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NBC TODAY: Game Consoles 101 Xbox or Gamecube under the tree? There's more to video game systems than meets the eye. Today Show Tech Editor Corey Greenberg has some tips on how to get the most from your new game console. Nintendo GamecubeDesigned to optimize the gameplay experience, the system features the best technology in each field including the main memory and embedded memory, both with very low latency enabled by 1T-SRAM technology, a proprietary optical disc and a wireless Wavebird controller. The Wavebird allows RF connections up to 30 feet away. And in future games, the Game Boy Advance unit itself will be used as a discrete controller for NINTENDO GAMECUBE. In addition, a wide range of peripheral devices (each sold separately) will further enhance the NINTENDO GAMECUBE experience. They include a memory card, containing 4 megabits of flash memory; SD-Memory card adapter; 56Kbps V. 90 modem adapter; future broadband adapter; and digital video cable. NINTENDO GAMECUBE is available in two colors: Jet (black) and Indigo (violet) and sells for $199.95. www.nintendo.com  XboxWith some of the best graphics and audio to date of any gaming system, and a portfolio of games that has been heralded as more impressive than any in the history of the industry, Xbox kicked open the door this year to the most explosive, engrossing and intense games experiences on the planet. With a built-in hard drive and Ethernet port, DVD player, and more, the Xbox is the only system designed from the ground up to deliver a complete online gaming experience. $299. www.xbox.com  Sharp?s AQUOS line of Liquid Crystal Televisions combines the bright, clear picture quality of Sharp's original Liquid Crystal Televisions with a sleek design, brighter picture and the new Black TFT technology that provides reduced glare in strong light for "TV where you want it." This proprietary Black TFT technology combines an anti-glare treatment with a low-reflection coating that allows a clear picture even in strong-light conditions.
The AQUOS line features: a long life backlight (60,000 hours), multiple video signal inputs (S-Video, Composite and Component*), built-in cable TV tuner, remote control, V-Chip and high brightness for more vibrant colors in darker environments. The AQUOS televisions consume 60 percent less power than comparably-sized CRT direct-view televisions. Prices start at $1000. www.sharp-usa.com. Q. What's the first thing someone who got a new video game system should do to make sure things go smoothly? A. Most people don't realize that video games can permanently "burn" their images onto tv screens, particularly big screen tvs, if you leave the game on for more than a few hours at a time. Most new tvs have a "game" setting that helps prevent screen burn, and owners of older tvs should turn the contrast setting down a bit when playing games. Q. Everyone plugs their games into the A/V input on the front of the tv, but you say there's a better way? A. Both xbox and gamecube have upgrade cables available that offer higher quality s-video and component video outputs for newer tvs. The incredible digital graphics really come to life. Q. Xbox costs $100 more than gamecube but its got an extra feature that gamecube doesn't? A. Xbox can double as a dvd player if you buy the $20 remote control. Its not a high end dvd player and doesn't offer progressive scan video output but its a decent dvd player hidden inside a great game console. Q. What are your picks for the best games for both systems? A. The xbox game catalog tends more toward aggressive sports and combat titles, but one game rises above the others: Dead or Alive 3. Its basically a one on one keister kicking game with you versus xbox or you and a friend choosing different fighting avatars and going medieval on each other. Totally hilarious and the graphics are astounding. For gamecube, the titles are more fun than violent, and my favorite is Star Wars Rogue Leader. This game puts you IN Star Wars for real. Its incredible! Anyone who grew up with star wars will die when they play this game. My favorite video game of all time bar none. [] Similar |
 
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