From Eric Qualls,
Your Guide to XBox Games.
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When you are going to spend your hard earned cash on a new game console, it is usually a good idea to do your homework first so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. The games a system currently has as well as its upcoming titles are the most important part of choosing a system, but there are a few other things to consider as well. Backwards compatibility, online play, DVD/CD/next-gen DVD playback - all of these things can be a deal breaker. This Buyer's Guide outlines what the Xbox 360 offers as well as what you need to do to really get the most out of your system.

Core vs. Premium vs. Elite vs. Halo 3 Special Edition

The Xbox 360 is available in four packages. A Core system that includes the system, and a wired controller. A Premium system that includes the system, a wireless controller, and a 20GB hard drive. An Elite system that includes a 120GB hard drive and HDMI in a black case. And a Halo 3 special edition that comes in a special green and gold color scheme and has an HDMI port and a 20GB hard drive. You will find specific details of the four systems at the following links: Xbox 360 Core System ($279.99) FAQ and Xbox 360 Premium System ($349.99) FAQ and Xbox 360 Elite System ($449.99), Halo 3 Special Edition System.

The Core system turns out to be a pretty poor value since you will need to buy either a memory card or hard drive to save your games no matter what, so it is highly recommended that you go with the Premium system or better.

Compare prices for the Xbox 360 Premium system at PriceGrabber

HDTV and Broadband

Before you decide to buy an Xbox 360, there are a couple of things to consider. To really take advantage of everything the system offers, it is highly recommended that you play on an HDTV and also that you have Xbox Live, which requires broadband internet.

HDTV: Xbox 360 games look just fine on a standard television, but to really get the full impact of next-generation graphics, an HDTV is strongly recommended. Prices for these TVs will continue to get more and more affordable and if you are looking to buy a new TV anyway, an HDTV is the way to go. If you are planning on seriously playing your Xbox 360, PS3, or next-gen DVD technology, you need an HDTV. For full information on HDTV and TVs in general, please visit About.com’s TV and Video Site.

Broadband Internet: Online gaming and connecting with your friends is a major part of the Xbox 360 experience. All games offer a fully-featured single-player experience, but to really utilize everything the Xbox 360 has to offer you need to sign up for Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, and that requires broadband internet. You can learn all about broadband internet as well as find service in your area at DSL Reports.com.

HDTV and Broadband are not required, but they will absolutely make your experience with the Xbox 360 better.

Xbox Live

As far as Xbox Live goes, there are two versions – Silver (free) which lets you chat with friends and download items from the marketplace and Gold ($50 per year) which lets you play online multiplayer games as well as chat and download.

With Xbox Live, you also have access to the Xbox Live Marketplace where you can download new Xbox 360 Game Demos or buy specially made Xbox Live Arcade Games. The currency you use on the Xbox Live Marketplace is known as Microsoft Points which you can buy in retail stores or through your Xbox 360 with a credit card.

Controllers and Accessories

Extra controller and accessories are a must if you intend to play with other people, and you have a lot of options in this area. You can buy wired or wireless Microsoft brand controllers for $40 and $50 respectively or you can buy third-party controllers from MadCatz and Pelican for considerably less.

For racing games, the MadCatz MC2 360 steering wheel is highly recommended.

Other, more general accessories that you might consider include the Pelican System Selector Pro for switching between multiple game systems, the Logitech Play Link to easily connect your system to your broadband moden wirelessly, and the Turtle Beach Ear Force X2 headphones so you can play it loud without annoying your neighbors.

One set of accessories I do not recommend are the various cooling fans from Nyko and Pelican. They are loud and somewhat poorly constructed (so they break surprisingly easy) and I'm not really convinced they make all that much of a difference in extending the life of your system.