By the title, I mean no offense to other reviewers, but when I was looking to purchase a new console, there was several questions not answered in the reviews. So, hopefully this can help someone, maybe a parent looking to buy for their child, a new console.
You can glance at my reviews and see that I’m completely lost in the last generation. I’ve held onto my PS2 like it was my security blanket. I’m not completely impressed with the current generation consoles trying to sell me on things that have no interest to me. I don’t care about a DVD player of any kind. Blu-Ray, HD, phooey, I’m here for the games. Don’t care about the online games. I go back to the Sega Dreamcast era of online console gaming. I remember the countless hours spent on dial-up access playing Phantasy Star Online. Of course, we dealt with the Gameshark modders that made weapons ten times better than any of us had found in the game, players who PK’d each other and stole your rare items. So, I have no interest, now in my 30s, to re-visit that frustration again.
I do however like the idea of downloadable content, especially the expansion pack type downloads, like with Grand Theft Auto IV. But, that’s not of my concern for now. Once I saw the price drop below 200, I figured it was time to grab one of these and try it out for myself. The Red of Ring of Death isn’t so much a concern to me either. I went through 6 Sega Dreamcasts and 4 PS2s. It isn’t like this is the first console to have some problems.
Ok, I ordered this, this past week. The console I received has the Jasper in it. For those not in the know, not that I am really, it is just a codename for the chipset. Jasper currently is the newest one and is supposed to be more efficient and less likely to have technical problems.
I was happy to see that Microsoft includes a wireless controller with this budget model. I don’t care about buying batteries. I was already doing that for the PS2 third party Logitech controller. No big deal. They do have a battery pack that can be charged that I will look into in a month or so, but just pop 2 AA batteries (2 Energizers included) in and start playing.
My biggest question was about the hard drive/memory cards. I actually went to a local well-known video game store that has the word stop in it. The guy absolutely baffled me. He was too busy trying to explain to me that the 360 has x amount of failure rate and blah-blah-blah. You must be kidding me? I tried an electronics store, but the lady working pretty much told me that she knew very little about the 360, but could sell me an HDTV to hook it up to.
I finally just bought the console without any understanding of the hard drive/memory card. So, now, I’m going to put it plain English, because I know there is some parent out there that is pulling their hair out trying to wade through the PS3/360 arguments to find out about the hard drive.
This model of the 360 on this very page has 512 internal memory in it. If you’re familiar with the last generation Xbox. This one is similar to it in terms of memory being built in. If not, all it means is that there is pretty much a memory card installed in this console. You don’t get all 512 MB though, memory may not be serving me perfectly here, but it was in the 320 MB free range. I guess they’ve installed something on the rest of it.
To give you an idea of how much memory that is, I only bought one game for now, GTA IV. It has taken up 1 MB. I’m sure other games are much higher, believe someone said the Forza racing game is around 40 MB. But, that is still not knocking a dent in 320. Mainly what I’m saying, I’ll get a hard drive eventually, but you don’t have to have one to get started. Also, when you do go to look for a HDD, check out that well-known auction site. I’ve seen them selling for 60 for 120 GB. But no, you don’t have to have one to get started.
If your intentions are to play online, then it would be recommended to get a hard drive ASAP. I usually play 1-2 games at a time. No rush to beat them, and enjoy them fully, so a hard drive is only needed in my case to get the downloadable content.
The power cord with this particular model uses only 150 watts, which I believe is 30-50 watts less than past versions of the 360. It comes with the basic A/V cables too. No HDMI, but if you’re like me, you’re not playing games on a HDTV, so who cares about the HDMI?
If you get the feeling that I feel pushed into this current generation of games, you’re right! I can only play God of War so many times. And not to worry immature ones, I have one of those slim PS3s pre-ordered, so this is hardly a biased review.
My thoughts so far on this console. I was shocked at how good the graphics are. I really didn’t think there was a big difference between last generation and the current generation, but I can see now that there is. One of my neighbors brought over the NCAA 10, and the difference between it and my PS2 NCAA 10 is like night and day. I’m one of the strange ones that prefers the 360 controller. I have big hands, it fits well, and I like the layout of their analog controllers better than the Sony controllers, though I guess is isn’t a big difference. The controller is nice though. Hardly no noise level and no heating up. So, so far, the Jasper must be doing its job. Overall, I’m very pleased with it and at least feel positive about this generation of consoles, as can be seen by pre-ordering the PS3 slim.
I just wish Sony and Microsoft would stop worrying about everything beyond games. We’ve got a Blu-Ray DVD player, three computers that are used on the internet. Just focus on those games! Hopefully this review will help those like me that can’t wade through the arguments, and helps someone out there.
Rating: 5 / 5
::EDIT; Even though this is still recorded for me as the version I purchased, and it has the “Newest” sticker, the descriptor no longer includes the 512MB line on it. I don’t know if this means Amazon is recycling the older units in now for this order set, if they are doing that then that means my review cannot be relied upon and you may end up with a older chip. If they stick that 512MB label back on though then you are good to go.::
***
I am not going to go into the merits of a 360 ownership on this review. Rather this is geared for the gamer who has a orphaned HDD at home looking for a new 360 to be connected to, but they are afraid until they know they are going to get a Jasper.
After my fourth 360 died, this time out of warranty, I promised myself that I would never buy another one again while glaring hatefully at the number of games coming out in the next few months.
Friends had mentioned the mythical Jasper chip to me but due to the sentiment being that you are pretty much having a crap shoot on whether you would get one or not, no matter what SKU you ordered, I sat quietly and pined for a new form of entertainment.
Then I saw this product and knew everything would be safe for me to purchase it. Despite what some others are saying the 360 Arcade 512 MB version is always going to be a Jasper. Previous models had a smaller internal memory and you are stuck hoping that the model in the box was made after the Jasper date. With a 512 MB you are always getting a Jasper as that is what they are built with, there is no backlog.
One note , something that caused me to cry out in my office in fear as I opened the brown Amazon shipping box, is that the actual 360 packaging still says 256 MB on it. I am pretty sure I need to invoice them for a gray hair on that one.
Sure enough the inside held a lovely 512 MB unit. After a few days it seems to be working fine, of course my last one worked fine until a month out of warranty so who knows.
I am sticking with 4 stars on my review though as even though I love my 360 and the entertainment it has brought me, and even though all 5 consoles combined are still cheaper than any gaming PC I would of built, this is still my FIFTH 360.
I honestly question my sanity in buying this one and can’t help but have a small twinge of fear every time I go to power it on that it will glare back at me with a red eye.
I opted against an Elite because I wanted to be %100 sure I was getting the new, 65nm Jasper chipset. And I did. Boy, what a difference. I have two close friends with Xenon launch model 90nm chips, and the the difference in heat output is night and day. Under full load it barely puts out warm air. That’s a massive difference. I also notice it’s quieter on idle than the older models as well. The real test will come with time, but understanding how the problems occur and what Jasper does to fix them – I have no reason to believe this will have any issues. Now is the time (if you’ve been waiting) to ‘Jump in’. XBOX 360 is an outstanding entertainment device that I’ve wanted to own since launch, and the only thing holding me back was a fix for RRoD. I believe we now have it.
Buy it, and enjoy it – you won’t regret it.
UPDATE – 08-31-09:
After having used this system for almost a week now, I’m even happier with it. XBOX Live is incredible – certainly worth the low price of ~$3.35 a month (if you buy a $44 live 13 month card from Amazon). The NXE interface is great – a nice mix of CoverFlow and XMB. The Marketplace is outstanding! Not as many classics as Virtual Console, but a very large variety of content with far more/better original titles (IMO). I’ve already purchased more original content on Marketplace than on Wii and PSN combined, and I’ve had a PSP/PS3/DSi/Wii since they launched.
And now, onto my hardware impression after a week of heavy use. Quiet. Low heat output. Seamless. Not a single problem! Maybe I’m just lucky, but usually if there’s a bad one in the stack, I end up with it – but not this time. No RRoD, no sticky disk tray, no disk scratches, no problems whatsoever. Like I had hoped, the Arcade model has the quiet, clean looking, faster performing BenQ DVD-ROM drive, the quiet brush-less fans, the larger 512MB internal memory for storing content (about 240MB is available for use out of the box with NXE using the rest), the superior Jasper chipset, and the excellent HDMI port and support.
With prices so affordable on the awesome array of 360 games, and the hardware issues seemingly solved, I believe this is the console to beat. I currently have Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts, Kameo, and Orange Box. I’m horribly impressed with all of them from a gameplay perspective, and visually with the HDMI port that this model also has, even compared to the best PS3 games (I have KZ2, MotorStorm series, LBP (which IS awesome), Resistance series, Heavenly Sword, Uncharted and more). Do yourself a favor, get this model, a quick charge kit, and a Live Starter pack (with a 60GB drive), and you’ll be very happy for about $299. I went with a 120GB drive, because I’m installing all of my games to the HDD, but not everyone will need that ability. I can assure you though, 60GB will be a good size if you’re actively using the MarketPlace for demos and original games.
It’s a tough decision to recommend PS3 over 360, or vice-verca. PS3 lacks some features 360 has (360 has HDD installs, superior integrated online system, HD upscaling support in all titles, anti-aliasing in all titles (clearer visuals), custom soundtracks in all titles – achievements (yes, they certainly matter from a gameplay perspective) and IMO a better controller now that I’ve used it more). But PS3 has some features 360 doesn’t (BluRay, built in WiFi, free online, built in rechargeable controllers, and some motion control – plus BluTooth is handy). It really comes down to exclusive software, and weighing the few hardware differences against the software on each. It should be noted that if power consumption is a problem, Jasper 360’s use 150W, and PS3 slim (lowest power model) uses 250W.
With a week under my belt, unless the hardware fails and bursts my bubble of happiness with this system, I’d rate them in order of gaming value: 360/PS3/Wii. Tough call on Wii and PS3. I love my PS3, but I also love me some Nintendo games – I always have. Wii has some great things going for it, but for a purely value-for-your-dollar perspective, 360 is king as far as I’m concerned. From a software perpective, 360 is very hard to beat as well. From an online perspective, 360 is still on top (at the moment). Wii has great pop-corn software – good for short bursts of fun/exciting play. I love it for that, and it really shines there – and to it’s credit it has a few solid core titles that any gamer will enjoy like Zelda and Metroid. PS3 is more ‘elite’ than 360 in build quality, appearance, and uses. It’s a great component for a high-end Home Theater (I primarily use mine for that as well) – it’s a great BluRay player and overall multimedia machine. 360, however, from my 1 week use perspective feels like, looks like, and plays like the best purely gamer oriented system that’s built to give you the meat N potatoes gaming you want for a great price.
I hope this review is helpful to someone, and I hope it is not misleading. I firmly recommend prospective buyers to try all 3 systems for themselves at demo stations or at friends homes. Ask friends which console they use more (bearing in mind if they were launch 360 buyers, you’ll probably hear about RRoD – which with this model I hope is no longer a factor against purchasing a 360). Never base a purchase solely on reviews. Do some research, make an informed decision – then reep the benefits (like me).
UPDATE – 12-12-09:
My 360 is still going strong and working perfect. I’ve been enjoying it a ton. I’ve had a lot of time with both PS3 and 360 now. My honest take on 360 is that it has an edge on software quality across the board, and even software diversity compared to PS3 – but it still pales in comparison to PS3 on the multimedia front. PS3 is a very solid contender, don’t get me wrong – but 360 is just more affordable to enjoy. I will say this though after months of use, my biggest grive is that 360 is much louder than PS3 in all aspects, and it can be intrusive. The disk drive and the fans are more than twice as loud as a PS3. Installing games to the HDD helps a lot with that issue, however.
As for my experience with Live at this point – PSN is quickly catching up, and with trophies being so widely available, Live is beginning to lose it’s edge (Especially as a payed service). My only other gripe as time has gone on, is that the 360 interface feels like a ’store’ more than than a personal entertainment device. Every one of the tiers in the NXE has something in it that requires you to spend money (either on a gold subscription to even view a lot of content, or for DLC content for most of the software). It’s a little less appealing than the personal content that XMB is built around. There is a lot of free content (videos mainly, and a few ‘apps’), but the overall design of NXE isn’t quite as ‘open’ or personal as XMB – everything you do with NXE costs you something it seems like (from themes, to backgrounds, to even avatar cloths and accessories).
I would still give the edge to 360 for ‘gaming’ value. Most games (not all games to be certain) just look more crisp on 360, run smoother, and offer a better online connected system on 360 compared to PS3 – and usually for a lower price. I would also still give the value-for-your-dollar edge to 360 as well if you mix and match parts wisely. If you don’t, however, PS3 comes out a little more more affordable/valuable due to including rechargeable batteries in the controllers ($19 on 360), built in WiFi (~$69-$99 on 360), a built in HDD (~$99 on 360), free online ($50 a year on 360), and several other features unlikely to come to 360 (BluRay, BlueTooth, built in motion control, memory card readers, etc). They come out pretty close either way, but the built-in value edge goes to PS3.
I enjoy both consoles a lot, but I find myself wanting to play my 360 more in general thanks to the software. And I also love the 360 controller, it really is an excellent design for traditional games, and feels like a step forward from the standard PS3 controller design that’s been around since the 90’s. I’m really looking forward to Natal, and I think just about anyone can find something to love on 360.
But like very console, the games sell the hardware – and the reason to buy a 360 ultimately rests on that one attribute. That’s really up to you to decide. You can’t go wrong with either console, and if price is not a factor on your entertainment experience, PS3 is an excellent buy as the world moves towards BluRay and HDMI based audio/video systems. It is geared to take advantage of them better going forward, and the games are really starting to deliver on PS3.
If/when Natal comes out, I will have it, and I’ll update this review again with further impressions.
Rating: 5 / 5
This review is in reference to the 512 MB Jasper chipset Arcade XBox 360..
This is a very good strategy for Microsoft to push the newer Jasper chipset through the “Arcade” pipeline…first. It makes sense that MS would make a barebones version available to those who are currently experiencing the RRoD and do not want to ship off their console to McAllen, TX to only end up receiving someone elses refurbished headache.
Why not offer the the new chipset for for lowest price point SKU? Most everyone had bought either the Pro or Elite versions and already have component cables and headset. The only thing needed would be a reliable console.
MS is simply pushing the older chipsets (Xenon, Zephyr and Falcon) through the Pro and Elite SKU’s to clear those inventories before releasing the more efficient Jasper in the more expensive versions.
Just look at it as a way for MS to throttle you in a new way with their poor design and manufacturing processes. If this doesn’t work, you can always wait for future chipset Valhalla/Opus.
By the way…whoever thought the Jasper would allow the 360 to run quieter was just fooling themself (and us). The only way that can happen is to install and play the game from the HDD. That is highly unlikely if you have a large library of games that you play frequently and you have limited space on the HDD. Here’s to hoping the rumors are true of a 1TB HDD to store all of your media.
Rating: 5 / 5
Picked up the Xbox 360 Arcade version from Walmart today after my original 06 Xbox 360 went down with it’s 3rd RRoD last week! I already had many Xbox 360 games and I was at the point should I get the piece of garbage fixed again, or a playstation 3 and start over with games or get this new jasper chip Xbox 360 since I have a library of 360 games. Well with the Arcade version and the updated jasper chip I went with the new Arcade Xbox 360. MS had to do something because I and all the other RRoD owners weren’t going to fork over dough to get the same garbage again. This Arcade version with the Jasper chip I feel was definitely made and released for the RRoD (red Ring of Death) Xbox 360 owners.
I mean we already have all the extra stuff from our RRoD 360 system so just give us the console that won’t die on us and that’s what MS hopefully did.
It doesn’t come with a Hard Drive but I used my HD from the RRoD Xbox 360 system and I install my HD before start up and it worked perfectly. It comes with a standard AV cable but if you are a previous RRoD owner you can use your Standard/HD cable, that is what I am using now.
It also has a HDMI port but you will need to purchase a HDMI cable if you want to use the HDMI so I’ll get a cable later for it. It comes with a wireless controller so that is a $40 savings, you can’t have too many controllers.
I gave this 4 stars because the DVD player still makes too much noise and the jasper chip has not been tested over time yet. But the Xbox 360 is great entertainment when working.
If you are in the market for your first Xbox 360 console then get the Arcade Version with the Jasper chip and buy a HD and other accessories for it. Stay away from the Garbage Xbox 360 systems with out the jasper chip if not you will be just asking for the infamous Red Ring of Death!
Note if getting it from Walmart: the boxes say 256mb but their add says 512mb so I looked at and around product ID area and saw the 12.1A so I bought it and it is the 512mb system. My family is back up playing Xbox 360 again. Also purchased the High School Musical 3 dance game. Daughter loves it and it actually is fun for the wife and me the old man.
By the title, I mean no offense to other reviewers, but when I was looking to purchase a new console, there was several questions not answered in the reviews. So, hopefully this can help someone, maybe a parent looking to buy for their child, a new console.
You can glance at my reviews and see that I’m completely lost in the last generation. I’ve held onto my PS2 like it was my security blanket. I’m not completely impressed with the current generation consoles trying to sell me on things that have no interest to me. I don’t care about a DVD player of any kind. Blu-Ray, HD, phooey, I’m here for the games. Don’t care about the online games. I go back to the Sega Dreamcast era of online console gaming. I remember the countless hours spent on dial-up access playing Phantasy Star Online. Of course, we dealt with the Gameshark modders that made weapons ten times better than any of us had found in the game, players who PK’d each other and stole your rare items. So, I have no interest, now in my 30s, to re-visit that frustration again.
I do however like the idea of downloadable content, especially the expansion pack type downloads, like with Grand Theft Auto IV. But, that’s not of my concern for now. Once I saw the price drop below 200, I figured it was time to grab one of these and try it out for myself. The Red of Ring of Death isn’t so much a concern to me either. I went through 6 Sega Dreamcasts and 4 PS2s. It isn’t like this is the first console to have some problems.
Ok, I ordered this, this past week. The console I received has the Jasper in it. For those not in the know, not that I am really, it is just a codename for the chipset. Jasper currently is the newest one and is supposed to be more efficient and less likely to have technical problems.
I was happy to see that Microsoft includes a wireless controller with this budget model. I don’t care about buying batteries. I was already doing that for the PS2 third party Logitech controller. No big deal. They do have a battery pack that can be charged that I will look into in a month or so, but just pop 2 AA batteries (2 Energizers included) in and start playing.
My biggest question was about the hard drive/memory cards. I actually went to a local well-known video game store that has the word stop in it. The guy absolutely baffled me. He was too busy trying to explain to me that the 360 has x amount of failure rate and blah-blah-blah. You must be kidding me? I tried an electronics store, but the lady working pretty much told me that she knew very little about the 360, but could sell me an HDTV to hook it up to.
I finally just bought the console without any understanding of the hard drive/memory card. So, now, I’m going to put it plain English, because I know there is some parent out there that is pulling their hair out trying to wade through the PS3/360 arguments to find out about the hard drive.
This model of the 360 on this very page has 512 internal memory in it. If you’re familiar with the last generation Xbox. This one is similar to it in terms of memory being built in. If not, all it means is that there is pretty much a memory card installed in this console. You don’t get all 512 MB though, memory may not be serving me perfectly here, but it was in the 320 MB free range. I guess they’ve installed something on the rest of it.
To give you an idea of how much memory that is, I only bought one game for now, GTA IV. It has taken up 1 MB. I’m sure other games are much higher, believe someone said the Forza racing game is around 40 MB. But, that is still not knocking a dent in 320. Mainly what I’m saying, I’ll get a hard drive eventually, but you don’t have to have one to get started. Also, when you do go to look for a HDD, check out that well-known auction site. I’ve seen them selling for 60 for 120 GB. But no, you don’t have to have one to get started.
If your intentions are to play online, then it would be recommended to get a hard drive ASAP. I usually play 1-2 games at a time. No rush to beat them, and enjoy them fully, so a hard drive is only needed in my case to get the downloadable content.
The power cord with this particular model uses only 150 watts, which I believe is 30-50 watts less than past versions of the 360. It comes with the basic A/V cables too. No HDMI, but if you’re like me, you’re not playing games on a HDTV, so who cares about the HDMI?
If you get the feeling that I feel pushed into this current generation of games, you’re right! I can only play God of War so many times. And not to worry immature ones, I have one of those slim PS3s pre-ordered, so this is hardly a biased review.
My thoughts so far on this console. I was shocked at how good the graphics are. I really didn’t think there was a big difference between last generation and the current generation, but I can see now that there is. One of my neighbors brought over the NCAA 10, and the difference between it and my PS2 NCAA 10 is like night and day. I’m one of the strange ones that prefers the 360 controller. I have big hands, it fits well, and I like the layout of their analog controllers better than the Sony controllers, though I guess is isn’t a big difference. The controller is nice though. Hardly no noise level and no heating up. So, so far, the Jasper must be doing its job. Overall, I’m very pleased with it and at least feel positive about this generation of consoles, as can be seen by pre-ordering the PS3 slim.
I just wish Sony and Microsoft would stop worrying about everything beyond games. We’ve got a Blu-Ray DVD player, three computers that are used on the internet. Just focus on those games! Hopefully this review will help those like me that can’t wade through the arguments, and helps someone out there.
Rating: 5 / 5
::EDIT; Even though this is still recorded for me as the version I purchased, and it has the “Newest” sticker, the descriptor no longer includes the 512MB line on it. I don’t know if this means Amazon is recycling the older units in now for this order set, if they are doing that then that means my review cannot be relied upon and you may end up with a older chip. If they stick that 512MB label back on though then you are good to go.::
***
I am not going to go into the merits of a 360 ownership on this review. Rather this is geared for the gamer who has a orphaned HDD at home looking for a new 360 to be connected to, but they are afraid until they know they are going to get a Jasper.
After my fourth 360 died, this time out of warranty, I promised myself that I would never buy another one again while glaring hatefully at the number of games coming out in the next few months.
Friends had mentioned the mythical Jasper chip to me but due to the sentiment being that you are pretty much having a crap shoot on whether you would get one or not, no matter what SKU you ordered, I sat quietly and pined for a new form of entertainment.
Then I saw this product and knew everything would be safe for me to purchase it. Despite what some others are saying the 360 Arcade 512 MB version is always going to be a Jasper. Previous models had a smaller internal memory and you are stuck hoping that the model in the box was made after the Jasper date. With a 512 MB you are always getting a Jasper as that is what they are built with, there is no backlog.
One note , something that caused me to cry out in my office in fear as I opened the brown Amazon shipping box, is that the actual 360 packaging still says 256 MB on it. I am pretty sure I need to invoice them for a gray hair on that one.
Sure enough the inside held a lovely 512 MB unit. After a few days it seems to be working fine, of course my last one worked fine until a month out of warranty so who knows.
I am sticking with 4 stars on my review though as even though I love my 360 and the entertainment it has brought me, and even though all 5 consoles combined are still cheaper than any gaming PC I would of built, this is still my FIFTH 360.
I honestly question my sanity in buying this one and can’t help but have a small twinge of fear every time I go to power it on that it will glare back at me with a red eye.
Rating: 4 / 5
This is the latest model 360.
I opted against an Elite because I wanted to be %100 sure I was getting the new, 65nm Jasper chipset. And I did. Boy, what a difference. I have two close friends with Xenon launch model 90nm chips, and the the difference in heat output is night and day. Under full load it barely puts out warm air. That’s a massive difference. I also notice it’s quieter on idle than the older models as well. The real test will come with time, but understanding how the problems occur and what Jasper does to fix them – I have no reason to believe this will have any issues. Now is the time (if you’ve been waiting) to ‘Jump in’. XBOX 360 is an outstanding entertainment device that I’ve wanted to own since launch, and the only thing holding me back was a fix for RRoD. I believe we now have it.
Buy it, and enjoy it – you won’t regret it.
UPDATE – 08-31-09:
After having used this system for almost a week now, I’m even happier with it. XBOX Live is incredible – certainly worth the low price of ~$3.35 a month (if you buy a $44 live 13 month card from Amazon). The NXE interface is great – a nice mix of CoverFlow and XMB. The Marketplace is outstanding! Not as many classics as Virtual Console, but a very large variety of content with far more/better original titles (IMO). I’ve already purchased more original content on Marketplace than on Wii and PSN combined, and I’ve had a PSP/PS3/DSi/Wii since they launched.
And now, onto my hardware impression after a week of heavy use. Quiet. Low heat output. Seamless. Not a single problem! Maybe I’m just lucky, but usually if there’s a bad one in the stack, I end up with it – but not this time. No RRoD, no sticky disk tray, no disk scratches, no problems whatsoever. Like I had hoped, the Arcade model has the quiet, clean looking, faster performing BenQ DVD-ROM drive, the quiet brush-less fans, the larger 512MB internal memory for storing content (about 240MB is available for use out of the box with NXE using the rest), the superior Jasper chipset, and the excellent HDMI port and support.
With prices so affordable on the awesome array of 360 games, and the hardware issues seemingly solved, I believe this is the console to beat. I currently have Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts, Kameo, and Orange Box. I’m horribly impressed with all of them from a gameplay perspective, and visually with the HDMI port that this model also has, even compared to the best PS3 games (I have KZ2, MotorStorm series, LBP (which IS awesome), Resistance series, Heavenly Sword, Uncharted and more). Do yourself a favor, get this model, a quick charge kit, and a Live Starter pack (with a 60GB drive), and you’ll be very happy for about $299. I went with a 120GB drive, because I’m installing all of my games to the HDD, but not everyone will need that ability. I can assure you though, 60GB will be a good size if you’re actively using the MarketPlace for demos and original games.
It’s a tough decision to recommend PS3 over 360, or vice-verca. PS3 lacks some features 360 has (360 has HDD installs, superior integrated online system, HD upscaling support in all titles, anti-aliasing in all titles (clearer visuals), custom soundtracks in all titles – achievements (yes, they certainly matter from a gameplay perspective) and IMO a better controller now that I’ve used it more). But PS3 has some features 360 doesn’t (BluRay, built in WiFi, free online, built in rechargeable controllers, and some motion control – plus BluTooth is handy). It really comes down to exclusive software, and weighing the few hardware differences against the software on each. It should be noted that if power consumption is a problem, Jasper 360’s use 150W, and PS3 slim (lowest power model) uses 250W.
With a week under my belt, unless the hardware fails and bursts my bubble of happiness with this system, I’d rate them in order of gaming value: 360/PS3/Wii. Tough call on Wii and PS3. I love my PS3, but I also love me some Nintendo games – I always have. Wii has some great things going for it, but for a purely value-for-your-dollar perspective, 360 is king as far as I’m concerned. From a software perpective, 360 is very hard to beat as well. From an online perspective, 360 is still on top (at the moment). Wii has great pop-corn software – good for short bursts of fun/exciting play. I love it for that, and it really shines there – and to it’s credit it has a few solid core titles that any gamer will enjoy like Zelda and Metroid. PS3 is more ‘elite’ than 360 in build quality, appearance, and uses. It’s a great component for a high-end Home Theater (I primarily use mine for that as well) – it’s a great BluRay player and overall multimedia machine. 360, however, from my 1 week use perspective feels like, looks like, and plays like the best purely gamer oriented system that’s built to give you the meat N potatoes gaming you want for a great price.
I hope this review is helpful to someone, and I hope it is not misleading. I firmly recommend prospective buyers to try all 3 systems for themselves at demo stations or at friends homes. Ask friends which console they use more (bearing in mind if they were launch 360 buyers, you’ll probably hear about RRoD – which with this model I hope is no longer a factor against purchasing a 360). Never base a purchase solely on reviews. Do some research, make an informed decision – then reep the benefits (like me).
UPDATE – 12-12-09:
My 360 is still going strong and working perfect. I’ve been enjoying it a ton. I’ve had a lot of time with both PS3 and 360 now. My honest take on 360 is that it has an edge on software quality across the board, and even software diversity compared to PS3 – but it still pales in comparison to PS3 on the multimedia front. PS3 is a very solid contender, don’t get me wrong – but 360 is just more affordable to enjoy. I will say this though after months of use, my biggest grive is that 360 is much louder than PS3 in all aspects, and it can be intrusive. The disk drive and the fans are more than twice as loud as a PS3. Installing games to the HDD helps a lot with that issue, however.
As for my experience with Live at this point – PSN is quickly catching up, and with trophies being so widely available, Live is beginning to lose it’s edge (Especially as a payed service). My only other gripe as time has gone on, is that the 360 interface feels like a ’store’ more than than a personal entertainment device. Every one of the tiers in the NXE has something in it that requires you to spend money (either on a gold subscription to even view a lot of content, or for DLC content for most of the software). It’s a little less appealing than the personal content that XMB is built around. There is a lot of free content (videos mainly, and a few ‘apps’), but the overall design of NXE isn’t quite as ‘open’ or personal as XMB – everything you do with NXE costs you something it seems like (from themes, to backgrounds, to even avatar cloths and accessories).
I would still give the edge to 360 for ‘gaming’ value. Most games (not all games to be certain) just look more crisp on 360, run smoother, and offer a better online connected system on 360 compared to PS3 – and usually for a lower price. I would also still give the value-for-your-dollar edge to 360 as well if you mix and match parts wisely. If you don’t, however, PS3 comes out a little more more affordable/valuable due to including rechargeable batteries in the controllers ($19 on 360), built in WiFi (~$69-$99 on 360), a built in HDD (~$99 on 360), free online ($50 a year on 360), and several other features unlikely to come to 360 (BluRay, BlueTooth, built in motion control, memory card readers, etc). They come out pretty close either way, but the built-in value edge goes to PS3.
I enjoy both consoles a lot, but I find myself wanting to play my 360 more in general thanks to the software. And I also love the 360 controller, it really is an excellent design for traditional games, and feels like a step forward from the standard PS3 controller design that’s been around since the 90’s. I’m really looking forward to Natal, and I think just about anyone can find something to love on 360.
But like very console, the games sell the hardware – and the reason to buy a 360 ultimately rests on that one attribute. That’s really up to you to decide. You can’t go wrong with either console, and if price is not a factor on your entertainment experience, PS3 is an excellent buy as the world moves towards BluRay and HDMI based audio/video systems. It is geared to take advantage of them better going forward, and the games are really starting to deliver on PS3.
If/when Natal comes out, I will have it, and I’ll update this review again with further impressions.
Rating: 5 / 5
This review is in reference to the 512 MB Jasper chipset Arcade XBox 360..
This is a very good strategy for Microsoft to push the newer Jasper chipset through the “Arcade” pipeline…first. It makes sense that MS would make a barebones version available to those who are currently experiencing the RRoD and do not want to ship off their console to McAllen, TX to only end up receiving someone elses refurbished headache.
Why not offer the the new chipset for for lowest price point SKU? Most everyone had bought either the Pro or Elite versions and already have component cables and headset. The only thing needed would be a reliable console.
MS is simply pushing the older chipsets (Xenon, Zephyr and Falcon) through the Pro and Elite SKU’s to clear those inventories before releasing the more efficient Jasper in the more expensive versions.
Just look at it as a way for MS to throttle you in a new way with their poor design and manufacturing processes. If this doesn’t work, you can always wait for future chipset Valhalla/Opus.
By the way…whoever thought the Jasper would allow the 360 to run quieter was just fooling themself (and us). The only way that can happen is to install and play the game from the HDD. That is highly unlikely if you have a large library of games that you play frequently and you have limited space on the HDD. Here’s to hoping the rumors are true of a 1TB HDD to store all of your media.
Rating: 5 / 5
Picked up the Xbox 360 Arcade version from Walmart today after my original 06 Xbox 360 went down with it’s 3rd RRoD last week! I already had many Xbox 360 games and I was at the point should I get the piece of garbage fixed again, or a playstation 3 and start over with games or get this new jasper chip Xbox 360 since I have a library of 360 games. Well with the Arcade version and the updated jasper chip I went with the new Arcade Xbox 360. MS had to do something because I and all the other RRoD owners weren’t going to fork over dough to get the same garbage again. This Arcade version with the Jasper chip I feel was definitely made and released for the RRoD (red Ring of Death) Xbox 360 owners.
I mean we already have all the extra stuff from our RRoD 360 system so just give us the console that won’t die on us and that’s what MS hopefully did.
It doesn’t come with a Hard Drive but I used my HD from the RRoD Xbox 360 system and I install my HD before start up and it worked perfectly. It comes with a standard AV cable but if you are a previous RRoD owner you can use your Standard/HD cable, that is what I am using now.
It also has a HDMI port but you will need to purchase a HDMI cable if you want to use the HDMI so I’ll get a cable later for it. It comes with a wireless controller so that is a $40 savings, you can’t have too many controllers.
I gave this 4 stars because the DVD player still makes too much noise and the jasper chip has not been tested over time yet. But the Xbox 360 is great entertainment when working.
If you are in the market for your first Xbox 360 console then get the Arcade Version with the Jasper chip and buy a HD and other accessories for it. Stay away from the Garbage Xbox 360 systems with out the jasper chip if not you will be just asking for the infamous Red Ring of Death!
Note if getting it from Walmart: the boxes say 256mb but their add says 512mb so I looked at and around product ID area and saw the 12.1A so I bought it and it is the 512mb system. My family is back up playing Xbox 360 again. Also purchased the High School Musical 3 dance game. Daughter loves it and it actually is fun for the wife and me the old man.
Rating: 4 / 5