Come November 19, a New Xbox Experience will dawn for Xbox 360 owners.

More than just a simple dashboard update, the free download brings an entirely new look and feel to the system's interface, adding a number of new features in the process.

After using the NXE for over a week now, I can confidently state it's an improvement, even though I never had a problem with the old interface. I have a few quibbles, but for the most part, I really like it. Heck, I even like my Avatar and his slick aviator sunglasses.

Interface
The most obvious change is the new interface, which replaces the old 2D blades with a slick 3D aesthetic that is much smoother and more user friendly.

Simply tap up or down to move from category to category--through the Game Marketplace, My Xbox, Friends list, etc. Scrolling through the various options is accomplished by simply hitting left or right.

For those that prefer the old interface, don't fret too much. Tapping the Guide button of the controller brings up a miniature set of blades that offers quick access to everything the system has to offer, including a classic-style list of online Friends.

Though far less crowded than the old interface, the reliance on stacked images provides more room for advertising without being too obnoxious about it. In fact, three of the seven categories--Spotlight, Events, and Inside Xbox--are nothing but Microsoft ads.

The only issue here is that if you boot to the dashboard, the system will automatically display the Spotlight category each time. It would be much nicer if I could default to the My Xbox category, which lets you launch discs or choose from your library of Xbox Live Arcade games, instead of being notified that Lips is in stores today.

Speaking of Xbox Live Arcade, the New Xbox Experience resolves that pesky loading and counting issue from the dashboards of old. All of your downloaded Xbox Live Arcade games and demos automatically appear when you go into the list--no more waiting for games to pop up as the list is repopulated.

There's also a handy Quick Launch section in the pop-up Guide, which displays a list of the most recently played games and most recently downloaded files, such as Netflix, for quick access.

Avatars
Avatars are another one of those major changes. The first time you log in under the New Xbox Experience, you'll be asked to make an Avatar by selecting a generic template and customizing it to your liking. This can take as little or as long as you'd like.

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I was honestly surprised by the Avatar system, as I wasn't looking forward to it at all. But I found that making a virtual recreation of myself was an oddly satisfying experience.

In addition to appearing in the new Friends category, Avatars will pop up in supported games, such as Scene It? Box Office Smash, UNO, Bomberman Live, Hardwood Hearts, Hardwood Spades and A Kingdom for Keflings.

Moving forward, expect to discover new Avatar parts as you earn Achievements, and don't be surprised if an Avatar Parts Store pops up at some point.

Xbox Live Marketplace
To fit with the new interface, your one-stop shop for virtual goods as been redesigned as well. The new design makes the store much easier to navigate, and remove the need for Microsoft to to de-list under-performing Xbox Live Arcade games.

Oh, one more thing. You'll be able to peruse the Xbox Live Marketplace from your PC, allowing remote purchases that will be automatically downloaded the next time that particular Xbox Live Account signs on from an Xbox 360.

Turn the page for more.