The Xbox 360 - A Console Without Compromise

Following the success of the original Xbox, Microsoft's sequel has taken gaming to a new level. Its predecessor may have revolutionized the gaming experience, but this model is a different animal altogether; it allows users to combine the graphics and gameplay of a specialist console with the interactive functionality of a desktop computer, and has become an indispensable media player as well as a wonderful gaming tool.

Why is it so popular?

Unlike other consoles, which are purely and simply devoted to gaming, the Xbox 360 is an all-singing, all-dancing utility player that offers something to everyone. Users can download films, TV shows and trailers, so mum and dad can use the 360 in lieu of a DVD player, while the kids play Halo and Call of Duty. Teenagers can access Facebook via Xbox live, and log on to their favourite tunes via Last FM; indeed it doesn`t matter how old or techno-savvy you are, there`s a reason to buy an Xbox 360.

But, above all, the 360`s popularity is down to the quality of gaming it provides. Users can download the latest arcade games and demos, and battle other players online via wireless headsets. In keeping with its range of uses and functions, the 360 comes with a range of add-ons and extras; these include wired and wireless controllers, faceplates, webcams, dance mats and stylized hard drives, so users can customize their console to their hearts` content.

The history of the 360

When you`re planning something as big as the Xbox 360, you usually try and keep it a secret. Not Microsoft; they wanted the world to know what they were doing, building a tornado of hype which would sweep away their competitors.

During the two-year design program which preceded the launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft held a publicity meeting for 400 developers; threw a huge press conference to announce the appointment of ATI as graphics processing designer; and recruited Peter Moore, a former president of Sega. Microsoft execs were brimming with excitement about their latest project, and they wanted the world to know. Finally, after two years of rumor, conjecture and sneak previews, the 360 was launched in the winter of 2005.

The new console was first made available in two principal variants, the Xbox 360 Core and the Xbox 360 Pro. In April 2007 Microsoft unveiled a third model, the elite; six months later it replaced the Core with the Arcade. Earlier this year it was announced that the Pro was to be phased out.

Innovation and future development

The Elite and Arcade models have been augmented with short-term releases to celebrate the launch of high-profile games and movies. Microsoft has rolled out special edition 360s for Halo 3, Resident Evil and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and even unveiled a novelty yellow model for the launch of the Simpons Movie in 2007.

And, as if that weren`t enough, Microsoft is preparing to add another dimension to the Xbox offering. A new Xbox 360 is likely to be rolled out in the next few months, complete controller-free gaming and entertainment technology. Developed under Project Natal, this incredible add-on will allow users to control and interact with the Xbox without a game controller, using only gestures and spoken commands to control their avatars.

The development of the 360 shows just how far the console industry has come; whereas we were once wowed by the basic graphics of a Megadrive or Master System, now we expect our consoles to offer lifelike image quality, wireless connection with the rest of the world and a host of gadgets, gimmicks and decorations. But the pace of innovation is showing no sign of slowing; expect Microsoft to bring out a host of further updates for the 360 in the years ahead.