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50 Reasons why the Xbox is THE console to own (50 GOOD reasons)--For Those New Commers
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ANGRY
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Mar 31, 2002, 10:47:57 AM
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50 reasons why Xbox is THE Gaming system to own
1. Fastest Processor of any console - Meaning that games are able to have a
more richer experience. Faster computing power equals smarter AI, more
accurate world physics, faster framerates, a deeper atmosphere. the list
goes on!

2. Fastest Graphics Chip of any console - While Xbox games are only a
step-up from the very best looking PlayStation2 games, in time, Xbox games
will hold the definite winners place in terms of visual quality. Think
PlayStation2 graphics when it launched and what it does today. This is how
Xbox will be!

3. Biggest amount of Memory of any console - Allows for more game storage,
which aids in faster loading times, bigger levels, more characters on
screen, etc. Xbox features twice the amount of memory PlayStation2 has!

4. Unified Memory - Because the memory in the Xbox is unified, game
developers are able to assign memory to any set of the game data such as
Graphics, Sound or Level information. While the PlayStation2 has a tiny
amount of video memory (4MB), Xbox developers can allocate as much as 32MB
for video memory if they wanted to!

5. Special Video Features - Thanks to the special graphical features that
the Xbox's has, games will look better and run faster. Some of these nice
video extras include texture compression, bump-mapping, pixel shading,
simultaneous textures per object, full screen anti-aliasing and others of
such. These are why Xbox games look so drat good and what's even better, the
PlayStation2 is incapable of pulling off these wonderful effects because it'
s hardware isn't as powerful!

6. Programmable Graphics Unit - Because the Xbox has a programmable graphics
unit, game developers can edit what the Xbox is capable to producing in
terms of visual eye candy. While other consoles will eventually fall behind
in graphics, developers for the Xbox can update the graphics meaning Xbox
will always remain the leader in visual quality.

7. Dual Pixel/Vertex Shaders - Xbox is the ONLY console to feature 2
Pixel/Vertex shaders. Other consoles on have 1. This simply means that Xbox
can draw and shade twice the amount of graphics in a single moment while
other console can only do this at half the speed.

8. Made by Microsoft - Because MS is arguable the richest company in the
world, the Xbox will not have any problems going bankrupt or having to cut
funds for game developers.

9. Nvidia powered Graphics and Sound - 'Nvidia' is currently the world's
leading company in graphics cards. As you would expect, them powering the
graphics card in the Xbox only means the very best in visual entertainment.

10. Most amount of Sound Channels of any console - The amount of sound
channels a console has is quite important in terms of audio quality. The
Xbox is capable of performing up to 256 audio channels at one given time.
Compared to the PlayStation2 that has only 48 sound channels, you should be
able to hear an improvement in audio, especially when hooked up to a home
theatre system.

11. Real-time Dolby Digital 5.1 - Xbox is the ONLY console to be able to
have the complete Audio experience that other consoles like the PlayStation2
could only dream about. The Xbox can do 3D sound in 'Real-Time' where the
PS2 can only do this in movies or cut-scenes meaning if you are one of those
lucky people to own a Digital Audio system with 5 speaker outputs,
specifically designed Xbox games can take advantage of this so that you will
be able to experience a true audio treat hearing surround sound through the
highest quality!

12. 4 Controller ports - Ever get tired of those annoying multi-taps you
need to buy for your PlayStation2 so you can have 4 players? That is not a
problem anymore since there are 4 controller ports with Xbox as opposed to 2
on the PlayStation2.

13. Built-in Hard Drive - Thanks to the built in Harddrive with Xbox, you
save bucket loads of money, effort and add-on problems as experienced in the
past with other consoles.

14. Built-in Hard Drive reduces Loading Times - Ever get sick of waiting
around for your PlayStation2 games to boot up and then take a considerable
time longer to load up a level? With the Xbox Hard drive, games can be
copied to that from the DVD and then loaded meaning that games have much
quicker boot and load times. This is mainly because harddrives can load up
to 8times faster than a DVD drive. A classic example of fast loading times
would be a game like Dead or Alive 3 or Halo on Xbox. It's almost a waiting
free experience!

15. Comfortable controllers with an analogue interface - Many people
complain that the Xbox controller is too big and bulky. Although it may be
to an extent, it has the shape and size to mould your hands perfectly. Other
features that the Xbox controller has is analogue control sticks as well as
pressure sensitive buttons and triggers for maximum gaming experience. Also,
the Xbox controller cord is 3 metres long! Meaning you can sit all the way
back in a comfy sofa without pulling on the machine.

16. Uses DVD - As like the PlayStation2, Xbox makes use of DVD discs
allowing for bigger and better games. Another worthy note is that Xbox DVDs
are considerably much bigger than standard PS2 DVDs.
Xbox DVDs - 7 GB of storage capacity
PS2 DVDs - 4.3 GB of storage capacity

17. Copies and plays music CDs with ease - Another feature the Xbox has that
the PlayStation2 doesn't is the ability to copy your music onto the
Harddrive! Forget changing Cds constantly! Copy all your favourite songs
into 1 album on the Xbox for maximum pleasure.

18. Higher Quality DVD movie playback over PS2 - Although you need to
purchase an addon unit to play DVD movies on the Xbox, the video quality is
considerably much better than what is shown on the PlayStation2. Plus you
get a bonus remote with the package, which makes your movie experience more
convenient!

19. Breakaway connectors for the controllers reduce Xbox falling - Another
nice feature of the Xbox controllers have is that the cords have a click in
feature, which disconnect if the controller is pulled. This means that if
your little brother or sister or even the family dog trips on the cords, the
Xbox wont come falling down if it is up high.

20. 2 peripheral slots on the controller - Because of this, peripherals like
a voice headset can be easily plugged into the controller and used for the
games.

21. Harddrive means no need to buy a memory card ever - With the Xbox Hard
drive, you will never need to waste your hard earned cash on a memory card
so you are able to save your progress in games. Having a Hard drive to save
game data on is so much more convenient and quicker than having the
traditional memory card that needs to be plugged into the console.

22. Built-in Ethernet Adaptor - As well as having a Hard drive built in, the
Xbox also has an Ethernet adaptor. This means you wont need to buy a modem
or network card later on if you want the internet for your console. You'll
be thanking your lucky stars later on when you find out you have everything
for going online straight out of the box. Unlike the PlayStation2 where you'
ll need to buy a hard drive and modem if you want to get any further. Save
lots of money here!

23. PC-like Hardware Architecture for Developer ease - Because of Xbox uses
more computer-based hardware, game developers can find making games on the
Xbox so much easier than on the PlayStation2. Many complained that the PS2
was rather difficult to make games for due to it being made on unfamiliar
development architecture. This is not a problem for the Xbox, so more and
more developers will come to develop here as they find other consoles too
difficult to make their games for.

24. Best Launch games portfolio in Australian history ever - Never has a
console had so many quality games at the beginning of its arrival. Amazing
Games like Halo, Dead or Alive 3, Munch's Odyssey and Amped Freestyle
Snowboarding make the launch of the Xbox simply the greatest of any console
ever! Neither the PlayStation2 nor the Nintendo64 can boast such an
achievement.

25. First Successful American console ever - There were other American
consoles before the Xbox such as the Atari, which unfortunately failed due
to the immense competition of Japanese consoles such as the Super Nintendo,
The Sony PlayStation and the Nintendo64. This time around, Xbox comes fully
armed to battle the others, and it certainly does a great job of that!

26. Widescreen and HDTV support - Like other current next generation
consoles, the Xbox is compatible with the higher quality TVs out there for a
much sharper and better look. BUT, on top of that, Xbox can produce the
highest output resolutions on a Widescreen or High Definition TV! Meaning an
even sharper and more detailed picture quality than the PlayStation2 or
Gamecube!

27. Growing Develop Support - While Xbox may not have as many developers as
the PlayStation2 (and that's because the PS2 had a year's headstart), more
and more are starting to come and develop for the Xbox simply because it is
the more efficient and convenient choice! This means within no time, Xbox
will have an incredible library of games to choose from!

28. Hard Drive allows custom soundtracks - As you may have noticed by now,
quite a few Xbox games make good use of the hard drive for the actual gamer
(you). Games like Project Gotham Racing, Amped, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and
RalliSport Challenge allow you to listen to your favourite music while
playing! No more need to get bored anymore with the dull and repetitive
THPS3 soundtrack when you can listen to bands like SlipKnot or even your
favourite singer like Mandy Moore! Its up to you.

29. Broadband connection only - While some may find a broadband only
internet connection with the Xbox a little bad, its actually a really good
feature! This means there wont be any slowdown or waiting for anybody! This
also means everybody gets equal speeds and there won't be any
incompatibility problems.

30. Certain Games only on Xbox - Games like Halo and Dead or Alive 3 are
only available on Xbox because it's the only system capable of delivering
them! As stated by one of the designers from Tecmo (Company behind Dead or
Alive 3) 'There is no way Dead or Alive 3 could be done on the PlayStation2.
It's simply not powerful enough'

31. HALO, Game of the Year (IGN.com) - Yes that's right, not only did the
Game Halo win the award for 'Game of the Year' but its only available on
Xbox! This game is one of the reasons to own an Xbox!

32. Dead or Alive 3 - Not only is Dead or Alive 3 an amazing game
(literally), and the fact that its available only on Xbox, it managed to
walk away with the 'Best fighting game - 2001' award!

33. Bright future - Xbox certainly has a bright future and it's thanks to
some of the amazing games on the way! No doubt games like Unreal
Championship, Doom3, Project Ego and many many others will definitely set
the Xbox in the right direction. Plus many of these great games will be only
available on Xbox!

34. Over 200 games in Development - Its been stated before that the Xbox
future is great but when there are over 200 games that will be appearing on
the system within the years to come you know its going to be great!

35. Built-in controller force feedback - Not only do the Xbox controllers
have a rumble feature so that you can feel every kick, turn and explosion
but the force delivered is much more stronger than what is done on other
consoles. The gaming experience is heightened!

36. Ported Games from other systems receive updates - Games like Tony Hawk's
Pro Skater 3 and SSX Tricky have come out on the PlayStation2 and Gamecube
before the Xbox but because Xbox owners usually have to wait a little longer
for their version its for the better. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 on Xbox is
the classic example. Not only does it feature improved graphics over the
other versions, but it also has now a 4player mode, and a new added level!

37. Getting some of the best PS2 games - Having reasons to buy a
PlayStation2 because its got games like Grand Theft Auto 3 and Metal Gear
Solid 2 are not needed anymore! As you may have heard, the Xbox is
continually getting more and more of the PlayStation2's very best games!
Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid 2, Grand Theft Auto 3, and even the
possibility of Final Fantasy XI will all be appearing on the Xbox later on
this year updated!

38. A game for everybody - At the moment, Xbox has almost a game for
everybody. Given a few extra months, there will be enough games to cater for
any person! Unlike a system such as the Nintendo Gamecube, where children
are there primary audience; Xbox is for you and the family!

39. LAN capabilities for games - Games like Halo already make use of the
built-in Ethernet adaptor for playing against other people in a network for
up to 16 simultaneous players! No other console can boast such an expanded
multiplay!

40. User-friendly interface - The Xbox's menus and setup are very easy to
use and navigate through so that users will become confused.

41. Constantly growing fanbase - The PlayStation2 only has more fans because
it was given a year and a half headstart. In time, more and more people will
own Xbox's due to its obvious advantages and fourth-comings.

42. Popular developers develop for Xbox - Highly respected game developers
such as Sega, Namco, Capcom and even IDSoftware are beginning to make an
appearance on the Xbox with their quality games. This is a very warm feeling
meaning Xbox can only go uphill from here.

43. More quality games than the competition - PlayStation2 can boast a much
more larger library in games, but Xbox has the quality titles. No
first-person shooter on the PS2 can compare let alone compete with the likes
of Halo. Same goes with other Xbox only games like Jet Set Radio Future and
Project Gotham Racing.

44. Home theatre setup compatible - Xbox is designed for the digital era.
Easy to setup and maximum compatibility for home theatre systems means you
can only have the very best in Video and Audio experience!

45. No constant game delays - Unlike a company such as Nintendo where you
are constantly plagued by delayed games, the Xbox has proven to be a console
that is on time with everything. No more disappointment for your favourite
game to come out!

46. Optimised for the future - Microsoft has thought through the Xbox so
that you wont be needing an upgrade in the near future. Built-in extras and
powerful hardware enable the Xbox to stay on top. (Amazingly, Sony has
already begun to design PlayStation3 while the PlayStation2 has only been
out for just over a year here!)

47. Sleek in Design - Although a little big and bulky in size, its style and
colour fits in well with the rest of your digital entertainment setup.

48. No unfulfilled promises - Unlike Sony and Nintendo with their empty
promises, Microsoft come prepared to cater for their fanbase. Nintendo are
always delaying products, Sony still haven't gone online even though they
were discussing plans for it over a year ago!

49. Fast and Responsive Customer Care Service - Other companies take much
too long to receive any feedback or assistance. If you receive a defective
Xbox product, it will be replace free of charge within a short period of
time!

50. More original titles - Xbox has only the very best of newly created
games. Unlike Nintendo where you see remakes of games such as Mario and
Zelda, Xbox receives a newly created batch of games that have never been
seen before!

Author Ebony and Ivory