
Sounds like the beginning of a first grade “show and tell” assignment, but in reality I have to tell the world how my Xbox 360 has corrupted my gaming sensibilities and have made me expect more from all the consoles I own. Considering the ‘box started out as a hardcore gamer’s tool of choice, Microsoft’s recent push into the casual stratosphere has been impressive, more so even than Nintendo’s. Granted the 360 does not have the casual appeal and the current sales numbers Wii does, Microsoft’s console with out any doubt offers a lot more to a casual gamer than any other system. With the recently launched “New Xbox Experience,” the console has become a benchmark for what a “for all ages,” system should look like.
The Xbox may not have the gimmicky Weather and News Channels in its menu, but the mere inclusion of Netflix HD movie streaming as one of it’s standard features makes me dread even powering on any system attempting to label itself as an entertainment hub. The only drawback to fully enjoying all the Xbox has to offer may have be the $60 a year price tag (Xbox Live Gold Service), but once you see what you are getting for that, I don’t think you’ll settle for anything else. Wii and PS3 offer free online services and other features that get tiresome after a few minutes of use with out sounding like a “fanboy,” the 360’s features all have long lasting usability. From communicating with gamers while everyone is playing their own games, to comparing achievements with your buddies, the experience is enjoyable each time you boot up.
Microsoft Messenger may not be big in the states, but it’s the default instant messenger for the world over. Being able to instant message while you play or watch movies with out having to quit what you are doing is a brilliant demonstration that this console’s features were created to please the consumer. Everything on the interface is intuitive and makes you fall in love with how great the 360 really is. It may not have a Blue Ray player, but since you can stream HD movies directly from your console kills the only argument the Sony camp ever had.
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