The original Xbox is still thriving today and here is the buyers guide for those interested in buying an original Xbox. We're here to show you the best accessories, the must own Xbox games and everything else in between.
Original Xbox console: The original Xbox console with the TV video cables, power cord and a controller should not cost more than $50. Keep in mind that price does not include shipping. The original Xbox is heavy and can cost around $25 to ship.
Controller S Type X08-69873 : The original Xbox controller S is the most popular and regarded as the most comfortable.
Controller (Duke) X08-17160 : The original Xbox duke controller is the first controller that was shipped with the original Xbox and is very large, most people find this controller uncomfortable because of its size.
TV Video and Audio Cables:
- RCA cables: The yellow, red, white TV cables, this is what the original Xbox ships with and is the most common TV video cables
- Advanced A/V pack: The advanced A/V pack adds extra features to connect the original Xbox to S-Video and also an option for digital audio and also an option for digital audio. The Advanced A/V pack can also allows for a regular RCA (yellow, red, white) connections in any case. The advanced AV pack costs under $10 to $15.
- Advanced High Definition Pack: The Advanced High Definition pack is Microsofts official accessory to connect the original Xbox to HD gaming. Some games run 480p, others in 720p and some in 1080p. It's also capable of connecting digital audio and can connect your common RCA cables if needed but lacks the option for S-video from the previously mentioned Advanced AV pack. The Advanced High Definition pack costs $40-$70 (at the time of this blog post).
- Component Cables by Monster: Monster brand also released a high quality component cables/HD cables for the original Xbox.
* There are third party component/HD cables sold online that are cheap under $10 but they are known to be inconsistent and should be avoided.
Power Cable: A common power cord works for the original Xbox, however when the original Xbox was in production Microsoft would offer a replacement power adapter that was safer and more reliable because the common power cord was causing an issue of over heating. It's always best to make sure your original Xbox is has enough space for the fans to allow to cool the console and it's also best to connect the power cord directly to the electric wall outlet, as opposed to an extension cord.
Other Controllers:
- Logitech (wireless): A top quality and maybe the best wireless controller for the original Xbox.
- MadCatz MicroCon (small controller, wired & wireless): MicroCon has an amazing smaller controller that is smaller than the standard controller S and fits comfortably in your hand, it's available wired and wireless.
- MadCatz: MadCatz made quality third party controllers and they are better than the other 3rd party controllers available.
- Street Fighter 15th Anniversary 6-Button Controller: The 6 button street fighter controller is one of a kind with it's 6-button layout, it's the best controller for fighting games such as Street Fighter and other 2D fighters.
- Street Fighter 15th Anniversary Arcade Stick (Fightstick): This arcade fightstick was compatible with both the original Xbox and the PlayStation 2 (PS2). It had a strong sturdy build and was one of the best arcade sticks available.
- Light Gun: The light gun is used to play games such as The House of the Dead III, the green one is the official one to play the game with and may be the best light gun for the original Xbox.
Modding Community: The original Xbox also has the option to be modified/modded and with the Xbox Softmod Kit it's as easy as pressing a button. Soft-modding the original Xbox does not require opening it or unscrewing it. A softmod install allows the original Xbox to play backup games, and allows the playing of homebrew games (fan made games) and allows retro games to be played from the 70's, 80's and 90's via emulation and roms. Learn how to softmod the original Xbox.
Games:
These are some must own original Xbox video games for those who have never own the original Xbox console or are experiencing the Xbox for the first time. These games have stood the test of time and are still played years after their release.
* Means the game was a console exclusive at the time, meaning it was not available on the other 6th gen. consoles i.e. PlayStation 2, Gamecube or Dreamcast.
Action/Adventure:
- * Jet Set Radio Future (JSRF)
- * Panzer Dragoon Orta
- * Shenmue II
- * Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- * Ninja Gaiden Black
- * Oddworld: Strangers Wrath
- * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic I & II
- Star Wars: Battlefront II
- Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- * Phantom Dust
- * Metal Wolf Chaos (Japan Import)
- * Fuzion Frenzy
- * Crimson Skies
- * Stubbs the Zombie: Rebel without a Pause
- * Mechassault
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- * Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
- * Steel Battalion (requires expensive, rare controller)
- Spider-Man 2
- Beyond Good & Evil
- Mercanaries
- Simpsons Hit & Run
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
- * Halo: Combat Evolved
- * Halo 2 (can also be played online free in 2022 via XLink Kai)
- * Star Wars: Republic Commando
- * The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay
- Time Splitters: Future Perfect
- Half Life 2
- * DOOM 3
- * Dead or Alive: Ultimate (Includes DOA 1 & DOA 2 remake)
- Street Fighter Anniversary Collection (Includes Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike)
- Def Jam: Fight for NY
- Soul Calibur 2
Light Gun:
- * The House of the Dead III (requires Light gun)
Platform:
- * Oddworld: Munch's Odyssey
- * Vodoo Vince
- * Conker: Live & Reloaded
- Psychonauts
- Prince of Persia Sands of Time
- * Outrun 2
- * Crazy Taxi 3
- Burnout 3: Takedown
- Need for Speed: Most Wanted
- * Quantum Redshift
- * Forza Motorspot
- * Project Gotham Racing 2
- * Fable
- * Jade Empire
- * The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- X-Men Legends I & II
