We always thought that Xbox 360 was made by Microsoft because it looked at Sony's play station consoles as substitutes for computers and not to mention the great gaming experience. But then Microsoft has worked really hard and since then it hasn't looked back.

This is a good upgrade to the current 360.

Last month, at the E3 entertainment show in Los Angeles, CA, Microsoft unveiled a new slimmer, and considerably more silent Xbox 360. The new unit is selling for $299, with notable features such as integrated Wi-Fi and the inclusive 250GB hard drive.

Smaller and sleeker chassis; Runs cooler and is much quieter; Includes a huge 250GB hard drive; Built in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; Multifunctional entertainment device; Good price point

No blue-ray player; No 1000 Mbps Ethernet; No HD connectivity cables; The case is easily smudged with fingerprints

Call it what you will. The Xbox 360 Slim, the Xbox 360 Slimline the Xbox 360 S or even what Microsoft has actually decided to go with: the Xbox 360 250GB. The name doesn't matter, what matters is that it's here and whether it's a worthy upgrade to its rather successful predecessor.

The original model may have been beset with hardware failures, but Microsoft's Xbox 360 is still our favourite games console of the current generation – thanks to smooth HD graphics, an amazing range of software, a great joypad and a well-conceived online service.

Kinect won't cater to the hard-core gaming market -- it's just not accurate enough. But it's rollicking great fun. Exhausting and ridiculous, you're guaranteed a giggle if you get the kids involved or set it up at your next party. Just bear in mind that you'll need plenty of space.

Fantastic fun; Simple; accessible gameplay; Easy set-up; Impressive motion-tracking technology

Demands plenty of space; Tracking is often glitchy; Two player maximum at launch; Expensive

Only this year things are slightly different. Little Johnny might be overjoyed to find Santa has left a shiny new Xbox 360 Kinect under the tree, but imagine his heartache when he realises his living room isn't large enough for his parents to play along.

First Impressions My reaction is I remember when playing a video game was a ridiculously simple thing. When I fired up Frogger on my ancient Atari back in the late 80s, all you had to do was push the joystick in one of four directions to get to the other side and win the level.

I used to have a 360 but I traded it in for a PS3. 360s dont have wi-fi for online players unless you buy the 360 slim. But i bought a PS3 because they have wi-fi and free online unlike XBOX Live you have to pay. But the Elite is still pretty good.

Always a formidable gamer and now a much more appealing media hub

Stunning gameplay; increasingly capable online services; quieter and slicker than before

No Blu-ray drive and no 3D abilities