Xbox 360 Resource Center

The Xbox 360 is a video game and entertainment console system manufactured by Microsoft. It can play Xbox 360 video games, DVD movies, audio CDs, and video and game content downloaded from the Xbox Live online service. Console owners can view photos and listen to music using the system's built-in photo viewer and music player software. Hard-drive equipped Xbox 360 systems are also backward compatible with a large number of games made for Microsoft's original Xbox system. The Xbox 360 first shipped in North America and Japan at the end of 2005.

The Xbox 360 System

Although the Xbox 360 competes against both the PlayStation 3 and the Wii in the current console generation, many consider the PS3 to be the Xbox 360's primary competitor because the systems share similar hardware capabilities and use a traditional gamepad controller interface. The Wii, on the other hand, has less powerful hardware, but has a novel motion-sensing "Wiimote" control. As a result of the control and graphics-power differences, many multiplatform games look and perform similarly on the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but are far different on the Wii.

Microsoft was able to take an early lead by releasing the Xbox 360 a year before the PlayStation 3. This lead made it easier to court third-party developers to create games for the 360. Microsoft hasn't been shy about acquiring developers, either. Microsoft has added heavyweights such as Bungie, Rare, and Lionhead Studios to the Microsoft Game Studios roster to ensure a steady stream of high-quality, first-party games. (Bungie has recently become an independent studio once again, but still plans on developing games for Microsoft platforms.)

The Xbox 360 has a well-rounded game library with plenty of games in all the major game genres, but the system's strongest genres are currently sports and shooters. The shooter genre on the Xbox 360 features hits like Gears of War, BioShock, and Halo 3 and several strong military franchises including Call of Duty and Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Gamers can also play third-person action games such as Splinter Cell Double Agent, Dead Rising, and Hitman: Blood Money while they wait for the latest Grand Theft Auto sequel. Console owners can look forward to yearly updates for the most popular sports franchises including Madden, NBA 2K, FIFA, NCAA Football, NHL, and Tiger Woods.

Xbox 360 System Configurations

Having trouble figuring out which Xbox 360 system to buy? Read our system configurations guide to find out about the different Xbox 360 models.

Xbox 360 Online

The Xbox 360 has an excellent Xbox Live online service. Find out what you need to get your Xbox 360 online and discover the differences between the Gold and Silver Xbox Live subscription levels.

Xbox 360 Accessories

Microsoft sells approximately three accessories for each Xbox 360 console. Take a look at all the official accessories to see what's available and to determine which ones are worth considering.