Xbox 360 Premium Console with 60GB HDD

A few weeks ago I was very close to buying a PS3, just because it seemed better value for money at the time due to having Wi-Fi and Blu Ray.

However, now that Microsoft has slashed the price of its Xbox 360 console (which is the BEST decision they have ever made) and I have done extensive research into the Xbox 360 - I have just purchased an Xbox 360 myself.

For anyone thinking of getting an Xbox 360, here's some info aquired from my research:

1) IGN have rated over 19 Xbox 360 games superior to the PS3, this clearly shows the amazing power of this console.

2) The Xbox 360 can be connected directly into a cable modem that has an RJ45 Ethernet socket. This means you don't need to buy a router, you don't need to buy the optional Wi-Fi adapter and you can achive the fastest most secured connection to Xbox LIVE available.

3) The Xbox 360 controllers can be fitted with 2 disposable or rechargable Ni-MH AA batteries. You can also buy the Official Battery Pack if you don't own a battery charger.

4) Xbox 360 allows you to play ANY music in a game, so if you want to listen to Des O'Conner whilst playing GTA IV you can!!!

5) Xbox 360 will be getting a dashboard update on the 19th November 2008 via Xbox LIVE. This update will offer many new features; including the ability to install games on the Hard-Drive; resulting in faster loading games and a cooler quieter console. Xbox Experience will also be available allowing users to create Avatars!

6) Xbox 360 is getting exclusive add-on packs for GTA IV and Tomb Raider: Underworld. Xbox 360 owners can also buy the excellent Fable II which is a fantastic game!

7) The new Xbox 360 60GB is a much more reliable console than previous versions and is fitted with improved technology. Older consoles suffered from overheating (known as the Red Ring of Death) but this problem should now be history.

8) The Xbox 360 dashboard is clear, colourful and very easy to use. Out of all the next generation consoles, this dashboard is the most logical and enjoyable to use.

Hardware:

Probably the worst part about the 360,the hardware often breaks, doesnt have a self loading disc drive and some models are very loud. Microsoft have a good repair service and i wouldnt let this put you off . Can play dvds and cds , NOT blu ray discs. You have to buy a lot of things that could have been built in to, such as wifi and rechargeable controllers.

Games:

The system has games for everyone. A large library with a few more exclusives than the ps3. Graphics on both systems are pretty much on par , but ps3's killzone 2 looks better than any console game so far.

Online capabilities:

The best online service on a console. You have to pay for it but there are a large amount of features and theyre all fully integrated into the interface. Lots of content on the store, its also faster than PSN. (playstation network)

Media:
The ps3 wins here, videos and pictures cant be copied to your hard drive but music can if its from a CD. The 360 doesnt play as many formats as the ps3,and cant play blu ray discs, but its okay for cd or dvd playback.

Overall:

The cheapest system but for features such as wifi need you to purchase add ons. A wide range of games and a very good online service. Have a look at my ps3 review to see what i think about that.

Hope this helps

SgtLupsup as much as i vaguely agree with what you said you need to get your facts right. The current premium version does have a HDMI port, when it was first released it didnt but now does. As for graphics between the consoles there is no real difference, the 360 can do what the ps3 can do and the ps3 can do what the 360 can do, anyone who claims different has been listening to the fanboys too much. Most multiplat games have been better on the 360 because the ps3 is more difficult to work with than the 360, but when done right they are basically identical. I own a 360, PS3 and a wii and spend far more of my time on the 360, xbox live is better than psn, not that its bad its just a pain having muilti accounts with developers to play games online and the chat function is poor, its does have the fact that it is free on its side which is good, cos i wouldnt pay for it unlike live, but thats just me, everyone to there own. Though my PS3 should get more play time this year with some good games on the way. But if i was forced to only keep one i would keep my 360.

This is great value... In the UK the PS3 costs £299... This is over £100 CHEAPER! The variety and price of XBOX 360 games is larger than teh PS3 . It may have superior graphics powers but this has yet to be demonstrated in any game! It doesnt have a blu ray drive ...but signs are that though HD DVD didnt win the war, Blu ray isnt being taken up at any great rate either anyway...

Oh yes... and the 360 had a rumble controller from day one.. and Silver online membership is FREE... Its only the gold that you pay for and even PS3 fans agree that the 360 online beats the hell out of the PS3 version...

Dont listen to the PS3 fanboy... this is a great deal...

and yes... I have all three next gen systems.

A great console... the premium version features a 60Gb HDD which will allow you to install games from the DVD disc onto the Hard disk. This both reduces the noise of the console during gameplay and improves loading times a little for most games.
(The install game feature is included in the latest console update, available via the Xbox Live online service or from Microsoft directly if you have no internet connection.)

If you are undecided between the Xbox 360 or PS3, i would decide first if you require a Blu-Ray player or not. The PS3's Blu-Ray abilities aren't the best on the market when compared to some standalone players now available; however, you yourself may consider an average Blu-Ray player better than none at all.

On a final point, people that say the PS3's graphics are better are somewhat mistaken. What represents good graphics IS in the eye of the beholder, but from a strictly (unbiased) technical standpoint, the graphics performance in nearly all multiplatform games to date is actually better on the Xbox or to a lesser extent exactly the same on both consoles.

If you are looking for the best 'Games' console i would recommend an Xbox 360 over the PS3, with more games available for the Xbox 360, the console price difference just sweetens the deal.