Xbox

Xbox packages a lot of elements into the confines of a console case

If you have ever passed a video game store, you have probably seen them – gamers seemingly shackled to (and mesmerized by) the demonstration console systems.

A recent trip to a local Electronics Boutique revealed a tableau that was no different. A teen-ager was transfixed before an Xbox demo system. After watching the game play for about five minutes, and seeing no sign of the teen moving, it was time to close in and try to get some comments from the skilled gamer..

“Pretty good graphics, huh?” The question was meant to illicit a treasure trove of descriptive phrases. But the teen’s eyes never wavered from the screen, the fingers never ceased their frenetic pace. The voice was hushed, almost reverent. The reply was simple: “They are incredible!” And that was it, nothing more. The teen was too immersed in the game play to do much more than mumble.

The Xbox has been flying off store shelves, and while the initial release featured some sparse quantities in the hinterlands (like Idaho), it did force would-be buyers to line up for hours prior to the initial release, or to put names on waiting lists since.

So what exactly is the Xbox? What does it do, and what does it offer consumers?

At its core, the Xbox is a console gaming system. It features controller ports to handle up to four gamers at a time, and uses games imprinted on CDs. However, unlike some of its competitors, this game system goes a little beyond the realm of the typical console.

First let’s look at the processor speed: The Xbox features an Intel 733 MHz processor, while the PlayStation2 has a 300 MHz processor, and Nintendo’s new GameCube clocks in with a 485 MHz. Both the PS2 and GameCube feature 64 audio channels, while the Xbox has 256 channels of audio.

Other Xbox features include an Nvidia GPU (graphics processing unit), which boosts the graphical power of the system. In the summer of 2002, the broadband capabilities of the Xbox are slated to go online, providing online game availability. And this is one feature that will serve the system well. Hardware is in place within the console case so that, with the help of an adapter, Xbox graphics can be translated to high-definition television systems.

And yes, it plays DVDs.

So what are the drawbacks?

Well, for one, if you want to play those DVDs, you have to purchase the DVD Movie Playback Kit – it does not come as part of the standard unit. What this kit contains is a remote control and an infrared receiver that plugs into one of the game ports on the front of the console system. The system has the capability inherent to play DVDs, you just can’t start them or access any of the options without the remote. So the Playback Kit ‘unlocks’ the DVD system.

This is similar to other systems, and like them, if you want more than one controller, you will have to buy it. The basic package comes with one controller, one set of adapter cables, the Xbox, and a power cord. If you have an older television, that doesn’t have the three prongs (red, yellow and white) for external video input, or if your television does have those, but they don’t seem to work, then you will have to buy another adapter that allows the Xbox to pump its signal through the cable/antenna port on the back of the television.

There also are not that many games currently on the market for the system. Yes, more are on the way, and a recent report stated that by Christmas, there should be approximately 50 titles available for the Xbox. Yes, the PS2 has a ton of titles out there, but that system also was released before Christmas a year ago, and has had the time to build game options. Some of the current Xbox titles were, no doubt, rushed to market – which means they seemingly do not take full advantage of the graphical capabilities this system has to offer.

The pluses definitely favor the console gamer that wants high-end graphics without fuss. The Xbox has ample storage space to save games, the controllers do feature force-feedback (like other systems, it should be noted), and when you find a game that takes advantage of the graphical capabilities of the system, you will be blown away.

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of the current console systems is that they have something for everyone. Not only can they render games in amazing fashion, but also they can play DVD movies. The Xbox can be hooked into your stereo system and used as a music CD player, to take advantage of the audio channels it offers – which is superior to any other system.

The Xbox is an incredible machine. It retails, as a basic unit, for the same price as the PS2 (the GameCube comes in about $100 less), but Microsoft has opted to bundle systems – which means for a little bit more, you will get the basic unit, games and other accessories. Nice touch.

Yes, this is a big-ticket item. But when you consider all you are getting, packaged in one unit, it also must be considered a value.