Microsoft Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition - Expert Reviews

Pros: All games for the Xbox 360 are in high-definition, as is the excellent, user-friendly Dashboard interface. There's built-in support for wireless controllers and excellent online gaming, content downloads, and communications via Xbox Live. The console

Cons: The list of truly impressive next-gen games remains small. The console has some design flaws: a noisy exhaust fan, a gigantic oversized power supply, no built-in wireless networking, only three USB ports, and no DVI or HDMI output. The DVD player is rathe

Verdict: The Xbox 360 delivers the power and performance of a high-end gaming PC, including impressive digital media and networking features.

Review summary: Although information about the next-gen consoles was limited, we were able to get some time with the new Xbox Live, the actual console itself and the new wireless controller at E3.

Verdict: We wrote earlier about the disappointment that was E3. Now, let us clarify a bit. The Sony PlayStation 3 press conference was quite enjoyable, as were our private meetings with ATI and NVIDIA to discuss PC hardware; but with no actual presence of next-gen

Pros: Sexy Design, Incredible power, Music streaming and integration, Great controller

Cons: Some unsupported file formats, No HD-DVD drive, no non-MSC support, average launch line up.

Verdict: The Xbox 360 is an incredible piece of hardware with very little great software to choose from. In the end, the potential for future brilliance far outweighs its immediate appeal.

Pros: Wireless functionality assists energetic gamers, works with all Guitar Hero games released for the system in question

Cons: Occasional glitches in motion sensor, we want a life-size peripheral!

Verdict: If you're tired of getting tangled in your old guitar's cable or want a second controller to battle your friends, this stand-alone purchase is well worth shelling out for.

Review summary: With its extensive digital media features, a superior online service, and an excellent game library, the Xbox 360 remains the game console to beat.

Cons: Early versions of the console prone to "red ring of death" system crash; noisy exhaust fan and DVD drive; gigantic oversize power supply; no built-in wireless networking or flash media reader; DVD playback has substandard video quality; support for

Verdict: With its extensive digital media features, a superior online service, and an excellent game library, the Xbox 360 remains the game console to beat.