Powered by a 733-MHz Intel Pentium III CPU, a custom nVidia graphics chip set, and 64MB of DDR system memory, the Microsoft Xbox has plenty of raw processing power—by far the most of any video game console, in fact. This is the only game system to feature a built-in hard drive (8GB capacity) and a built-in 10/100 Ethernet port for broadband connectivity to the Xbox online network, slated to go live sometime in the middle of 2002. Microsoft claims that the Xbox can display 125 million polygons per second, but even if that number overshoots reality, no one can deny the visual beauty of the early Xbox titles.

The Xbox uses DVD media and provides movie playback, but only if you buy the optional DVD remote control ($30). The drive seems speedy enough, as most games load quickly on the Xbox. Much like the PS2, the Xbox makes a great deal of drive access noise during game play.

The Xbox's controllers are rather large, but we found them quite comfortable. Connected to the 8-pound Xbox by a breakaway cable (designed to prevent the system from tumbling from its perch if someone trips on the wire), the controller provides two analog thumb sticks, one digital control pad, six basic command buttons, and a pair of trigger controls. The Xbox provides four controller ports; each controller can house two memory cards. These augment the system's storage capacity and provide a portable medium for saved game data.

The early batch of Xbox titles is impressive. Exclusive titles such as Dead or Alive 3, Halo, and Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee truly showcase the system's power. Popular Electronic Arts franchises such as Madden NFL 2002, NASCAR Thunder 2002, and NHL 2002 look great on the system.

With so much power at its command, an unprecedented array of built-in features, and a solid opening salvo of games, the Xbox is strong competition for the PS2.