Microsoft's second gaming console had a sloppy release, but eventually rose to the top of the next generation. The XBox 360's main competition is the Playstation 3, and while the PS3 is a great system as far as capability and graphics, the online gameplay and amount of games doesn't match the XBox 360 yet. The Wii is a good gaming console, but since it's aimed at a different market I won't be comparing it to the XBox 360.

Graphics. They're the first thing that you notice in a game and while the importance of them is exaggerated at times, they help with immersion and ultimately lead to a better gaming experience. The XBox 360 isn't quite as strong as the Playstation 3 hardware wise, but at this point in their lifespan that difference isn't noticeable. Both systems deliver games with amazing graphics, and games with horrible graphics. The quality depends mostly on the developers, not the console. It is a little disappointing that the 360 uses DVDs instead of HD-DVDs or Blu-Ray, but hopefully the next generation will come out before more space is absolutely necessary.

Games are the foundation of any console, you could have the best graphics in the world but without any games it would be pointless. The 360 comes out on top with this one. While it might not be able to boast the huge amount of PS2 and PS1 games thr PS3 offers, it has the most and best current generation games, which is the reason you're looking for a new console in the first place.

Finally, the online play. Microsoft's service, XBox Live, costs more than the PS3's service ($50/year vs. free), but the difference between the two is worth the relatively small amount of money. Constant updates, demos, movies, and original XBox games makes XBox Live the best online service in this generation.

In the end, both the 360 and PS3 are great consoles. Only time will tell which one will be the final winner, but as of right now the 360 gives you the better experience.