X Box System

Game consoles are regularly upgraded to keep up with technological advances and the demands of game players for ever improving hardware and games. The X box system, produced by Microsoft, competes in this very competitive market with Sony and Nintendo.

Players tend to be loyal to one system or another but keep an eye on what different consoles offer. The X box hit the shelves in 2001 and the current product is the X box 360.

The controller with its analog sticks, directional pad, analog triggers, direction and action buttons have become a familiar sight in teenage bedrooms around the world. The X box system allows for more entertainment than games, of course. There are extra add ons available, such as the DVD playback kit. This comes with an infrared remote control and receiver.

Another extra is the X box Music Mixer, which has a karaoke facility and it’s possible to upload songs for the Mp3 format.

Every upgrade is accompanied by a massive marketing campaign. If a launch happens to coincide with the Christmas shopping frenzy, there are difficulties sometimes in supplies keeping pace with demand.

The X box 360 first appeared in November 2005 to great excitement and it was made available in 36 countries simultaneously. Its best selling game so far is Gears of War.

Other popular games include movie tie ins, such as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Indiana Jones 2007 and the Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth. Sporting games include the 2006 FIFA World Cup and Football Manager. Air guitar players like Guitar Hero, a game that involves playing tunes on a guitar shaped console.

The long standing games are still popular however, including titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Mortal Kombat and Tomb Raider. Sports and hobby games are favorites too on the X box system with games for poker, snooker and wrestling.

A new version of the console was introduced in May, 2007 in the USA, called the X box 360 Elite. This X box system includes an HDM output and a 120 GB Hard Drive and a black case. The X box Live Service allows gamers to compete against each other online.

Users can also download arcade games, demonstrations, trailers, television shows, rental films and music videos. Technology will keep evolving no doubt, and the X box system will continue to be at the forefront of developments.