The first aspect of Microsoft's new Xbox 360 console that catches your eye is how darn small it looks compared to its progenitor--It must be all the curves. This white, svelte machine can sit either flat or on its side, and can be further customized by a variety of faceplates that snap in and out easily.

There are three USB ports (two on front and one on the rear) on the 360, letting you connect peripherals such as a wireless network adapter or wired controllers. There's built in capability for four wireless controllers, however, so you don't have to worry about tripping over cords.

As you may have heard, there are two different Xbox 360s available: the Core system that sells for $399, featuring one wired controller and a faceplate (and composite A/V cable), and the Deluxe system for $499 that includes a 20GB hard drive, a wireless controller, and a wireless headset (as well as an Ethernet cable, component HDAV cables, and, for a limited time, an Xbox 360 media remote). It's an interesting retail strategy, but most gamers will want the full package.

Both versions come with a Silver membership to Xbox Live. This free online connection lets you download game demos and trailers and gives you access to the new online marketplace where you can buy and sell gaming-related products via Microsoft points. Full access to Live can only be gained with a hard drive, however, and to actually play head-to-head against online foes, you'll have to upgrade to the Gold membership at $5.99 a month or $50 a year.

Now to the most important part of any new console: how it plays the games. In short, they look fantastic. It's early yet, but new releases like Kameo: Elements of Power offer graphics and effects that you won't see on any other current console, and the contrast between the "old" Xbox version of Call of Duty 2 against the 360 version is like normal TV versus HDTV.

The 360 is backward compatible with over 200 Xbox titles, including Halo and Halo 2, with more games to be continually added to the list. You'll need the hard drive to store emulation software (which can be downloaded from Xbox Live or the Microsoft Web site), so backward compatibility isn't possible with the cheaper Core 360 alone. But it's good to know that your collection is safe. And for its last trick, the 360 can connect to any Windows XP Media Center PC and stream recorded TV shows, music, and more.

The Xbox 360 is all we hoped for: huge improvements in graphics, an excellent redesign, and a centerpiece for your home media experience.

Pro: Games look great, curvaceous and customizable
Con: Deluxe system expensive

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