Xbox 360 Arcade (Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade)

Member Name: JackED42

Product:	Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade
Date:	10/08/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, lots of games, next-gen

Disadvantages: HD-DVD, Xbox Live charge, No HDD in arcade version

Through my childhood I had always stuck with Sony on game consoles; PS1, PS2, but when it came to the next gen console, I had a problem, price. The XBox 360s were going at cheap prices, just over 120 pounds for an Xbox, and 300 pounds + for a PS3. When I got it I was pleasantly suprised. It seems to have all the functionality of the PS3, minus the blu-ray drive, with a lot ower price tag. Mine came with a wired pad, which did not really bother me, as it meant I had a pad I could easily use on my PC, and I had wireless pad that I had already previously bought for my PC. This version also comes with a HDMI port in the back of the Xbox, which allows you to easily stream HD to your compatible TV. The main problem with the arcade edition is that you do not get a hard drive. You really do need one, if you are going to play a lot of games, and use Xbox live. The main problem with Xbox 360s altogether is the fact you have to pay for Xbox Live. I think this is rediculous. To be fair to Microsoft, Xbox Live is a great service, it runs smoothly, the chat system works well together with the games, but it should not cost. Playstation 3 offer a similar service for free, most PC games are free to play online, so why should it be any different? Another problem as mentioned above is that as Xbox 360 decided to go for the HD-DVD drives, and HD-DVDs are no longer being made. I would recommend the Xbox 360 Arcade, but maybe pay that little bit extra and get the Harddrive and other little bits and pieces.

Summary: Good console, pay a bit more and get hard drive and other bits and pieces