The Xbox 360 is Microsoft’s second generation gaming console. The prefix began to be produced in 2005 and exists to this day. In 2010, the light was seen by a thin and compact version of the console called Slim. Although it was replaced by a new generation of NextGen Xbox One consoles, the 360s consoles are still very popular with gamers. Firstly, due to exclusive games that were not ported to other platforms. Secondly, the Microsoft console is quite reliable and rarely crashes. This article discusses the pros and cons of the Xbox 360. The review will allow readers to form an opinion on the console. And it certainly has its drawbacks and advantages. The article also discusses the basic accessories for the Xbox 360. You need to understand the characteristics of the second-generation console.
Xbox 360 Features Overview
The second-generation console has an architecture similar to competitors. Under the body are 3 cores with a frequency of 3.2 GHz each. ATI's Xenos graphics card is responsible for the graphics. Its processing speed is up to 500 million polygons per second. There is not much RAM - only 512 MB, and it is used as RAM and video memory. Full HD resolution supports the Xbox 360. The drive in the device is a DVD-ROM format. The operating system was completely written from scratch specifically for the console. The basis for it was the program code of Windows 2000.
Console Options
For all the time of production, 5 versions of consoles were developed and released in a series of: Arcade, Pro, Elite, Slim, E. All consoles differed in size and volume of the hard drive. The form and design changed, depending on the subject matter of a special publication, of which there are about ten.
Xbox 360 Accessories
Throughout the entire production of the console, Microsoft has developed and released many devices that allow you to transform or diversify the gameplay and multimedia entertainment. The most popular is Kinect, which is often offered bundled with the console itself. Kinect - game controller for the console. It allows you to control the interface and gameplay without the use of controllers, but due to the movements of your body. This is possible thanks to the camera installed in Kinekta. The device looks like a black rectangle on a stand. It is usually placed under the TV, near the console itself. There are no special requirements for use - just connect Kinect to the console and sit right in front of the device’s camera at a distance of a couple of meters. Of course, not all games support this type of control (for example, racing or a football simulator). But for Kinekt dance games, that’s it. The gameplay will be interesting for both adults and children.
Racing wheel
The next unusual device for the console is a proprietary wireless steering wheel. Microsoft decided not to optimize the existing steering wheels for their console, but to create their own unique one. It turned out ambiguous. On the one hand, managing virtual cars using such a gamepad is quite fun and interesting. On the other hand, this steering wheel will not give real lovers of car simulators the feeling of driving a vehicle. The wireless steering wheel is made in a U-shaped style. On the left handle is a classic cross, on the right - buttons. The center console is adorned with the Xbox logo and menu exit buttons. On the rear panel of the steering wheel is a compartment for batteries or accumulators. Management of this controller is ideal for arcade racing, but not for simulators with realistic physics and a control model.
There are accessories for the Xbox 360, specifically designed for online games and communication in them. For example, a wireless headset. The device is made in the style of mobile Bluetooth headsets. The tiny black case looks stylish. The headset is quite comfortable due to its mount and weight, which is almost not felt.
In the accessories market for this console, you can find a wide selection of wireless gamepads. There are controllers with additional batteries, with a cross-transformer. Color schemes and design of gamepads totals tens options for every taste. In addition, for the role of an additional control element, you can purchase a remote control. Play with it, most likely, will not be very convenient. But to use the menu and multimedia features of the console, the purchase is 100% justified.
Accessories for the Xbox 360 will not leave fans of music games insulted. Especially for them, Microsoft has released a gaming guitar. Usually this device is purchased specifically for the game Guitar Hero. For fans of mouse and keyboard controls, there are special adapters from gamepads - a great option for those who are uncomfortable with the original controllers, and really want to play exclusive console games.
Ample opportunities with devices
In addition to the above accessories, you can purchase an additional external hard drive or battery to the console to maintain performance for some time even without electricity. All accessories for the Xbox 360 Slim and the regular version are the same and are fully compatible with each other. Therefore, problems with connecting equipment will never occur. This feature puts the console in a better position than personal computers.