**Xbox 360 FAQ's**

So you just bought your Xbox 360 and you have some questions about it. You've come to the right place. Below, this thread will hopefully answer some commonly asked questions about the Xbox 360. If you have a question that you do not find on here, please feel free to either PM me or post the question directly on this thread, and I'll try to update the thread with the question. If you find a mistake, or think I should add something, just tell me, and if it makes sense, I'll do it.

Thanks for the read.

Xbox 360 SKU's

Q: I'm confused about all the different Xbox 360's. Which one should I get?

A: It really depends on what you want to use your Xbox for:

- The Xbox 360 Arcade retails for $279.99 (US), and comes with an Xbox 360, a Wireless Controller, 256 MB Memory Card, and Standard AV Cables.

- The old Xbox 360 retails for $299.99 (US), but is no longer in production (yet you can still find a few on store shelves). It comes with a Xbox 360, a Wireless Controller, 20GB Hard Drive (HDD), a Headset, an Ethernet Cable and Standard/HD AV Cables.

- The Xbox 360 Pro retails for $349.99 (US). It comes with an Xbox 360, a Wireless Controller, 60GB Hard Drive (HDD), a Headset, an Ethernet Cable and Standard/HD AV Cables.

- The Xbox 360 Elite retails for $449.99 (US). It comes with an Xbox 360, a Wireless Controller , 120GB Hard Drive (HDD), a Headset, an Ethernet Cable, Standard/HD AV Cables and an HDMI Cable.

Q: Wow! That's a lot of info. Is there a place where I can find this info in easier, more digestable parts?

A: Microsoft has a page just for this. Just visit the Which Console for You? page to find everything in a convienent chart.

Games

Q: I just got my Xbox 360! What games should I get?!

A: Welcome to the community! This is a very tough question to answer, seeing as people don't know what type of games you are interested in. Luckily you have two options: You can either look up the game review on GameSpot (you are on a gaming website after all), or you can look at the The 360 Recommendation Thread - What Game Should I Get? v2 *56k*. It's very convenient and is actually a really nice looking thread.

Q: Does the Xbox 360 play Xbox 1 games?

A: Yes, you can. All you need is Xbox Live (Gold or Silver) and a Hard Drive. When you put the disc in, you will be prompted to download an update that will allow you to play the game. Download it and enjoy.

Q: Which Xbox 1 games does the Xbox 360 play?

A: For a full list of Backward Compatible games, visit the Original Xbox Games on Xbox 360 webpage

Q: Whatare Achievement Points/GamerScore?

A: Achievement Points are basically little trophies you receive for completing certain accomplishments in-game that are worth a different amount depending on how complicated/time-consuming they are. For example, in Halo 3, you receive 125 Achievement Points for completing the campaign on the Legendary difficulty.

Every game has Achievement Points. Retail games have 1000 Achievement Points, and Xbox Live Arcade games have 200 Achievement Points. Some updates to retail games add an additional 250 Achievement Points, giving it a grand total of 1250 Achievement Points.

Q: Sounds fun! What are some easy games to get my score up?

A: There are a lot of different places on the internet you can go. GameSpot has done multiple features on how to earn chunks of Achievement Points in a short amount of time:

- How to Score 9,000 Points in 48 Hours (That's 3 Points a Minute!)

- How to Score 1000 Points (without leaving home)

- How to Earn 6000 Points

Also be sure to check out Xbox360Achievements.org and look for a Guide on the game you are playing.

Accessories

Q: Is there a cheaper alternative to connect wireless to Xbox Live than the $100 Xbox 360™ Wireless Networking Adaptor?

A: Yes, there is. If you can find the Xbox Wireless Adaptor, it's probably a lot cheaper than the Xbox 360™ Wireless Networking Adaptor. A good place to look is Amazon.com, where you can find it for about $50 (US), compared to the $100 (US) the Xbox 360™ Wireless Networking Adaptor costs.

Q: What is the best Headset to use for Xbox Live?

A: The Headset that comes with your Xbox 360 is fine and should get the job done. If not, you can buy the Xbox 360™ Wireless Headset for $59.99 (US)

Q: I just filled up my Hard Drive, but I don't want to delete anything. What should I do?

A: Microsoft has the Xbox 360™ 120GB Hard Drive available for $179.99 (US). It also comes with a Transer Cable so you can move your saves from your old Hard Drive to your new one.

Xbox Live

Q: How much is Xbox Live?

A: There are 2 Membership Levels, Gold and Silver:

- Xbox Live Silver does not allow you to play games, yet still allows you to access System Updates, Xbox Live Marketplace, keep a friends list, etc.

- Xbox Live Gold allows you all the features of Xbox Live Silver, but allows you the access to play games like Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online. There are 3 different options: a 1-month ($7.99 US), a 3-month ($19.99 US) or a 12-month($49.99 US). If you buy an 12-month Xbox Live Suscription Card from a store, you get an extra month for free.

Q: Why do we have to pay for Xbox Live?

A: This is a question you will likely never find an answer for. You can try emailing Bill Gates/Microsoft to ask, but don't expect an answer. Most likely for the dedicated servers that Microsoft uses and it's reliable, lag-free service.

Q: What exactly are Microsoft Points?

A: Microsoft Points are Microsoft Currency that they use on Xbox Live. It costs $.125 (US) for every 1 Microsoft Point. Many things on the Xbox Live Marketplace cost 800 Microsoft Points, which is equal to $10 (US). You can buy points bunches on Xbox Live, either 500 MS Points ($6.25 US), 1000 MS Points ($12.50 US), 2000 MS Points ($25 US) or 5000 MS Points ($62.50 US); taxes do apply. You can also buy a 1600 MS Point ($62.50 US) card from your favorite retailer.

Q: What can I buy with Microsoft Points?

A: Everything that you can buy on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Map packs for games, Xbox Originals, Xbox Live Arcade games, Music Videos, TV Shows, Movies Rentals, and much, much more. Also, if you own a Zune, Microsoft Points are the currency used on the Zune Marketplace, so you can buy music/videos on there as well.

System Updates

Q: What is this "Xbox Experience" thing all about?

A: This Fall, Microsoft will release its biggest update for the Xbox 360. The main things you will notice are the new Avatars, a complete Dashboard overhaul and Netflix compatibility. For more information, please visit the *The Official Fall Dashboard Update Thread*.

General Hardware

Q: Isit better to have your Xbox 360 vertical or horizontal?

A: It truthfully makes no difference. Some people say horizontally because they think vertically blocks the biggest fan, but in reality, it doesn't. Be warned though, there was a problem with the 360 making deep scratches in discs if placed vertically, so be warned.

Q: What is are the Red Rings of Death (RRoD)?

A: The Red Ring of Death are lights that turn red on the front of your Xbox 360 when it malfunctions. The most general case is the Xbox 360 overheating, but can also appear because of general hardware failure. Launch Xbox 360's were believed to have about a 30% failure rate, but Microsoft has since released new chipsets that have dramatically reduced the amount of breaking Xbox 360's.

Q: What happens if I do get the Red Ring of Death?

A: Not much. Microsoft use to send you a box that you put your Xbox 360 in, shipped, and received repaired 2-3 weeks later (depending on how far you live from the Repair Center). Now, Microsoft sends them shipping codes through email that you print and put on a box. The result has a faster turn-around time; it takes roughly 1-2 weeks this way (again, depending on how far away you live from the Repair Center).

Q: How can I prevent the Red Ring of Death?

A: There is no fool-proof way to completely stop your Xbox 360 from ever Red Ringing, but there are some general tips that if you follow should greatly reduce your chances:

- Allow 3-6 inches of breathing space between your Xbox 360 and a wall so your Xbox can breathe

- Try to avoid using Air Blasters on your Xbox 360. It will blow the dust back into your Xbox 360, which can potentially clog some vents, increasing your console's chance to Red Ring. Try to use a small vacum.

- Do not move your Xbox 360 while there is a disc in the disc tray, even if the console is off. It can scratch the disc or break the disc drive

Q: How much does it cost to repair my Xbox 360 if it Red Rings?

A: Nothing. Microsoft covers Xbox 360's from the Red Ring of Death for 3 years.

Q: How much does it cost to repair my Xbox 360 if something besides the Red Ring of Death happens?

A: Usually around $120. But keep in mind you have a 90-Day in-store warrenty from retailers such as Best Buy, Target, WalMart, GameStop/EB Games, etc. and Microsoft offers a 1-year warrenty for general hardware failure directly through them. Also remember that if you buy your console from WalMart, Sams Club, etc., they will return it and give you a new Xbox 360 for free. Just be sure to return everything it came with.

Q: When does the 90-Day/1 Year/3 Year Warrenty start?

A: The warrenty starts the day the cashier at your retailer of choice scans your Xbox 360 for purchase

Some info taken from:

Sharvie
hendriktx
Xbox.com
GameSpot.com
eBay

You're positive the warranty starts right when the casheir rings it up? I've been a bit scared about the RROD and I'm not sure if I'm protected.SirRiffAlot

[QUOTE="SirRiffAlot"]You're positive the warranty starts right when the casheir rings it up? I've been a bit scared about the RROD and I'm not sure if I'm protected.Ibaapzo

Awesome, Thanks a lot ;)
SirRiffAlot

Q: Isit better to have your Xbox 360 vertical or horizontal?

A: It truthfully makes no difference. Some people say horizontally because they think vertically blocks the biggest fan, but in reality, it doesn't. Be warned though, there was a problem with the 360 making deep scratches in discs if placed horizontally, so be warned.

choffy

I thought it was vertical that caused the deep scratches?

[QUOTE="choffy"]

Q: Isit better to have your Xbox 360 vertical or horizontal?

A: It truthfully makes no difference. Some people say horizontally because they think vertically blocks the biggest fan, but in reality, it doesn't. Be warned though, there was a problem with the 360 making deep scratches in discs if placed horizontally, so be warned.

-Phaz-

I thought it was vertical that caused the deep scratches?

Me too...

[QUOTE="-Phaz-"][QUOTE="choffy"]

Q: Isit better to have your Xbox 360 vertical or horizontal?

A: It truthfully makes no difference. Some people say horizontally because they think vertically blocks the biggest fan, but in reality, it doesn't. Be warned though, there was a problem with the 360 making deep scratches in discs if placed horizontally, so be warned.

GANGSTASAN

I thought it was vertical that caused the deep scratches?

Me too...

It is you need to change that.

This needs to be stickied....Very good info. Master_Shake123

Thanks. That's the plan

If you're going to make a FAQ could you please make sure the info is correct?

You can use the original XBOX wireless connection to hook up the 360. It's less money and works just as well.

If you're going to make a FAQ could you please make sure the info is correct?

You can use the original XBOX wireless connection to hook up the 360. It's less money and works just as well.

Jaysonguy

I've truthfully never heard such a thing and I doubt not many other people have either, but after a bit of research, you are right, and the changes have been made.

Thanks for the input

If you're going to make a FAQ could you please make sure the info is correct?

You can use the original XBOX wireless connection to hook up the 360. It's less money and works just as well.

Jaysonguy

Jaysonguy, we all appreciate the information, but I don't think it needed to be delivered in quite so abrasive a manner. Given the effort choffy put into the FAQ, I think it was obvious he wasn't intentionally misleading anyone. Your post would have been just as effective without that first line.

Just something to think about.

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

If you're going to make a FAQ could you please make sure the info is correct?

You can use the original XBOX wireless connection to hook up the 360. It's less money and works just as well.

m0zart

Jaysonguy, we all appreciate the information, but I don't think it needed to be delivered in quite so abrasive a manner. Given the effort choffy put into the FAQ, I think it was obvious he wasn't intentionally misleading anyone. Your post would have been just as effective without that first line.

Just something to think about.

Sorry about the tonage, looking back on it yeah, it sounds like I'm a jerk (or more of a jerk)

Can the 360 play original XBOX games out of the box, or does one need to do a system update? Which games are playable?JAB991

Haha. I thought of that before hand! It's on the Guide! Look under the games category

It's a good start, but the answers would have more credibility if they weren't one person's opinion or they linked to actual, verified answers. The best example of that is the SKU's section where it describes who each system is for and general hardware section with the warranty stuff. The warranty stuff rambles a bit, IMO.

Also, the "how much is Xbox Live" completely leaves out the 1, 3 and 12+1 month subscription cards as well as the other, non-yearly recurring Gold memberships. That section could use more info.

Good luck on getting your sticky. I think you stand a chance is you can make this a little less wordy and clean up the few sections that express opinion.

It's a good start, but the answers would have more credibility if they weren't one person's opinion or they linked to actual, verified answers. The best example of that is the SKU's section where it describes who each system is for and general hardware section with the warranty stuff. The warranty stuff rambles a bit, IMO.

Also, the "how much is Xbox Live" completely leaves out the 1, 3 and 12+1 month subscription cards as well as the other, non-yearly recurring Gold memberships. That section could use more info.

Good luck on getting your sticky. I think you stand a chance is you can make this a little less wordy and clean up the few sections that express opinion.

bdhoff

Good catch. I never even think of those (since they add up to over $50), but it's an option. And the only reason I added the opinion stuff is because people may say "20GB sounds like enough," but get addicted to Xbox Live Marketplace like I did and had to upgrade. But maybe later on I'll re-add something like that later.

And the SKU and Warranty stuff does ramble a bit, but those are the most commonly asked questions for the most part. And for the SKU all I did was list what each console had.

But I did fix a few things. Thank's for the helpful info