On November 22, 2005, Microsoft released the long-awaited XBox 360, the next generation of its popular XBox game console. The XBox 360, however, goes further than any gaming system users are currently accustomed to. The XBox 360 is more like a fully functional broadband-connected entertainment device that appeals to gamers but is equipped to entertain the whole family.

Although smaller than the original XBox (the 360 ​​weighs just 7.7 pounds), this version packs so many nifty features into a small package. If you also own an HDTV, you’ll really appreciate the advanced graphics features and support for the windscreen format (16:9). Of course, the console will also work on regular television, but the depth of the graphics will be particularly impressive on the most advanced televisions. The XBOx 360 features an ATI graphics processor and 10MB of onboard DRAM. This setting allows the XBox 360 to draw up to 500 million triangles per second for the ultimate in realistic graphics.

The XBox 360 drive also has a 12x Dual Layer DVD Rom drive that has the dual purpose of playing regular XBox and DVD games. There is also added support for surround sound audio for the ultimate home theater experience and realistic gaming.

For saving games and other storage media, you can optionally purchase a 20 GB external hard drive which also makes the XBox 360 backwards compatible with original XBox games.

The XBox 360 goes far beyond the gaming and video gamut with its built-in Ethernet port that allows users to connect over their broadband connection to XBox Live (available in multiple flavors). XBox live will allow you to play games live over the Internet, use voice and even video chat, and of course purchase additional products for your XBOx. In addition to ethernet connectivity, you can optionally purchase wireless adapters that comply with the 802.11 wireless protocol standard for integration into your existing wireless network. For other data transfer tasks, like uploading your digital photos, digital home movies, and music, you can use the built-in USB 2.0 port. With all these features, it’s a piece of cake to stream all your digital files.

As you can see, the XBox 360 offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy futuristic gaming capabilities (check game ratings to determine if they’re age-appropriate), and mom and dad can enjoy file sharing, music and video streaming, and home theater.