Xbox 360

Xbox 360 Slim makes huge improvements

Reviewers say that the Xbox 360 Slim ( *Est. $300) is the best Xbox Microsoft has made. "The redesigned Xbox 360 has the same horsepower, game library, and rich online experience as previous Xbox 360 models, but contains several key tweaks and improvements -- inside and out -- that make it the best Xbox yet," Jeffrey Wilson writes at PCMag.com. The new gaming console is smaller and sleeker than previous Xbox consoles, and it's outfitted in a glossy black finish with touch-sensitive buttons. The Xbox 360 Slim sports a 250 GB hard drive, can play CDs and DVDs and it includes built-in Wi-Fi. It also connects to Xbox Live (*Est. $50 per year) for online gaming or streaming movies. The console comes with a wireless controller, headset and a composite AV cable. 

Previous Xbox 360s were prone to overheating, which led to the dreaded "red ring of death" -- a general system failure that causes the Xbox's power light to glow red -- that's been the source of lots of user complaints as well as a class-action lawsuit. Reviewers say this should be less of a problem with the Xbox 360 Slim. The console is quieter than its predecessors, and it has a larger fan and redesigned venting system to prevent overheating. "When idle, the 360 is almost absolutely silent, and when running its disc drive, the console is barely noticeable with minimal volume," Jeff Bakalar writes at CNET. Although the new fan may take care of some overheating problems, the Xbox 360 Slim is still prone to hot temperatures; Engadget.com reviewers say their console was "burning hot to the touch."

Performance hasn't changed considerably, and reviewers report similar loading times and excellent graphics. Games have intricate detail and rich, vivid colors. The Xbox 360 Slim is backward compatible with all previous Xbox 360 games, including popular exclusives like "Halo: Reach" and "Gears of War 2."

Even though reviewers say the Xbox 360 Slim is an improvement over previous Xbox consoles, many still prefer the Sony PlayStation 3 overall. PCMag.com grants its Editors' Choice award to the PS3 by virtue of its "deep library of compelling exclusive titles and a top-notch built-in Blu-ray player." In a head-to-head match at CNET, the PS3 Slim beats the Xbox 360 Slim -- albeit by a small margin -- thanks to its excellent graphics performance, top-notch game library and overall value. Unlike the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360 doesn't have a Blu-ray drive or Bluetooth.

However, serious gamers who like to play online may prefer the Xbox 360 Slim. "For anyone replacing their Xbox or thinking of investing in a console, for the overall gaming experience, the xBox 360 Slim is the one to go for," Hannah Bouckley writes at T3.com. Microsoft's online gaming portal, Xbox Live, is light years ahead of the PlayStation Network, reviews say. Even though you'll have to pay for a subscription, Xbox Live has a robust community and a better selection of downloadable games. "User profiles, online matchups, and a great Netflix app add up to the best online experience of this generation," Scott Stein writes at CNET.

In addition to Netflix, streaming options include Hulu Plus and ESPN, and the Xbox 360 is DLNA compliant for streaming from a computer. As noted in the introduction to this report, more streaming options are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2011, including partnerships with Comcast and Verizon Fios that will enable subscribers to those services to use the Xbox 360 to view their programming. Subscribers to AT&T's U-verse service have the ability to receive their programming via the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live.

Unlike the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move, which use wireless controllers to sense motion, Microsoft's Kinect system (*Est. $150) uses a camera and depth sensor to scan and track various points on your body and use those results for control. You can also opt for a bundle with the 250 GB Xbox Slim and a Kinect controller ( *Est. $300) .

Reviewers say Kinect is revolutionary but limited. There's noticeable lag, and although not using a controller is great for some games (especially sports games), not having a controller can be a serious limitation in first-person shooters or other complex games. Nick Mokey at DigitalTrends.com has one of the strongest reactions: "The Kinect is not easy to use, it's not accurate, and it's not fun." The games available, including "Kinect Sports" and "Kinectimals," likely won't have great appeal for Microsoft's base of serious gamers. The Xbox 360 Slim has a dedicated port for Kinect, and there's no need to buy additional accessories. The Kinect can also be used for video chatting with other Xbox Live users. Overall, reviewers say Sony's PlayStation Move (*Est. $50) is more impressive for motion-controlled gaming. When paired with the PlayStation Eye camera (*Est. $40) the Move Controller is accurate and delivers realistic on-screen motion with no noticeable lag.

Microsoft also offers a 4 GB Xbox 360 (*Est. $200) with a flash drive. Some reviewers at Amazon.com say the 4 GB Xbox 360 meets their needs because they can save and download games onto USB drives. However, some users say they are upset that some older games aren't fully compatible with the flash drive -- needing a standard hard drive to access some features, including online play. The 4 GB Xbox 360 is also compatible with Kinect and can be purchased in a bundle with that controller (*Est. $300) .