Microsoft Xbox 360 (250GB) review

Microsoft's Xbox system has always been formidable when it comes to gaming, and now it's an appealing media hub as well. Tested at £200

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Always a formidable gamer and now a much more appealing media hub

Pros

  • +

    Stunning gameplay

  • +

    increasingly capable online services

  • +

    quieter and slicker than before

Cons

  • -

    No Blu-ray drive and no 3D abilities

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The latest version of Microsoft's console redresses some of our concerns about the media abilities of the older unit.

The new Xbox 360 is now slimmer, and has a revised disc transport that's now much quieter, while the 250GB hard-drive lets you rip games to avoid undesirable pauses in gameplay.

Online gaming is better than ever
It includes wi-fi too, and online access remains a big part of the experience. You can play games against people online, download demos, view the Sky Player, access Last.fm and enjoy a whole new approach to gaming with the Kinect control system (£125).

The paid-for Zune service allows for unlimited music streaming to your Xbox and a range of PCs and mobile phones. It also includes video downloads and 24-hour rental, turning your Xbox into a game-playing rival to the likes of Apple TV (£100).

It's now a decent all-rounder
Picture quality is fine – the Xbox shows them in standard-definiition or 1080p depending on your broadband.

It's not as impressive as Blu-ray, but unlike some services, films start playing almost straight immediately.

This raft of improvements paints the Xbox in a rosier hue through our media-tinted specs. Its games have always been great, and now it's a decent all-rounder, too.

See all our media server reviews

Follow whatifi.com on Twitter

Join whathifi.com on Facebook

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test