The First Ever Xbox Console

It was Monday, November 12, 2001, at the school lunchroom. We were talking to each other. And then Brad suddenly gives us some news.

"Hey, guys, guess what.", said Brad. "I'm getting the Xbox.", said Brad. "Are you gonna let us come by and play on it with you?", said Nathan. "Sure. All of you guys are welcome to come over anytime you want.", said Brad.

"I've heard a lot of great things about that console.", said Kevin. "Whatever happened to the Sega Dreamcast?", said, Ariana. "It got discontinued back in March. The Dreamcast was Sega's final home console, marking the end of the company's 18 years in the console market.", said Steve.

"So, the Xbox is replacing the Dreamcast?", I said. "I think so. Microsoft is going into the console market this year with the release of the Xbox.", said Brad. "What does this Xbox look like? What buttons does it have? Can it play CDs and DVDs like the PS2?", said Amanda.

"It looks pretty cool. You'll all have to find out for yourself the next time you come over to my place.", said Brad. "Or you can bring the Xbox over to my place.", said Steve. "Just curious Steve. What game systems do you have at home?", said, Ariana.

"I own the PlayStation 2 at home. And Kevin owns the Nintendo GameCube. Both consoles are in our room and are both shared with all the brothers in the apartment complex.", said Steve. "What about previous generation consoles?", said Amanda. "I own the original PlayStation console while Kevin owns the Nintendo 64. Both consoles are also in our room.", said Steve.

"What about handheld consoles?", I said. "We have the Gameboy, Gameboy Color, and Gameboy Advance. Those three are shared with all of the brothers in the apartment complex. And those are all the game systems we have at home.", said Steve. "I hope Santa can get us that Xbox this Christmas.", said Kevin.

"Who will claim ownership of the Xbox if Santa comes through Kev?", said Steve. "We can all share the Xbox Steve.", said Kevin. "I guess that's fair.", said Steve.

"So, when are you getting the Xbox Brad?", said Amanda. "Next Monday.", said Brad. "And it's officially released this Thursday.", said Brad.

Then the school bell rang. Lunchtime was over. And so was the conversation about the Xbox game console. Brad couldn't wait to play it next Monday.

***

It was now 8 days later on Tuesday, November 20, 2001. It was recess time at school. All of us were interested in Brad's first-ever experience with the Xbox console.

"So, how was it the first time you played?", said Amanda. "Did it have better graphics than the PS2?", said Steve. "Did it have better graphics than the Nintendo Gamecube?", said Kevin.

"What was the first-ever game you played on it?", I said. "Was it fun?", said, Ariana. And as you can imagine, we were acting like the paparazzi around Brad as if he were a celebrity or something.

"Guys, gals, one question at a time.", said Brad. "I'm guessing you all will be wanting my autograph real soon.", said Brad. "Anyways, it was a pretty cool experience.", said Brad.

"What games do you have for it so far?", I said. "Just two so far.", said Brad. "They are Halo: Combat Evolved and Dead or Alive 3.", said Brad.

"What about Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, Madden NFL 2002, or NHL 02?", said Kevin. "Not sure about that Kevin.", said Brad. "So, when can you come over to our place with the new Xbox?", said Steve.

"I already talked to my parents about it. They said I can bring it over your place today after school.", said Brad. "That's excellent!", said Kevin. "So, I guess we'll see you and the Xbox this afternoon.", said Steve.

"When are you gonna come over to my place with the Xbox?", said Amanda. "And my place.", said, Ariana. "And mines.", said Nathan.

"We might be able to work something out.", said Brad. "Well, see you when you get there.", said Steve. "Alright, see you.", said Brad.

***

Later on that day, Steve and Kevin got off the bus with Brad. Then Steve knocked on the door. The babysitter opened the door.

"Hey guys, come on in.", said the babysitter. "Okay, you wanna get started in the living room or your room?", said Brad. "We can get started in my room which is also Kevin's room.", said Steve.

"Alright.", said Brad. Then they all went into Steve and Kevin's room. "You can just hook it up to that TV right there Brad.", said Kevin. "Alright, cool.", said Brad. And then Brad started hooking the Xbox up to their TV.

Then Brad pulled out a few games he had already received for the Xbox. Then he finished hooking up the Xbox to their TV. "Alright, who wants to go first.", said Brad. "Me!", Steve and Kevin said at the same time. Then Steve and Kevin just looked at each other.

"Dude, I'm the oldest, so I get to go first.", said Kevin. "Dude, I thought we already settled this?", said Steve. "Yeah, it was settled about 900 times.", said Brad. "Dude, stay out of this.", Steve told Brad.

"Well, I get to go first because.......because.......", said Steve. "Because of what? Yeah, that's what I thought.", said Kevin. "I'm mom and dad's favorite son.", said Steve. "Ha, you wish.", said Kevin.

"It's true. They get me more stuff.", said Steve. "Now you're just making up stuff.", said Kevin. "Anyways, I'm stronger than you, so I should go first.", said Kevin. "In your dreams.", said Steve.

And then an argument started between Steve and Kevin that went back and forth. "Guys!. Guys! Just calm down! Alright?!", said Brad. Yet they continued to argue back and forth. Then Brad pulled out a whistle from his pants pocket and blew it to try and stop the argument.

After he did that, they finally listened. "You both need to take a chill pill right now.", said Brad. "Now since it's my system, I'll get to decide who goes first. Is that fair?", said Brad. "I guess that's fair.", said Steve. "Kevin?", said Brad.

"Whatever, dude.", said Kevin. "Okay. Kevin, you get to go first.", said Brad. "Thank you, my man.", said Kevin. "Dude, why him?", said Steve. "No reason. I just decided like I was supposed to. That's all.", said Brad.

"Alright, what's the first game you wanna put in Brad.", said Kevin. "Why don't we start with Halo: Combat Evolved?", said Brad. Then Brad put that game into his Xbox.

Then Brad started up the Xbox, and the dashboard appeared. "Sweet startup.", said Kevin. "And this is a cool looking dashboard.", said Kevin. "Thanks, man. I have a feeling Microsoft is gonna be in the gaming industry for a long time. Their game console is a real competitor with Nintendo and Sony.", said Brad.

Then Brad put the game in. "And just like that, it's all yours Kevin.", said Brad. Then Brad handed Kevin the controller. And he started playing the Xbox for the first time.

After about 20 minutes, Steve finally said something. "Um, I think Kevin has had enough fun with the Xbox Brad. Can it be my turn now?", said Steve. Then Brad sighed. "Alright, fine. Kevin why don't you give your brother a chance to play now.", said Brad. "Alright, fine. Here you go man.", said Kevin as he handed the controller over to Steve.

Then Steve got the controller. It was now his turn to play Halo: Combat Evolved. "So guys, you think this is better than the Sega Dreamcast?", said Brad. "We've never had any of the Sega consoles before.", said Steve as he was playing on an Xbox for the first time.

"Yeah, I own 2 consoles. And Steve owns 2 consoles. And the Gameboy systems are shared between all 4 of us.", said Kevin. "So, you guys have 7 game systems in your crib.", said Brad. "Pretty much.", said Kevin.

"Wow. I wish I had that many game systems at my crib. I only have the PS2, GameCube, and now the Xbox.", said Brad. "My parents gave my old PS1 and Nintendo 64 away to one of my cousins who lives in Ohio. They were both given away as Christmas presents once I got the more recent game systems.", said Brad. "Cool story bro.", said Kevin.

Then after about 20 minutes, Kevin said something. "Alright, my turn.", said Kevin. "You heard him, Steve. He's up next.", said Brad. Then Steve handed the Xbox controller over to Kevin.

Once Kevin got the controller, Brad asked something. "You guys wanna play the other game?", said Brad. "You bet we do.", said Kevin.

Then Brad pulled out the other game he bought with him. It was Dead Or Alive 3. Brad then put the game in, and the game started up.

"It was originally Kevin's turn to start so here you go man.", said Brad as he handed the Xbox controller over to Kevin. Then after about 40 minutes, Steve said something. "My turn. It's been at least 40 minutes.", said Steve.

Then Kevin handed the Xbox controller over to Steve. Then Steve got the Xbox controller and started playing Dead Or Alive 3. Then about another 40 minutes passed by.

"Well, just look at the time. I think it's about time for me to go guys.", said Brad. "You could spend the night.", Kevin quickly replied. "Yeah, spend the night with us.", Steve quickly replied.

"Yeah, maybe another time. I got to get going guys.", said Brad. "Right. Well, I guess we'll see you soon.", said Kevin. "Bye guys. And don't worry, you might find an Xbox console sitting under the tree on Christmas morning real soon. See you later.", said Brad.

Then Brad got all of his belongings and left. "Well, it wasn't that bad of an experience. It was a pretty cool gaming experience if you ask me.", said Steve. "I know. And the design of the Xbox didn't look all that bad either.", said Kevin. "One of the things on my Christmas list will be to go into 2002 as an Xbox player.", said Steve.

"Still isn't as great as Nintendo.", said Kevin. "Or PlayStation.", said Steve. Right. That too.", said Kevin. "I say we play either one of those after dinner.", said Steve. "Sounds like a done deal to me.", said Kevin.

"Deal.", said Steve. And then normal life resumed. And continued.

***

It was now Wednesday. It was recess time. And I, myself, decided to walk up to Brad and ask him for a huge favor.

"Hey, buddy.", I said. "Hey, Jamal.", said Brad. "It's a lovely day today isn't it?', I said. "Chilly, but whatever you say, man.", said Brad.

"Don't you just love autumn weather?", I said. "I guess it's okay.", said Brad. "Hey man, I know we don't talk much, but-", I said. "I'll bring my system over to your crib today after school is over.", said Brad.

"Awesome! Thanks, man!", I said. "Yeah, just keep in mind that I've only got two games for it right now.", said Brad. "Storing it in my mind until further notice.", I said.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Enjoy the rest of recess.", said Brad. "Oh, I'll enjoy it alright.", I said. "I'm gonna play on an Xbox for the first time in my 7 years on this planet.", I said. "Dude, Xbox didn't even exist when you were born.", said Brad.

"Doesn't matter bro. I'm finally gonna be playing on an Xbox. Thanks, man.", I said as I ran away to enjoy the rest of my recess. Then normal life resumed. And continued.

***

It was Wednesday afternoon. I and Brad got off the bus together after school. I knocked on my door, and my mom opened it.

"Hey, mom. This is one of my friends. He brought his new Xbox gaming system, so we could hang out for a little while. Is that ok with you mom?", I said. "Of course Jamal.", said, my mom. "Alright, my mom's ok with it, so let's get this thing rocking and rolling. I'll direct you to my room. Follow me this way, Brad.", I said.

Then I followed Brad to my room. "You can hook it up to that TV over there.", I said. Then Brad started hooking up his Xbox to my TV.

Then Brad pulled out a couple of games from his backpack. "Which one do you want to play first? Halo: Combat Evolved or Dead Or Alive 3?", said Brad. "That's a really tough choice. You know what, it's your games. You can make that decision.", I said. "Dead Or Alive 3 it is.", said Brad.

Moments later, I was playing on an Xbox console for the first time. "So, did you know Steve and Kevin were disagreeing the other day about who should play my Xbox first?", said Brad. "Yep.", I said while I wasn't listening.

"Now I know that the release of a new game console is a big deal and everything, but do you have to be that immature about it.", said Brad. "I hear you.", I said while I still wasn't listening. "Truth be told, I'm getting annoyed at everybody wanting to play something that I own now that I'm the first one of the gang to get an Xbox.", said Brad. "Uh-huh.", I said while I still wasn't listening.

"I mean, life is so short to be sitting around playing video games all day. One minute you pick up the controller, and the next minute the whole week has passed you by. People shouldn't spend too much of their time playing video games. Otherwise, it just becomes a waste of time mashing buttons. You get where I'm coming from Jamal?", said Brad. "Agree.", I said. "Thank you, man. I'm glad at least one person sees my point of view.", said Brad.

"So, I'm considering not sharing my Xbox with anybody else from now on. And if I do choose to do that, you'll be the last person I share it with. Got it?", said Brad. "Got it.", I said. "Thanks, man. You're a good dude. And you've shown more maturity than that best friend of yours and his 4th-grade brother.", said Brad. "Yep, carrots are good for your eyes.", I said.

"What?", said Brad. "What? I mean, I agree with that totally.", I said while I still didn't know what he was talking about. My first ever experience with an Xbox console had me too distracted.

"I'm glad you understand exactly where I'm coming from. Now you just keep enjoying the game. I'll sit here and spectate just to see how well you do in this game, and the next one if we still got enough time left.", said Brad. "Awesome.", I said while I still wasn't listening. And the day continued.

***

The school was closed on Thanksgiving Day, and everybody was with their family on that day. It was now Friday. It was lunchtime at school for the final time that week. "Guys, I have an announcement to make.", said Brad.

"Does it have anything to do with the Xbox?", said, Ariana. "Oh, it has a lot to do with it.", said Brad. "You're letting everyone you know play it.", said Amanda. "Um, not even close, but nice try Amanda. You should try out for Jeopardy! one day.", said Brad.

"I just wanted to let everybody know that I'm not sharing my Xbox with anyone anymore.", said Brad. "That's the spirit, Brad! Wait! What?!", I said. "What?! You mean to tell me you weren't listening to what I was saying?! While I let you play my Xbox?!", said Brad. "I'm sorry Brad. I was trying to game and listen at the same time. My bad.", I said.

"But why?", said Nathan. "Because...", said Brad. "Because...?", said Kevin. "Because all of you need to get your own Xbox. And stop bugging me about mine. The extra attention I'm getting has gotten annoying ever since I became the first in this group of friends to get an Xbox.", said Brad.

"Bugging you?! All we ask is for a little time on it, and you can have it right back when we're done.", said Amanda. "And that's the concern I have for every gamer out there. These games are such time suckers. Especially today in the 21st century. You guys need to watch how much time you spend playing video games. There are way more important things in life to spend your time on.", said Brad. "He does make a valid point there.", said Kevin.

"All I ask is that you respect my decision since the console is my property. Can I at least get that much?", said Brad. Then I sighed. "Fine Brad. We won't bother you anymore about it. Happy now?", I said. "Thank you. That's all I wanted. Besides, who needs video games when you've got cable TV.", said Brad.

"When Santa drops off an Xbox at my place, I'll only share it with one person/week.", said Steve. "We'll share it with one person/week.", said Kevin. "Right. What he said.". said, Steve.

"How is Santa gonna get into the apartment complex. There's no chimney silly.", said, Ariana. "Ariana, we've lived at that apartment for 10 years. At least our parents have before we were all born. And during those 7-9 years, Santa has always come through without a chimney.", said Steve. "But how? He's so fat.", said Amanda. "The magic of Christmas my dear Amanda.", said Steve.

"Enough with all this Christmas talk. It's not even December yet.", said Nathan. "Well, we've got like two more minutes to talk about something before the bell rings. Anybody?", I said. Then anybody was trying to come up with anything we all could talk about. "Nah, let's just wait until it rings.", said Amanda. And everybody else just nodded in agreement.

***

It was now Monday. At recess, Steve and Kevin got the whole gang's attention. "Alright, listen up people!", said Steve. "We've got some very important news to share.", said Kevin.

"We've decided not to share our games with anybody else unless it's within our family.", said Steve. "Ok. But why?", said Amanda. "Well, we've taken what Brad said to heart last week.", said Kevin.

"Yeah, video games can be a waste of time if overused too much.", said Steve. "Besides, we might be preventing you guys from watching cable TV.", said Kevin. "And Brad was right about another thing as well. We all need to get our game consoles. If our parents can afford it of course.", said Steve.

"So, that's me and my brother's decisions from now on.", said Kevin. "Any questions, comments, or concerns?", said Steve. "Fine, we'll just play our games.", said, Ariana. "Yeah, everybody in this gang has their games and game systems except for Jamal. We just let him play our games.", said Nathan.

"That's fine with us and Kevin.", said Steve. "So, what have you guys been playing lately?", said Kevin. "The usual games we've been playing.", said Amanda. "That's cool.", said Kevin.

***

The next day, we all were at recess again. "Guys, I have an announcement to make!", said Nathan. "What's the big announcement, Nathan?", said Amanda.

"I've also decided to follow in Kevin, Steve, and Brad's footsteps. I'm not sharing my games with anybody else either.", said Nathan. "I don't wanna waste too much of anybody's time either.", said Nathan. "And I don't want to stop anybody from watching SpongeBob SquarePants on cable television.", said Nathan.

"And everybody has their games except for Jamal.", said Nathan. "Well, Amanda and Ariana can still share their games with me.", I said. "Don't worry Jamal, we're not gonna change our minds about sharing our games with anybody.", said Amanda. "Besides, that's what friends are for.", said, Ariana. "Thanks.", I said.

"You're welcome, Jamal.", said Amanda. And then recess continued. And so did the rest of our day.

***

The next day at recess, this is what happened. "Guys, me and Ariana have a big announcement to make.", said Amanda. "Please don't say what I think you're gonna say.", I said.

"We've decided not to share our games with anybody else either. For the same reasons you guys just mentioned.", said, Ariana. "Well, it looks like you're out of luck Jamal.", said Brad. "Well, who is going to share their games with me?", I said.

"Dude, just ask your parents to get yourself your games and game systems. Are you like poor or something?", said Nathan. "No, I just don't have any at the moment. I'll get my first ever game console real soon.", I said. "Well, cable TV is a good replacement for video games while you're waiting, Jamal.", said Nathan.

"Well, now that you've mentioned that, I guess I'm okay with it now.", I said. "What's gonna be your system when you eventually do get your games?", said Brad. "Either the GameCube, Xbox, or the PlayStation 2.", I said.

"So, I guess it's settled. Nobody is sharing their games with anybody else unless it's family.", said Steve. And everybody else continued their recess. And continued their day.

***

On Thursday, the whole gang was at recess. "Guys, you wanna share our games again?", said Amanda. "That's the same thing I thought.", I said.

"Everybody put up their hands if they agree.", said Steve. And all of us raised our hands in agreement. "Well, that didn't last long.", said Nathan.

"And I'll start sharing my Xbox again, but you can't constantly bother me about it too much. Are we all in agreement? If anybody is, raise their hands.", said Brad. And all of us raised our hands in agreement. "Well, now that that's settled, what do you all want to do now?", said Steve.

"Perform songs from video games.", said, Ariana. "She's right. We've never played any songs from video games before.", said, Nathan. "I like your thinking, Ariana.", said Steve.

"We'll start after school. Anybody who's in agreement, raise his or her hands.", said Steve. And all of us raised our hands in agreement. "Alright, see all of you guys this afternoon.", said Steve.

***

That day after school, Two Seconds To Detroit got together at the apartment complex where we lived at that time. "Alright, guys, what song do you want to perform?", said Steve. "How about something from the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater?", said Kevin. "Great idea. Do you all wanna perform Superman by Goldfinger?", said Steve. And everybody raised their hands including me who wasn't even performing.

"Alright, Superman it is.", said Steve. Then the band got ready to perform. "On the count of three. One. Two. Three.", said Steve.

Then the band started performing one of the tracks from the soundtrack of the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. They were having a great time performing that song. And then they finished performing that song.

"That was great guys. We should get that song on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4.", said Steve. "When do you think that game will come out Steve?", I said. "I don't know for sure. If I were to guess, it'd be a year or two.", said Steve.

"Now, let's continue to get some more practice in on these video game songs. Bring The Noise from THPS2. And go!", said Steve. Then the band played that song. "Amoeba from THPS3 when I say go. And go!", said Steve. Then the band played that song.

"Don't Drag Me Down from Dave Mirra's Freestyle BMX! And go!", said Steve. Then they performed that song as well. "19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) from Fifa Football 2002. Ready, set, go!", said Steve. Then the band performed that song also.

"Fat Lip from NHL 2002. Go!", said Steve. Then "Two Seconds To Detroit" performed that song as well. "Paranoid from Dave Mirra's Freestyle BMX 2. And green light means go!", said Steve. Then "Two Seconds To Detroit" performed that song.

"That was awesome everybody! I think we do have a legitimate shot at getting one of our songs on a video game soundtrack one day.", said Steve. "Yeah, but it's gonna take a lot of effort, hard work, grinding, practicing, and not wasting too much time on video games.", said Kevin. "Yeah, otherwise you'll never hear us on any video game.", said Nathan.

"Everybody still got some more time to practice video game style?", said Steve. And everybody raised their hands to agree. "Well, let's stop talking and get this thing going.", said Steve. Then the band continued to practice until it was time to resume everyday life again.