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Best Reviewed
Video Game Consoles
- Best video game console Sony PlayStation 3 Slim (160 GB) *Est. $250
- Best game console for online gaming Microsoft Xbox 360 Slim (250 GB) *Est. $300
- Best game console for kids and families Nintendo Wii *Est. $150
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Best game console for online gaming
- Excellent online gaming
- Extensive game collection
- Quieter, less prone to overheating than older models
- No Blu-ray
- No Bluetooth
- Kinect motion-control technology unusual, but limited.
The Xbox 360 Slim has made a number of improvements over its predecessors, and reviewers say it is the best Xbox ever. The console has the same rich game library and excellent graphics, but it now includes built-in Wi-Fi. It also has a larger fan and a redesigned vent system, which make the console less prone to overheating and the dreaded "red ring of death" error -- a general system failure that causes the Xbox's power light to glow red. Although the Xbox 360 Slim can still get hot when playing demanding games, experts say it runs more quietly than previous generations. The sleek, glossy design also gets high marks. Microsoft also offers a 4 GB model (*Est. $200) with a flash drive, though there are reports of problems with compatibility with some games.
The biggest benefit to the Xbox 360 Slim, according to reviews, is Xbox Live (*Est. $50 per year), which provides access to online gaming and downloads. Xbox Live requires a subscription, but it boasts a robust online community and plenty of multiplayer action. Greatly expanded video streaming options are due to be added to Xbox Live and the Xbox 360 before the end of 2011. The Xbox 360 Slim comes with a 250 GB hard drive.
Like other gaming consoles, the Xbox 360 Slim offers a motion-control system. Kinect (*Est. $150) doesn't rely on a controller like the Nintendo Wii ( *Est. $150) , however; instead it uses a camera and sensor to track body position. Although reports say the system is certainly revolutionary, it might be too limited for many gamers, especially serious players.
Although reviewers say the Xbox 360 Slim has made major improvements, many still prefer the Sony PlayStation 3 Slim. The PS3 Slim has a Blu-ray Disc player and integrated Bluetooth, and many reviewers say it's a better value than the Xbox, despite that system's larger hard drive. Even so, reviewers say serious gamers or those who like to play online will enjoy the new Xbox 360 Slim. The PS3 Slim is available with a 160 GB hard drive (*Est. $250) or with a 320 GB capacity as part of a bundle with selected games and/or accessories (*Est. $300 and up).
The Xbox 360 Slim attracts a host of reviews from technology sites, including CNET, PCMag.com, DigitalTrends.com, Engadget.com and Wired. Each of these sources has hands-on tests of the console, and rating systems make it easy to see how the Xbox stacks up against the competition. Shorter reviews at T3.com and Bit-Tech.net are also helpful. Amazon.com is the best source for owner-written reviews.
| Xbox 360 250GB Console with Kinect | |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET gives the Xbox 360 Slim an excellent rating. Jeff Bakalar says the Xbox 360 Slim is quieter and less prone to overheating than its predecessor. Although he doesn't think it's a mandatory upgrade if you own a previous-generation Xbox, Bakalar says the console has improved.
Review: Xbox 360 Slim (black, 250GB), Jeff Bakalar, June 23, 2010
The Xbox 360 Slim earns a very good rating from PCMag.com, and Jeffrey Wilson calls it "the best Xbox 360 yet." Although he gives it a positive review, Wilson says the PlayStation 3 remains his Editors' Choice winner.
Review: Xbox 360 (250GB), Jeffrey L. Wilson, June 29, 2010
The Xbox 360 Slim earns a Recommended label from Britain's TrustedReviews.com. Hugo Jobling says the console is "the best Xbox Microsoft has made thus far," and he appreciates the new features, including integrated Wi-Fi. A separate review also gives the Recommended label to the Kinect, though it's noted that the motion controller won't appeal to hardcore gamers.
Review: Microsoft Xbox 360 250GB Review, Hugo Jobling, July 15, 2010
The Xbox 360 Slim receives an 8 out of 10 rating from DigitalTrends.com. Ryan Fleming says the built-in Wi-Fi is long overdue but a welcome upgrade, and the Xbox is quieter and cooler as well. "If you are looking for a new console and Blu-ray isn't your thing, then you won't be disappointed with the redesigned Xbox 360," he writes. In a separate review, Fleming looks at the Kinect motion-control system and says that it's good for casual game play and family fun, but that more serious gamers "will probably quickly tire."
Review: Microsoft Xbox 360 Slim Review, Ryan Fleming, June 19, 2010
5. Engadget.com
Engadget.com says the Xbox 360 Slim is more stylish and energy-efficient than previous versions, but Sean Hollister says he doesn't think it is worth an upgrade for current users. Still, he says it is "the best Xbox 360 ever made, bar none."
Review: New Xbox 360 250GB review, Sean Hollister, July 2, 2010
Wired gives the Xbox 360 Slim an overall rating of 8 out of 10. Like most reviewers, Terrence Russell says it is not a must-upgrade for current Xbox owners, although it is much improved over previous generations.
Review: Xbox 360 Slim Is Leaner, Meaner, Quieter Machine, Terrence Russell, Sept. 2, 2010
7. T3.com
Hannah Bouckley says the Xbox 360 Slim is "the best Xbox ever." Although she notes several significant improvements, Bouckley says the Xbox still falls behind on multimedia features. It's a winner, however, as an overall gaming console.
Review: Xbox 360 Slim Review with Video, Hannah Bouckley, Aug. 12, 2010
8. Bit-tech.net
Bit-Tech.net doesn't rate the Xbox 360 Slim, but Joe Martin has a lengthy, multipage review at this British site. Although the Xbox 360 has made a number of improvements (namely cooler operation and the addition of Wi-Fi), Martin says there's no reason to upgrade if you already have an Xbox 360.
Review: Xbox 360 Slim Review, Joe Martin, July 16, 2010
9. Amazon.com
More than 400 people review the Xbox 360 Slim at Amazon.com, giving the console and its various bundles an overall rating of 4.3 stars. Users say they like it that the console is quieter than previous versions, and most report excellent graphics performance. A few users have reliability complaints.
Review: Xbox 360 Console, Contributors to Amazon.com