Which Xbox 360 System to Buy?

[TheBigL]

GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/features/6136285/) posted a feature article about which Xbox 360 bundle we should buy.

FULL:
But listen up--if you're not shelling out that extra Benjamin for the $399 console bundle, you're not getting the real Xbox 360. In fact, I daresay you're getting ripped off.
CORE:
However, the unit will cost $100 less, almost enough to buy two games (or one new game and a 64MB memory card).

But who's crazy enough to not want to play games with huge environments, or online? Maybe those of us who don't have broadband; those of us who already acutely feel the sting of the new $60 price tag for 360 games; and those of us who aren't convinced that the 360 is right for a long-term investment, especially if only a few of the launch games seem appealing.
Am I the only one who thinks that the editors who said that the Xbox 360 core bundle is a good deal, will NOT buy it? It just looks to me like they were trying really hard to convince themselves that there is a good reason for that bundle's existence.

[JazGalaxy]

Well... here's the thing... there IS a very good reason for the core systems availability...

Okay... so not good reason... but some facts that make it make more sense..

The Xbox premium kit isn't actually going to STAY that way. Supposedly all the "gifts" that you get in the box are only something of a "launch window" present. All those people who say they are going to wait six to eight months to buy the console should not expect to get the remote control, headset, etc with their console. With all of that taken away, the consoles become much more comparable. Add to that the fact that the XBox hard drive isn't really DOING anything by mandate of microsoft and there becomes less reason to own one. Yes it's silly that microsoft decreed that it may not be used as a gameplay enhancer, but at the same time, you can hear several developers make convincing arguments about why the 512 system memory is that much more important. basically everything that you're used to having the hard drive for in regard to gameplay is being taken over by the system memory. Supposedly.

[mister_slim]

I hope some people at Gamespot (and other review sources) buy the Core. I hope that reviews will be based on how games play on both systems.

[Talanvor]

Oh god, so there'll be reviews for the PS3, Revolution, 360 Core and 360 w/HD? Oh yeah and then throw HD-DVD and the upgraded cables in... ugh.

And JazGalaxy, is that actually something that will happen or is it just a theory? I can't imagine Microsoft putting out a bundle and then yanking it later.

[Heretic Machine]

basically everything that you're used to having the hard drive for in regard to gameplay is being taken over by the system memory. Supposedly.

Yeah, we get to use one part of our system instead of both, thus making the 360 a gimp system.

Can't wait to pick up a black-leather face plate.

[TheBigL]

I hoped that xbox 360 will be a "one" system, not a two.

Sure the full offers many good stuff, but many of them not importent to the avarage player.

Sure the core system offers the basic of the basic. But that is not enouth to many of the gamers.

how about 330-350$ price tag for a useful xbox 360 console that will feature everything a gamer "needs" to have a full (or next to full) gaming expirience?

[Murmillo]

Dead.Horse.

If you don't understand the two SKU's by now, then nothing ever will.

[pablious]

how about 330-350$ price tag for a useful xbox 360 console that will feature everything a gamer "needs" to have a full (or next to full) gaming expirience?

But that would make too much sense, and then they couldnt charge you for a bunch of stuff you dont need...

[thebuilder]

Be a good citizen. Don't buy the core bundle. Do it for your fellow gamers. Let Microsoft know you want games that will take full advantage of the hardware rather than games that will suffer from the stupid bottleneck that is the dvd-rom.

[JazGalaxy]

Oh god, so there'll be reviews for the PS3, Revolution, 360 Core and 360 w/HD? Oh yeah and then throw HD-DVD and the upgraded cables in... ugh.

And JazGalaxy, is that actually something that will happen or is it just a theory? I can't imagine Microsoft putting out a bundle and then yanking it later.

It's supposed to be fact, out of the mouth of Bach himself in one of the interviews I was reading/watching. I don't remember where. Let me poke around and see if I can find it again.

[Kelegacy]

I'm buying the feather-light SKU that has an invisible controller, games that are run purely on imagination, and no wires involved whatsoever. It's also free, and there's no need to preorder...they have plenty for everyone.

[JazGalaxy]

I, not for want of it, may be playing the same system come november Kel...

[Syl]

If I ever get an xbox360, i'll most likely be getting a Core System.

However, if I ever get an xbox360, it'll be after a modication to use 3.5inch harddrives has already came out for it.

[Tennistoad]

I will be buying the Wal-mart crappy video version thank you very much.

[thiby]

I think the guys who back up the core system have good points. I will get the premium mind you, but my brother for example, he only likes to play FIFA and Madden with his friends on the couch. He never plays online, and i dont think he ever will. Also the memory card is enough for saving his league games. This way he will be saving at least $60.

I also think the core system is cheaper in the long run even if you buy the aditional accessories over time. Something to do with your salary and other factors. I took it in economics but I dont know exaclty why. I will ask my economics professor.

[thecrazyd]

Be a good citizen. Don't buy the core bundle. Do it for your fellow gamers. Let Microsoft know you want games that will take full advantage of the hardware rather than games that will suffer from the stupid bottleneck that is the dvd-rom.
Or, you can be a REALLY good citzen and not support their crap at all.

[GrinR]

I'm buying the feather-light SKU that has an invisible controller, games that are run purely on imagination, and no wires involved whatsoever. It's also free, and there's no need to preorder...they have plenty for everyone.

QFT: Lightning bolt, lightning bolt, lightning bolt!!! (http://www.devilducky.com/media/9271/)

http://www.milkandcookies.com/images/feature/o/ogrebattle.jpg

[inmostlight]

I think another potential use for the core system is for LAN games or something. Cheaper extra node right there. I wouldn't go that route, but I could see that being popular in dorms or apartments.

The cynic in me also likes the stripped down model; if/when my full system breaks, I can buy a cheaper new one without having to shell out again for wireless controllers, component cables, hard drive, etc.

[agentgray]

I'm loving the 360, but won't be getting it for a while. This hype over the bundles is insane. I think Microsoft is shooting themselves in the foot big time. I hope for gamers that we're not being setup for a big fall. Why?

Compatability. Hook this dongle to that dongle and get this HD over that progressive with this blue-ray over that hd-dvd. Geesh. It's all a mess.

..and then there's the potential for gamers to have to have XBOX 90 hooked up as well as the 360 so they can play all their XBOX games because some of the 90 games won't work on the 360.

Sigh.

I'm getting but I'm waiting. I'll jump on the Revolution first. Well...maybe.

[H.Bogard]

meh, i dont know why i`m recalling seeing XBOX365 in the movie "The Island"

[Kelegacy]

Or, you can be a REALLY good citzen and not support their crap at all.

Look at my post again and you'll see that I said exactly the same thing. :)

I'll buy an Xbox 2 in the future, just not until there's a strong library filled with games to keep me busy until Xbox 3. (the same way the current Xbox--only a year old in my home--is keeping me busy with a large library of older games, too)

[thecrazyd]

Yeah, I heard you loud and clear. The only way I will be getting a launch 360 is if I win one by drinking Dew.

[Deadend]

the Core system exists so that in 4 years when the system is selling for $150 MS will not be losing $20 on the hard drive. HD prices do not seem to drop for a low end hard drive.

I think very few people will be wanting a Core system for now, as memory cards are lame, as are wires.

[Zanzibar]

Yeah, I heard you loud and clear. The only way I will be getting a launch 360 is if I win one by drinking Dew.

$#%!!@#$&* Perigon $!$$@#!!!

[bapenguin]

This horse is so dead and beaten it's not even funny anymore.

[thecrazyd]

This horse is so dead and beaten it's not even funny anymore.
Coming from Cap'n Microsoft.

[fitbabits]

Coming from Cap'n Microsoft.
Them there's fighting words!

[Kelegacy]

Saturday night brawl, brothas. Can you dig it? I said, can you DIG it?

I bet you can't guess which game I was just playing. First one to get it right wins an ookie cookie.

[thecrazyd]

Oh Ooh!! Warriors!

[Kelegacy]

Oh Ooh!! Warriors!

Jesus, that was too fast.

[Hellstorm]

I'm getting two: The PS3 pack and the Revolution pack. Looks like a winner.

[thecrazyd]

Jesus, that was too fast.
I am on the ball.

[pacmanfever]

All those people who say they are going to wait six to eight months to buy the console should not expect to get the remote control, headset, etc with their console.

around that time, there should be a nice price drop to distract everyone from the ps3 launch so those people will actually get more for their money.

[RevGored]

Wow there's a whole lotta fanboys and haters that just can't seem to not post in every thread regarding the 360 around here.

[sTubbs]

The thing that boggles my mind is how much more sense it would have made to release one SKU - an HD included 360 at $350 US. Aside from the HD, the premium package is just a lot of fluff. Those who want to play online through Live or use the 360 as a DVD player would be willing to pay for the remote or headset separately - neither of those things are going to be beneficial to every single 360 user. The included high-def cables are also going to be utterly useless to the vast majority of people.

The HD on the other hand would be beneficial to everyone. Including it with every system would appease both disappointed consumers and developers and would certainly make for a better system in the long run. (And it would provide the 360 with a solid advantage over the PS3 in this area.)

I understand that I am pretty much stating the obvious here and that it is too late for MS to change the situation, but it is very disappointing that they made things so overly complicated.

[GrinR]

I made the funniest post of all time... and nobody cares.

[sTubbs]

I made the funniest post of all time... and nobody cares.

I cracked a smile, but that is far from the funniest post ever.

[Talanvor]

I made the funniest post of all time... and nobody cares.

It was funny, just not ha ha funny.

[bapenguin]

Coming from Cap'n Microsoft.

It's not even that, there's simply no new information to argue about anymore. The sides are set, the lines are drawn. It's over. It's simply going OVER and OVER the same point again and again. Hence...beating the dead horse again...this is at LEAST the 6th or 7th thread on the same damn topic.

[Sloth]

if i get a 360 it will defintely be the full version. I never buy "crippled" hardware to get it cheaper. And I positively loathe, "special edition" video cards.

[Groo]

I made the funniest post of all time... and nobody cares.

That's because it's much funner for people to beat a dead horse into a bloody pulp.

[Kelegacy]

Mmm, horse hamburger.

[notcivx]

I made the funniest post of all time... and nobody cares.

No, you linked to a stupid video everyone's seen before.

[BabyJesus]

I don't care, I preordered the Full box.. I just don't get all the bitching, whatever...