Microsoft Xbox 360 Core 20 GB Matte White Console (PAL)

I just wanted to share my experience with the XBOX 360. I have the old xbox and going for the new one I went straight for the XBOX 360 elite with the 120gb and improved chipset after seeing so many broken white 360's on ebay for spares and repair. The core package seemed way too basic for me as it is not including the hard drive so you have to buy a memory card to use. For the hassle you are better off getting a XBOX 360 with a hard drive as adding one in the future works out more. Also it doesnt have the HDMI port so you have to use component leads.

Set up is very easy to do but you will need to connect it to the internet to let it update itself to the latest software (you dont have to but its best to). I was slightly annoyed that you have to buy extras such as a wireless adapter (and these are not cheap either) and a second controller for two player. You can connect to the internet wired if you like by using a network cable. If you want to play against other people online you then have to buy a xbox live gold membership - more money!! I suggest looking on eBay for xbox live scratch cards as I found you can buy a months membership cheaper on ebay than most shops.

The XBOX 360 is prone to overheating which then causes the motherboard to warp and this is what causes the 360's to crash and get errors (known as the red ring of death or RROD for short). To stop this happening I bought a clip on external fan unit which is advised to protect your investment. Its a shame Microsoft havent improved the cooling system if heat is such a problem and built in wireless would be a massive bonus (like other consoles now have). I didnt find the fans / console noisey like some people have mentioned but i guess that depends on how close you are to it, ambient noise and size of the room etc..

You can play most original old xbox games on the 360 - there is no need to buy one of the "xbox 360 update disks" advertised on ebay, these dont do anything important. If it needs to the 360 will download an update / patch automatically the first time you play an original old xbox game. Playing old xbox games is a bonus if you dont want to fork out full price for a 360 game. You cant play the original xbox games over xbox live on te 360 - only local play.

A good point of the 360 is most of the games are full 1080p HD (or at least 720) so you get a nice crisp gaming experience. A good quality HDMI cable is included and you also get component leads should you want to use those. Colin McCrae Dirt is an amazing HD racing game. Overall an OK console but the constant spending on extras and XBOX Live membership is annoying and you cant help like you are being fleeced for every penny.

To save money on the wireless adapter dont buy a £50-£60 official xbox adapter buy a wireless bridge (about £25) this gives you a wireless access point to which you can connect any wired device so just buy the bridge and connect the xbox to it with the included cable and you are done.

I hope you will vote "YES" for my honest review. I like to write proper reviews not ones saying "great item now visit this website and get one for free!" which if you dont know are a con and I dont know why ebay hasnt removed them by now.

I like the graphics on the games i have bought such as fifa 10, smackdown vs raw 2010, gta 5, pro evo 2009. the console is excellent and it was good as a starter to build up by buying harddrives, memory cards and extra pads, there is lotsof memory to save games and profiles so you can have your own personnel settings for games etc.

Very good console that is excellent value and at the cutting edge of gaming with the 20gb hard drive

No complaints! great console has good quality and long lasting.
great for playing numerous games and very easy to operate a use.

I have never had a 360 and wanted one for my kids so they can play the kinect.Got the thing and it works great,but now the kinect is up and going and on for a long time,the 360 suddenly stops and says to clean the disc or restart the console.Is this the norm or did i buy a dodgy console?Good value for money though