Customer Reviews

Xbox 360 Elite [Old Version]

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

It so happens that I have both consoles and so I can see good and bad aspects of each one and be able to compare them more or less objectively.

Xbox 360 is, at the moment, a more mature platform of the two. You can see it first of all from rich selection of available games (including exclusives, that you can not find on any other platform). Xbox 360 has better user interface, with features that PS3 either totally lacks at the moment (like video rental service) or implemented poorly (Xbox 360 Marketplace is by far better then PS3 store). It's hard to explain without actually seeing each system, but, ironically, Sony's PS3 feels more like a computer with it's open system design and awkward user interface, while Microsoft's Xbox 360 feels like an actual gaming console with refined interface while a proprietary system design. Who would have thought, heh?

From the games, that are available on both platforms, Xbox 360 versions are, as the rule, a better option. This is not because PS3 lacks in computing power. Far from that. PS3 actually has more potential in what it can deliver. But the reason Xbox versions play and look better is because most of the developers currently create their games for Xbox 360 in the first place, and then port them to other platforms (PS3, PC). As a result, a lot of fine-tuning and additional content that is done on XBox 360 is left behind, when PS3 version is finally released. The situation should improve in the future as developers get more familiar with PS3 architecture and larger PS3 market share should make developers pay more attention to these releases.

Of course, not all news are bad for PS3. PS3 has some truly alluring stuff that keeps people looking back at this console, even if there are not many games released for it yet. Hardware-wise, PS3 is a marvel of the modern computing. It has such built-in exclusives, as Blue-Ray Movies Play, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, support for Lynux OS (for all the geeks out there) and the list goes on. Another very important aspect for the army of the current PS2 owners, is a backward compatibility for the majority of the PS1 and PS2 game library (~ 80% on the 80Gb version, close to 100% on 60Gb version, but completely absent on a 40Gb edition). Xbox 360 can at best preach around 60% support for it's original Xbox titles. If you currently own PS2 games and are thinking on upgrading to PS3 soon, you can check the status of your belowed titles at "http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleStatus" link.

PS3 controller has some "Wii-style" features in it as it can detect movemement in several planes. Newer PS3 games take advantage of this, resulting in some cases in a more natural control of the game. Even included in 80GB bundle Motorstorm game allows you to steer your vehicle with the subtle movements of the controller, rather then relying on stick.
Unfortunately, current sixasis controllers lack force feedback (new controllers will be released in spring 2008 that will add force feedback back). There is also tactile difference between Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers. I, personally, prefer slightly larger and more rounded Xbox 360 controller as it fits very nicely in your hands allowing you to relax palms as you grip it for a prolonged periods. Sony's controllers are smaller and leave your palms hanging in the air, as you grip controller with fingers alone. Try playing 2-3 hours straight and you can start feeling the difference and appreciate Microsoft's design. Both controllers are wireless with PS3 edition featuring built-in battery and USB connection for charging and Microsoft providing optional battery pack and charging cable or AA battery support. There are advantages to both approaches.

HDTV support, is now equal on either system. Xbox 360 used to lack HDMI interface for pure digital picture, but later editions have it built-in and both systems support up to 1080P signal to your TV. Of course, not many people still have HDTVs and so they can not appreciate all the glory that high-resolution games can provide on big screens.

Both Xbox 360 and PS3 can connect to your home network (if you have one) and be able to play video/audio/picture files from your home PCs. Microsoft has a built-in support for Windows Media XP features, while PS3 requires some sort of media server software running on your PC to be able to share media files with the console. One excellent and free media server software out there is TVersity (http://tversity.com/download/) that will allow you to share and stream to PS3 (or Xbox 360 for that matter) a huge variety of video and audio formats, residing in the PC world.

Online play is better done on Xbox. Yes, it costs $40-$50 per year to play online, while on PS3 it is free. But Microsoft is dedicated to support it's network both from capacity and feature wise, resulting in, overall, more pleasant experience for both gamers and game developers, who do not have to concentrate on supporting their games network backbone. If you spend a lot of time online, consider Xbox 360 as a better buy.

Finally, one aspect, that not many people pay close attention to but should is platform reliability. Microsoft's Xbox 360 was initially so poorly designed, that close to 30% of all consoles were broken within first 2 years of its existence. This resulted in huge customer dissatisfaction and forced Microsoft to offer refunds, extend it's warranty and completely redesign the system for the newer editions. PS3, so far, has avoided much negativity and looks like a more stable platform of the two.

In summary, if you have to decide which platform to buy for the next generation of games, the answer is not simple. If you plan on mostly playing games (especially online), I would recommend going with Xbox 360. Microsoft has also recently implemented an excellent parental control on how much time your child can spend playing games and using the system. If you are busy parents and worry that your children will neglect studying and other activities to the detriment of playing, this is a very strong argument towards choosing Xbox 360. On the other hand, if support for Wi-Fi and Blue-Ray movies is important to you, as well as future system expandability (whatever it may be) PS3 becomes a clearer choice.

Good luck with your purchase!

Note: This is not a review of "having an Xbox 360". I did a full review of that already, on the base XBox 360 unit. We have had one since launch and we LOVE it and play it far more than we ever touch our Wii or PS3. This review is specifically about our upgrade to an XBox 360 elite.

The Xbox 360 Elite - with its shiny black case - is the latest version of the Xbox 360 with several important upgrades. First, it comes with a 120 gig hard drive, which is very important for people who love to download games, music and movies. Next, it comes with a built in HDMI port!

First, the disk space. We got an Xbox 360 base unit right when it first came out, and we play *constantly*. It was very easy to get those 20 gig of space on the basic hard drive filled up with all sorts of things. We had music to play as background music in some games, we had lots of game demos we were trying out. We had videos to watch and downloadable games from the marketplace. We definitely needed more space.

For graphics, we can easily notice that the video quality from the HDMI feed is better than what we were getting from the high def feed on the regular Xbox 360. The regular one offers component (red-green-blue) as its only high def feed. So if you're a gamer with a high def TV and want the best quality signal, you'll be happy about this HDMI output.

Yes, you get a black wireless controller, a black headset and Live Silver membership along with this package. But really, most Xbox gamers have those things already. And most of them have Gold Live, since without Gold you can't play online. So these three things are certainly nice to have, but not a reason you would buy the Elite system.

The package comes with a single disc containing 2 games - Forza and Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Both are old games and not that thrilling; we had them already. Still, free games are at least things you can give away to friends.

Perhaps best of all, the Elite has a new motherboard inside it which is much more reliable. It's called a FALCON. How can you tell what motherboard your Xbox 360 has? Here's the trick. It works for any 360

* Turn your 360 off and take off the hard drive and remove the game.
* Turn the unit upside down.
* Put a flashlight directly against the bottom grill.
* Look in from the SIDE grill at the inside of your 360.

If you see 3 red rings that "stick up" from the green motherboard, you have an old launch motherboard. If you see 3 red rings that "lay flat" on that motherboard, it's the middle Zephyr version. If you have only TWO red rings that lay flat, you've got a Falcon!

I highly recomend having an Xbox 360 in your house for gaming, and I highly recommend going with the Elite. The hard drive space is VERY useful, the HDMI graphics are great, and having a 360 in general is just superb. Again, we literally play with the 360 all the time and rarely touch our other systems. The whole reason we had to get an Elite is that we were fighting over who could play on the 360 even though we have all these other game systems in the house.

Highly recommended.

Ok, in response to the two negative reviews...yes, there is the possibility of the RRoD. For the record, PS3 is also experiencing the high temp failure. I, however, am now on my second Xbox 360. The first one I got on launch day, 11/22/05 and sold it recently after facing exactly ZERO problems with it. Keep your Xbox in an area that is well venelated (needs lots of airflow to keep the system cool). I have a friend that has been using the Nyko Intercooler on 2 of his 3 Xbox 360's and he's had ZERO problems with all three. If you get the intercooler make sure you pick up the EX model as the plug has been redesigned to avoid the melting issue.

As for this system itself. Easiest way to do this is to consider that if you buy a Pro or Halo edition, you will then need to spend $50 on the HDMI cable (if you are going to use it). You'd save $50 if you bought the Pro, but you'd be lacking the 120gb hard drive (only has 20gb). Big deal? Lots of good downloads from themes to gamertag pics to movies (in SD and HD)so the room is very nice. If you bought the Halo console you'd be even price wise, but you'd lose out on the two games (no Holiday bundle with Halo console) and you'd still only have a 20gb hard drive.

This system seems to run cooler and quieter than my launch system. I play Halo online for up to 6 hours at a time (with 5 minute breaks every hour or so) and it is still only luke warm for me. Mine is in an entertainment center behind a glass door...so I leave the door open when I play to allow airflow.

The games are full versions, not trials or demos. Online play is possible and quite fun. Only comes with one controller so pick up at least one extra and I would HIGHLY recommend the rechargable battery packs (since I have gone through 3 sets of batteries in 2 weeks). Now I just recharge my battery pack every few days and I'm set.

The only reason I gave this only 4 stars is because some retailers are repackaging older Elites that didn't sell (like mine is). This means no chance of a Falcon chipped Elite. The Falcon chipped units use less power supposedly, although the 360's won't really run cool until the 65nm GPU's are put into use (supposedly mid-2008).

Just to follow up on this since it is in the comments, but thought I would add it here. Regarding the PS3 heat vs 360...my PS3 runs WAY hotter than my 360, but since it usually sits (along with the Wii) I don't worry too much. I actually know more people that have had to have their PS3 replaced than 360's with RRoD. And considering I know 5x the number of 360 owners...well, you come to the conclusion.

I purchased a 360 elite bundle with forza & ultimate alliance and I confirmed it does have the new "falcon" chipset (new power brick with 175w power rating and 2 inductors laying flat). On my box the sticker with team and lot # was covered with a new sticker which does not have that info on it. Microsoft does this now to make sure all old versions sell and not just new ones with new chips. I purchased mine 12/10/07 and it is great! QUIETER AND COOLER! Here is a site that gives you information, and shows you how to check which version of chipset you have:
http://forums.xbox.com/15804553/ShowPost.aspx

Basically the new falcon chips ARE in the 360 elites but its kind of the luck of the draw unless you search the stores for certain lot #'s and such but again microsoft started covering up the stickers with that info.

XBOX 360 OFFERS BEST OVERALL GAMING EXPERIENCE OF ALL SYSTEMS!!

received our 360 elite value bundle monday 11/12/07 - box was resealed after bonus games added - stickers on box ('go big' not preprinted) original lot# and team sticker was covered by another sticker - serial number indicates manufactured June 2007 (ie: lot 0724 - made in the 24th week of 2007) confirmed as a Zephyr motherboard via heatsink, Hitachi drive - like many was hoping for a falcon board - oh well - hoping it will be reliable! so far so good - 3 stars as the product received did not match the one pictured (relabeled, resealed, etc)

Best system out if you are into serious gaming. I have the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii and I only play the Xbox 360 regularly. It has the best exclusives and all the multiplatform games are usually better on the 360 because of Xbox live.

If you don't plan on downloading alot of movies/tv shows, then you're probably better off saving $100 and going with the Pro bundle with 2 free games.

You should know that right now the 360 Elite is the best console money can buy - it has more games, the best controller, the best online service, and FINALLY it's free from RROD problems, since the introduction of the latest hardware revision, codenamed Falcon. You can all google to find out how to recongnize falcon chips inside the most recent 360s.

Well, the thing is you I got this from Amazon on December 19th, when it was on stock after a long sold out period. Figured that they would send me the latest Elite model, since they were sold out for so long before that... To my surprise, I got an Elite manufactured on AUGUST 2006. TWO FRIGGING THOUSAND AND SIX. Its seal was void and the two games (Forza and Marvel) were put inside the box, then it was resealed. And, on top of it all, the game case was all broken inside. No need to say I returned it and bought another one at Circuit City.

So, long story short, the Elite is worth every penny, BUT you should first check that it was manufactured after (and including) NOVEMBER 2007 (the power brick should eat 175w, and not 203w ou 205w). Then you should be good, cause it's the newer Falcon motherboard. So, don't get from Amazon, cause they seem to have a bunch of older Elites lying around, seals broken and game cases inserted. That's it.

I bought my XBOX 360 Elite from Best Buy. I went into the store, and like other reviewers have noticed, the sticker with the lot # was covered up with another sticker. The employee was looking at me funny because I was holding a bunch of the boxes up to the light at different angles, trying to see if I could get a glimpse of the lot #. I finally told him what I was looking for, and he said "Oh! All of these have the new processor in them." I was thinking to myself, yeah right. I asked to make sure, "you mean everyone of these has the new Falcon inside them?" and he said yes, all of the boxes with GoBig printed on them are Falcons. (And all the boxes there did have the preprinted logo on it.) I paid for the system, took it home, and held my breath as I opened the box. I went straight for the power supply, sure enough, 175 watts. I did the flashlight test to be sure, two flat inductors. I bought mine on the 21st of December. All the Premium systems there were Falcons too, the sticker was not covered up, and all of them said 175 Watts on them. I had two concerns, how loud are the fans and the drive going to be? I played Halo 3 that night, and the fans are quiet, A+ there! The DVD drive? Only slightly noisy, but not bothersome, and the game turned up to only medium volume drowned out the noise. GREAT system, glad I chose it over the PS3 (I will admit though, I might pick one of those up too when I have the funds ;)

When I first purchased the xbox 360 elite it was great.The thing that topped it off was the xbox live. Yet, even though it has been fun there is one MAJOR down side that I heard of but have not experienced until last week when I turned on my system and got the 3 red rings known as the "red rings of death". During research, I had discovered that this is the only system that has a high percentage of technical problems and it not reliable. None with the Wii, and none with the PS3. Almost everyone I know that has this system has experienced some difficulty after owning it for a few months. The good thing is that microsoft pays for all the shipping and handling expenses but the the cons are that it takes five buisness days to get the return box and then another 3 weeks for them to fix it. My point in all of this is that obviously the xbox 360 elite/xbox 360 has many difficulties that should be addressed. I DO NOT reccomend getting this system when you could get the Wii for less than half the price. Also, when you could get the PS3 for a little more money but no problems with the system and you don't have to pay extra for the online or live service(s). Consider other systems before you purchase this one...

I DO NOT RECCOMEND THE XBO 360 ELITE!!!!!!!!!!

The first xbox 360 I received was new, and not resealed. I ordered it right after christmas , ~dec 27 2007. I confirmed it was a Falcon, but on cold power-up, it would give me the red rings of death, and won't work. It was not resealed, but there was a sticker over the original UPC.

So I returned it to Amazon, and Amazon quickly sent a replacement, total turn around was ~3 days. The new xbox is also Falcon, and it works great (I've had it for about a month now).

Ups:
Xbox Live is great.
The whole system and UI integrates digital media, games, online, everything.
Wireless controllers are great.
Hard drive is great for saved games.
Graphics are great (assassin's creed).

Downs:
Marvel sucks, forza is too real.
Expensive.
second controller is expensive.
xbox live is expensive.
microsoft points are stupid.
The xbox vibrates the floor and is loud.
MS is still shipping DOA product.

Overall, I think the system is suited for adults (18+). Most of the great titles and the online play is not for kids (without supervision). And the whole thing is designed for you to keep spending money (kids don't have money).