But it's often forgotten that Microsoft's console is also an excellent media extender. You can share files from any PC running Windows XP or Vista, and Windows Media Player interchanges media files such as video and photos fluidly and with ease.

Every Xbox 360 model now also includes a built-in HDMI port, and the middle-ground Pro model has had an HDD memory bump to 60GB for no extra cost, making the box even more competitive with the PS3 where hardware and HD content is concerned.

Let's also not forget Xbox Live, which boasts over 10 million subscribers and is hands-down the best online service on a games console.

Even after various component revisions, the actual hardware is admittedly still slightly noisy, and lacks the selection of full-1080p disc games boasted by the PlayStation 3.

But overall the Xbox 360 is a stunning HD games console at a price point that's impossible for any gaming or movie enthusiast not to have underneath their television.