Considering Buying a 360...

Hi,

I've been a Wii owner for the past year and a half, but I'm presently considering buying an Xbox 360 Arcade since the price has been reduced to 149.99$. The Wii has been pretty fun, but I personally prefer the library of action games that are available (and WILL be available) on the 360.

Now, I know theArcade consoleis pretty much the base model of the 360's, but considering it's price, would you say that it's a worthy purchase? Also, is the RRoD considered to be just as big of a problem on the more recently manufactured consoles as it was before?

old but relevant

http://news.cnet.com/why-you-shouldnt-buy-an-xbox-360-arcade/

old but relevant

http://news.cnet.com/why-you-shouldnt-buy-an-xbox-360-arcade/

IzzieWaru

Alright. So basically I should avoid the Arcade due to the fact that it lacks a hard drive? In that case, do they still sell brand new Pro consoles?

Hi,

I've been a Wii owner for the past year and a half, but I'm presently considering buying an Xbox 360 Arcade since the price has been reduced to 149.99$. The Wii has been pretty fun, but I personally prefer the library of action games that are available (and WILL be available) on the 360.

Now, I know theArcade consoleis pretty much the base model of the 360's, but considering it's price, would you say that it's a worthy purchase? Also, is the RRoD considered to be just as big of a problem on the more recently manufactured consoles as it was before?

ForzaAbruzzo

Getting an Arcade would be a very smart move right now. The system itself cost $150 and you can get a 250GB hard drive online for $50 which means $200. The system has a very low chance of getting the RROD, especially if you get a jasper model. Now if you got the new model $300 you would get a wireless controller and wifi built in. Which aren't worth it.

So get a 360 arcade make sure it's a Jasper.

Get the hard drive online.

[QUOTE="ForzaAbruzzo"]

Hi,

I've been a Wii owner for the past year and a half, but I'm presently considering buying an Xbox 360 Arcade since the price has been reduced to 149.99$. The Wii has been pretty fun, but I personally prefer the library of action games that are available (and WILL be available) on the 360.

Now, I know theArcade consoleis pretty much the base model of the 360's, but considering it's price, would you say that it's a worthy purchase? Also, is the RRoD considered to be just as big of a problem on the more recently manufactured consoles as it was before?

zaku101

Getting an Arcade would be a very smart move right now. The system itself cost $150 and you can get a 250GB hard drive online for $50 which means $200. The system has a very low chance of getting the RROD, especially if you get a jasper model. Now if you got the new model $300 you would get a wireless controller and wifi built in. Which aren't worth it.

How do I distinguish it as being a "jasper" model?

Excuse me in advance for sounding like a bit of a noob :P

[QUOTE="zaku101"]

[QUOTE="ForzaAbruzzo"]

Hi,

I've been a Wii owner for the past year and a half, but I'm presently considering buying an Xbox 360 Arcade since the price has been reduced to 149.99$. The Wii has been pretty fun, but I personally prefer the library of action games that are available (and WILL be available) on the 360.

Now, I know theArcade consoleis pretty much the base model of the 360's, but considering it's price, would you say that it's a worthy purchase? Also, is the RRoD considered to be just as big of a problem on the more recently manufactured consoles as it was before?

ForzaAbruzzo

Getting an Arcade would be a very smart move right now. The system itself cost $150 and you can get a 250GB hard drive online for $50 which means $200. The system has a very low chance of getting the RROD, especially if you get a jasper model. Now if you got the new model $300 you would get a wireless controller and wifi built in. Which aren't worth it.

How do I distinguish it as being a "jasper" model?

Excuse me in advance for sounding like a bit of a noob :P

Look at the link above and you tell by looking at the bar code voltage. It can be a little hard to look at and may require you to push it a little around. The best place to do it would be Best Buy since they have their boxes out.

Also make sure to install your games (laying the system down)

once installed leave the system laying up.

This prevents the build up of extra heat on the GPU and in return provides better cooling. It also lowers your chances of getting the RROD by 2x, not like the jasper even needs it.

How do I distinguish it as being a "jasper" model?

Excuse me in advance for sounding like a bit of a noob :P

ForzaAbruzzo

http://www.gamingtrend.com/forums/index.php?topic=30677.0

Basically you just look at the bar code.

Also, personally, I don't install my games on the HDD. I have one friend who has an arcade and the only thing he has trouble with is playing games online. He finds he has to repeatedly download game updates when wanting to play online (HDD systems will save this once so youdon't have to repeatedly DL it)

Yeah i would go for it, and you could always slap a bigger hardrive on the arcade, if your not happy with the MB it comes with. And when you go to pick one up, ask for the jasper one.

old but relevant

http://news.cnet.com/why-you-shouldnt-buy-an-xbox-360-arcade/

IzzieWaru

[QUOTE="IzzieWaru"]

old but relevant

http://news.cnet.com/why-you-shouldnt-buy-an-xbox-360-arcade/

BaconB1ts123

It's only online they have it on that site and on Ebay. I got a 120GB for $50 last year off the site and it works just fine.

The link if you missed it. Link

Is the Arcade console backwards compatable?

Is the Arcade console backwards compatable?

ForzaAbruzzo

[QUOTE="ForzaAbruzzo"]

Is the Arcade console backwards compatable?

shadow8585

Get an arcade if you don't plan on downloading content. If you are going to be on Xbox Live and downloading content then you will need a harddrive. That simple. An arcade will cost you $150 and say you get a 120gb harddrive later for $90 it's going to cost around the same as getting an elite now. The arcade is only good for people who aren't on Xbox Live.

Get an arcade if you don't plan on downloading content. If you are going to be on Xbox Live and downloading content then you will need a harddrive. That simple. An arcade will cost you $150 and say you get a 120gb harddrive later for $90 it's going to cost around the same as getting an elite now. The arcade is only good for people who aren't on Xbox Live.

rp108

[QUOTE="rp108"]

Get an arcade if you don't plan on downloading content. If you are going to be on Xbox Live and downloading content then you will need a harddrive. That simple. An arcade will cost you $150 and say you get a 120gb harddrive later for $90 it's going to cost around the same as getting an elite now. The arcade is only good for people who aren't on Xbox Live.

BaconB1ts123

Are these USB drives sold at Best Buy stores by any chance?

[QUOTE="rp108"]

Get an arcade if you don't plan on downloading content. If you are going to be on Xbox Live and downloading content then you will need a harddrive. That simple. An arcade will cost you $150 and say you get a 120gb harddrive later for $90 it's going to cost around the same as getting an elite now. The arcade is only good for people who aren't on Xbox Live.

BaconB1ts123

You could but why waste $20 or more on a flash drive? Use that money towards a harddrive. I view USB drives as backups or must need space. With a 120gb or 250gb harddrive they are really not needed.

Just get a USB flash drive for a fraction of the price. You could always buy a HDD later on.

I would get one with a hard drive. Installed games run better and save your hardware. The newest model and Jasper models are very reliable. KC_Hokie

To be quite honest with you guys, I'm not much of the online gaming type.I guess you can say I'm a bit of a casual gamer, but I'm looking for the same type of gaming experience that I got with my PS2, hence why i'm interested in the 360 (due to its library). If a lack of online play is the main gripe with the Arcade console, then I'm not too concerned about it. Is the built in 256MB enough to do basic save functions, like saving game progress, because that's the main thing I'm looking for. I may eventually look to start downloading games eventually, but at the moment I only really care to play games from the 360 library like the Halo series, RE5, Gears of War, etc., and being able to save my progress.

To be quite honest with you guys, I'm not much of the online gaming type.I guess you can say I'm a bit of a casual gamer, but I'm looking for the same type of gaming experience that I got with my PS2, hence why i'm interested in the 360 (due to its library). If a lack of online play is the main gripe with the Arcade console, then I'm not too concerned about it. Is the built in 256MB enough to do basic save functions, like saving game progress, because that's the main thing I'm looking for. I may eventually look to start downloading games eventually, but at the moment I only really care to play games from the 360 library like the Halo series, RE5, Gears of War, etc., and being able to save my progress.

ForzaAbruzzo

If you REALLY want the arcade, go for it. You can always get the HD later. If you want to get the elite go for it, don't have to buy the HD later. Try to get an elite bundle. It'll save you a couple bucks. Some bundles even come with the extra controller.

If you REALLY want the arcade, go for it. You can always get the HD later. If you want to get the elite go for it, don't have to buy the HD later. Try to get an elite bundle. It'll save you a couple bucks. Some bundles even come with the extra controller.

RatchetJunkie20

Well, the way I see it, if I order the HD from the link provided on the first page for 55$, then the whole thing together will roughly come out to about 220$ with shipping (for the HD) and applicable taxes on the Xbox itself. Of course, I'd still have to purchase a game as well, which will run me around another 40-50$, depending on which game it is of course. In the end, it'll probably come out to a few bucks less than the Elite bundle that is currently being offered at Best Buy for 249.99$ (here in Canada). I suppose there isn't much difference when all is said and done, so perhaps going with the elite is indeed worth it if I'm gonna end up going for the 120 GB hard drive anyways. If I don't care to get a HD that big though, I'll probably still go with the Arcade, and take it from there...

Thanks a lot for your help, guys! :)

I'm a Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 owner. Let me tell you that as long as you don't leave your Xbox on for days at a time. It will be okay. Just make sure it has some breathing room wherever you place it and be sure to take breaks at least every 4-5 hours if you play in doses like that. And besides if you buy one new you have a 1 year warranty(?) along with it that covers the RROD problem. But I would suggest you either buy one that has a HDD or you purchase one separately because your HDD space tends be eaten up very quickly if you're into gaming enough. I believe that the 360 is a great budget console, if you have the money and the tv I would recommend PS3 but if you just want to game and don't have alot of cash I would recommend the 360.

[QUOTE="BaconB1ts123"][QUOTE="rp108"]

Get an arcade if you don't plan on downloading content. If you are going to be on Xbox Live and downloading content then you will need a harddrive. That simple. An arcade will cost you $150 and say you get a 120gb harddrive later for $90 it's going to cost around the same as getting an elite now. The arcade is only good for people who aren't on Xbox Live.

ForzaAbruzzo

Are these USB drives sold at Best Buy stores by any chance?

[QUOTE="RatchetJunkie20"]

If you REALLY want the arcade, go for it. You can always get the HD later. If you want to get the elite go for it, don't have to buy the HD later. Try to get an elite bundle. It'll save you a couple bucks. Some bundles even come with the extra controller.

ForzaAbruzzo

Well, the way I see it, if I order the HD from the link provided on the first page for 55$, then the whole thing together will roughly come out to about 220$ with shipping (for the HD) and applicable taxes on the Xbox itself. Of course, I'd still have to purchase a game as well, which will run me around another 40-50$, depending on which game it is of course. In the end, it'll probably come out to a few bucks less than the Elite bundle that is currently being offered at Best Buy for 249.99$ (here in Canada). I suppose there isn't much difference when all is said and done, so perhaps going with the elite is indeed worth it if I'm gonna end up going for the 120 GB hard drive anyways. If I don't care to get a HD that big though, I'll probably still go with the Arcade, and take it from there...

Thanks a lot for your help, guys! :)

[QUOTE="ForzaAbruzzo"]

[QUOTE="RatchetJunkie20"]

If you REALLY want the arcade, go for it. You can always get the HD later. If you want to get the elite go for it, don't have to buy the HD later. Try to get an elite bundle. It'll save you a couple bucks. Some bundles even come with the extra controller.

BaconB1ts123

Well, the way I see it, if I order the HD from the link provided on the first page for 55$, then the whole thing together will roughly come out to about 220$ with shipping (for the HD) and applicable taxes on the Xbox itself. Of course, I'd still have to purchase a game as well, which will run me around another 40-50$, depending on which game it is of course. In the end, it'll probably come out to a few bucks less than the Elite bundle that is currently being offered at Best Buy for 249.99$ (here in Canada). I suppose there isn't much difference when all is said and done, so perhaps going with the elite is indeed worth it if I'm gonna end up going for the 120 GB hard drive anyways. If I don't care to get a HD that big though, I'll probably still go with the Arcade, and take it from there...

Thanks a lot for your help, guys! :)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/microsoft-xbox-360-elite-spring-value-bundle-52v-00380/10139968.aspx?path=3aca4bc2de8e3fa1b7a9fe5eeb71b043en02

[QUOTE="BaconB1ts123"][QUOTE="ForzaAbruzzo"]

Well, the way I see it, if I order the HD from the link provided on the first page for 55$, then the whole thing together will roughly come out to about 220$ with shipping (for the HD) and applicable taxes on the Xbox itself. Of course, I'd still have to purchase a game as well, which will run me around another 40-50$, depending on which game it is of course. In the end, it'll probably come out to a few bucks less than the Elite bundle that is currently being offered at Best Buy for 249.99$ (here in Canada). I suppose there isn't much difference when all is said and done, so perhaps going with the elite is indeed worth it if I'm gonna end up going for the 120 GB hard drive anyways. If I don't care to get a HD that big though, I'll probably still go with the Arcade, and take it from there...

Thanks a lot for your help, guys! :)

ForzaAbruzzo

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/microsoft-xbox-360-elite-spring-value-bundle-52v-00380/10139968.aspx?path=3aca4bc2de8e3fa1b7a9fe5eeb71b043en02

To be quite honest with you guys, I'm not much of the online gaming type.I guess you can say I'm a bit of a casual gamer, but I'm looking for the same type of gaming experience that I got with my PS2, hence why i'm interested in the 360 (due to its library). If a lack of online play is the main gripe with the Arcade console, then I'm not too concerned about it. Is the built in 256MB enough to do basic save functions, like saving game progress, because that's the main thing I'm looking for. I may eventually look to start downloading games eventually, but at the moment I only really care to play games from the 360 library like the Halo series, RE5, Gears of War, etc., and being able to save my progress.

ForzaAbruzzo

To be quite honest with you guys, I'm not much of the online gaming type.I guess you can say I'm a bit of a casual gamer, but I'm looking for the same type of gaming experience that I got with my PS2, hence why i'm interested in the 360 (due to its library). If a lack of online play is the main gripe with the Arcade console, then I'm not too concerned about it. Is the built in 256MB enough to do basic save functions, like saving game progress, because that's the main thing I'm looking for. I may eventually look to start downloading games eventually, but at the moment I only really care to play games from the 360 library like the Halo series, RE5, Gears of War, etc., and being able to save my progress.

ForzaAbruzzo

Then you know what you need to do, and get a USB flash drive of your size preference later for occasionally demo downloading, etc.

The $149 Arcade is a terrific value, and unless you go nuts with Arcade game downloads and installing games, the USB drive will be enough also you can move videos, music, pics from the drive to your 360.

The Arcades actually have 512MB now, but 128MB is taken up by NXE, so its like 340MB.

If you really want to get a HDD down the line do not go to a retailer go to one of the many eBay or Amazon online shops, you can get 20GB HDDs for as low as $20 and 250GB HDDs for $60-$100

Just a tip, but you should easily be able to enjoy the 360 without XBL and without a HDD, you can't play original Xbox games without a HDD however, so if you're looking to catch up on old titles (since you said you used to have a PS2) you'd need one, i'm not sure if the Xbox BC update will run off a flash drive if it does then you don't need the HDD for that

But enjoy, and feel free to add me on XBL when you get it set up

[QUOTE="ForzaAbruzzo"]

To be quite honest with you guys, I'm not much of the online gaming type.I guess you can say I'm a bit of a casual gamer, but I'm looking for the same type of gaming experience that I got with my PS2, hence why i'm interested in the 360 (due to its library). If a lack of online play is the main gripe with the Arcade console, then I'm not too concerned about it. Is the built in 256MB enough to do basic save functions, like saving game progress, because that's the main thing I'm looking for. I may eventually look to start downloading games eventually, but at the moment I only really care to play games from the 360 library like the Halo series, RE5, Gears of War, etc., and being able to save my progress.

darth-pyschosis

Then you know what you need to do, and get a USB flash drive of your size preference later for occasionally demo downloading, etc.

The $149 Arcade is a terrific value, and unless you go nuts with Arcade game downloads and installing games, the USB drive will be enough also you can move videos, music, pics from the drive to your 360.

The Arcades actually have 512MB now, but 128MB is taken up by NXE, so its like 340MB.

If you really want to get a HDD down the line do not go to a retailer go to one of the many eBay or Amazon online shops, you can get 20GB HDDs for as low as $20 and 250GB HDDs for $60-$100

Just a tip, but you should easily be able to enjoy the 360 without XBL and without a HDD, you can't play original Xbox games without a HDD however, so if you're looking to catch up on old titles (since you said you used to have a PS2) you'd need one, i'm not sure if the Xbox BC update will run off a flash drive if it does then you don't need the HDD for that

But enjoy, and feel free to add me on XBL when you get it set up

Thanks very much for that. I definitely have a lot more clarity on everything now as far as Xbox 360 hardware is concerned. The only reason I'm not much of an online gamer is mainly because I never was with the last generation consoles either, in which case I've never really experiences enough to end up caring for it. I'm pretty sure that I would eventually wanna give it a whirl though. A lot of my friends are hardcore fanatics of playing COD games online, so I gotta say it definitely poses some appeal.

Thanks again to all for the info! :)

Get an Xbox 360 Bundle. you know one with games. It was pretty awesome that I got a 360 with ODST and Forza 3.

I've had a PS3 for a long time, so wheni decided to get an XBOX in February i was wondering about the same thing. I got an Elite, and i can tell you the way it runs a game offthe DVDwill shock you if you then run it offthe hard drive. The disc itself will be like youretrieved it from an oven, itwas noisy, and it mademe think i would be getting an RROD, seriously. I only tried it once with my first game as soon as i got it.

I've had a PS3 for a long time, so wheni decided to get an XBOX in February i was wondering about the same thing. I got an Elite, and i can tell you the way it runs a game offthe DVDwill shock you if you then run it offthe hard drive. The disc itself will be like youretrieved it from an oven, itwas noisy, and it mademe think i would be getting an RROD, seriously. I only tried it once with my first game as soon as i got it.

dimis_

Wow, I didn't realize that it was THAT prone to overheating...