Xbox 360

David recently bought an Xbox 360, the game console from Microsoft.  I remember the extensive media coverage following the launch about a year ago – new and improved features, people camping out in front of electronics stores, aggressive bidding wars on eBay – but I haven’t thought much about it since, until about a month ago when Microsoft released Zune, their portable media player. 

Since we now own an Xbox, I decided that instead of complaining about the frivolous purchase, I’d make the most of our new console. Here are my first impressions:

Games/gameplay: Not a clue. I have previewed some graphically impressive, high-definition games via Xbox Live (the online "marketplace" where you can download and preview games and shows), but I have no interest in purchasing or playing any of them. D’s brother showed us a remarkably detailed video game called Oblivion, which is said to be one of the best games ever made.  In my opinion, Tetris is the best game ever made. D also played a racing game with a really detailed and accurate view of lower Manhattan and the New York skyline, seen from the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge. I enjoyed picking out landmarks. I recognized City Hall and the street of J&R Music World.

The look: Nice enough. It’s definitely not an eyesore and fits discreetly behind our television set. The design is sleek, and it helps that the console can be placed flat or upright. What’s more, there are no adapters visible or dangling wires. The smooth, pearl-white finish matches D’s car. I wonder if this could be just coincidence?

TV and movies: The video quality is excellent. We have even unhooked our Pioneer DVD player and now watch movies exclusively through the Xbox DVD drive. DVDs and HDTV are now back in our favor. We also have access to movies and TV shows available for download using a system of points that vary depending on what you want to watch. It’s nice to have the option.

Entertainment center: We now have a powerful new entertainment center. I can access our MP3 songs and library of digital pictures from our television. 

Negatives: The Xbox is noisier than our DVD player but fortunately not too distracting. I suppose this wouldn’t be a problem for gaming, considering how loud and over-the-top most of those games seem to be. The only time I hear the fans humming is when the DVD stops.