Thinking of getting a 360. Best deals and what should I know?


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So I am thinking of finally picking up a 360 to play some of the exclusives I missed out on being a PS3 gamer.

 

Just wondering what some of the best deals around at the moment are (in the UK)?

 

Also is there any "extras" I should know to get the best experience?

 

For games I plan on getting the obvious ones such as Halo, Fable, Gears of War and Forza as well as some FPS games as I never really enjoyed any on the PS3 (for some reason the controller layout being symmetrical feels off to me whereas the 360 controller is quite nice). Obviously CoD and BF are the two big ones but which is the "best" out of all of the available ones? Modern Warfare, Ghosts, Black Ops, etc?

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Obviously CoD and BF are the two big ones but which is the "best" out of all of the available ones? Modern Warfare, Ghosts, Black Ops, etc?

other die hards may disagree,but I think ghosts is the best. its just a more refined game,in my opinion.(talking multiplayer here,dont care much for the campaign).

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There are some things to think about.

 

Do not get the 4GB model (this will be a headache if you plan on installing games to the HDD)

Buy the 250GB model

Do/Don't you want Kinect

Buy a model that comes with the 2free games.  This won't change the price of the system

 

Mass Effect Trilogy

Halo Series

New Tomb Raider

GTA V

Gears of War Series (not Judgment though)

Alan Wake

Geometry Wars (trust me on this one)

Castle Crashers

 

Edit: If you want more JRPG's.  Theres: Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey (both great games)

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Do not get the 4GB model (this will be a headache if you plan on installing games to the HDD)

also,some games require a real xbox360 hard drive(no internal memory or usb) before being able to play,such as bf4 and titanfall.

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Do not get the 4GB model (this will be a headache if you plan on installing games to the HDD)

 

 

I seriously don't understand why MS still pushes that low 4GB model at retail. Sure it's cheaper than one with a hard drive, but the 4GB is an add-on module on the motherboard and 32GB flash chips (the current limit for USB drives on Xbox 360) are very cheap these days and could be put on the very same module and thus add a lot more base capacity and also allow installations for some games.

Is it that they want people that want more out of their box to buy a hard drive? (rhetorical)

Same thing with the hard drives still being only 320GB at maximum. I can fill up 2.5 hard drives of that size with my current games collection and FATx can go much larger than that.

 

Original Xbox backwards compatibility also requires a hard drive (a no cheap knock off without the BC partition either).

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For games I plan on getting the obvious ones such as Halo, Fable, Gears of War and Forza as well as some FPS games as I never really enjoyed any on the PS3 (for some reason the controller layout being symmetrical feels off to me whereas the 360 controller is quite nice). Obviously CoD and BF are the two big ones but which is the "best" out of all of the available ones? Modern Warfare, Ghosts, Black Ops, etc?

 

Mass Effect

Boarderlands

Fallout

Syrim

Assassins Creed

Tomb Raider

Far Cry

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Thanks for the replies so far! Will be getting the 250GB model for sure. The latest model is the E yes? It replaced the S model last year if I am correct? Am I right in assuming that the RROD is no longer an issue with these newer model consoles?

 

As for accessories I would be getting a play and charge kit (the one that comes with the slightly different controller) and a years Xbox Live Gold.

 

For games my list so far is ... Halo games, Left 4 Dead 1 and 2, The Orange Box, CoD Ghosts, Black Ops 1 and 2, Borderlands 1 and 2, Fable games, Gears of War games, Forza 4 and Horizons, Tomb Raider, Mass Effect trilogy, Assassins Creed games, Battlefield 4, GTA 5, Dead Space trilogy and Bioshock trilogy.

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This is the controller with play and charge kit I mentioned. How is the twist d-pad? I used a 360 controller when it first came out and the d-pad was pretty awful so would be nice if they fixed that! http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006ZYJO6Q/

 

Are there any other accessories that are worthwhile getting?

 

The twist dpad is nice but doesn't fix everything wrong with it. From the games you've listed it won't really be a disadvantage or benefit either way, it's only noticable with fighting games. The ones you've listed use the dpad mostly for item switching so quick presses only :)

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Get the 360.  It's a great platform and will be for quite some time.

Also, get yourself a Gamefly subscription.  That way you can try/play as many games as you want.

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The twist dpad is nice but doesn't fix everything wrong with it. From the games you've listed it won't really be a disadvantage or benefit either way, it's only noticable with fighting games. The ones you've listed use the dpad mostly for item switching so quick presses only :)

 

Yeah it won't really be an issue for me, at least not at the moment.

 

Get the 360.  It's a great platform and will be for quite some time.

Also, get yourself a Gamefly subscription.  That way you can try/play as many games as you want.

 

Yeah I actually had a 360 at launch but it RROD within a week, got a replacement and that RROD after a few weeks too so I got my third replacement and stuck it on eBay before I even opened the box and bought a PS3 instead. Turned out quite good as I feel the PS3 had better exclusives in the end. So now I want my 360 fix that I never got!

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Yeah it won't really be an issue for me, at least not at the moment.

 

 

Yeah I actually had a 360 at launch but it RROD within a week, got a replacement and that RROD after a few weeks too so I got my third replacement and stuck it on eBay before I even opened the box and bought a PS3 instead. Turned out quite good as I feel the PS3 had better exclusives in the end. So now I want my 360 fix that I never got!

Good time to re-enter the xbox franshise then!  RRODS are really a thing of the past.  Just make sure to buy new.  The newest models are smaller and dead quiet.  Love mine.

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Happy to know that I'm not the only person who thinks this is a good time to get an Xbox 360. I had this debate with myself for many weeks before purchasing the Xbox 360 S, for awhile the Xbox 360 E was on my wishlist. With the lack of an optical audio port, one less USB port, a cheaper optical drive and casing with no savings passed on to the consumer I decided against it. You can read more about my decision to purchase the Xbox 360 here

 

I bought a Xbox 360 S bundle with Fable III and Halo Reach for $249.99 on eBay

 

My Xbox 360 Game List:

  • Battlefield 4 (I own this)
  • Call of Duty: Ghosts (I own this)
  • Gears of War 3 (I own this)
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • Forza 4
  • Watch Dogs (Not Yet Released)
  • Titanfall
  • Skyrim (I own this)
  • Oblivion
  • Grant Theft Auto V
  • Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
  • Fifa 2014
  • NBA 2014
  • Mirrors Edge
  • Mass Effect Trilogy
  • Borderlands
  • Wolfenstein: The New Order (Not Yet Released) 
  • Diablo III
  • Orangebox
  • Halo 4
  • Dishonored (I own this)
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Thanks for the replies so far! Will be getting the 250GB model for sure. The latest model is the E yes? It replaced the S model last year if I am correct? Am I right in assuming that the RROD is no longer an issue with these newer model consoles?

 

As for accessories I would be getting a play and charge kit (the one that comes with the slightly different controller) and a years Xbox Live Gold.

 

For games my list so far is ... Halo games, Left 4 Dead 1 and 2, The Orange Box, CoD Ghosts, Black Ops 1 and 2, Borderlands 1 and 2, Fable games, Gears of War games, Forza 4 and Horizons, Tomb Raider, Mass Effect trilogy, Assassins Creed games, Battlefield 4, GTA 5, Dead Space trilogy and Bioshock trilogy.

 

I recommend getting the Xbox 360 Slim or commonly known as the 'S'. The latest release of the Xbox 360 is the 'E' which has removed and replaced a few components without any savings to the consumer. Find an inexpensive Xbox 360 S bundle on eBay for around $249.99, I purchased one a couple weeks ago. The power supply unit was bad and the eBay seller send a replacement the next day.

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Don't pay Microsoft's On Demand prices for games, they're ridiculous, they charge almost full launch price for older games unless they're doing offers. The boxed versions are much cheaper, and they're yours forever. Once MS stop supporting the 360 and the servers switch off any downloadable content may be unaccessible. Any games I do get on discount, or DLC's, I keep on external HDD's which themselves are backed up. Another tip, if you're planning on using an external HDD for storing games as well as the internal, like I do for backups, you will only be able to use 32GB so it'd be pointless you buying a high capacity drive. It's a FAT32 limitation, so go buy a ton of 40GB drives :)

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Modern Warfare 3 I think is the best COD game, for Battlefield I'd say get 4.

 

I've tried the X360 controller for FPS and never got used to it, the same as the PS3 one. I just prefer mouse and keyboard for FPS and maybe you should try playing a FPS title on the X360 for awhile before you buy a bunch of FPS games.

 

Fable is a great game though, totally recommend it for the X360.

 

Best deals for an X360 would be second hand ones either on eBay, local classifieds or something similar, I wouldn't suggest buying it new at retail because you can get second hand bundles with like 30 games, kinect, extra controller and etc for less than a X360 bundle with just one game from the store.

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If you're not too hung up on having to play the latest release titles, start with the triple-A title at around $15 on Amazon, eBay is always a good place to keep things within budget and I hear good stuff about GameSpot. Personally, I prefer owning game title first-hand so I stick with buying them brand new in the wrapper, that's just my thing. I use camelcamelcamel.com to keep watch over my game title wishlist on Amazon, when they reach a reasonable price then I will scoop them up. 

 

This is my first ever Xbox 360 since it's release, so patience is on my side, however there are a few game titles I'm consider grabbing on release.

 

I must re-iterate when deciding between the Xbox 360 'S' and the 'E' take into consideration the components that have been removed from the iteration of the 'E'. I gave this serious consideration before purchasing the Xbox 360 'S' over the 'E' due to the accessories I wanted to purchase, namely the headset. I bought the TurtleBeach X42 which uses the optical audio for surround sound, had I bought the Xbox 360 E I would have had to buy the X32 instead. Not that there is anything wrong with it, I just wanted the added value of surround sound while playing FPS that make full use of that experience.

 

 

Check out this CNet video

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Thanks Dale-Kurt, That is interesting about the headset. I have a 1 year old son so I have to keep things quiet-ish in the evenings and a head set has been something I have thought about too. I am like you and prefer to buy games new, even if they are old, if I can. One of the reasons for this is the online codes, etc. that are one use only. Not a problem for all games but I picked up a pre-owned copy of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit (PS3) yesterday and got hit by this (as expected).

 

I would like to buy a new 'S' model but finding them here in the UK seems to be a little tricky, at least for a reasonable price. Failing that I will have a look to see if I can find a nice pre-owned one on eBay or Craigslist. Hopefully I can find something close to brand new.

 

So this leads me onto another question; when buying a second hand console what things should I be more aware of? Any hardware problems? Can Xbox Live accounts still be banned by console? Any signs it has been (badly) modded?

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I would consider getting a good deal on a XBL Gold subscription purely because of Games with Gold, they will undoubtedly put some more Microsoft exclusive titles back on there so you might be able to snag them for the price of admission.

As for buying second hand, unless you get a really good deal I am not sure it'd be worth it. Yeah you will be paying more for a new console but with the older consoles (Before the Slim and newest model) you have the risk of the RRoD and that gamble just doesn't seem worth it.

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Thanks Dale-Kurt, That is interesting about the headset. I have a 1 year old son so I have to keep things quiet-ish in the evenings and a head set has been something I have thought about too. I am like you and prefer to buy games new, even if they are old, if I can. One of the reasons for this is the online codes, etc. that are one use only. Not a problem for all games but I picked up a pre-owned copy of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit (PS3) yesterday and got hit by this (as expected).

 

I would like to buy a new 'S' model but finding them here in the UK seems to be a little tricky, at least for a reasonable price. Failing that I will have a look to see if I can find a nice pre-owned one on eBay or Craigslist. Hopefully I can find something close to brand new.

 

So this leads me onto another question; when buying a second hand console what things should I be more aware of? Any hardware problems? Can Xbox Live accounts still be banned by console? Any signs it has been (badly) modded?

 

Yes, I too experienced that challenge of finding the Xbox 360 S at a reasonable price but was later lucky enough to find one on eBay. There are some eBay sellers who have overstock on the 'S' model and I'm sure you will be able to find one at a price range suitable to you. This is the first Xbox 360 console that I have owned having stayed away from gaming for so long, so there are a few things I will need to be brought up to speed on. I have an affinity for owning product brand new, must be that new box smell, for the Xbox 360 I'm fearful of purchasing modded or banned hardware having been pre-owned. However, if you have to I would recommend using a reputable source like GameStop, I don't know if you have them in the UK.

 

A client introduced me to Xbox 360, he swears by pre-owned Xbox 360, in fact he has 6 of them in his home. I prefer having my own fingerprints all over brand new gear.

 

If you do however decide to go for the the latest release Xbox 360 E, despite the lack of a few components, I recommend the Turtle Beach X32. I believe those work well with that model as it does not require the optical audio port, but you do not get the added advantage of surround sound. This is not a bad thing as you can still get immersed into your game play.

 

I ordered my console last month, but I won't be able to start playing it until June when I'm back in New York. So there is still time for me to purchase the game titles for my library.

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Happy to know that I'm not the only person who thinks this is a good time to get an Xbox 360. I had this debate with myself for many weeks before purchasing the Xbox 360 S, for awhile the Xbox 360 E was on my wishlist. With the lack of an optical audio port, one less USB port, a cheaper optical drive and casing with no savings passed on to the consumer I decided against it. You can read more about my decision to purchase the Xbox 360 here

 

I bought a Xbox 360 S bundle with Fable III and Halo Reach for $249.99 on eBay

 

My Xbox 360 Game List:

  • Battlefield 4 (I own this)
  • Call of Duty: Ghosts (I own this)
  • Gears of War 3 (I own this)
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • Forza 4
  • Watch Dogs (Not Yet Released)
  • Titanfall
  • Skyrim (I own this)
  • Oblivion
  • Grant Theft Auto V
  • Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
  • Fifa 2014
  • NBA 2014
  • Mirrors Edge
  • Mass Effect Trilogy
  • Borderlands
  • Wolfenstein: The New Order (Not Yet Released) 
  • Diablo III
  • Orangebox
  • Halo 4
  • Dishonored (I own this)

 

I'd also add GTA IV and Maifia 2 to this list.  

 

I agree on the S having those two additional ports is a plus.  However, I liked the 'look' of the newer model E better than the imploded look of the S.  I also hear (no pun intended) that the E is quieter than the S.  

 

I use HDMI directly into my receiver, which I then connect my Headphones too (at night anyway).  So, I do get the full surround experience with my setup.  But you're right, if you are using the xbox to produce audio directly, than not having that optical port may be a show stopper.  For me, the E just worked. ...and it matches my Xbox 1.  :-)  

 

Either way, it's a great time to get a 360.  Awesome games are out there cheap, and if you subscribe to Live Gold, you'll get two free downloadable games every month. The system has been refined to near perfection and is still getting OS updates.  All around win.

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I hear you on the look Defiantly, I actually prefer the look of the E for some reason. I am not too bothered about the optical output or USB ports either but if I can get an S for less then I will do that :yes:

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I hear you on the look Defiantly, I actually prefer the look of the E for some reason. I am not too bothered about the optical output or USB ports either but if I can get an S for less then I will do that :yes:

 

I'd also add GTA IV and Maifia 2 to this list.  

 

I agree on the S having those two additional ports is a plus.  However, I liked the 'look' of the newer model E better than the imploded look of the S.  I also hear (no pun intended) that the E is quieter than the S.  

 

I use HDMI directly into my receiver, which I then connect my Headphones too (at night anyway).  So, I do get the full surround experience with my setup.  But you're right, if you are using the xbox to produce audio directly, than not having that optical port may be a show stopper.  For me, the E just worked. ...and it matches my Xbox 1.  :-)  

 

Either way, it's a great time to get a 360.  Awesome games are out there cheap, and if you subscribe to Live Gold, you'll get two free downloadable games every month. The system has been refined to near perfection and is still getting OS updates.  All around win.

 

 

I agree, I love the look of the Xbox 360 E over the 'S', but I don't like paying the same price for less. Why would Microsoft remove the S/PDIF (optical audio) port from the 'E' and have it on the Xbox One, I just don't get the thought behind that outside of selling us a cheaply made but great looking console.

 

@Defiantly The Xbox 360 E was to be my choice purchase, however that was based on a couple things, 1) the fact that it was the latest release of the Xbox 360 2) The design similarity to the Xbox One

 

I would be interested to know what headset you're using and your connectivity for surround sound for the headset.

 

This is my previously planned connectivity, minus the recent changes and added hardware/accessories of the Xbox 360 S, Elgato Game Capture HD and the TurtleBeach X42 headset. View Connectivity Diagram

 

@Bithush You may get the Xbox 360 S with the 250GB drive (bundle)  at the same price as the Xbox 360 E bundle of $249. I just decided to go with the 'S' over the 'E' based on the setup I wanted and the points I made about the hardware components, or lack there of with the 'E'. I've debated this with myself for weeks but when it came down to the wire and I found the Xbox 360 S (bundle with 250GB storage) on eBay at that price ($249), I went with it. Your reasons may not be the same as mine and I truly wish Microsoft did release the E with all the components of the S with the Xbox One case. I do think that you should make a informed decision and I'm pretty sure you will be pretty happy with either one.

 

Another thing you should consider is that the Xbox 360 S may no longer be under any warranty as they are older model and the warranty period may already have expired before the purchase date. That was my experience when I registered it, but I plan on having this console for the next two year before moving to a next generation console (Xbox One or Playstation 4). You may not plan for things to go horribly wrong but do happen. I'm not too worried however as I'm sure that the prices will come down even further as the Xbox One matures.

 

P.S. Defiantly, GTA I will be sure to add GTA IV to my game library wish list

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@ Dale Kurt Murray

 

My receiver is a Yamaha RX-375BL and my headphones are Sennheiser HD558's.

The 360 plugs into the receiver via HDMI, for both audio and video.  Setting the receiver to "expanded" gives me positional sound in the headphones, and to be honest, sounds better than my speakers do.  Also, these headphones come with a native 1/4" plug so there's no need for an adapter and the cord is LONG.  Perfect setup for me.

 

As an aside, I the receiver sports 4 HDMI in's, so I also have a PS3 and my new Xbox One attached to it.  Traversing the ports via the remote is simple and really is the center of my entertainment system.  There are other Yamaha models available with additional features and power, but I got this on-sale for $199 a few months back and for the price, it shines.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Just ordered my 360 :D

 

In the end I went for an E model. It comes with Halo 4 GOTY and Forza Horizon and a month of Live Gold. I also got Assassin's Creed Heritage Collection, Dead Space and Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 headset. Not the best headset I know but it will do for now :yes:

 

I plan on picking up Metro Last Night and Dishonoured GOTY in the next week or two as well.

 

I want to get either CoD Ghosts or Battlefield 4 but I am not sure which one just yet. Need to read up about what the Hardened and Premium editions are exactly to see if it is worth it or not (opinions?).

 

Cheers all!

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