by Craig Buck

Created on: January 04, 2010   Last Updated: March 22, 2010

==Introduction==

The Xbox 360 console is Microsoft’s follow up to the original Xbox which hardly pulled up any trees.  Released in November 2005, the 360 quickly became a worldwide hit.  The main reason for this was that Microsoft were able to build up their market share a full 12 months before Sony released the Playstation 3.  Since its release Microsoft has continuously added extra content to the console including its magnificent Xbox Live Service in order to keep one step ahead of Sony.

==Different Versions==

There are currently 3 different versions of the Xbox 360.  All of these are able to play every single Xbox game ever released but with the higher spec models you get a lot of extras which, as the console matures will be essential items to futureproof the console.  All 3 versions allow for HD gaming via the HDMI port which give you amazing looking content.

===Arcade===

This is the baby of the family.  The Arcade version is perfect for novice gamers who are finding out what the Xbox 360 console is all about.  The Arcade comes with wired controllers and a 256Mb memory module.  The Arcade does not come with a hard disk drive which means that playing online via Xbox Live is not possible on most games due to the amount of disk space required to save games and extra content.  A hard disk can be added at a later time but if you think you might want to go down this path then I would recommend giving the Arcade a miss and moving on to the Premium.

===Premium===

Microsoft are currently phasing out the Premium console but currently, this is the best selling version of the 360.  This console is white, like the arcade but boasts a 60Gb hard disk drive and comes with wireless controllers as standard.  Originally the Premium came with a 20Gb hard disk so if someone offers you one of these, kindly decline as it will be very old stock and will be more susceptible to breakdown.

===Elite===

This is where Microsoft would like all their gamers to be.  The Elite is the newest of the Xbox family and has been given a nice shiny black shell as if to convey its superiority.  In real terms however, the only difference between the Elite and the Premium is that the Elite comes with a 120Gb hard disk drive.  Up until recently, it also came with the HDMI cable but for reasons only Microsoft can explain, they stopped supplying this, meaning that you would have to buy this yourself or make do with the composite

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