Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade (XGX-00019)
Starting at: $306.66

CNET Editors' Take
Editors' note: As of September 2009, Microsoft will only sell two Xbox 360 models. The Xbox 360 Arcade is the entry-level model of the two. Unlike the company's premium offering--the Xbox 360 Elite--the Arcade only comes with 256MB of storage, no headset, and no network cable. Besides these omissions, and the fact that the Arcade is white, there are no other differences among the two offerings.
However, as a result, in its default out-of-the-box configuration, the Xbox 360 Arcade's limited storage capacity precludes it from being able to play original Xbox games and download most content (such ... Expand full review
Editors' note: As of September 2009, Microsoft will only sell two Xbox 360 models. The Xbox 360 Arcade is the entry-level model of the two. Unlike the company's premium offering--the Xbox 360 Elite--the Arcade only comes with 256MB of storage, no headset, and no network cable. Besides these omissions, and the fact that the Arcade is white, there are no other differences among the two offerings.
However, as a result, in its default out-of-the-box configuration, the Xbox 360 Arcade's limited storage capacity precludes it from being able to play original Xbox games and download most content (such as demos and videos) from Xbox Live's online Marketplace.
We cannot fully recommend the Xbox 360 Arcade for the fact that it is missing a hard drive--somewhat of a must-have accessory for the console if you're interested in saving game progress or playing original Xbox games. Although an add-on hard drive can be purchased for the Xbox 360 Arcade (120GB for $140), the combined price brings the overall cost above what you'd pay for the superior Xbox 360 Elite.
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Before covering video games and gear for CNET Reviews, Jeff Bakalar worked in film and video production. He's a gamer, comic book nut, and a diehard New Jersey Devils fan. Off the ice you can catch him live every day as the co-host of CNET's infamous podcast, The 404, or every week on preGame.
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 8 of 8 users found this review helpful
"excellent value...if you do it right..." By svc4you
Pros Quite a few upgrades from the Core system. If you plan it out right, you can end up spending way less than what they would have you believe. EVEN without having the hard drive.
Cons the fact that it doesn't even come with the old 20GB HD is still a big detraction.
Summary Bottom line, if you're smart, you can get this system and buy your upgrades on a website that rhymes with the word "Hay" and begins with an "E". You'll spend less than the upgraded versions and for most people this edition of the system will satisfy them completely. ... Expand full review
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Specifications
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- Product Description: Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade - Game console
- Media Type: DVD
- Processor: IBM PowerPC 3 cores 3.2 GHz