Why the Xbox 360 Arcade is a Good Deal
So if you have not heard the new Xbox 360 Arcade model is now $199, comes with a wireless controller, a 512MB memory card and five Xbox Live games on a DVD. There has been a lot of talk on pod casts that this model is still not worth buying. Mostly the complaint is that the Arcade model does not come with a hard drive unlike the two more expensive Xbox 360 models. Considering the Arcade has exactly the same amount of memory as a Wii I'd argue you really don't need a hard drive.
The main reason some feel that you need a hard drive for the Xbox 360 is that you can download maps, demos, movies and other download content. I tend to think that the average person waiting three years to buy an Xbox really doesn't need any of this stuff and most likely doesn't care. Most people are just happy to play the games they buy at a store and maybe hope online for some multiplayer with friends. You really only need a hard drive if you plan on buying expansion packs, movies or TV shows which I'm guessing 80% of the Xbox users don't bother doing.
If at some later date you decide to buy an Arcade model you can always buy hard drive later on. The Xbox 360 is expandable so that you can just slap a new hard drive on your system and be good to go. Now the hard drive in stores is $99 for the 60GB and $140 for the 120GB but you can find them for way less online at eBay or Amazon. I found a 20GB hard drive for $35 on ebay just this morning.
The new Arcade models come with HDMI and feature the improved design fixing the issues associated with the original launch Xbox 360s. From a pure gaming aspect the Arcade is a great gaming console for any non-hardcore gamer. You have full access to the entire Xbox 360 game libary since no games require a hard drive to be played. So if you want an Xbox 360 just to play games save your self $100 and buy an Arcade model.
PS For all you hardcore gamers that might want to upgrade to a cooler, safer, HDMI Xbox 360 you can easily trade in your old 360 and pick up an Arcade. As long as you are signed into Xbox Live all your DLC will work 100% but if you want you can always re-register your content as well.
The main reason some feel that you need a hard drive for the Xbox 360 is that you can download maps, demos, movies and other download content. I tend to think that the average person waiting three years to buy an Xbox really doesn't need any of this stuff and most likely doesn't care. Most people are just happy to play the games they buy at a store and maybe hope online for some multiplayer with friends. You really only need a hard drive if you plan on buying expansion packs, movies or TV shows which I'm guessing 80% of the Xbox users don't bother doing.
If at some later date you decide to buy an Arcade model you can always buy hard drive later on. The Xbox 360 is expandable so that you can just slap a new hard drive on your system and be good to go. Now the hard drive in stores is $99 for the 60GB and $140 for the 120GB but you can find them for way less online at eBay or Amazon. I found a 20GB hard drive for $35 on ebay just this morning.
The new Arcade models come with HDMI and feature the improved design fixing the issues associated with the original launch Xbox 360s. From a pure gaming aspect the Arcade is a great gaming console for any non-hardcore gamer. You have full access to the entire Xbox 360 game libary since no games require a hard drive to be played. So if you want an Xbox 360 just to play games save your self $100 and buy an Arcade model.
PS For all you hardcore gamers that might want to upgrade to a cooler, safer, HDMI Xbox 360 you can easily trade in your old 360 and pick up an Arcade. As long as you are signed into Xbox Live all your DLC will work 100% but if you want you can always re-register your content as well.
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