Microsoft will unleash the most powerful video game system to date on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Xbox 360’s release will mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season for many people and rightfully so. According to Microsoft’s Xbox Web site, the 360 will be eight times as powerful as its predecessor and is loaded with new features ?” amazing graphics, serious online game play and High Definition connectivity.

Xbox 360 explores many elements that previous game systems ignored, including adding a much larger processor. The system contains three separate core processors with a speed of 3.2 GHz each. The three processors combined with 512 MB of RAM and a custom ATI graphics card make 360 a force to be reckoned with in the video game industry.

Online game play has become standard for video game systems but Microsoft takes it to a new level with the 360. All Xbox 360 users can get online with the Xbox Live Silver, which allows users free access to messaging programs and downloads. Xbox Live Gold will require a paid subscription, and will include multi-player online gaming. A broadband connection is required to take the 360 online. Game updates and new games will be available for download on Xbox Live.

Xbox 360 is the first system to truly endorse High Definition technology. According to Consumer Reports, High Definition TVs are the hottest selling consumer electronic item available, and Microsoft has taken advantage of this by making the Xbox 360 completely compatible. All games can be displayed in either standard definition of High Definition, which displays games in a 16:9 widescreen format. High Definition is displayed using HD component video cables, which come standard with the Xbox 360 system. Xbox 360 can be played without a High Definition TV using composite audio video connections.

The Xbox 360’s launch revolves around gamers, so it’s only fitting that the system will launch a wide array of games ?” Call of Duty 2, Madden NFL 2006, Gun, Project Gotham Racing 3, and the anticipated Perfect Dark Zero are just a few titles being released on November 22nd. Games carry suggested retail prices ranging from $49.99 to $59.99.

In addition to games the Xbox 360 plays DVDs, hooks up to MP3 players to play music, plays slideshows from digital cameras, and can hook up to a PC through its wireless connection or through its three USB 2.0 ports. Also, the system can be combined with the Windows XP Media Center Edition to form a media powerhouse, enabling users to pause live television and stream on-demand video.

This revolutionary system is not cheap. The Xbox 360 comes in two options. The first is the Xbox 360 core retailed at $299. This version comes with the 360 console, a wired controller and a composite audio video cable. The second option is the Xbox 360 retailed at $399. This version is equipped with a chrome finished console, a wireless controller, an Ethernet cable for online access, HD component video cables, a removable 20 GB hard drive for storage and a headset for Xbox Live. Although expensive, the system is well worth the money no matter which version you pick up.