[Al Skierkiewicz]

I can only attack this from a fixit standpoint since I don't really play. All have really good looking games but the Xbox has a series of known problems.
I can tell you that heat is an issue so there are two fans which draw cooling air and lots of dust (no internal filters) into the box. The DVD drive runs constantly as well and they fail. What is most insidious is that the drive ROM is coded to the motherboard so that you can't replace the drive without Microsoft being involved in the repair. However, if you get a drive of the same manufacturer, then you can swap drive electronics boards from old to new so that the ROM stays with the machine. The one I just finished repairing had seized the drive motor. A clean and lube did not bring it back. I found several places to buy drives on the internet and was able to replace the drive for $44 including shipping, and several hours work taking the machine apart and replacing the drive. This is not for do it yourselfers. The case can only be opened with a thin object or a purchased tool and Microsoft has put a tamperproof sticker inside to void the warranty if opened.