xbox 360 buyers guide
Welcome to our xbox 360 buyers guide section.
The Xbox 360 is available in two different bundles and at two different prices.
So you've got to ask yourself 3 questions:
What sort of Xbox 360 gamer am I?
What Xbox 360 package suits my budget?
What Xbox 360 package is best for me?
Well if your a hardcore gamer and want everything all at once and budget is not an issue then your easily pleased, go buy the Xbox 360 Premium Package now.
However, for the rest of us gamers who want to buy an Xbox360 but budget is an issue lets look at the two closely.
Xbox 360 Core Package
Xbox 360 Core Package Included Items:- Xbox 360 Console
- Xbox 360 Controller (wired)
- Default Xbox 360 Faceplate
- Standard Audio/Video Cables
Wired Controller
The Xbox360 core package comes with a wired controller, wireless controllers are very handy these days, and it saves getting wires tangled up especially if you have more than one controller. I don’t know about you but my wired controllers always seem to be in an unsightly bundle in front of the telly, the worst thing though is when someone walks past you and kicks the cable out of the console just when your about to get past the level you've been working at for months.
Having said that if your Xbox 360 is going to be close to where you are sat and you have understanding people who are not going to walk in front of you then a wired controller will be fine. You could always buy a wireless controller as a second controller and make your friends use the wired one!
Wot no hard drive?
Yes that's right the Xbox360 core package has no Xbox 360 hard drive, you can buy a Xbox 360 hard drive later if you so wish and you may even get more gigs for your bucks in the future but you really do have to ask yourself if you can live without a Xbox 360 hard drive.
No hard drive means if you want to save your game progress you will still have to go out and buy a Xbox 360 memory unit, if you want to download extra levels from the internet or copied from a games magazine disk your Xbox 360 memory card may not be able to do this and even if it can you wont be able to save very much at all compared to a Xbox 360 hard drive.
Audio and Visual
Audio and visual capabilities are on par with most TV sets but if you want high definition will need the s-video A/V cable to get better picture quality, this comes with the xbox360 core package but highest quality cables have to be bought separately.
Verdict
So if you've got a normal TV and audio and your not bothered about the Xbox 360 hard drive this is going to be well worth the money, you can always buy the rest of the kit as time goes on, just remember that most people will need to buy a Xbox 360 memory unit so you may be eating at your savings straight away. I'm sure in the near future theirs going to be loads of add-ons for the Xbox 360 console with bigger, better or at least cheaper deals around on offer.
Xbox 360 Premium Package
Xbox 360 Premium Package Included Items:
- Xbox 360 Console
- Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
- Default Xbox 360 Faceplate
- Component HD Audio/Video Cables
- 20 GB Detachable Hard Drive
- Xbox Live Headset
- Media Remote
Wireless controller
This is ideal for a cable free room and gaming environment, I must admit I find myself running round the front room when using a wireless controller, it's great not being restricted to the length of your controllers cable.
NOTE: You'll need either two AA batteries or a NiMH rechargeable battery for the Xbox 360 wireless controller
20 GB detachable hard drive
You can add custom soundtrack, save your game saves, download extra game content and use the hard drive for storing your digital photos, and 20 gigs should last a pretty long time! I'm sure in the future many other great benefits will be had from the Xbox 360 hard drive.
High definition component video cable
If you've got a mega TV or sound system then this is a must, making sure you get the best picture and sound quality from your new Xbox 360, it also doubles as a standard AV cable out of the box. You should note however that the cable that comes with the xbox360 Premium package is not the best quality cable on the market and higher quality Xbox 360 cables are already available to buy.
Xbox Live headset
The headset is a big recommendation if you are going to use the Xbox live functionality it adds a whole new element to gaming and is well worth a go. The Xbox 360 console is backwards compatible and therefore if you still have an older Xbox live headset this should still work.
Media remote (Limited feature)
Remote control for controlling your Xbox360 console and TV
NOTE: The universal media remote sold separately offers more features than the media remote included with the Premium Package
Verdict
If you are new to the Xbox scene and want high definition game play whilst using Xbox live the Xbox 360 premium package seems to be a good buy. If you don't have a high definition and Xbox live is not something you’re to fussed about then I'm afraid the Xbox 360 premium package does not offer that much value. If you want the very best high definition then you may be better off buying the higher quality cables separately, especially if you want 5.1 surround sound you will still need to go out and buy an optical cable.
Xbox 360 Console Package Conclusion
The best deal in the Xbox 360 premium package is the Xbox 360 hard drive and if you think you are going to want a hard drive straight away then buy the Xbox 360 premium package as it means the rest of the kit is pretty much free.Otherwise if your happy to add to your Xbox 360 console in stages then id personally go for the Xbox 360 core package as more variety and pricing will be out in the near future. Buying a wireless controller means you have two controllers, a wireless controller for yourself and your friends can use the wired one. If you've got a great TV or sound system then I think its worth going out and buying the best cables you can. All these add-ons can be purchased as and when they are needed.
I know when I buy my Xbox 360 console I want an Xbox 360 hard drive with my Xbox360 console straight away, so I'm going to get the Xbox 360 premium package, as I said before the rest of the kit is practically a freebee and I just love wireless controllers.
Which ever Xbox 360 you buy I'm sure you won't be disappointed as this seems to be one hell of a console
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