Alright, first off, I'm just going to say that I don't actually own this system, my older cousin does, but I've spent many many hours at his house playing it. This, out of all three systems out now (360, PS3, Wii) is the best one. First, you really get what you pay for, second, why buy a PS3 when the Blu-Ray format isn't doing so great, and third, the Wii has graphics comparible to the Gamecube's. Here are the pros and cons of the Xbox 360:
Pros:
- Great graphics, not quite as good as PS3's, but very close.
- Excellent wireless controller, really well felt.
- Great design, very lightweight.
- Xbox Live!!!
Cons:
- In order to connect to a wireless home network, you need to buy an extra device for $100, and old Xbox wireless adapter isn't very compatible.
- Can't play all original Xbox games, only somes with downloads coming to play most of them.
- 2005 model overheats.
As I mentioned, the 2005 models overheat. My cousin has gone through 3 2005 systems (he is a hardcore gamer), and now he has a 2006 model and it works perfectly. Even the newer versions overheat, so here's what to do:
- Do not buy the InterCooler, it is basically a waste of money to purchase something that plugs into the overheating device, and then have both of them overheat more severely.
- Place the system horizontally, NOT VERTICALLY, so the airflow completely goes through the sides.
- If you can avoid using the 20 GB hard drive and use memory units, it is a good thing. Unattach the HD and use a memory unit instead.
- ONLY place your system in a well ventilated, (NOT A CLOSED CABINET), area. Avoid putting game cases and accessories around it.
The games for this system are amazing, and there really is something for every age level. The system will not read the games if they are scratched up, so avoid putting the games on the floor or in a cabinet, rather, put them in the original case. DO NOT TOUCH THE BOTTOM OF THE GAME CD WITH YOUR HANDS!!! Doing so will greatly increase the risk of the game not working.
Also, if you can, purchase the extended warrenty. It's not neccessary, but just in case your system blows, you'll have something to depend on.
-Simon