Laskys E-Zine

MIcrosoft launch their latest version of the Xbox 360 this Friday. So I thought I’d take a look at what’s new in the box (cracking pun there).

Well first stand out feature is that it now comes equipped with a 250GB hard drive. Ideal if your using Zune through Xbox live to download HD movies and also to install games onto the hard drive.

For me personally the built in WiFi is a necessity so you can connect to Xbox live straight away. Without the need to purchase a seperate wireless adaptor or run an ethernet cable to your router. Very important to me personally, especially after my 4 letter swaering fit when I bought my Xbox 360 two years ago only to find out it didn’t have built in WiFi.

However the big talking point of the new console is the Microsoft’s answer to tht Nintendo Wii, the Kinect. Which Steven Spielberg hails as:

“This is a pivotal moment that will carry with it a wave of change, the ripples of which will reach far beyond video games”

So rather than using a remote like the Wii does. The Kinect captures full body body motion using a sensor. An array of games will be available such as Dance Central and Your Shape Fitness Evolved.

One more key point Microsoft has addressed which has been the pain to manyof 360 owners. Is it’s new processor which generates less heat than it’s predecessors. Hopefully this will stop the infamous Red Ring of Death and consoles journey to Stuttgart for repairs. Especially when your console decides to pack in the week before Modern Warfare 2 is released.

In summary I believe the new features will add some new life into the Xbox360 with the  new range of games designed for  the Kinect. I’m still a traditionalist at heart and I would always take a joypad over motion technology. But this is a great stride for Microsoft to target the casual gamers who have fallen in love with the Wii’s playability.