Microsoft Xbox 360 Core System - Game console

So you've finally decided to pick yourself up a new system. There it sits, the object of your desire: The Xbox 360. But wait, there are two different packages in front of you. Which one should you get you ask yourself. Well follow along as I take you through what each of the two versions of this console come with so you'll know exactly how to answer that question on November 22 when that choice is presented to you.

Lets start with the Core System shall we?

Here's what you will be getting should you choose to drop the $299 on the Core System:

One Xbox 360 (No Hard Drive), one power cord, one controller (wired) and the component cables needed to hook up your new console to the TV.

Now then, here's what the Premium System will be equipped with.

For your $399 you will receive one Xbox 360 (With 20 Gig Hard Drive), one power cord, one controller (wireless), one Ethernet cable, one Xbox live headset, combination component/composite cables (For HDTV or Standard TV), DVD remote and two AA Batteries.

As you can see there is quite a difference between what the Core comes with and what the Premium is equipped with. So how do you choose? After all one system is $100 more than the other.

Here are your reasons for getting the Core:

1: You absolutely have to have the system on launch day but you can't afford to buy the Premium package.

2: You like paying more money than your neighbor for the same thing.

3: You don't feel that you will need the Hard Drive as a memory card and an outside media source such as an Ipod will do you quite nicely.

4: Perhaps you want to get the core first and then find out if the hard drive and other such items will be upgraded in the future, thus giving you a jump on your fellow gamers.

Now then, here are the reasons to get the Premium Package.

1: For that extra one hundred dollars you will be getting a hard drive, wireless controller, HDTV hookups, a DVD remote and batteries. Quite a good deal. The headset itself is $20 bucks, the DVD remote is $30, the wireless controller is $49.99. Thats $100 right there. Add in the Hard Drive. $100 value. Free.

2: With that hard drive you will be getting a more optimized version of the console. Games, while designed to run without the hard drive, will save quicker, possibly have shorter or no loading times if caching is used properly.

In the end what it really comes down to is price. Are you willing to pay $400 for a console without getting a game? This is before any annoying bundles get tacked onto your bill. The only reason to not get the premium package right now is because you don't have the money. And if thats the case do the install base a favor and wait the year it takes to have them drop the Premium price to $299 to compete with the PS3 launch. The more the install base is skewed in favor of the hard drive the more likely it is the thing will be properly supported.

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The Accessories

Here's a list of the 1st party accessories available at launch:

Xbox 360 Controller (Wired)**
Xbox 360 Controller (Wireless)*
20 GB Hard Drive*
Headset*
Universal Media Remote*
Xbox 360 Faceplates (Woody, Hot Rod, Silver)
Rechargeable Battery Pack
64 MB Memory Unit
Play & Charge Kit
Component HDAV Cable*
S-Video AV Cable
VGA HDAV Cable
Wireless Network Adapter

*Included with Premium System
**Included with Core System

The Controllers: The Xbox 360 may have the most comfortable controllers ever. Slightly

I love the system, and the effects! I don't like that it doesn't have built in hard drives it just adds on another thing that you have to buy in order to play the xbox. Be sure to buy a harddrive along side the xbox if it doesn't come with one. Controllers are a little on the expensive side. overall I've never had a better gaming system.