The Xbox 360 has changed since its launch in 2005.
That much is transparently clear from the updated version that debuted in 2010.
The Xbox 360 S is smaller, sleeker and quieter than the previous model and designed to banish the infamous 'Red Ring of Death' hardware failure that forced Microsoft to extend its warranty on the system.
Likewise the arrival of Kinect, which has gone on to sell over 10 million units, has transformed the machine from solely the preserve of hardcore gamers to a casual gamer friendly environment.
While some of the novelty of Kinect may have worn off, if anything the games are improving – finding new ways to take advantage of what is still fascinating technology.
But Microsoft is and always has been a software company first and foremost and, fittingly, that's where the Xbox 360 has changed the most. The NXE update of 2008 binned the old 'blades' system for an interface that was more welcoming to multimedia content and 2011 has seen another major update to the console's operating system. One so substantial, we've felt it necessary to update this review to reflect what a different machine it is.
Whether it's the old model or the new one, the Xbox 360 has now comprehensively changed from a machine primarily about playing games, with a modest selection of online content attached, to a fully featured entertainment and media hub.
The majority of forms of digital entertainment are catered for, there are extensive social networking features available and a new TV tab aims to replace traditional digital boxes with IPTV and catch up services.
The new dashboard, based around the Metro design language that also features in Windows 8 and Windows Phone 7, is a far busier interface, but it's reflective of the huge amounts of content now available within the walled garden of Xbox Live.
Getting to it all has always been the challenge and Microsoft has made admirable steps towards making that a straightforward process.
Your comments (15) Click to add a new comment
brownline100
Friday at 03:06 UTC
15. I have found that this product has time after time failed me. I had one that worked alright, until it started having minor problems which got bigger and bigger. I ended up buying a new one that scratched rings into my discs and wouldnt read at all. I would give this product a big fat 0 out of 10. You are way better off purchasing a PS3.
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munichlondon
December 16th 2011
14. With MS having made a lot of very good decision lately (Win7, WP7.5, Nokia-Deal, XBox update, Win8, ARM-support, etc...), I seriously doubt your forecast.
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lancer8
March 17th 2011
13. yay now all these years later you xbox guys finally get wifi bulit in. To bad no blu ray though. Maybe microsoft will do better with the next xbox but i doubt it. It'll prob have the 32% failure rate that xbox 360 had. lol lol lol lol
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m00kster
August 2nd 2010
12. I upgraded to this model, the noise reduction is a big plus, its not that much smaller standing side to side with the old design, but it has less gerth, the side fan (or top fan if lying flat) kicks out alot of heat so dont block it! also finally in built wi-fi, about time microsoft.
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intheflesh77
July 24th 2010
11. @si_smith - fanboy...pointless post.
Anyhoo, looks good to me, quiter, more pleasing on the eye and built in wi-fi...this will be a nice upgrade :)
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pugblue4
July 24th 2010
10. sorting out one of the main problems with the xbox as in the noise is something i will upgrade for, also reading the review why do you want or need to move the console with a disc spinning? otherwise can't wait to upgrade
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weezer
July 20th 2010
9. "Spectrums are better than C64s"
Ha haaa haaaaaa!!!
No.
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tacular_matt
July 20th 2010
8. don't know whether this is new or just something i missed 'til recently but there are extra display settings that i'd never seen before setting up the new 250g slim.
stuff like "rgb or ycbcr", and "expanded color range" for reference displays.
anyone seen this before or have a link to a write-up?
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philbean
July 16th 2010
7. Spectrums are better than C64s
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chattoe
July 15th 2010
6. I might add that Sony also re-released both the PS3 and the PSP (and the PS2 and PS1 back in the day) Microsoft have only done it once, with this version. So shut the hell up and think before you post!
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ammar_dento
July 15th 2010
5. I bought my Xbox 360 Elite before 2 months and am quite happy! I will upgrade only if a new Xbox has Blu Ray player. But my main use is the games and they are great.
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ibanezlewis
July 15th 2010
4. Thank you awire. I can't stand those ignorant morons!
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awire
July 15th 2010
3. I agree with ibanezlewis, SHHHHHHH
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ibanezlewis
July 15th 2010
2. Oh shut up you boring git.
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si_smith
July 15th 2010
1. 4 years too late. Everyone I know that plays online plays on PS3 now.
This is what the Xbox Should have launched as, rather than the bodged up mess they rushed out. To expect owners of the original botch-job to pay again for "somthing that works this time" otherwise essentially the same is outrageous.
I can't help but think the timing of this is carefully planned. Microsoft know all those RROD consoles are coming out of their extended RROD warranty and Microsoft are here with a new console to buy... How convenient.
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