Should I get the Xbox 360 $299 Core System
or the $399 Premium Edition?
December 1, 2005

Submitted by: Christian K., via e-mail
There are two versions of the Xbox 360--a deluxe version for $399 and something called the Core System for $299. Shouldn't I just buy the more affordable version, instead of one bundled with a whole bunch of stuff I probably don't need?

John Falcone, senior editor
If you have any interest in getting the Xbox 360, do not buy the Core System. Save, scrape, or splurge, but get the full Xbox 360 bundle. You'll be saving yourself money and aggravation in the long run. Here's why.

The Xbox 360 Core System ($299) is a bare-bones system that ships with a wired Xbox 360 controller and a composite-video/stereo audio A/V cable. Meanwhile, with the $399 Xbox 360 Premium Edition (which is technically--and confusingly--known simply as the Xbox 360), you get a wireless Xbox 360 controller, a component HD A/V cable, a 20GB hard drive, a headset, and an Ethernet cable. For a limited time, the Premium Edition will also include an Xbox 360 Media Remote, which is a slightly downsized version of the Universal Remote.

While you could live with the Core System's lack of a wireless controller and headset, its missing hard drive is the deal breaker. Without a hard drive, you can't use Xbox Live, save your games, or play original Xbox titles. You'd be "saving" $100, only to have to go out and buy the stand-alone hard drive accessory for that same price. Likewise, all the other missing peripherals are available à la carte for the Core System, but they'll run you at least $110, not including the $100 hard drive. In other words, the $399 bundle gives you at least $210 worth of extra accessories for only $100 more.

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