If you know video games these days then you definitely have heard of the Xbox 360. Chances are that if you are a fairly avid gamer, you should also have heard of the Xbox 360 Slim by now. The Slim is a very good upgrade and redesign to the current 360 system. While the console itself has been redesigned to look sleeker as well as house more in less space, it is essentially the same Xbox system at heart so all of your 360 games are still compatible with this new machine.
Some of the new features to be added to the Xbox 360 Slim are minor, yet fully needed. Microsoft has finally made the gamers who wanted to use wireless networking with their Xbox happy, because the Slim is completely compatible with Wi-Fi. Plus, some other minor perks occur as well: As a result of Microsoft enabling more storage to their Xbox systems, they have been able to swap out their memory card slots for a few more USB connections, which now brings the total to 5 on the system (which should be quite enough for even the most intense gamer).
As far as packaging and bundling is concerned, when you purchase the Xbox 360 Slim you are also the beneficiary of a single wireless controller (which is colored black to match the system) as well as a wired headset and a composite cable as well.
One of the most intriguing features included in the Slim is the special connection port which is designed for the new “Kinect” system. The new port saves the users some time, because if they try to use the Kinect with the original Xbox 360, they will need a separate source of power in order to use the system (which means that it will still be functional, but at a bit more of a hassle). The Kinect system is Microsoft’s new motion sensor controller which should be a great new system for users of all ages and experiences.
Based upon initial testing, it appears that the Slim could be very good at blasting the heat out of the system and keeping it cooler. While that may not seem like a big deal to non-gamers, it’s actually very important when you consider that overheating in an Xbox 360 is one of the top reasons for the dreaded “red ring of death” (where the system’s circuits melt and stop working).
Overall, the new Xbox 360 Slim isn’t exactly a full new system like you will get with some Christmas seasons approaching. However, the system does add in some new features from a performance standard as well as from a visual design point of view. So, while it makes sense to always expect the next best thing with new console releases, you shouldn’t think of this new Xbox as a full new platform, but rather a system update designed with new compatibilities in mind.