The Xbox 360 Slim is 83% of the size of the previous systems. The glossy midnight colored case and chrome power ring further beautify this system. While only 6 pounds, the console provides no loss in quality of gaming and maintains wireless controllers. The dark colored case fits nicely with the standard black color of modern LCD and LED televisions.
Soft switches now control the game tray (directly about the tray) and the power of the console (chrome button in the center). Green LEDs replace the old deadly red LEDs. A sound indicates successful triggers for both functions. It is fortunate that the system has very few flaws, as hearing the sound for powering the console on and off would get as frustrating as a boss fight.
A very important feature for me was the IR port, so I could use my media center remote with the system. Less useful to me, but surely important to some are the two USB ports and controller sync button on the front (does anyone really sync that often?). The smaller electrical supply is nice, but I have it behind a cabinet anyway. Out of sight and out of mind, so it doesn't really affect me.
Is Red Death Still Present?
Microsoft must have heard my wishes somehow because they got rid of the terrible red lights and replaced them with beautiful green ones. No more red death. Well, the fact that it is quieter and has a lower operating temperature adds to the death prevention as well. The Xbox 360 Slim is up and running with no issues so far.
Extras on the Xbox 360 S
The only issue for me is the 250 GB hard drive that is not replaceable with non-Xbox branded hard drives. What's the point Microsoft? I use my console as a viewer after editing home movies, most of which are uncompressed and take up large amounts of space. That is my one complaint. The Kensington lock is great, as I bolt everything down as possible after a break in a few years ago. Insurance covers most of it, but when your home with a broken window, playing an video game would have been a nice distraction.
The WiFi is excellent and functions well in the cabinet I have the system in. One fewer wires means all the less crap I have behind my media center for spiders to live around. The lack of BluRay doesn't bother me, just buy a BluRay player and put it in under the console, it is slimmer, remember?
