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- The Xbox 360, released in 2005, became Microsoft’s most successful console ever, outshining Sony’s PS3 in the early years of the console wars.
- Xbox Live and titles like Halo and Call of Duty made this console the best platform for multiplayer games.
- Accessories like the Xbox Kinect only made the platform stronger.
The Xbox 360/PS3 era is the best console generation, and the conversation isn’t even up for debate. Despite that, the PS3 was Sony’s worst console release ever, and simultaneously, the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s best console ever.
There are many reasons why the console is dubbed the greatest Xbox console ever. Now that Microsoft has shut down the Xbox 360 marketplace after almost two decades, let’s take a deep dive into the platform’s history, what made the console so great, and whether Microsoft would be able to replicate its success with future consoles.
Why it matters: Whether you feel nostalgic about the console or not, there’s no doubt that the Xbox 360 changed the face of gaming forever and single-handedly revolutionized multiplayer gaming.
Xbox 360 Was Basically Handed The Crown
While PlayStation has had the upper hand against Xbox for the last two generations, the same wasn’t the case before 2010 since the competition was way closer.
At the time, Sony just came from its biggest success to date, which was the PS2, regarded as the best-selling console. Microsoft had just entered the gaming competition with the Xbox, one of the most powerful machines at the time with unmatched features.
Still, the PS2 outclassed its competitors because of exclusives like the God of War series, the Dualshock 2 controller, and its ability to double as a cheap DVD player. Everyone had higher expectations for Sony and Microsoft’s next-generation consoles.
The Xbox 360 finally released in 2005, was priced at just $400 and featured state-of-the-art hardware. In comparison, the PS3 was released a year later with an incredibly egregious price point: 20GB for $499 and 60GB for $699.
The console’s launch was underwhelming, with a disappointing controller, a lack of good first-party releases, and a half-cooked online infrastructure. This meant that many immediately chose the Xbox 360 as their preferred platform.
Why The Xbox 360 Was So Good
The Xbox 360 would then be unstoppable for years to come. Microsoft’s first-party releases like Halo, Gears of War, and the Forza games showcased the hardware’s capability, while Xbox Live kept everyone hooked on multiplayer sessions.
This was a game changer for the brand and changed online multiplayer for consoles. The multiplayer experience was unparalleled at the time, and Call of Duty, one of the biggest IPs, was best played on Microsoft’s hardware.
Xbox Live also helped popularize digital game purchases, leading to instant access to massive libraries that could be bought at the push of a single button. Party chats, avatar customization, and being part of an online community felt like an incredible experience at the time.
Heavy hitters like Mass Effect, GTA 4, and more also often played best on the Xbox 360. While the PS3 was more capable on paper, its complex hardware meant that most third-party developers found it easier to make games for Microsoft’s platform.
This resulted in more stable frame rates, though games on both consoles frequently ran below 30FPS.
The Kinect Add-on
The Kinect was released midway through the console’s lifespan and was the direct answer to the PlayStation Move and Nintendo Wii. I also liked it way better.
The Xbox Kinect sensed movements and had a built-in camera that could be used for facial and voice recognition, a technology that was groundbreaking in 2009. It was used to play friendly games, fitness, sports, and even education, making it a versatile accessory.
Despite its merits, the Xbox 360 generation wasn’t perfect. If many users remember the red ring of death, this was a major problem for Microsoft early on and almost led to the company’s early gaming demise.
Fortunately, the console itself was ahead of its time, so fans were happy to forgive a few major missteps. Looking at the gaming giant today, I wonder if we’ll ever get to witness a generation like this from Microsoft again.
The Xbox One and Series S|X haven’t lived up to expectations. New hardware is currently in development, but it’s hard to get excited again after so many disappointments and broken promises in a row.
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[News Reporter]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheer@tech4gamers.com
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