• Recommended for all ages
• Xbox 360
• Xbox
• PlayStation 2
• GameCube
The video game market has exploded in recent years, thanks to the technological leaps made by the latest round of home video game consoles. With high-end graphics, movie-quality storylines and online play, even adults are watching less TV so they can game more. In fact, successful video games can gross more than most movies.
If you want to get in on the action, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our overviews of the current options out there and start having fun.
Xbox 360
Nuts and Bolts
The Xbox 360 features three symmetrical cores running at 3.2GHz each, and a custom 500MHz ATI graphics processor for a movie-like experience.
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The Premium System:
The Xbox360 Premium System includes everything you need for the ultimate gaming experience. The Premium system includes the Xbox 360 console, 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset, component HD AV cable, Ethernet cable and Xbox Live Silver.
The Core System:
Xbox 360 Core System lets you play Xbox 360 games, enjoy all of the media features, and expand the the experience at your own pace.
Go wireless: The built-in wireless receiver offers precision gameplay from wireless controllers.
Not just for gaming: With the Xbox 360 you can watch DVD movies in progressive scan, or connect to portable music players and digital cameras for a true multi-media experience.
Games
While all new game systems take a while to get a wide selection of games available, the first run of games for Microsoft Xbox 360 have surely been enough to satisfy the avid gamer. The realism of EA Sports Madden Football and the simply stunning graphics of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter make the Xbox 360 a must have for any gamer.
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Xbox Live
Microsoft pioneered online gaming with Xbox Live, and its service is the most polished and bug-free. It requires a connection to a high-speed Internet service and a subscription to Xbox Live. If you have a game with the Xbox Live logo (and many games do), you’re ready to play anyone online, anytime. And don’t forget to use the optional headset to talk trash or just chat with your friends.
Extras
Xbox Gamer Guide: The Xbox Gamer Guide is an entertainment gateway that instantly connects you to your games, friends, music, movies and downloadable content.
Save your games: Storage options include a20GB hard drive and Memory Units (not included) for taking your games on the go.
Personalized: The interchangeable faceplate and personalized menus allow you to truly make the Xbox 360 your own.
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Xbox
Microsoft’s first video game system is extremely popular thanks to its powerful graphics engine and large game library, which features classics in every genre from action to sports to role-playing.
Nuts and bolts
Xbox uses a 233MHz Nvidia processor to create stunning, realistic images, lighting and reflections. Four controller ports mean you can play many games with three other friends.
One feature exclusive to the Xbox is the built-in hard drive, which eliminates the need for a memory card to save your progress. With 8GB of space, there’s even room to rip CD tracks, which can then be used to customize game soundtracks. If you want to play at a friend’s place, the controller includes a slot for an optional memory card. Finally, the built-in Ethernet port can be connected to a high-speed Internet service for online play.
Games
Whatever your age or interests, there’s an Xbox game for you. There are close to 500 games already available, with dozens more released each month from the industry’s top publishers. That includes exclusives like the “Halo” and “Fable” franchises, plus the Platinum Hits collection, which are classic best-sellers priced for less than $20.
Xbox Live
Microsoft pioneered online gaming with Xbox Live, and its service is the most polished and bug-free. It requires a connection to a high-speed Internet service and a subscription to Xbox Live. If you have a game with the Xbox Live logo (and many games do), you’re ready to play anyone online, anytime. And don’t forget to use the optional headset to talk trash or just chat with your friends.
Extras
Xbox has lots of accessories available. There are many types of controllers available, so you can find the right one to suit your hands, your game (wheel, controller or dance pad?) and your comfort level. The DVD movie playback kit enables you to use Xbox as a DVD player. Use the Windows Media Center Extender for Xbox to connect your Media Center PC to the Xbox to enjoy music, photos, videos and TV shows. It makes Xbox the ultimate entertainment center.
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 (a.k.a. PS2) is the oldest of the current systems, but it’s still the most popular. A new version introduced in 2004 shrank the size to a svelte 1.1 inches tall and two pounds heavy.
Nuts and bolts
Unlike the Xbox, the PS2 is ready for progressive-scan DVD playback right out of the box. A DVD remote is available separately, but it’s not necessary to start watching movies. There’s no built-in hard drive, so you’ll need a memory card or two to save your progress. The Emotion graphics engine—featuring a 300MHz processor—provides great visuals and fast load times.
New versions of the PS2 feature an online adapter built in. If you’ve already got the original PS2, the adapter is available separately.
Games
Because of its longevity and compatibility with PlayStation 1 games, PS2 gamers have the biggest selection of titles to choose from. Popular exclusive titles include “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” “Kingdom Hearts,” “Gran Turismo 4” and the “Ratchet and Clank” franchise. Like the Xbox, PS2 gamers can also pick up Greatest Hits games for less than $20.
Online gaming
Sony’s online gaming is free, and it’s compatible with dial-up Internet service for select games. A headset is available separately.
Extras
There is a huge assortment of PS2 controllers available, from joysticks to steering wheels and dance pads. The DVD remote allows you to access all of the features of the DVD player and the built-in USB port can be used to add the USB keyboard and headsets for online chatting and gaming. Also check out the EyeToy, which provides the unique experience of controlling games with your body movements.
GameCube
Nintendo’s latest console is the cheapest way to get into cutting-edge gaming. Style is big on the GameCube, with many colors—from purple to platinum—to choose from.
Nuts and bolts
One big advantage of the GameCube is its compact design and built-in handle, making it easy to place near your TV and take with you on trips. The custom IBM “Gekko” processor provides crisp, clear graphics that are comparable to the PS2. It also has four controller ports and two memory slots for saving games.
Games
Nintendo’s fantastic franchises—Mario, Zelda, Metroid and Pokémon—are all on the GameCube. And despite the kid-friendly rep, Nintendo also has great games like “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six 3” and other more mature choices, including popular sports games from EA Sports. Not to be left out, the GameCube has its Player’s Choice list of top-selling games, all priced under $20.
Online gaming
The GameCube can get online with an optional adapter (high-speed Internet only), but only a few games are compatible with the service. However, gamers can use the adapter to link several consoles together in one room for massive multiplayer action.
Extras
One of the coolest accessories available is the GameCube–Game Boy adapter, which lets you play your Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color and the Game Boy games through your GameCube. There is also a wide selection of wheels and controllers available.
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