XBox 360: My Favorite Video Game Console of All Time

What makes a great console? Is it the speed and power of the machine? Is it the graphics and sound? Could it be the gallery of games that makes or break a console? The race to being the favorite console spans almost thirty years and over a dozen systems to choose from. With humble beginnings with Pong, the video game industry has seen consoles move from hunks of overheating metal to light-weight plastic that moves millions of dollars daily. From Atari to Coleco to the Genesis to the Dreamcast, who and what is the best?

Given graphics, hardware, game gallery and player experience, my favorite console would be the Xbox 360. While many could easily argue that their favorite console would be the one that started it all (Atari), the Xbox 360 outperforms its competition. Compare games that appear on multiple consoles at once (e.g. Batman: Arkham City or Assassin's Creed: Revelations) and the Xbox versions typically are crisper and more rich in appearance.

The proper hardware is important. With the exception of the Playstation 3, no other console can boast the same computing speed and power of Microsoft's gaming giant. Its control hardware is far above the competition. The Xbox controller normally makes full use of its button design and comfortable fit in any player's hand. The Kinect wireless system is more advanced than the Wii and the Sony Move. With the Kinect, the need for a controller is completely removed and hand-motion and voice activation have renovated game play.

The game gallery of the Xbox 360 is extensive and features numerous critically acclaimed proprietary games (e.g. Halo, Gears of War 3.) In addition to its standard gallery, the Xbox 360 has made wide-spread usage and application of its downloadable software and add-ons. Xbox Live is the online community where gamers can download more software, themes for the settings and more. The Xbox Live environment is very simple to set up and access. The Playstation 3's network setup can be cumbersome and require manipulation of a home router, a feat most users find threatening.

In conclusion, the gaming experience with an Xbox 360 is extremely rewarding. Overall the system outperforms, outsells and gives players a worthwhile experience.