Microsoft Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition - Expert Reviews

Review summary: While it's missing a couple of potentially important features at launch, the Xbox 360 delivers the power and performance of a high-end gaming PC, including impressive digital media and networking features.

Pros: All games in high-definition; excellent user-friendly Dashboard interface; built-in support for wireless controllers; excellent online gaming and communications via Xbox Live; backward compatible with many (but not all) original Xbox titles; doubles as su

Cons: First wave of games is somewhat anemic; noisy exhaust fan; no built-in wireless networking; only three USB ports; no support for next-generation HD movie discs; no DVI or HDMI output; doesn't upscale DVDs to HD resolution; gigantic oversize power supply;

Review summary: While the wireless controller for the Microsoft Xbox 360 is considered by many to be the best ever created, gamers were offered few solutions to battery-drain dilemmas. In order to juice up your controller's optional rechargeable battery with Microsoft's

Pros: The Microsoft Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit comes with one rechargeable battery for Xbox 360 wireless controllers and offers a much more practical solution than the Play and Charge Kit for juicing up your 360's wireless controllers.

Cons: At three hours for a recharge, it's pretty quick--but not that quick.

Verdict: Microsoft's Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit is a must-have Xbox 360 accessory for those who already own--or are considering buying--a wireless controller.

Pros: The Microsoft Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit comes with one rechargeable battery for Xbox 360 wireless controllers and offers a much more practical solution than the Play and Charge Kit for juicing up your 360's wireless controllers.

Cons: At three hours for a recharge, it's pretty quick--but not that quick.

Verdict: Microsoft's Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit is a must-have Xbox 360 accessory for those who already own--or are considering buying--a wireless controller.

Review summary: One of the secret pleasures of having a decent home cinema system is running games through it. Hook up a PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube or Xbox - or in my case, all three - and you can enjoy a spectacular audiovisual experience.

Pros: Fantastic graphics

Cons: Only prog scan

Verdict: Those readers who have been sitting around counting the days before the shutters go up on our high-definition TV future can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Xbox 360 represents the first part of a radical shift from standard to highdefinition home en

Review summary: It was way back in November 2001 that Microsoft put its money where its mouth was and launched the big black Xbox into the world. Spin on four years and the firm is gearing up for round two with the Xbox 360.

Verdict: It's hard not to be impressed by the Xbox 360. With its high-def output, beautiful wireless controllers and amazing graphical prowess, it's a gamer's dream. Take into account all the additional functionality (Media Center Extender, Xbox Live Arcade, built