XBox: The Best in Console Gaming

By Jonathan Berohn

If you're a serious gamer, this obviously isn't news to you-but then if you're a serious gamer you've owned an XBox for a couple years by now. If you're a holdout, though-or if your wife has made you be a holdout-now's the time to finally take the plunge.  Also, if you're more of a normal parent who wants to put something cool under the Christmas tree, you can't do much better than an XBox this year. Not only do you get a top of the line game console, but you also get a great seasonal deal if you buy now.

The Basics

When you buy an XBox, you get the best graphics and gaming engine console gaming has to offer.  XBox is made by Microsoft, and the software giant spared no effort in making their game system the best on the market.  You also get access to XBox Live-an online gaming network that lets you compete with other XBox players over the Internet.

The Deal

To pump up sales (as part of Microsoft's sinister quest to take over every aspect of everything computer related-but that's another soapbox) Microsoft slashed the price of the XBox a while back to $149.  To tempt you even more this holiday season, they've bundled the XBox with 2 free games: EA Sports NCAA 2005 Football and Topspin. Topsin is some sort of tennis game they evidently can't give away on its own, but the football is the real gem here.  It's basically Madden Football college style.  As a free throw in it's hard to beat.  You also get 2 free months of XBox live to check out the online gaming.

The Extras

There are, of course, a few catches.  The biggest is that the XBox only comes with one controller.  This means that if you (or your kids) want to play against someone in the room, you will have to buy another controller.  You also have to buy a special remote control if you want to use the XBox as a DVD player.  While slightly annoying, these extra costs don't mar the fact that XBox is the best gaming system out there, and a real bargain with the current special offer.