Xbox 360 S Console With 250GB HDD - Gloss Black

I upgraded from the Premium 20GB HDD, and it was an EXCELLENT buy. Its an easy set up, huge hard drive, less than an Elite. No Faults - Sweet. This should last me a good few ... Forever.

I recommend buying!

We'll start this review by assuming that the previous Xbox 360 console was a 5 star machine; it had its faults, but was still well worth the money.

Essentially, what we have here is the same console, with a quieter fan, more memory and built in wi-fi.

It still makes a noise, but is now more akin to the PS3 than a hairdryer; there are more USB ports, and a dedicated slot for Kinect (should it ever take off).

Probably not worth buying if you're happy with your current Xbox 360; and if you're hankering after a silent machine that won't destroy your discs if you happen to knock it over, then you will be a little disappointed with Microsoft's idea of evolution, but for the price, you can't complain about the quality of the games available for this console.

I have just had my 2nd red ring of death with an original Xbox360 and was quoted 80 quid for repair, so the timing was ideal to convince the missus an upgrade made financial sense!

Very impressed so far... looks spot on, it is deceptively smaller than the previous one (its not until you put them side by side that you notice a substantial difference). Thankfully it is much, much quieter! Yes, you can still hear it, but that is to be expected - its a games console, there's bound to be a little noise! Deal with it.

Only downside is the lack of a HDMI cable but I guess Microsoft need to make some money from somewhere?!?! I have just bought the Linx Platinum Pro Hdmi Cable from Play.com and that is bang on. No picture problems whatsoever, so I recommend that cable as well should you be in the same situation I was.

All in all, i'ts not worth it if you have a fully working Elite model, but if like me you have the first generation or your xbox is currently knackered, it is definitely worth the purchase/upgrade. Touch sensitive buttons are a nice addition!

Benefits over the old system:

Quieter

Practically no chance of 3 Red lights due to smaller die size of the chips and much improved internal airflow

1 Large size fan right on top of the heat sinks - as opposed to 2 at the back drawing air over the heat sinks

Touch buttons which make satisfying bleeps when touched

Chrome and mirror black theme

Slit vent styling instead of holes

2 more USB's optical and a kinect port

Not so great things:

Mirror black finish attracts dust like nobodys business - invest in a good anti static cleaner that doesn't damage plastic

Kinect port looks the same as a usb with a corner chopped off

Sweet! great buy but could of come with a HDMI cable insted of standard lead. A must buy!!!