Enough Is Enough: Too Many Game Consoles! (Page 2 of 4)
- November 01, 2007 15:36 PM PST
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Table of Contents
Microsoft's Mixed Moves
Starting with the Xbox 360 launch in 2005, Microsoft released two versions of the console: the Core and Premium. The former was considered the "entry point" version, and for $299, consumers lost the hard drive, plus a wired (not wireless) controller and a composite (non-HD) video cable. The Premium version, priced at $399, included a 20GB hard drive, a wireless controller, and a component (HD) cable. There is a significant difference these two versions, though the former was useless unless purchased with a memory unit or hard drive, bringing the cost up near the more expensive Premium console.
In short, that strategy didn't make much sense. The Core model was mostly ignored in favor of the more sensible Premium SKU.
Microsoft's redundancy was more apparent with introduction of the Xbox 360 Elite at $449, which was a Premium model dressed up with a black case, an HDMI port, and a bigger hard drive. But gamers were frustrated that this supposedly "Elite" model lacked Wi-Fi internet, an inexpensive feature found on both the Wii and PS3. So for an additional $149, gamers got a very modest upgrade.
Confusing, isn't it? (image courtesy of Wikipedia)
Recently Microsoft killed off the Core model, replacing it with a similar Arcade SKU. Priced at $279, this new Arcade model again skips the hard drive, but offers a generous 256MB memory card that is a great short-term storage option. It also adds the wireless controller, a nice bonus. But is the Arcade SKU too little, too late? Its included memory card and wireless controller should have been included with the Core system two years ago. Why the hold out?
And finally, to complicate things even more, a special Halo-themed version of the Premium edition released alongside Halo 3. It included a 20GB hard drive, and the new HDMI video port. That brings the total to five different versions of the Xbox 360 in just over two years.
The Verdict
Number of different Xbox 360 SKUs: 4 (5 counting the Halo 3 edition)
Best Buy: Xbox 360 Arcade. This newest console version sports a HDMI port, a large memory unit, and a wireless controller. Adding a future hard drive is always an option, but you might not even miss it - 256MB is plenty if you only care about game saves and the like.
Steer Clear: Xbox 360 Elite. High price tag and no integrated Wi-Fi. The addition of HDMI, more hard drive space and a new black casing don't even get close to warranting the $449 retail price.
