Which XBOX 360 to buy?

[Nocturnal]

There are so many versions. Which one is the best to buy? Is the Elite still the best deal? Or should I go with the arcade version and just upgrade the hard drive?

 

[gorcorps]

There are SO many threads asking this same question. There's no memory upgrade program anymore, so any HDD bought separate will be paid in full. If you want to install demos, DLC, and several games then you need 120gig. If you just need game saves, a couple demos, and a bit of DLC then 20 or 60gig will be fine.

 

[chuckywang]

I got the XBox Arcade for $160 + tax, which IMO was the best deal floating around for all the XBox bundles. I then went to Circuit City during their liquidation and bought a 60GB Starter Pack for $69.99 + tax.

This is pretty much the Pro bundle that I ended up with, and it only cost me $230. I agree with gocorps, a 360 without a hard drive isn't much of a 360 at all.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Just picked up a 2nd 360 at Circuity City. Arcade for $150. I'll end up using the arcade box with my original 360 HD and move the original to the bedroom. I'm sure it will explode in red ring of death fury eventually.

 

[DaveSimmons]

You should buy new, so there are only 3 versions:
1. Arcade, no hard drive, no cheap HD upgrade any longe, $199 list.
2. Pro, now has 60 GB space instead of 20 GB, $299 list.
3. Elite, still only 120 GB and still costs $100 extra at $399.

Pro has about 45 GB free after MS grabs some GBs for caching.

You should be able to install at least 5 games to the HD at once with room left over for saves & DLC.

So, Pro makes the most sense for most people, unless you want to keep more than 5 games installed to the HD at once.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

this thread helped me loads: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=79&threadid=2267122

 

[CKDragon]

There's a Dell EPP link floating around CAG that has the 60GB Christmas bundle model + Tom Clancy's Endwar for $230. I'm too lazy to go find the exact link, but you're too lazy to read the FAQ. We'll call it even.

 

[RaiderJ]

A 20GB drive is really fine for general use. Having a bunch of games on the hard drive is nice... but I certainly wouldn't spend the money on a 60/120GB drive for it.

IMO, the Arcade model for ~$160 (Dell) is a fantastic deal. Get that and a cheap 20GB.