Here are a few first impressions after a couple of weeks with the Xbox 360:

  • It was expensive, but I considered it my patriotic duty to spend my stimulus check.
  • The media sharing setup was easy. Watching videocasts in my living room is a lot more comfortable.
  • This thing is noisy; even the gigantic power brick hums occasionally. And the Elite system is supposed to be the quiet one.
  • I like the fact I can download game demos and explore games I might have missed otherwise. It’s a good thing I went with the 120GB drive.
  • It makes me want a bigger/better TV. The graphics look good on my standard TV, but sometime menu items / HUDs are tough to read.
  • I’m looking forward to NCAA Football 2009 becoming available in my Gamefly queue. I hoping for sometime before the end of the coming football season.
  • The controller isn’t taking as long to get used to as I thought it would. Aiming in shooters is still a little crazy though.
  • I used to be pretty good at driving games; now I’m horrible at them.
  • The upcoming Netflix integration was a big selling point for me. Hopefully it won’t disappoint.
  • I love the fact I can use one of the most advanced pieces of home electronics available to play Street Fighter II and Pac-Man.
  • Gears of War is awesome!