First Take: The Xbox 360 Arcade is the entry-level model in Microsoft's game console lineup. It replaces the original Xbox 360 Core console and features add-ins not found in the Core. Priced at $280, the Arcade comes with a wireless controller, a ...

There's general agreement that Sony stumbled out of the gate with the PlayStation 3. Months of intense hype were followed by a late launch (fully a year after the Xbox 360) and a staggering $600 price tag for the deluxe model. Even worse, the PS3 didn ...

Swanky design with quiet operation ; all games in high-definition ; PSP-like easy-to-use interface ; plays high-def Blu-ray movies in addition to upscaling standard DVDs ; built-in Wi-Fi and flash media reader ; 80GB hard drive ; online play is free ; ...

Compelling exclusive games are still few and far between ; backwards compatibility is software-based ; PlayStation Home and rumble controller not available until 2008 ; a USB port on the back would've been nice ; no infrared port means non-Bluetooth ...

The high-end Sony PlayStation 3's larger hard drive and ability to play older PS2 games makes it a worthwhile alternative to the cheaper model--so long as you're willing to wait several months for the more promising exclusive titles to hit store ...

There's general agreement that Sony stumbled out of the gate with the PlayStation 3. Months of intense hype were followed by a late launch (fully a year after the Xbox 360) and a staggering $600 price tag for the deluxe model. Even worse, the PS3 didn ...

Xbox 360 EliteThe Xbox 360 was the first of the "next-gen" videogame consoles to hit the market in the fall of 2005. By the time the PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii hit stores--a full year later--the 360 had not only established itself as a top ...

Excellent selection of games, including many 360-only exclusives ; all games are in native high-definition ; user-friendly Dashboard interface ; supports wireless controllers and accessories ; Xbox Live service offers online multiplayer (with ...

The Elite fails to correct most of the annoyances of the original 360 version: the noisy DVD drive and cooling fan ; a gigantic, oversize power supply ; no built-in wireless networking ; only three USB ports ; a substandard DVD player ; support for ...

While it's neither a must-have upgrade for existing 360 owners nor as feature-packed as the PS3, the Xbox 360 Elite's combination of top-notch gaming and digital media features make it the current game console of choice.

In the gaming world, being first to market has its advantages, but it also has some downsides. With its Xbox 360, Microsoft has staked itself a year lead over archrival Sony in the next-gen gaming wars and, just as importantly, the battle for living ...

Swanky design with quiet operation ; all games in high-definition ; PSP-like user-friendly interface ; plays high-def Blu-ray movies in addition to upscaling standard DVDs ; built-in Wi-Fi and flash media reader ; 60GB hard drive ; online play is free ...

Compelling exclusive games are still few and far between ; PlayStation Home and rumble controller not available until 2008 ; a USB port on the back would've been nice ; no infrared port means non-Bluetooth universal remotes aren't compatible ; glossy ...

The high-end Sony PlayStation 3's larger hard drive and ability to play PS2 games makes it a worthwhile alternative to the cheaper model--so long as you're willing to wait several months for the more promising exclusive titles to hit store shelves. If ...

Nintendo has ventured off the beaten path with its newest system, and the company knows it. While the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 both emphasize their impressive graphical capabilities, Nintendo downplays the importance of graphics ...

Revolutionary controller design offers unique motion-sensitive gameplay options ; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and gameplay ; Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal ; compatible with all GameCube games and controllers ; built-in SD ...

Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to ; online gaming and community features hobbled by horrible "friends code" system ; nunchuk controller sold separately ; lacks the advanced HD graphics and surround sound found on the Xbox ...

These days, retro gaming is all the rage. The Xbox Live Arcade's mixture of old arcade games and original casual gaming fare is a big hit on the Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii, the PlayStation 3, and the PSP will all have similar classic downloadable ...

Even by the considerable standards of past next-generation consoles, the Sony PlayStation 3 has been subject to almost ludicrous levels of prerelease hype and hyperbole. The system was unveiled at E3 2005, where it faced derision for having a glut of ...