xbox Live Silver Membership won't cost you a penny, but you don't get access to all the good stuff that makes Xbox Live worthwhile.

Silver Membership
Xbox LIVE Silver is a free service that allows any Xbox 360 user with a broadband connection to get online and interact with the Xbox LIVE community.

• Gamer profile: Showcase your achievements for all your friends to see.
• Avatar: Share the customized Avatar that represents your online identity.
• Friends list: Add other Xbox LIVE users to your friends list and chat using the headset or send text messages.
• Marketplace: Download free content from Marketplace such as demos, trailers, music videos, dashboard themes, and lots more.
• Microsoft Points: Redeem Microsoft Points (available at retail stores or through Xbox LIVE) for extra game content, Arcade games, movies and TV shows, independent videos, and more.

Gold Membership
Xbox LIVE Gold is a premium membership that lets you compete with other gamers across the globe. Gold membership includes all the features of Silver plus a whole lot more:

• Multiplayer games: Invite your friends into a multiplayer match and compete against each other or play co-op through expansive adventures.
• Marketplace: Gold members get early and exclusive access to select game add-ons, demos, trailers, videos, and more.
• TrueSkill matchmaking: For every ranked game you play, TrueSkill finds someone of the right skill level for you to compete against.
• Parties: Invite a group of friends into an Xbox Live Party; to join in games and chat together.
• Gamer feedback: Use the feedback system to select players you want to play with (or avoid) the next time you're online.
• Watch Netflix movies: Xbox LIVE Gold members who also belong to Netflix can watch Netflix's extensive library of streaming movies and TV shows right on their console at no additional charge.

What do you need to get online?
The simplest way to get hooked up is to purchase an Xbox LIVE Starter Kit which comes with everything you need to jump in and explore everything Xbox Live has to offer! Once you've got this, simply go to the dashboard, follow the onscreen instructions and you're A for Away. In order to get your Xbox online you will need a Broadband Internet connection.

Buying games online:
Purchase games using Microsoft points or a credit card. Games are downloaded directly to your console and your purchase history is stored by Xbox LIVE, meaning you can delete games and re-download them again if you run out of space. Microsoft points can be purchased through Xbox LIVE Marketplace or in your local GAME store.

Essential Accessories

Whilst not essential, having the right accessories can really enhance your gaming experience. Here are some of the key accessories our Xbox Xperts recommend for enhanced game play:

• Xbox 360 Wireless Adaptor.
  Unlike the PS3 the Xbox 360 doesn't come with built-in wireless broadband compatibility. This handy little adaptor will ensure you can move your console anywhere in the house and still play online using Xbox LIVE via your home network.
• Faceplates.
  Personalise your gaming experience with an Xbox faceplate. Change your faces whenever you like to match your personality or your mood.
• Memory Unit.
  Xbox 360 Memory Units allow you to save your in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles and carry them around with you. Just plug it in and save away.
• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller.
  The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller lets you enjoy a 30-foot range and up to 40 hours of life on two AA batteries.
• Headsets.
  The Xbox 360 Headset heightens the experience of the Xbox LIVE online gaming community, allowing you to strategize with team mates or just chat with friends while playing your favourite games.
• Chat pad.
  This bolts onto the bottom of your Wireless Controller and allows you to type messages to friends on MSN while playing games.

You'll find GAME's full range of Xbox accessories here.

Games

Xbox boast one of the most comprehensive game catalogues in the industry, with games to suit everyone.

Summary

This is an ideal cross over console; great for families but equally brilliant for serious and competitive gamers too.