I've received several PMs about what's the right choice, so I'm going to post a complete and hopefully definitive answer here to catalog the differences and lay out the options depending on whether you have an HDTV or plan to use Xbox Live.
If any Xbox owners see any mistakes,
please post a correction immediately.
What Comes in the Box
The important thing to remember is that the Premium does not include anything that cannot be purchased and used in conjunction with a Core system. The easy way to think about this is: the Premium just includes a bunch of add-ons and peripherals that do not come with the Core at a $100 charge. The critical quesiton for you, the buyer, is whether you'll make use of those additional features.
The only non-upgradeable feature on the Core is the DVD tray. On the Core, the tray is plastic. On the Premium, it's chrome. The difference is purely asthetic and has no impact on useability or performance.
Xbox 360 Core System
1 Composite AV Cable
1 Wired Controller - $40
Current MSRP: $300
Xbox 360 Premium
1 Component HD AV Cable - $40
1 Wireless Controller - $50
1 Wired Headset - $20
1 Ethernet cable - $10
1 Detachable 20 GB HDD - $100
Current MSRP: $400
Clearly, the Xbox 360 Premium is a better value if you're planning to make use of all the equipment that's packed in. As is apparent, the standalone cost of the 20 GB HDD alone makes up for the difference in price between the Core and Premium systems, and you get other benefits, including HD output support, a wireless controller, a headset, and an ethernet cable.
Breaking Down the Components
Detachable 20 GB HDD ($100)
--In order to use Xbox Live
or take advantage of backwards compatability with any original Xbox games, you must purchase the hard drive. Note however that not all original Xbox games become immmediately backwards compatible. For a list of currently compatible games,
check here.
Component HD AV Cable ($40)
-- If you have an HDTV, you'll need the component AV set to make use of HD output. The Component HD AV Cable is a hybrid set that includes both component and composite output cables. In other words, you'll be able to use these cables with either an HDTV or a standard analog television out of the box.
Composite AV Cable
-- Outputs in analog only. Not HD capable.
Wireless Controller ($50)
-- Includes proprietary wireless technology allowing for easy syncronization with the Xbox 360 console. Activating a wireless controller brings up a battery meter in the Xbox 360 Guide so you can track your battery life. If the controller loses a connection with the X360, it automatically pauses your game (but obviously that doesn't get you anywhere if you're playing on Live). Up to four wireless controllers can connect with your Xbox 360 simultaneously.
Requires either AA batteries or an X360 Rechargeable Battery (see Other Accessories You'll Want To Consider below).
Wired Controller ($40)
-- Includes a three meter (approximately nine foot) breakaway cord. While it doesn't require any batteries to play, there are only three USB ports on the Xbox 360 (two under the front flap, one in the back), so you can never attach more than three wired controllers at any one time.
Factoring in Xbox Live
All Xbox 360 owners are automatically enrolled in Xbox Live Silver when they create an account. Owners can also enroll in Xbox Live Gold for $50 a year (though first time users will want to take advantage of the starter kits explained below).
Let's break down what's available under each subscription level. Xbox Live Gold includes all the features listed below. Gold only features are listed in italics.
- Create your own gamer profile
- Create and maintain a friends list
- Send and receive text and voice messages
- Access Xbox Live Marketplace including Xbox Live Arcade, demos, video, and trailers
- Join in special Xbox Live Gold trial opportunities
- Access massively multiplayer games
- Access Xbox Live Marketplace including Xbox Live Arcade, demos, and trailers
- Enjoy online multiplayer gameplay
- Gain access to both exclusive and early access content on Xbox Live Marketplace
- Benefit from revolutionary TrueSkill™ matchmaking
- Enjoy enhanced gamer feedback
- Enjoy enhanced friends list
management
Note that almost all MMORPGs and most downloadable content requires an additional fee regardless of your membership level.
In order to use Xbox Live at either the Silver or Gold level, the following are required:
- A broadband Internet connection
- 1 Detachable 20 GB HDD ($100)
- 1 Ethernet cable ($10) OR 1 Wireless Networking Adapter ($100)
- 1 Wired headset ($20) OR 1 Wireless headset ($60)*
*Note: headsets aren't exactly required to play over Xbox Live, but they are required to communicate over Xbox Live.
First time players on Xbox Live will want to consider one of two Live bundles, detailed below:
12-Month Xbox Live Premium Gold Pack
12-month Xbox Live® Gold membership
$20 Xbox 360 Game Rebate Coupon*
Xbox 360™ Headset
Xbox Live Arcade game: Bankshot Billiards
200 Microsoft® Points
Current MSRP: $60
*Limited time offer. Check for sticker on the packaging.
Xbox Live Vision Gold Pack
12-month Xbox Live® Gold membership
Xbox Live Vision Camera
Xbox 360™ Headset
200 Microsoft® Points
Xbox Live Arcade games: Uno, Totem Ball, Robotron 2084
Current MSRP: $80
Both bundles are highly valued given their contents (remember: A Gold membership alone is worth $50). It just depends on whether you want the Arcade games or the $20 rebate on a full X360 game. Both sets include a headset and therefore are a must for anyone who buys a Core System.
Other Accessories You'll Want To Consider
The following are not included in either the Core System or Premium bundles, but you'll probably want to consider purchasing them.
Memory Unit ($40)
If you're not buying a Premium bundle, you
must purchase a Memory Unit to save games. Stores 64 MB of data. Can also be used to download unique content at in-store X360 kiosks.
Quick Charge Kit ($30)
If you're going wireless, you're going to want either this or the Play and Charge Kit. The Quick Charge Kit includes one Rechargeable Battery and a charging stand capable of recharging one battery in two hours or two batteries in four hours. Powered via AC adapter, not USB, so it offers a "cleaner" charging solution than the Play and Charge Kit; however, you can't charge while play you play.
Play and Charge Kit ($20)
If you're going wireless, you're going to want either this or the Quick Charge Kit. The Play and Charge Kit includes one Rechargeable Battery and a USB cord that plugs directly into your wireless controller, allowing you to recharge while you play. Charge time varies depending on whether you're playing or not, but you can check your progress through the charge gauge in the Xbox 360 on-screen guide.
Rechargeable Battery ($12)
Lasts approximately 25 hours per charge. Perfect compliment (if not necessary accessory) to the Wireless Controller.
Wireless Networking Adapter ($100)
For those of you with extra cash and a distaste for wires all over the place, the Wireless Networking Adapter lets you go wireless and power your Xbox Live connection over your home or school wireless network. There's a convenient little snap on the back of the Xbox 360 to attach the adapter (and the same snap pad exists on the back of the HD-DVD add-on as well). Will permanently fill one of your USB plugs.
Wireless Headset ($60)
Another premium feature for those that can afford it, the Wireless Headset connects to your Xbox 360 directly and doesn't have to plug into your wireless controller. Activating a wireless headset simultaneously activates a battery gauge on the Xbox 360 Guide to track progress. The headset also beaps when the battery level drops. Supports improved volume and mute functions and allegedly supports superior sound. You can connect up to four wireless headsets and four wireless controllers to your Xbox 360 at any time. Charges via AC adapter, no USB required.
HD-DVD Add-on ($200)
Allows you to play HD-DVDs on your Xbox 360. Uses USB to plug into your Xbox 360, but includes an additional USB plug to make up for it. Also includes the snap slot for the Wireless Networking Adapter, so wireless users who also want to take advantage of HD-DVD aren't left out in the cold. For now, this also comes bundled with the HD-DVD edition of Peter Jackson's King Kong and the X360 Universal Media Remote.
HD VGA Cable ($40)
An alternative to the Component HD AV Cable, this allows you to hook up your X360 either to your LCD computer monitor or your HDTVs with PC Input. The HD VGA is a must for anyone who owns a 1080p HDTV that does not accept 1080p over component, but NOTE that the HD VGA Cable does not include any other connections. It is VGA only--no extra component or composite connections included. Some fans have also complained that color reception is inferior to component, but the VGA cable is the
only way to enable your X360 to upscale DVD to 720p/1080i/1080p, so pick your poison.
NOTE: Some Sony HDTVs, including the new 1080p Bravia systems, do not accept 1080p over VGA.
Special Offers for Holiday 2006
Let's take a look at the two offers that provide discounts on the Xbox 360 Core System this holiday and see whether it's actually cheaper to go Core than Premium.
The fact is, if you don't plan on using Xbox Live
at all, both of these deals come highly recommended. Just be sure to swap a Memory Card in place of the 20 GB HDD in my calcuations below (netting you $50--practically another game). If you don't have an HDTV, both deals are also a great way to get into X360 gaming.
Likewise, if you don't think the wireless controllers are necessary or you plan on leeching off your parent's supply of AA batteries and don't think you'll need a rechargeable solution, these deals are even sweeter, since you can dedicate those funds right to games.
If you do have an HDTV and plan on using Xbox Live, the deal is undercut, but can still be worth it depending on your situation.
Amazon.com $100 Core System
-- Limited to the first 1000 customers only
-- Available at 2:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 24
This is clearly the deal of the holiday season. You can get the $100 Core plus an additional Wireless controller, the 20 GB HDD, the Live Gold Premium Kit, and the Play and Charge Kit for only $320. You can also add the HD AV cables if you have an HDTV and still only clock in at $360, and don't forget that there's a $20 game rebate in the Live Gold Premium Kit.
Microcenter $200 Core System
Obviously, the Microcenter $300 Premium is a better deal, but you'll still want the Core if you don't ever plan on using Xbox Live, since you won't need the 20 GB HDD. Besides, maybe they'll be sold out since it's a really great deal. If that's the case, let's see the options.
This rebate can be a great deal if you don't have an HDTV (or if you do but plan on getting VGA anyway). You can get a wireless controller, the Live Gold Premium Kit, the 20 GB HDD, and the Play and Charge Kit for a still impressive $430.
Note: If you bought a standard Premium set, you'd have to spend $470, but you would also get the HD AV cables, which are worth the $40 difference, making the deal a practically a wash. Of course, if you were planning on going VGA, then these cables are irrelavent to you and the Microcenter rebate is worth the effort.
The difference between the standard Premium purchase and the Core deal in this particular case is that you'll have two controllers if you make the Core purchase, but only one of them will be wireless. It just depends on how much you value a second, wired controller.
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