Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite

A step above the Xbox 360 Pro and so much better than any other console for a number of reasons.

First things first, why is it better then any other console like the PS3 and the Wii? Well the Wii is more of a novelty device, I only ever use mine if there are couple of friends around and need to play something that is not too strenous on the mind. Great for party gaming with a few beers and mates but nothing solid enough for long term gaming.

The PS3 has many arguments going for it as it does have fantastic graphics but thats about it, there are a couple of exclusive games for it but nothing on the Elite again. It has the same controllers as before and could heat your house with the amount of warmth it gives off when on.

But I digress.... The 360 Elite is the review.... and it rocks in everyway possible. The controllers are perfect for the hands and easy to get the hang of using straight away and all the extras bits of kit such as the textpad all work as they are licensed by Microsoft and not some random companies idea put into practice without testing.

When you get the box everything is nicely packed in little bags and boxes making it easy to figure out what it all does, the HDMI cable is the best thing in the world not just for the video quality but for the fact it is simply plug one cable in and you are off! The power supply is quite large but as with all power supplies they are hidden away after plugging them in anyway.

Once all is plugged in you can begin right away, the start up menu is excellent and gets it all bascially running in minutes, then you can customise everything as and when you want. Games are inserted in the disc drawer and off they go.

Then there is the xbox dashboard, this is where you can launch games, download game demos, movie trailers, HD movies for renting, game add ons, new themes and gamer pictures and so much more! There are also arcade games such as Uno, Original Doom and Metal Slug which can bring back those nostalgic moments in arcades and on ancient PC's.

The huge 120 Gigabyte hard drive means that you can store more game info and saves but also HD movies to watch and and any videos you feel like downloading. The only issue with the new drive is transferring the old drive contents which can be done easily with the cable and cd supplied by microsoft by request. This takes forever to arrive though and I found it easier to buy on ebay and sell it straight on again after using it.

It also has a new chip design that avoids the red ring of death the previous xboxs could suffer from and looks so much cooler in black than white. I have had no issues with mine at all since buying it and am truly impressed. The are loads of exclusive games for it like Halo 3 and it also has so many more games available due to the extra years it has been out so there is much more choice for all types of gamers.

The online system is well established as well and any updates are well announced and explained.

All in all a fantastic bit of kit and it still tops any other console through game choice, looks and quality of system! Don't think just get one as it has been reduced in price and has some great packages now! Enjoy.