10 cool things you can do with your Xbox 360

You’ve seen the adverts on TV, you’ve downloaded the new Xbox experience on to your console, but what does NXE actually mean for your average gamer? Entertainment editor Kate Wright picks out 10 of her favourite Xbox features, new and old, that you should try asap!

  Create a virtual youMake it yours
It's always fun creating a virtual version of yourself, and having created a lot of virtual selves over the years, we feel qualified to say that the Xbox avatar creator is one of the best we've tried. Once your avatar is born they will always be there to greet you when you sign in, plus they can also be called into games like Scene It? and will act as your virtual representative while chatting with friends online. Another way to personalise your Xbox is to change the theme of your ‘dashboard'. There are loads of cool themes to choose from on your console plus most new games come with an exclusive theme for you to download as well.

Fill it with your stuff
By connecting your Xbox up to your PC you can transfer all your favourite music, photos, films and videos onto your console. You can also transfer music onto your Xbox straight from your CD collection and using your MP3 player. This way you have a huge bank of entertainment to call up and view on your TV at any time, and you can share it with friends.

Install your games
Enjoy less mess, less noise and save time by installing all your favourite games on to your Xbox hard drive. By doing this you can load your games much faster and you can save your ears from having to listen to that noisy whirring sound your games make once in the disc drive.

Download HD movies
Xbox has a huge online library of over 15,000 High Definition films and TV shows available for you to whizz on to your console at any time. Films cost from as little as £2 to download.

  The Sugababes as Xbox avatarsChat to your mates
Using your Xbox you can chat to your friends via MSN messenger and, if you have an Xbox headset or vision camera, you can have audio/video chats too. You can even chat while playing games and watching any media you have on your console like films and TV shows. Find out more about Xbox accessories here

Get free stuff
Watch film trailers, music videos and play game demos absolutely free using Xbox LIVE marketplace.

  Get the girls round for karaokeHave a virtual party
Create a virtual party on your TV with up to seven friends any where in the world and have a great girls night in. Try hosting a virtual karaoke party using Xbox's brilliant new game Lips.

Go retro
Xbox live marketplace also plays host to a veritable feast of classic games for you to download and play like Pac Man, UNO, Paperboy and Street Fighter.

  Screenshot from LipsTry something totally new
Also available on Xbox LIVE is the Community Games channel where you can try out games that have been designed by students and games enthusiasts the world over. Who knows what gems you might uncover.

Join Xbox LIVE Film Club
Sign up to Xbox LIVE Film Club for your chance to attend exclusive free preview screenings of the hottest films before any one else. You'll also have the chance to enter some great competitions.

For more info on what your Xbox can do for you visit http://www.xbox.com/