First Impressions

on 02.10.06, 10:45am in art of software • digg this • comments (8)

A few days ago, I mentioned that I had succumbed to a moment of weakness and jumped all over the chance to pick up an Xbox 360, just because Target actually had them in stock and I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Overall, I’ve been super happy with the 360 - as a HD gaming device (on a 106" screen), it’s beautiful. The 5.1 sound is amazing. And to be honest, I really think Xbox Live Arcade is going to be where the real excitement is. The potential for it is simply staggering.

My biggest complaint surrounding Xbox has nothing to do with the hardware, the operating system or anything else about the unit. It’s the accessory packaging.

Since I picked up a core system, I ended up having to pick up the hard drive, the VGA-HD cable and two wireless controllers separate from the main system. Each one was wrapped in freaking plastic armour.

What the heck!!! Where does this stuff come from? Finally I know what Hanger 54 has been doing all these years - converting alien spacecraft material into plastic packaging. Now I can understand the need to protect merchandise in a retail store, but seriously, does it need to be encased in plastic that can withstand a megaton blast? Jeez!

Getting the accessories open was such a frustrating experience, the first thing I wanted to do with my new 360 was to play "hurl the wireless controller" across the room after I cut my hand for the third time.

Now, just for comparison, let’s look at Apple’s packaging. People actually enjoy the experience of opening up an iPod or Powerbook so much, they post photo galleries of their own personal unveiling (except this unlucky family who found raw meat inside their ipod box). Each package is made from a sleek black cardboard that feels good to the touch. Its not only simple, but elegant. More importantly, you instantly feel good about the purchase, like it was made for you.

Instead with my Xbox accessories, the only thing I felt was a need to have purchased extra band aids.

I’m really surprised more attention wasn’t put into the Xbox packaging. You never get a second chance for a first impression.

8 Comments

    Randy (February 10, 2006 @ 10:56 am)

    Honestly? Getting into iPod accessories are just as painful to get in into… dunno why that is. Same thing happened with the PSP, actually. The original box is always easy; add-on suck. Same thing with the 360, I guess.

    paul (February 10, 2006 @ 11:04 am)

    I agree with you on this…I get so frustrated sometimetimes trying to open up those packages It almost makes me sorry I brought the stuff…Its much like the drm stuff…It just plain ticks the honest person off trying to use it

    Tommy Williams (February 10, 2006 @ 11:43 am)

    I’ve found a pretty reasonable solution to the horrible packaging: Fiskars Ultimate Craft Scissors. http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/scissors/titanium-nitride/ultimate-craft-scissors/

    Those things cut through the plastic like it’s nothing. Now, you have to be careful, because sometimes the directions are folded up and hidden inside the cardboard that’s layered inside the plastic, but I haven’t had a problem since I got these scissors.

    All the layers of plastic and tape seals on CDs and DVDs, well, that’s another matter….

    Shady (February 10, 2006 @ 1:21 pm)

    The actual 360 box is really well designed, so much in such a small box (the premium edition anyway)

    Tim Marman (February 11, 2006 @ 2:27 pm)

    And of course, once it’s opened there’s no turning back!

    James Johnson (February 11, 2006 @ 6:22 pm)

    I had the same thoughts. I cut my hands while trying to open up two different 360 accessories. I agree with Shady too; the packaging of the 360 itself was excellent.

    JeffMc (February 11, 2006 @ 6:47 pm)

    Getting into iPod accessories from Apple is not bad. Getting into iPod accessories from Belkin, and others, I totally agree with Randy on.

    Menge (February 19, 2006 @ 7:02 am)

    Definetly an issue!
    It took me 10 bloody minutes with a chicken scissors to open my 360 Wired Controller package :| Managing to do that without damaging the controller is a feat I’m proud to have accomplished :D

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