The first aspect of Microsoft's 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.

There currently are three different Xbox 360s trim lines available. The first is the Arcade system, featuring one wireless controller, 256MB of storage, an AV cable. The Pro trim line ups the storage to 60 GB, includes a headset, a network cable, and a standard and HD cable. The Elite configuration, in black, includes a 120GB hard drive and an HDMI output cable.

All 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 console: how it plays the games. In short, they look fantastic. 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). 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. Is it the WII? For gamers who have grown up with these games, the 360 is the unit. For those who are not in that mode, the WII has proven to be a success.

There are been reliability issues reported with the Xbox 360--especially the E74 General Hardware Failure (The Red Ring of Death). Microsoft has extended its warranty and will deal with those units that have had these problems.


Pro: Games look great, curvaceous and customizable
Con: Deluxe system expensive; there have been some reported reliability issues

Warranty
1-year limited