Rated 
One of the best console launches and suprisingly well thought out console
Started Nov 28, 2005
Strengths: Great graphics processing power, Live intergration with downloadable content/marketplace/online play, Great media center functions, Progressing Backwards Compatability List, Solid Launch Lineup
Weaknesses: Fans will be a bit louder than other consoles, Expensive ($100 than other console launches), Faceplates hard to get off, Will only load 100 songs list for MP3 Players, Video Streaming requires MCE.
Let me start off by saying I don't believe anyone should get the core system. The core system was introduced in order to funnel off some heat for the $100 price increase for the console in the current generation. By releasing the core system users who bought the real system could feel a sense of value and feel the console's price point was really $299. While I think this tactic is far less shady than the bundling of useless accessories with the PSP, it is nevertheless obviously the real Xbox 360. All the accessories that come with the regular version just spell out next gen (Wireless controllers and HDTV Component Cables). When you hear them talk about the core accommodating to "niche users" they must be talking about people who like to get ripped off or people who couldn't get a regular system at launch and are desperate for a 360.
On first receiving the system you will notice it is quite heavy for the size. For the graphical quality the console has potential for, it's not suprise that the components would be heavy. For the first time in 3D gaming this console has produced some graphics that are on Par with current Gen PC Gaming. I find this to be quite impressive for $400 which is quite a comparable price. And with many popular PC titles being ported on the 360 (Call of Duty 2 and Oblivion for example), it's not a bad alternative for people sick of upgrading their PCs every year, though personally I would not give up my Keyboard and mouse for FPS' like Quake 4. The console runs relatively hot so the fans are quite loud for a console according to many people. I personally have it running in the same room as my PC so my PC's fans are definitely louder and drown out any of the sound. One of the major feats with this console is that all the games will support 720p. For any HDTV owners this is a godsend. In the previous generation there were only a handful of titles that ever got the 720p treatment. Personally having a 1080p HDTV, this made me quite disappointed. But with the 360 I no longer have to worry about that. I think going with 720p was a good move since 1080p sets are rare. The visual quality jump from 480p to 720p is amazing.
The main thing that struck me instantly while using this console initially is that they really designed this console for useability and Xbox Live. The intergration of every game into xbox live is quite interesting. Sometimes while waiting for a game to start in the multiplayer lobby I'll check out people's games list and achievements (which the console automatically tracks if you're online). Also I can pull up the dash blade any time I want. This allows for me to insert my own personal soundtrack whenever I want to any game. For example in PGR3 I can just plug in my Ipod and load up my songs and race with my own playlist from my Ipod. Also an alternative is connecting the 360 to your home network and loading up the songs for a shared folder on your PC. Either way it all works flawlessly except for the fact that they left out any sort of alphabetical sorting tabs. Therefore browsing through a long list of playlists/albums/artists can be quite annoying. Also you can stream pictures off your computer for instant access for photo viewing on your home TV from your computer. The console delivers on all the promises of being an entertainment hub for your home network. Unfortunately for me this aspect is not as important since my PC and my 360 are connected to the same HDTV LCD Monitor. However for people with their PC in the computer room and the HDTV in the living room, it provides a very affordable alternative to having another HTPC in the living room. With MCE you can stream HDTV Video directly off your PC to the living room which is very convenient.
As for the launch lineup, I have found it to be one of the most solid in history. So far I own 3 games (Kameo, Project Gotham 3, and Perfect Dark Zero) and all are superb. I could go into detail about each of them but needless to say they all look fantastic and deserve well above a 8.5 Score out of 10. Also with NBA 2K5 sports fans have a game that looks fantastic. some of the visuals in that game will blow you away.
The current estimate is that Microsoft is losing more than $100 off each console sold, and all the features and graphical capabilities you receive from the console is a clear indication of why. There have been some complaints about defective units, but that is not all uncommon with launches. In fact mine has been running quite well with no real crashes, though I have encountered one bug in PGR3. I know it is a popular trend to go against Microsoft, but it's very hard to deny that they have created a well thought out console sooner than anyone could have anticipated. With a good lead of at least 6 months before the other next-gen consoles there is no reason not to be somewhat impressed with the 360. I would strongly recommend this product to open minded gamers, especially if they have an HDTV.
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