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| New Console purchase Advice: Xbox 360 | 12/6/2005 |
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The Xbox 360...ah yes the latest gaming craze. Next Generation graphics (We are sure high-end PC owners get a chuckle at that one), and a bunch of bells and whistles. We can see how people buy into the hype (Although we still cannot fathom how people can wait in line for days just to own a new console).
With that said, and with the holiday season looming, it is our duty as a gaming enthusiast / Console Historian to lend some words of wisdom. So take heed. Also note that this advice will also be applicable to other next generation consoles that will be released in the upcoming future.
The Xbox 360 is currently available in the US with a retail price of $399USD with European and Asian releases coming soon, and with games at a $10 markup price ($60-70USD). There is also a "Core System" available for $100 less, but is virtually a pointless.
Buying a "Core System" is like buying a new razor blade without the blade cartridges.
Buying a "Core System" is like buying a pepperoni pizza without the pepperoni.
Buying a "Core System" is like buying a computer without an operating system.
Hopefully, you get the point. So we move on to the many reports of defective Xbox 360 consoles that have been sold. If you have not read any of the reports then you need to get caught up. Ignorance does not equal bliss where this is concerned. History has demonstrated that these defects should not be a surprise. Microsoft rushed the buggers to the market. When have we seen this before? Ah yes...The release of the Playstation 2. The PS2 also had the hype, the lined up gamers, and also the initial unit defects. Heck..even the original Xbox had its share of glitches.
So our words of wisdom? BE PATIENT and hold off on buying the Xbox 360. It's not going to kill you to wait minimal 4 months (we recommend 6 months). This gives Microsoft a chance to work out the problems, and also gives developers a chance to put out more games. Right now you are looking at:
Call of Duty 2 ... We admit the game looks and plays great (retail price $59.99), but you also have the cross platform release Call of Duty 2: Big Red One on existing consoles for $39.99 and it plays just as good.
Project Gotham 3 ... Retail $49.99, but is just a slightly graphical tweak of Project Gotham 2 which costs $19.99. There are also tons of other racers available at a lower pricepoint.
Madden 2006 ... A pretty update that retails for $59.99, but has less gaming features then the Madden 2006 ports on existing consoles at $39.99. Check game reviews to see what we mean.
Perfect Dark Zero ... The hyped FPS is no Halo killer at $49.99. Speaking of Halo you can get Halo 2 Collectors edition for $39.99 and Halo 1 for under $19.99
Hey, if you want to shell out $399 plus $60 per game plus more money on accessories..Thats your call. Keep in mind that the original Xbox sold at a retail of $299, and dropped the price to $199 roughly 6 months after the console release. Take a look at what a little patience can do. These prices reflect the original Xbox.
� US$299 (November 15, 2001, Launch Price)
� US$199 (May 15, (2002)
� US$179 (May 14, (2003)
� US$149 (March 29, 2004)
Don't get us wrong. We think the Xbox 360 is an impressive machine, but as with all new console releases it is best to wait.
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