When Microsoft first announced it was entering the crowded console market, many industry analysts weren't sure exactly how the computer giant would fare. Admittedly, the company did get off to a slow start, with only a few top rated exclusives available in its first few years. But lately, the tide has turned. The Xbox has passed Nintendo's Gamecube in North American sales and for the first time in its history, the Xbox recently surpassed the PlayStation 2 in North American monthly sales. One of the reasons for these sales numbers is because of recent Xbox price drops. However, it's also important to note that the impressive computing power, Xbox Live, and expanded gaming library are starting to pull in more consumers.
GAMES: People used to joke that the only exclusive Xbox gamers had to play was Halo, but that's changed recently. For one thing, Xbox is the only console that can handle PC ports. Many PC developers are releasing games simultaneously on the Xbox and PC, but leaving the Playstation 2 and Gamecube out. This means that Xbox owners who are not into PC gaming, will get a chance to play great games such as Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Morrowind, Deus Ex: Invisible War and the upcoming Half-Life 2. One thing to keep in mind however, is that while the Xbox does have its fair share of exclusives, such as Halo and Ninja Gaiden, many of them are available on the PC. If you are a PC gamer, you may want to look at a PlayStation 2 or Gamecube first. Those consoles probably have more exclusives that PC gamers haven't played before. Right now, the Xbox and PlayStation 2 seem to be the leaders among cross-platform games. The Gamecube occasionally gets left out by 3rd party developers, but if you plan on playing popular games with the Xbox, most cross-platform titles eventually make their way to the Xbox. Microsoft has also worked out deals to get games such as Grand Theft Auto 3 (which used to be PlayStation 2 exclusives), available for the Xbox. The best news about Xbox's gaming lineup, is that most of its best games are scheduled for a 2004 or 2005 release. If you compare the games that will be released on the Gamecube and PlayStation 2 during this same period, the Xbox probably has the best schedule of games coming out.
POWER: The Xbox is loaded with a 733 MHz Pentium III processor and 64 MB DDR ram. It packs quite a punch for a console. It's the most powerful console out at the moment and it will also give you the best graphics. Some cross-platform games have better graphics and features on the Xbox, but that's not always the case. The Xbox is basically a lesser powered desktop computer. Some people have even managed to mod their Xbox so that it runs a standard Windows OS.
CONTROLLER: The standard controller for the Xbox is now the Controller S. When the Xbox was first released, it came with a bigger, more awkward controller. but because of consumer complaints, the smaller Controller S (you can see a picture of it to the right) is now the standard. Opinions vary on which controllers are the best for each console, but this reviewer believes that Sony still makes the best controller with Microsoft second and Nintendo third.
BUILT-IN ACCESSORIES: One of the built-in accessories on the Xbox is the DVD player. Unfortunately, while the PlayStation 2's DVD player can run right out of the box, the Xbox requires consumers to buy a DVD remote (you can see a picture of it to the right) to make it work. Once you purchase this remote and plug-in the receiver, you can run your Xbox like a normal DVD player. DVD playback works fine and is comparable to regular DVD players.
Another built-in accessory is the hard drive, which is a first for consoles. If you are a gamer who gets sick of using small memory cards to save all your games, then the Xbox is for you! Speaking as someone who fits this category, I love not having to worry about available space for game saves! The hard drive is especially handy for gamers who love to play sports games or other titles, that take up HUGE chunks of memory. Another added benefit of the hard drive, is that gamers can download songs from CDs onto the hard drive and then listen to their custom soundtrack, while playing games that allow it.
The built-in Ethernet card is also very useful. Instead of being required to purchase a separate network adapter (like you will have to with the PlayStation 2 and Gamecube), the Xbox is already built to handle the Internet. Only broadband connections work with the Xbox, so keep that in mind if you're still using a dial-up modem.
ONLINE PLAY: Xbox Live is one of the perks of owning an Xbox. Although it will cost you an additional $50 per year to use, it makes many of the Xbox's games twice as fun. With Xbox Live, you can play online against numerous gamers. It's always a riot listening to a Southerner, an Australian and a Brooklyn native all talk smack in the same game. You can also download additional content for many of your online enabled games. Even games that lack multiplayer often throw in downloadable content. You can download additional levels, bug fixes, vehicles and more. The best way to get into Xbox Live is to buy a starter kit, which comes with a headset, a one year subscription and sometimes a game.
HI-TECH CONNECTIVITY: If you own an HDTV, the Xbox is one of the few consoles designed to play in those higher HDTV resolutions. You'll need to buy a connector for it, but you'll be blown away as you see graphics, that you never thought were possible on a console. Also, if you'd like to hook up a fiber optic audio connection, you'll need to buy one of the previously mentioned hi-res connectors. Unlike the PlayStation 2, which allows a fiber optic cord to go directly from the console to the home theater system, the Xbox requires you to connect fiber optic cords to hi-res TV adapters such as S-Video. If you visit any Best Buy or large electronics store, ask around for help and someone will show you the best adapter for your entertainment center.
SUMMARY: This reviewer has owned every one of the recent consoles to enter the gaming market and found the Xbox to be a fine addition to any gaming library. Admittedly, there have been slow times with it, but the gaming library for the Xbox keeps getting more impressive and several top quality games are on the horizon. If you haven't bought an Xbox yet, give it a try. There are several available for trade on the Game Trading Zone, so you won't have much of a problem finding one. While you're at it, pick yourself up a copy of the latest Official Xbox Magazine (picture on right). They're loaded with free demos for your gaming enjoyment, including some occasional Xbox Live demos. Whatever you decide, it looks like the Xbox has officially staked its claim in the console market and won't be going away anytime soon.
