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Today, the Xbox is one of the most popular and technologically advanced video consoles on the market. Its creator Bill Gates kept the Xbox in development for several years before releasing it because he wanted the ultimate in technology to make the Xbox a truly awesome gaming experience. He'd noticed that online gaming over the Internet was becoming more and more of a detractor from console games, so something really special needed to bring consumers back to the console device. It finally appeared on the market in late 2001.

The console contains a basic computer chip and has multiple options for AV connections. It is compatible with standard AV cable, the RF connecter, TOSLINK audio and S-Video, SCART, and High Definition devices. The Xbox connect to Ethernet cable to a modem or router or as a wireless link. It can interface with a PC which greatly expands gaming potential and also has music capability as a player, a mixer or for karaoke. Accessories make it usable as a DVD player as well.

The Xbox controller is an amazing mix of options and functions. No longer the simple joystick of the 1980's, this controller resembles the dashboard of a small airplane. There are many alternate models available, and has two analog control sticks, six buttons, a Back and a Start button, a multidirectional touch pad, and additional slots for accessories. It even comes equipped with a memory card slot which allows gamers to save partially completed games for later playback.

It is common to find that games will disable the memory card to prevent users from activating cheating patches, but that inevitably leads to Xbox players resorting to hacks to sidestep such tactics. An online multi player gaming service which lets a player play with other players worldwide can be a huge draw. This allows you to show your skills against other players instead of merely against the computer.

There has been controversy over pricing for this game, with Europe complain that they were being overcharged as much as 100% over the US prices, and new version releases also have had inflated prices. Other complaints have centered on the content and violence of individual game releases. This also has been the same for other brands of similar game consoles.

Young and old alike will find that the purchase of an Xbox opens an amazing world of entertainment options. The systems are less expensive than ever, and individual games are available for sale or trade at significantly discounted cost. This is still a highly desirable item for birthday or holiday gift giving, with many owners finding that one is just not enough.