The cheapest version of Microsoft's Xbox 360 carries the suffix "Arcade" and really has only the bare minimum, you need to play. In addition to the console with fixed verbautem memory of 256MB, the package includes a wireless controller along with two AA batteries, an AV cable with RCA connectors, a SCART adapter and of course the power supply with power cord. As a bonus to the whole thing in a DVD with small demo games such as "Pacman".
For nearly 179 so a really effective entry into the HD video gaming world. But wait! HD? Not without additional cables! The included RCA cables namely supplies just a normal PAL signal - and not even a really good. Even who is running the console on a tube TV, this should buy an RGB SCART cable, instead of torturing his eyes with this image. Owner of a device with (Full-) HD support can not avoid buying a HDMI or component cable when you want a sharp and high resolution image. Ten to twenty euros you should already invest here.
Here, one should observe that the Xbox 360 has no optical digital output integrated. So if you want to connect in this way his sound system, should take care to use a component cable for image output, since it also serves as an adapter and said output provides. Who uses HDMI, but still can not do without an optical output, have to buy a set of Microsoft or put on (much cheaper) own tinkering for hefty fifty euros. The search engine of trust usually finds guidance on this issue.
Now that you have checked off the picture and sound, you want to try possibly the online capabilities of the new console and go over the local Wi-Fi to the Internet. But not with the Microsoft console! What is standard on Wii and PlayStation3, on all versions of the XBOX360 has to be purchased. Given the low entry price is not necessarily bad, you might think; then who but sees the price of the wireless adapter, will probably flinch first. To the 70 you have to shell out for the little stick. Tinker also here get cheaper alternatives if you can find the search engine. Who does not need Wi-Fi, a crossover network cable snapped, plugs it into PC (keyword: Internet Connection Sharing) or router and the other end into the console.
Finally connected to the Internet, you first create an Xbox LIVE account and is pleased with the free trial month GOLD membership, which allows you to play online. Then an update with nice new user interface is downloaded to the console menu that nearly 85MB leaves much of the initial 256MB memory. Usually that's enough space for saved games. Enthused by the variety of demo versions, additional content and complete games, which are available on the Xbox Marketplace, one tries to start the initial download; followed by disillusionment: No room!
"Well," thinks the shrewd gambler, "I play just the demos from the supplied DVD!" and places mentioned in the drive of the console. Then this is some besorgnisseregende scratch sounds and turns following at full speed "the operation sound is more reminiscent of a hair dryer, as a game console." Is this a joke? ! The's louder than my PC, "Luck says the Daddelfreund and thinks disappointed at the low operating noise of competitors consoles in disguise. Thanks to the downloaded updates to let the games installed on a connected hard disk, causing the drive remains silent.
Since work on the original Microsoft XBOX360 only disks, you have the choice between the (outrageously expensive) 120GB HDD for about 130 and the low-cost bundled with 60GB hard drive, headset and 3 months Xbox Live Gold for 70 - 80. Since the Games usually scarce 7GB are large, fit about eight games at once on the 60GB variant. After installing the operating noise is much more humane.
Conclusion Arcade: The arcade version of the XBOX360 is the correct option for people who want to spend as little money, nor to interfere in the loud operating noise or attach importance to the Jasper revision of the console. When playing a DVD movie, the drive is by the way not to hear.
Conclusion General: The XBOX360 is a good console, whose low price is deceptive, however. Depending on which accessories you need, it is priced on par with the PS3, which already everything (WLAN, Optical Out, hard drive) has on board. However, the 360 scores with reasonably priced original controllers (40). Who vacillates between PS3 and 360, should decide after the Games offer - the right hardware for both consoles.
