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Microsoft XBox

The original XBox, created by Microsoft, was launched in the US in November 2001, then Europe in March 2002. As Microsoft's first serious entry and most powerful console on the market, the XBox struggled to compete against the already popular Sony PlayStation. But the XBox structure appealed to PC games developers, and provided a diverse platform for a variety of games and software that millions now enjoy.

Benefits of the XBox include a 733MHz Intel Pentium III processor and custom 3D graphics. The XBox has 64 audio channels, 256 stereo voices, and is the only games console to encode Dolby Digital 5.1 audio in real-time. Four people can play the XBox at one time, while one console can link directly to another seven XBox systems, meaning up to 32 players can participate at one time.

Features of the XBox include:

• CD/DVD Player Facility

You can use your XBox as a CD player to play music CDs. To play DVDs, you will need to buy a separate remote control. With the right accessories, the XBox can be the hub of a whole home entertainment system.

• Broadband Connectivity

The Xbox contains a broadband adapter, allowing high-speed access to the web, and fully interactive game play with other XBox players around the world.

• 8 Gigabyte Hard-drive

The XBox's hard drive does away with the need for memory cards, allowing players to store plenty of game data, custom made soundtracks and player information.

• Accessories

XBox accessories include optional audio, visual, system-link and DVD playback kits. ‘XBox Live' is a high-speed service that includes a microphone headset, enabling online gamers to communicate whilst playing, and new content downloads.

• Over 500 Games

The XBox caters for everyone with an extensive range of games types, including

• XBox exclusives (like Halo 2, Dead or Alive 3, DOOM 3, and Fable)

• Blockbusters (like Grand Theft Auto III, and Underground)

• Racing games (like Need for Speed)

• Fighting games (like Full Spectrum Warrior)

• Sports (like Madden NFL 2005, NCAA Football 2005, and FIFA Soccer 2005).

Microsoft also supplies an exclusive Media Centre for the XBox. It includes options to watch and record television shows, a free television guide, access your computer's music, videos, and pictures, and FM and Internet radio.

To find out more about the types of games you can play on the XBox, visit our Games section.

To find out some great deals on the XBox and details of where to buy an XBox, visit our Top Sites section.

You can also find out more about the accessories available for your Microsoft XBox in our Accessories section.