Xbox Crystal Console - with Controller S (Xbox)

Whay an Xbox? Well, I for one am not prepared to fork out 100 pounds every couple of years for a new graphics card just to be able to play the latest games on my PC. I've never really fancied a PS2, due to the lack of games that appeal to me and their reputation for being unreliable. I owned a Gamecube for well over 2 years, before finally selling it due to the dearth of decent multi-format titles (always Xbox and PS2, never Gamecube) and the lack of challenging first party titles.

What the Xbox has is a software catalogue stuffed with gems. In particular, it has the best selection of first person shoot 'em up and adventure titles to be found on any console. Many of its finest games are exclusives (Halo, Project Gotham, Fable) so if you want to play them, you need an Xbox. More than this, however, is the fact that due to the greater power of the console, almost every multi-format game, for the exactly the same price, is better looking and better sounding than the versions available for the other two consoles. I always like getting more for my money.

Simply from the point of view of money, the Xbox is also the best value. It is exactly the same price as the PS2, but does not require a memory card, making it cheaper overall. The Gamecube is cheaper, but throw in a good sized memory card and you'll have little change from a fiver.

So what's the console actually like? I have no complaints over the appearance. Whilst the 'crystal' look may not appeal to everybody it certainly blends in with the rest of the silver gadgets under my TV. First time setup is unbelievably simple and very intuitive. The central control panel, or dashboard, where you configure the console, manage your saved games and so on, is very simple to use. No complaints there. I was initially a little concerned about comments that it had a very loud fan, but in my experience this is definately not the case - it is completely inaudible unless you have the volume turned down very low.

I am also very pleased with the 'S' brand controller. Having tried demo consoles in the shops I was not too keen on the original Xbox controller, finding it a little too big and awkward - and I do not have small hands. This version is much better, and comfortably fits into my grip for long periods of time. All of the buttons are easy to reach, and I particularly like the 'clickable' thumbsticks. Full marks there.

Initial loading times for games are noticeably longer than for the Gamecube, but not too long. However, I'll take these any day, as the console also uses the hard disk to pre-load information and eliminate annoying breaks during gameplay. An excellent feature.

Downsides? Very few. If you regularly like to take your console over to your friends' houses it may be a bit bulky and heavy, particularly compared to the Gamecube and new slimmer PS2. You also have to buy a DVD remote to be able to watch DVDs, though given that this is only a fraction more than the obligatory PS2 memory card you can hardly complain. Finally, many of the console's best games are first person shoot 'em ups, so if you're not a fan of the genre you might want to check how many other appealing titles you can find.

Overall I'm exceedingly happy with my crystal Xbox, and would certainly recommed one to anyone looking for a quality games console at a fantastic price with an excellent catalogue of games. I may still hate Microsoft with a passion, but for once they've got this absolutely spot on.