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A battle for the living room began today as Microsoft prepared to launch its latest games console in Britain.
The new version of the Xbox 360 will be in British stores from Friday. It has been available for pre-order at its £200 RRP, but Tesco announced today it will sell the console at £189, with rivals expected to reply with similar deals.
Microsoft, meanwhile, is set to renew its struggle with Sony and Nintendo for the computer games market. Later this year the company will launch Kinect, an add-on camera that track players so they can play by gestures, without holding a controller - in a racing game, for example, players would pretend they are holding a steering wheel.
The firm also hopes the new 360 will end the "red ring of death" overheating problem, which forced thousands of users to replace their consoles.
THE Xbox 360 has long been a favourite among serious gamers, but until now has failed to make an impact in the average living room.
This glossy black version could change all that, as finally it is small and quiet enough to fit into the most minimalist abode. The console's software is unchanged, which is no bad thing as it's incredibly simple to use, and boasts a film and TV download service along with the ability to access Twitter, Facebook and Sky TV (but not BBC iPlayer).
However, unlike its arch-rival, the £249 Playstation 3, it is missing a Blu-ray drive, a big oversight on Microsoft's part. But if you can live without Blu-ray, this is a console that could finally see Microsoft going beyond the games market and breaking into the average living room.
First review
Xbox 360 slim
★★★★✩
£199
The Xbox 360 has long been a favourite among serious gamers, but until now has failed to make an impact in the average living room.
This glossy black version could change all that, as finally it is small and quiet enough to fit into the most minimalist abode. The console's software is unchanged, which is no bad thing as it's incredibly simple to use, and boasts a film and TV download service along with the ability to access Twitter, Facebook and Sky TV (but not BBC iPlayer).
However, unlike its arch-rival, the £249 Playstation 3, it is missing a Blu-ray drive, a big oversight on Microsoft's part. But if you can live without Blu-ray, this is a console that could finally see Microsoft going beyond the games market and breaking into the average living room.
Reader views (1)
get a life not an Xbox
- stuart, london, 13/07/2010 13:53
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