Buying my first Xbox 360 - a few starter questions.

I've decided to get an Xbox 360 and I'll probably get a used one from a nice webshop we got here(Denmark).

As of now, I'm leaning towards getting just the core version - basically just the console and a wired gamepad. It's dirtcheap and I've got no strong urge to store movies or music on my Xbox 360 nor do I plan to spend alot of time playing online.

The core comes without any memory if I read various gaming sites correctly? That means I'll have to get an external harddrive to save games, download content etc.? Can I just grab, say a 16 GB USB stick or slap a regular USB harddrive to my Xbox 360, or must it be something made exclusively for the Xbox 360?

Also - what do you really use storage space for, outside savegames(which can't take up that much room I take it?) and music and movies if you fancy that?

I'm asking because I want to get started as cheap as possible, but also I don't want to just buy anything.

I'd realy appreciate you guys' input :)

What do you count as necessities? The harddrive? You're probably right, I'm just trying to figure out how much and for what its really used.

I've decided to get an Xbox 360 and I'll probably get a used one from a nice webshop we got here(Denmark).

As of now, I'm leaning towards getting just the core version - basically just the console and a wired gamepad. It's dirtcheap and I've got no strong urge to store movies or music on my Xbox 360 nor do I plan to spend alot of time playing online.

The core comes without any memory if I read various gaming sites correctly? That means I'll have to get an external harddrive to save games, download content etc.? Can I just grab, say a 16 GB USB stick or slap a regular USB harddrive to my Xbox 360, or must it be something made exclusively for the Xbox 360?

Also - what do you really use storage space for, outside savegames(which can't take up that much room I take it?) and music and movies if you fancy that?

I'm asking because I want to get started as cheap as possible, but also I don't want to just buy anything.

I'd realy appreciate you guys' input :)

Agerkvist

If you plan on buying a core one I would buy a new one. Reason is cuz buying used makes your warranty void since you weren't the original customer that purchased the console. That is only if the store offfers warranty but I wouldn't decide that over Microsoft's own. Plus the core comes with the memory card. And also you would be dissappointed to know if the previous owner tweaked with it and ends up RROD on you and you will think you just wasted money for nothing...so I would recommend getting new. :D

If I buy a new one, it will be from a store I trust, and I will ensure that it comes with warranty still. usually 2 years around here. I'd also make sure that the console was functioning, isn't banned etc.

But definately something to be aware of, yes.

Buy a new one. If you don't care about movies, music, etc, then, just get a new Arcade version. Then, use 1 or 2 16 GB usb sticks to use for memory.

As far as what people use hard drive space for, movies, music, add-ons for games (like DLC), demos, and installing games on the hard drive.

Arcade comes with 20 GB doesn't it?

I'm still keen on buying a used one tho. Unless that's a big NONO! I was told by a good, console savvy friend that it isn't such a bad choice.

Arcade comes with 20 GB doesn't it?

I'm still keen on buying a used one tho. Unless that's a big NONO! I was told by a good, console savvy friend that it isn't such a bad choice.

Agerkvist

I would really, really consider buying new unless you are getting over 50% off by buying used with a hell of warranty.

Anyway, the arcade doesn't come with a hard drive at all. It comes with 256 MB of memory, I believe, which is basically enough for gamesaves only.

Yeah I get what your saying Psyko. Most times you get what you pay for - but like I said, I'd never buy used if I wasn't really convinced it was a good product sold from a seller I trust.

And yeah, I might end up wanting more HD space very quickly if I get the core version.

Hmmm decisions, decisions :)

You'll want a hard-drive so you can install your games. It prevents overheating and makes your Xbox run a lot quieter. Also, the wired controllers kinda suck. Wireless is where it's at.

I've been in your position before in terms of not wanting to spend more than you have to on a console or games. But trust me, forking over the extra cash is worth it in the end.

First of all, you might want to get a new XBox 360. Used systems might have defects in them that came from the time period when XBox 360s were full of technical problems.

Also, you might want a hard drive since you can install your games onto it. The game runs more smoothly with shorter load times and generates less heat (an enemy of the 360).

You can't use USBs unless you have the Xbox Live update, so unless you want Xbox Live you won't be using USBs. Plus, I think that cores aren't around anymore, they have arcades and elites according to a chart on Wikipedia.

Im probably just repeating what some of the other guys have already said but i'd definatley recommend buying a new 360 not just because of the warranty you'll get but also you'll most likely be getting the newest hardware inside the machine. Now even if your not planning on playing much online or storing videos or music etc a 20GB hard drive is definately 2 small especially when theres not much of a price difference between the different sizes. If u havent got the money for a new machine id suggest u just wait till u have, hope ive helped.

just get this

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Xbox-360-Elite-Halo-Forza-Bundle-Xbox-360/13984127

if you get the arcade used, you're likely to have RROD or some other defect. if you buy a new Arcade, you'll still end up buying a HDD for storage (after you fill up the tiny memory card it comes with) and that will increase your cost to about the same as the bundle that comes with 2 great games.

and as far as i understand if you want to play on xboxlive you really HAVE to have a HDD to update the firmware. and MANY games have updates and patches online, so not connecting to xboxlive may be a bad idea.

i say if you cant afford $300, then dont buy an xbox yet. save up your money. going cheap on your console and getting an xbox360 that is NOT NEW is just a bad idea.

Buy it new, and get at least a 20gb Hard drive. You can download demo's, game add-ons/expansions, get arcade games, install games to the hard drive so the 360 is quieter, it's really worth it. i've got a 60gb hard drive, and it's not enough :(

Came across an Xbox 360 Arcade, with 20 GB HD and two games (lego indiana what not and panda kung fu whatever) at a really good price. Everything is new, exceot the harddrive which is tagged as "refurbished".

Hmmm bummm....I only just got started with Metroid Prime: Corruption, Monster Hunter Tri arrived today and in 30 days(give or take ;)) I'll become a father...exactly when do I plan to have time for using my Xbox? :D

I'd just get a new 360. I was originally planning on getting a refurbished 360 but I was strongly advised not to. I personally like the 360 elite. They come with the hard drive so you won't have to buy that unless you run out of room and need more. I'd also get an extra controller if you can afford it.

As far as I can tell, the one I just saw was a new console, just with a refurbished harddrive. The elite is too pricey for me at the moment and I think I'd be pretty happy with the 20 GB. One controller will be enough - I won't have anyone over for playing anytime soon I think :D

I just wrote the store to ask if it was a new console.