Today, the Xbox is one of the most popular and technologically advanced video consoles on the market. Its creator Bill Gates kept the Xbox in development for several years before releasing it because he wanted the ultimate in technology to make the Xbox a truly awesome gaming experience. He'd noticed that online gaming over the Internet was becoming more and more of a detractor from console games, so something really special needed to bring consumers back to the console device. It finally appeared on the market in late 2001.

This console includes both a basic computer chip and numerous options for AV connections, and it is compatible with the following: standard AV cable, RF connecter, TOSLINK audio and S-Video, SCART, and High Definition devices. The Xbox can interface with a PC and additional accessories help to make it serviceable as a DVD player. The Xbox connects to the Ethernet cable to either a modem, router, or wireless link, and it's ability to interface with a PC allows for expansion of it's gaming potential, and the new ability to work as a music player or mixer for karaoke singing.

Displaying innovations far removed from those of earlier generations of game consoles, the XBox 360 controllers are packed with a diverse variety of useful options and functions for the console. The new Xbox 360 controller displays more similarities with the control panel of a small plane than with that of similar game consoles. The controller comes in alternates models with such diverse features as a directional touch pad, six action buttons and slots for accessories. The controller even has a dock for memory card access, so that games can be saved for later play.

It is common to find that games will disable the memory card to prevent users from activating cheating patches, but that inevitably leads to Xbox players resorting to hacks to sidestep such tactics. An online multi player gaming service which lets a player play with other players worldwide can be a huge draw. This allows you to show your skills against other players instead of merely against the computer.

The pricing of this game has faced a good deal of controversy. The European market complains that they have been charged up to double US prices. Additionally, Europeans claim that the pricing structures for newer version releases are also inflated while other complaints center on the individual game releases' level of violence. Other game console systems have had similar complaints leveled against them.

Purchasing an Xbox provides an incredible range of entertainment possibilities for children and adults. Prices have become much lower, and games themselves are often traded or sold used at a great discount. It remains a much desired holiday or birthday gift and many homes have more than one.