Buy a core system for my son?

O

Orangeruffy

CAG Veteran
Hello, I am a Mother looking to buy an Xbox 360 for her two sons. I was planning to buy the core system until someone told me otherwise. They told me that it is not backwards compatible and that it did not come with a headset. This did not bother me, because both of my sons have the original Xbox and I do not allow them to play online :lol:

This did get me nervous though, that there might be other draw backs to the Core System. What anyone care to tell me some of the other drawbacks? (If there are any?)

Thank you :D:D:D:D:D
 
I'm pretty sure that the Core IS backwards compatible with most XBox games. You can buy a head set separately as well, so that's really no big deal.

I don't own a 360 so maybe a XBox person on here can tell you more of the differences. As far as I know there are no significant differences other than there is a Hard Drive in the Pro version.
 
Well you'll still have to buy a memory unit that is gonna run you about 40 bucks. Also, if you plan on downloading arcade games and/or game demos, I definately recommend that you buy the premium in order to get the hard drive (so you can save more of this kind of content). Other than that, the core is just fine.

Hope your sons enjoy it!
 
The main fault of the core pack is the lack of a hard drive.

The online is a huge deal even without competing with other gamers.

With a hard drive (and the free version of live), one can download demos of most any 360 game out there, probably saving you more money by not buying bad games.

Live silver is free, the hard drive is not. Bad games are also not free.

You heard right though, backwards compatibility sucks on 360.:bomb::bomb::bomb:

P.S., Xbox Live Arcade is something else to look into.

EDIT: DAMN YOU JIM FOLEY
 
in order to play your old xbox games on the 360, you need a hard drive. the core system does not come with a hard drive, so you would have to buy it seperately for 100 dollars. the core unit doesnt have a wireless controller either. it has a regular corded controller. if you have an hdtv, youll need the hard drive for high def purposes. spend the extra money and get a premium. its worth it. they are also 349.99 at target right now.
 
well.....this is the wrong place for your question. there is in fact a forum titled xbox 360 designated for questions regarding it.
there is also a thread stickied to the top of that forum for potential 360 buyers and frequently asked questions. there should be very little not answered in that thread, check it out.
 
don't forget the chrome finish :)


Anyways that Amazon deal on Thursday is asteal of you can be one of the lucky 1000. I did the math with a friend last night and this is what I look at it

Amazon 360 Core=100.00
BB Online only 360 Hard drive (20% off) 80.00
Svideo cable=10-20 dollars
BB online only 360 wired controller (20% off)=32.00

so basically your looking at spending roughly a little bit over 200 dollars to get started... If you can live WITHOUT the chrome finish AND the headset, you are actually looking at a cheaper buy then getting the premium 400 dollar package.
 
[quote name='adamones']I'm pretty sure that the Core IS backwards compatible with most XBox games. You can buy a head set separately as well, so that's really no big deal.

I don't own a 360 so maybe a XBox person on here can tell you more of the differences. As far as I know there are no significant differences other than there is a Hard Drive in the Pro version.[/QUOTE]
This is wrong. You need the hard drive to play backwards compatible games. That's because you basically download the emulation code to your hard drive to enable playing of original Xbox games.

adamones, I know you're trying to help, but if you don't know the answer and don't want to bother looking it up, best to let someone else answer the question.
 
[quote name='ITDEFX']don't forget the chrome finish :)
Amazon 360 Core=100.00
BB Online only 360 Hard drive (20% off) 80.00
Svideo cable=10-20 dollars
BB online only 360 wired controller (20% off)=32.00
[/QUOTE]

The 20% off at BB is only if you buy a console with the accessory purchase (I looked into it as well)
 
[quote name='YoshiFan1']The 20% off at BB is only if you buy a console with the accessory purchase (I looked into it as well)[/QUOTE]



fuck

oh well forget what I said lady

damn it...
 
Okay, but can someone please explain what the hard drive does? Is it like a memory card (we also own a PS2) or does it just allow you to go online. Please educate this clueless adult. :lol:
 
Let me tell you something. Videogames ruined my life. Yes they are great full of culture, art, and creativity but they aren't worth ten cents for nothing.

This 360 system is a joke. They made slightly diffrent systems which is the same but with slightly diffrent HD's and add-ons.

Look in ten years the 360 will be outed and they are going to release another system. Then again the next ten years another system.

$100 $300 or even $500 dollars is not worth the price for any game system in todays world or then. When I look at my collection I see flaws that makes me sick thinking if I had all that money the system and games was worth then I would probably have up to $9000 dollars or more.

Look invest in a business. Open a bank account with High intrest and each time your child wants a videogame add a fify to the account. Maybe even goverment bonds or the stockmarket ( which I reccomend advice before going into.

Then again spend the money on dance classes, art classes, or sign them up for a GYM. Even better enroll them in private school when they hit there teens.

These Videogames is a joke and for any parent to buy into them is like telling your kids smoking ciggarettes is safe. If I had kids I would laugh everytime they talk abut buying Super Mario Hypo Universe or Sonic 99 featuring Rainbow Sonic.

Videogames is not the same as it was years ago. Even then Videogames altogether is a worthless activity.

Get them into hunting and investigating animals like the Crocadile Hunter, playing musical intruments, or even better creating there own games.
Videogames is not the super duper high expensive gift it was years ago.

Orangeruffy
Okay, but can someone please explain what the hard drive does? Is it like a memory card (we also own a PS2) or does it just allow you to go online. Please educate this clueless adult.
Click to expand...

the HD is used for

1. Storing of saved games.
2. Some games has settings that needs a Hard Drive
3. Some Games download levels and stuff that will be saved via Hard Drive
4. Some games is really PC games and needs to install a bit of information for it work like with most PC games.

Generally a Hard Drive in todays game systems is a cheaper and effective Memory Card that eats up alot energy unlike a USB Pen or SD Flash Card.
 
[quote name='RegalSin2020']Let me tell you something. Videogames ruined my life. Yes they are great full of culture, art, and creativity but they aren't worth ten cents for nothing.

This 360 system is a joke. They made slightly diffrent systems which is the same but with slightly diffrent HD's and add-ons.

Look in ten years the 360 will be outed and they are going to release another system. Then again the next ten years another system.

$100 $300 or even $500 dollars is not worth the price for any game system in todays world or then. When I look at my collection I see flaws that makes me sick thinking if I had all that money the system and games was worth then I would probably have up to $9000 dollars or more.

Look invest in a business. Open a bank account with High intrest and each time your child wants a videogame add a fify to the account. Maybe even goverment bonds or the stockmarket ( which I reccomend advice before going into.

Then again spend the money on dance classes, art classes, or sign them up for a GYM. Even better enroll them in private school when they hit there teens.

These Videogames is a joke and for any parent to buy into them is like telling your kids smoking ciggarettes is safe. If I had kids I would laugh everytime they talk abut buying Super Mario Hypo Universe or Sonic 99 featuring Rainbow Sonic.

Videogames is not the same as it was years ago. Even then Videogames altogether is a worthless activity.

Get them into hunting and investigating animals like the Crocadile Hunter, playing musical intruments, or even better creating there own games.
Videogames is not the super duper high expensive gift it was years ago.



the HD is used for

1. Storing of saved games.
2. Some games has settings that needs a Hard Drive
3. Some Games download levels and stuff that will be saved via Hard Drive
4. Some games is really PC games and needs to install a bit of information for it work like with most PC games.

Generally a Hard Drive in todays game systems is a cheaper and effective Memory Card that eats up alot energy unlike a USB Pen or SD Flash Card.[/QUOTE]
regalsin is cheapassgamer.com's version of the village idiot. id suggest skipping past all future posts.

now in reply to your question, how about reading the thread i mentioned above, it will answer your questions and was created to help people like yourself, so use it.

in fact heres a link for your convenience.
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97674
 
[quote name='Orangeruffy']Okay, but can someone please explain what the hard drive does? Is it like a memory card (we also own a PS2) or does it just allow you to go online. Please educate this clueless adult. :lol:[/QUOTE]

The hard drive is needed for playing old xbox games. Because you have to have it connected to the internet to download the patch to play some old xbox game your trying to play. Also they will be able to download video game demos so they can play before buying. Which will save you a ton of money.

If you still want to get them a core system. Just buy it then call a video game store, and ask if they have used 360 hard drives. Also pick up an extra controller; because two kids one controller = :boxing:


[quote name='paz9x']well.....this is the wrong place for your question. there is in fact a forum titled xbox 360 designated for questions regarding it.
there is also a thread stickied to the top of that forum for potential 360 buyers and frequently asked questions. there should be very little not answered in that thread, check it out.[/QUOTE]

I love people that will waste their time posting a paragraph about were a thread should go instead of just helping. Say its in the wrong place, then offer some form of help.
 
Barring any major discounts, the true effective price difference between the Core and Premium packages is $60. Without the $40 Memory Unit the system is crippled by lack of a way to save user data.

As mentioned above, that scant $60 savings also eliminates most access to the free portions of Xbox Live. It is understandable if you do not wish your children to be communicating with strangers online but the downloadable demos alone are a major reason to have the hard drive. The ability to test drive a game at no monetary cost will very quickly pay back the cost of the hard drive in avoiding lesser quality games or at least waiting until they are deeply discounted. (Something I recommend as general policy but not everybody can resist the allure of major new releases as readily as myself.)

OTOH, you definitely want the $20 rechargeable battery add-on for the wireless controller. The cost in expendable batteries will soon exceed that expenditure, so better to avoid any battery purchases. The Costco bundle essentially gives you the Chanrge and Play Kit for free if you figure the other items in the bundle at their SRPs.
 
It is not worth the hassle for pleasing your children. Chirstmas is not about gifts and Santa. It is about the birth of Christ and the masses remembering when Christ came into our world.

I know what how these systems will affect people. I have exprienced the pain far too many times in the past. Just say no to new Videogames when it comes to children.

Here is another twist for you. Shigeru Myamato never let his chidlren play Videogames. Did you know that?
 
[quote name='RegalSin2020']It is not worth the hassle for pleasing your children. Chirstmas is not about gifts and Santa. It is about the birth of Christ and the masses remembering when Christ came into our world.

I know what how these systems will affect people. I have exprienced the pain far too many times in the past. Just say no to new Videogames when it comes to children.

Here is another twist for you. Shigeru Myamato never let his chidlren play Videogames. Did you know that?[/quote]... the fuck?
 
Buy the Premium. If you buy the core, you'll also be required to buy the Memory Unit ($40), bringing the savings down to just $60. The Hard Drive is worth $60...you can use it to:

-Download Xbox Live Arcade games (these range in price from $5-$15, and include many games you'll probably enjoy as well, such as Pac-Man, Hexic, etc)
-Store music for use in games. Using the Harddrive your sons would be able to upload their music onto their Xbox and have it play in many games. This may not sound necessary, but it's a very nice feature
-Download demos. This is the BIG one. I've had my Xbox 360 for 4 days now, and I've already downloaded 6 or so demos for games I was considering buying. Most big releases will have a demo before or soon after they're released, so this will save you from getting games your sons will end up not liking.
-Download game updates, system updates, etc.

Also, I don't know if you have an HDTV or not, but the Premium comes with Component cables you can use to hook it up to a High-Definition connection, while the Core comes with simple Composite (red/white/yellow) cables. Component Cables WILL also hook up to a standard TV.

The premium also comes with a wireless controller. This does add an expense, sort of. By default, the wireless controller takes AA batteries, but unless you already have an extra set of recharable AA's, you should invest $20 in the Play & Charge kit, which comes with a recharable battery pack for the controller, as well as a cable so the controller can charge while still being used. From thereafter, you can probably get by just buying wired controllers; the wired also work on most PC games, so if your sons play games on the computer, I'm sure they'll enjoy that.

You mentioned that you don't allow your kids to play on the internet, but regardless you should hook up the Xbox 360 to an ethernet (cable internet) port. Without the Xbox Live Gold membership, which costs extra, they won't be able to play games online, but they'll still be able to download updates, demos, arcade games, etc.

My opinion is you should go ahead and spring for the Premium.

Your total should run around:

$400 Premium System
$20 Play and Charge Kit (optional)
$40 Second wired controllers (so both of your sons can play)
$60 game

so about $540. Not too shabby for one big gift for two sons.

Hope I could be of help!

And again, please disregard RegalSin's posts, he's sort of like the mormons that go door to door: annoying, and overly rightous. Just ignore him.
 
I have to concur with everyone. The "Core" system is pretty pointless. You basically have to buy the hard drive anyway, and then you might as well buy the "Pro" system and get the extra goodies.

The real price of the 360 is $400-the $300 model is just so it looks cheaper-it's a marketing thing.

Also, personally I don't think the 360 is worth it unless you've got a PC monitor, HD TV, or a REALLY good SD TV. It looks terrible and many games are near-unplayable on a standard SD TV.
 
Yeah, and even then, it's really $100 + $100 for the hard drive + $40 for VGA or component cables, so $240 versus $350ish for the "premium".
 
You have a couple of things to consider before you really chose one way or the other. One of the major advantages to having a hard drive in the X360 is that you can play your older Xbox games on the 360 (assuming you connect it to the internet). If you want the convenience of being able to play both new and old games on one system, then spring for the more expensive console. However, if you don't mind having 2 systems in your house (side by side or one in the living room and one in another room), then stay with the cheaper version.

The other thing to consider is the online aspect (as everyone else has pretty much gone over). Why is it that they won't be going online? Do you not have access to it or is it simply a matter of you not wanting to expose them to it (for whatever reason... valid or not)? If you do not have access to online, then there is no point in getting the premium version. If you do have access, but don't want to let them use it for Xbox Live, then you have to ask yourself whether or not you know what is truly available online. Besides playing against other people, there are demos for other games, classic retro games that can be downloaded, etc. If you don't care about any of it, definitely get the core + memory unit. If you think that you would let them try out some demos online and maybe a game or two when you're home watching them... go ahead and spring for the premium. You'll save yourself the hassle in the long run.

Either way, just make sure you know what you want before you choose one or the other.
 
The hard drive is for more than backwards compatibility and online stuff. Games run better with the hard drive attached. Probably not all games, but with many they're really designed to have the drive there, and perform worse, load slower, etc. without it.

It's not really optional. Yes, you can get by without a hard drive by getting a memory card, but you're only saving $50-60. Not much of a savings when you have a worse performing system, can't download demos, can't run any X-Box 1 games (or some 360 games), and 360 games don't run as well.
Plus it would actually be possible to run out of storage space with a memory card. It's just not worth it.
 
Yep true regal, Christmas is about the birth of Christ. My parents never have gone nuts with the gifts, I've always gotten 1 game a year for Christmas then a few other things. Although I don't think that Video Games ruin your life. Sure, if you become addicted and don't spend your money wisely it can, but otherwise it's a nice, fun hobby. I've probably spent, including my family spending, about meh maybe 3000 dollars on video games over a total of about 10 years. So thats not too bad at all. Also, considering we've never bought one of those large screen tvs when they were 3000 the money is saved right there. It's really not THAT expensive when you get down to it. Some people spend a ton of extra money a year for fast internet, others for more tv channels, others go to an expensive movie every week.

Either way as a kid I have awesome gaming memories with my parents and friends and they were fun times...they don't waste your life at all. If your kids are young though, don't get them spoiled and buy them a game every month or whatever. I usually got maybe 3 or 4 games per year and I was perfectly happy. Once you get older, with other things to think about and the fact that you can't really imagine yourself being the character or play that role as deeply...since well your brain matures lol, then I find I can't really play 3-4 games a year as much as I used to. I think I've gotten more impatient as I'm way more busy and always have other things on my mind

Oh and by the way, good idea with the "no online" policy. For me online has always been the most addicting since it always brings something new to the game, and I think thats the biggest time waster. And whatever you do don't let them play MMORPGS online. Man those are the real "waste of life" games, I've played about 2-3 of them and after the 3rd I never played one again...just time wasters cause its all grind and you really get nowhere.
 
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