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2. Wireless controller

While item #1 is responsible for bringing better games to the Xbox 360, it's the controller that ultimately dictates the interaction between the gamer and the game. Even though the Xbox 360 "core" system doesn't include a wireless controller, you can still use an off-the-shelf wireless controller; the receiver is built into all Xbox 360s. In that regard, the Xbox 360 is the first modern console with wireless gamepad support integrated into the machine. Wireless gamepads aren't new – they've been around since the Atari 2600 era, but the Xbox 360 does wireless better than anyone else.

The console-integrated support is a clear benefit, but the significance of this is that the wireless gamepad "just works." While the newer-revision PlayStation 2 has the built-in IR port allowing gamers to power on/off the console from a DVD remote control, the Xbox 360 has integrated this feature into the controller. Second, the Xbox 360 maintains its 30 foot range with no noticeable lag even in an environment where you have several 2.4GHz 802.11g networks, several 2.4GHz cordless phones, and a microwave running. The controller auto-configures itself for the correct user as well. You don't have to think twice about whether you're holding the player 1 or player 2 (or player 3 or 4) gamepad. The first gamepad to connect gets player 1's spot and each subsequent controller joins in line. Battery life is also superb even when the rumble feature is enabled. Although Microsoft sells the Play-and-Charge kit, my recommendation is to get an Energizer 15 minute NiMH battery charger and a few 2200 mAh NIMH AA Sanyo (Kodak/Energizer/Maxell) or Panasonic-brand batteries.

In terms of the ergonomics, the Xbox 360's gamepad seems perfect for most games including first person shooters, most racing games, and sports titles. As a gamepad for fighting games however, the Xbox 360's controller is a little bit less than ideal. The D-pad doesn't have the full precision that one needs for pulling off complex maneuvers, and even if you forced yourself to play with the D-pad, it just doesn't have the appropriate ergonomics. Sony and Nintendo don't offer much more performance when it comes to fighting games either, and so the Xbox 360 can be considered as having the best controller of all currently available systems.