Feature: Three Reasons to Buy an Xbox 360 Subscribe to this RSS feed

With so much next-gen hype flying around, it's easy to take a cynical attitude towards the Xbox 360. But starting now, we're breaking through that wall of negativity--here's an excellent argument for picking up an Xbox 360 right now.

With so much next-gen hype flying around, it's easy to take a cynical attitude toward the Xbox 360. But starting now, we're breaking through that wall of negativity--here's an excellent argument for picking up an Xbox 360 right now.

#1 Xbox Live

Even PC snobs have to admit: the original Xbox Live is the best online matchmaking service ever designed. Xbox Live on the Xbox 360 is even better, with a sleek, streamlined interface and more powerful matchmaking options. Even the new Gamer Profiles pages--which seemed so gimmicky just six months ago--now seem like a fresh, welcome addition. And if you don't subscribe to Xbox Live, no worries: freeloaders can download new content, upgrades, and occasional freebies like demos and trailers.

And now that Sony has stupidly admitted that the PS3 is sticking with a feeble "open" online standard, Xbox Live has instantly become Xbox 360's single biggest advantage. If Microsoft is smart, it'll ruthlessly exploit Live at every turn.

#2 The Launch Games

Sure, there are no Halo-sized hits for the Xbox 360...yet. But with Call of Duty 2, Perfect Dark Zero, and Project Gotham Racing 3 all available at launch, there's still plenty of fun to be had. Okay, so it's not the strongest launch lineup of all time, but it's better than what we got with the PS2 and Xbox.

Contrary to what you might have heard, Perfect Dark Zero is surprisingly fun. If you loved blasting baddies in the Nintendo 64 version, then you aren't likely to be disappointed by Perfect Dark Zero. Project Gotham Racing 3, meanwhile, does a phenomenal job of showing off the Xbox 360's mind-blowing graphical prowess. You've simply got to see PGR3 on an HD TV set. Call of Duty 2 obviously speaks for itself, and is poised to be the single must-have launch title.

Three Key Games


#3 The Bragging Rights

Let's face it--you didn't buy the new video iPod for its newfangled technological features. You bought it to impress your friends! The Xbox 360 is no different. Game consoles are major status symbols...who wants to be stuck with just a PS2 in this day and age?

Sure, the Xbox 360 has had its share of stumbles. The 360 is big and heavy, but the AC adaptor is ENORMOUS, weighing about as much as an entire Gamecube system. The units we've played with are loud, too, with multiple fans vomiting out clouds of superheated air.

But at the end of the day, these flaws are insignificant. The Xbox 360 is here, and it kicks much ass. Let the gaming begin!