| The Xbox is one of the most familiar console video | | | | Back and Start buttons, and slots for accessories. |
| gaming devices on the market. Bill Gates is rumored to | | | | There's even a memory card slot that allows games |
| have delayed its release for several years to include | | | | to be stored for later play. |
| every bell and whistle of available technology to make | | | | Some games disable the memory card function to |
| it the ultimate gaming machine and one that everyone | | | | prevent cheating, but of course some Xbox addicts |
| would want. Computers and the internet have made | | | | find hacks to get around some of the protections. One |
| online gaming more attractive than console games to | | | | of the huge draws is the availability of an online |
| many game fans, so something was needed to boost | | | | multiplayer gaming service that lets a gamer play with |
| the console concept. It was finally marketed late in | | | | anyone else who owns this console anywhere in the |
| 2001. | | | | world. Instead of competing with games online, they |
| The console contains a basic computer chip and has | | | | just joined in. |
| multiple options for AV connections. It is compatible | | | | There has been controversy over pricing for this |
| with standard AV cable, the RF connecter, TOSLINK | | | | game, with Europe complain that they were being |
| audio and S-Video, SCART, and High Definition | | | | overcharged as much as 100% over the US prices, |
| devices. The Xbox connect to Ethernet cable to a | | | | and new version releases also have had inflated |
| modem or router or as a wireless link. It can interface | | | | prices. Other complaints have centered on the content |
| with a PC which greatly expands gaming potential and | | | | and violence of individual game releases. This also has |
| also has music capability as a player, a mixer or for | | | | been the same for other brands of similar game |
| karaoke. Accessories make it usable as a DVD player | | | | consoles. |
| as well. | | | | Purchasing an Xbox provides an incredible range of |
| The controllers are an amazing collection of options | | | | entertainment possibilities for children and adults. Prices |
| and functions for Xbox. Far from the simple joystick | | | | have become much lower, and games themselves |
| and couple of buttons of the early console games, this | | | | are often traded or sold used at a great discount. It |
| controller looks more like the dashboard of a small | | | | remains a much desired holiday or birthday gift and |
| plane. It comes in alternate models with two analog | | | | many homes have more than one. |
| control sticks, a directional touch pad, six action buttons, | | | | |