Since the launching of the Xbox 360, MS has been hard at work. When the first xbox was released, MS made bold claims of destroying the competition and paid dearly for it as Sony an the PS2 didn't even flinch in the face of the corporate giant an their offering in the console hardware industry.
Going back to the drawing board, MS designed a more appealing console in the xbox 360. A very robust system menu, a yet un-rivaled online service with user-friendly features, gamer bragging rights system with Achievement Points. While the hardware quality has been questionable to say the least, the 360 shines in every other aspect. It has the most solid of gaming libraries of this gen thus far, it combines funfactor while offering true next-gen visuals. The system was designed around the hardcore gamer first & foremost, and in a gen where we have an expensive multi-purpose console along with a console aimed at non-gamers, we thank Microsoft for aiming at us, the hardcore gaming audience with the 360.
Coming up to it's second year an the holiday season, what does MS have in store for us?
This holiday season is going to be a viscious battle between the 3 console companies. Already Sony has made steps to gear up for the season, an with Nintendo's Wii being the high seller since launch, how does MS plan to hold onto their #1 position this gen going into Holiday '07?
There has been word that MS will be releasing an updated Core model called 'Arcade'. This system will supposedly retail for a lower price of $250 and include a mem card, a few arcade games as well as HDMI support.
MS slashed prices off their Pro (once called 'premium') models as well to $350 and added HDMI to the system. The Elite also saw a slight drop in price to $450. To sweeten the deals for the Pro & Elite models, MS has announced they will be bundling Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance with the 2 systems. That's a $100+ value tacked on for free!
An it doesn't stop there either. To celebrate the launch of the system's most anticipated title, Halo 3, MS released a limited edition Halo 360 for $399. The system is decked out in Master Chief green with a chrome orange tray and a 20 gig harddrive as well as a Play & charge kit for the controller and Halo 3 content built into the system (themes, gamer pics, etc). Also, MS has released 2 special edition Halo 3 controllers with Todd McFarlane artwork as well as a wireless Halo 3 headset.
The XboX 360 is also home to another big hit: 2KGames' Bioshock, the game that has taken a different approach to how we progress through games. Also, in November is another highly anticipated title that can only be found on the 360 from the creators of Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire, Bioware's Mass Effect.
2007 really was a strong year for MS and the XboX 360, and as we draw to the Holidays, it's only going to get better for both new customers looking to get on the MS express as well as current passengers.
Nintendo's Wii may be steam-rolling in sales, but MS has prepared well for the fight and is determined to hold onto their #1 spot throughout the holidays.
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By Manimal Forever Contributing Writer Gamer's Perspective
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