Difference Between Xbox 360 Core and Xbox 360 “Preimum”
The Xbox 360 is available in two flavors, regular and lite. The Maniac sez, get a "Premium" 360 with all the goodies. You'll be glad you did.
The Xbox 360 "Premium"
The main Xbox kit, is really just "Xbox 360." It has gained the "premium" name by the public, in order to easily tell the difference.
It also comes in a white box, easy to spot for all 360 maniacs. This is the one you want to see Santa bringing down the chimney.
The Xbox 360 sells for $399.00 and includes the following:
Console
Detachable hard drive (20 GB)
2.4 GHz Wireless Controller
Xbox-Live Headset
Component HD-AV cable
Xbox Live Silver membership
One month limited trial membership for Xbox Live Gold
Ethernet cable
Media Remote
The Xbox 360 Core System
The core system is just what the name says, the basic core console. This unit comes in the green box.
The Core System sells for $299 and includes:
Console
Wired Controller with 9ft break-away cable
Standard AV cable
Xbox Live Silver membership
One month limited trial membership for Xbox Live Gold
That's it!
So, if you get the green box (core system), you get no wireless on the controller, no hard drive, no xbox live headset, no ethernet cable and no media remote.
The biggest difference here, is the hard drive. Why? Cuz you need it or a memory unit to save games. The main reason though, is you need it to play your old original xbox games in their new widescreen High Definition glory.
Not worried about old games? Couldn't care less about wireless controllers? Don't have an hdtv? Not worried about save games? (huh?) You won't be playing xbox live? The core system might be for you, but if you answered no to all of these questions, why have a 360 in the first place?
The harddrive alone sells for $100. Why not pony it up to start with, and get the rest for no additional bucks?
Go for the white box, you'll be better off.
To see the differences between the Pro Vs. the Elite 360s, click here.
Here are a few listings at ebay to find one of these cheap:
 Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro System - 60 GB with HDMI !  US $41.00
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 Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro System - 60 GB US $215.00
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 Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro System - 20 GB (NTSC) US $112.50
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Comments (79)
[...] I broke down the specific differences of Core vs. Premium earlier. [...]
WHEN IS XBOX 360 GONNA COME IN STOCK!
Supposed to be in this weekend according to the news here:
http://www.360maniac.com/2005/11/29/xbox-360s-in-stock-this-weekend/
Don’t hold your breath though. Who knows how many we’ll see.
Hmm, cant say I agree. “but if you answered no to all of these questions, why have a 360 in the first place?” Well firstly, “Not worried about old games?”, frankly no, the reason I’m buying one is so i can be a next gen gamer playing next-gen games. “Couldn’t care less about wireless controllers?” nope… “Don’t have an hdtv?” No I’m not in the oil or law business unfortunately, my 21″ Widescreen Standard definition will have to do. “Not worried about save games? (huh?)” well, surely i can purchase a memory device or even a hard drive if i see fit. “You won’t be playing xbox live?” Does it not say in your Core version details that it does infact come with the same Silver membership and Gold Trial as the premium version?
All in all, apart from the media remote and headset (which to be honest cost peanuts seperately anyway) I’d say the Core system is a much better deal than people are making out. AND much less hassle to pre-order…
Agreed, if you don’t need any of those things, Core may be for you. I would think you’re in the minority though.
>“Not worried about save games? (huh?)” well, surely i can purchase a memory device or even a hard drive if i see fit.
Yep, but a hard drive will set you back $100. Why not spend that now? You could go the memory unit route, that’s only 40 bucks. Another 60 and you’ve got the complete package with hard drive.
>Does it not say in your Core version details that it does infact come with the same Silver membership and Gold Trial as the premium version?
Right, but you must have a storage device to contain your live account. You can’t get on live without a hard drive or memory unit, which take me back to the last point. Headset is cheap, but still adds to additional cost. So if you spend 20 bucks on a decent headset, then you’re 40 bucks away from a premium kit to start with.
To play on live or save your games, you’ll need to spend another 40 bucks. Going the additional 60 now gets you a hard drive and live headset instead of the memory unit.
The hard drive gives you much more space for game saves, custom in-game soundtracks from your own music selection and downloads of new maps for FPS games.
All that said, you’re right, a core is easier to get hold of for all these reasons. If you can get hold of one now and don’t mind adding accessories as you see fit, go for it.
If both are readily available, I still think the clear choice for most gamers is the premium kit.
I agree with everything you’ve said and also thank you for clarifying a few details I was previously sketchy on. But one more thing if I may…
In the Premium package does the Xbox Hard Drive come built-in (as in is it detacheable from the main unit)? Probably a very silly question, but you never know.
Thanks for your time.
Yes, the HD is detachable. Both console units in the core and premium package are exactly the same, except for one costmetic difference.
You can attach/remove the HD unit on the console the same on either one.
BTW, the cosmetic difference is a chrome drive door on the Premium. The Core is the standard white plastic.
For the console unit itself, everything else is exactly the same.
Thanks for visiting!
where is a place to buy a premium right now?
premium or core now as of Dec 20 their is no difference! I looked at both packages and noticed that MSFT has taken out the DVD remote from the bundle evening things out from the Core and Premium, Do the math youll find out that its really no big deal.
Core Premium
xbox 360 Xbox 360
controller wireless controller
Av cables HD cables
………
Premium or Core now as of Dec 20 their is no difference! I looked at both packages and noticed that MSFT has taken out the DVD remote from the bundle evening things out from the Core and Premium, Do the math youll find out that its really no big deal. Unless if the “chrome” finish on the premium matters you should be ok, seriously before you saved about 40 dollars because of the DVD remote, but now its not included and also keep in mind that if you get the premium you will have a wireless controll and thus have to buy a play and charge kit which will add $40 more. Seriously having a corded controller is a great thing and is worth it considering the inconvenience of running low on batteries in the middle of an online brawl or loosing your control, or constantly changing batteries because of all the power the rumble feature will suck up. It’s to much work, sure you can show off to your friends as you play halo 2 from your toilet, but then consider the 2.4ghz frequency which will interphere with your wireless phone. Wireless is a bad idea, waste of money and precious power. Im for the core all the way not that i cant afford the premium but the core has everything you need to start playing, that is why BB is pushing the Premium on customers in order to sell you more junk you might not really need, and they know that you just want to get your hands on the x360 but to do so you will have to pay the price. Once the holiday is over the Core will reign supreme in the price battle against the ps3.