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A Late Adopter's Guide To The Xbox 360

by Ben Reeves on Apr 02, 2015 at 10:30 AM

While a lot of gamers are moving onto the new-gen consoles, not everyone experienced the benefits of Microsoft's system during the last generation. Thankfully, it's not too late. Not only is the hardware cheaper, but there is a greater wealth of Xbox 360 content to explore than ever before. Microsoft's Xbox 360 is an entertainment system that could provide you with a nearly limitless number of entertainment hours. Whether you spent the last decade playing on other systems or are just looking for an economical way to get into gaming, here is everything you need to know to make the most out of the Xbox 360.

Also, don't miss our Late Adopter's Guide To The PlayStation 3.

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SYSTEM

How Many Different Models Are There?
Traditionally, there weren't many differences between the various versions of a video game console. Years after a console's original release, the publisher might have created a streamlined version, but this was usually just a sleeker iteration the original that didn't function much differently. These days, the choice of a console model has gotten a lot more complicated. Deciding which model to purchase depends on which one you want to hunt down, how much hard drive space you think you need, and how reliable you think the system will be. Here’s a quick breakdown of the many different Xbox 360 versions.

Core Model – This is part of the first wave of 360s Microsoft released in November 2006. The system came bundled with a composite video cable (only capable of standard definition), shipped with a wired version of the Xbox 360 controller, and did not have a hard drive.
Premium Model – Also released in November of 2006, this model was similar to the Core model but included a hybrid composite/component capable of HD output, a wireless controller, and a 20 GB detachable hard drive.
Xbox 360 Elite – Released in April 2007, this version of the system looked very similar to the original Premium model except that it featured a matte black finish and had a 120 GB hard drive.
Xbox 360 Arcade – Replacing the original Core Model, Microsoft released this entry-level Xbox 360 in October of 2007. Like the Core, it also didn't have a hard drive, but came bundled with a 256MB memory card and a disc that featured five Xbox Live Arcade titles: Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Pac-Man Championship Edition, and Uno.
Xbox 360 Super Elite – Originally released in November of 2009, this 250GB version of the system was bundled with a variety of games including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Forza Motorsport 3, Halo 3, and Halo 3: ODST.
Xbox 360 S 250GB Model – The Xbox 360 S (or 360 Slim) marked the system's first major redesign. Released in June of 2010, this 250GB version of the system featured a smaller case with a glossy black finish. This version of 360 replaced the Xbox 360 Elite. Starting in 2011, Microsoft started releasing the Xbox 360 S with a matte finish.
Xbox 360 S 4GB Model – Released only a few months after the 360 S 250GB, this cheaper model featured a 4GB hard drive and replaced the Xbox 360 Arcade Model. It also featured a matte finish from day one.
Xbox 360 E – Microsoft's second major redesign for the system, this more rectangular, two-tone color design shared some design traits with the company's Xbox One. This most modern design comes with 4GB, 250GB, and 500GB hard drive variants.

But Which System Should I Buy?
If you're getting an Xbox 360 for the first time, your best bet is to look for a Xbox 360 S or E system. We generally recommend the E, since it has more storage space.

Do I Still Need To Worry About The Red Ring Of Death?
When the Xbox 360 first released, users reported a high number of console failures. The original design was prone to overheating, which sometimes caused a hardware failure. This failure was designated by three flashing red quadrants on the ring around the 360's power button, which earned it the nickname the "Red Ring of Death." This was primarily a problem with 360 consoles produced before the Xbox 360 S redesign, so you shouldn't have to worry about it if you're buying a brand new console today. However, you might still be able to find older models on the used market that are still at risk. Some versions of the original Xbox 360 design feature an updated chip design that makes them less likely to overheat. The best way to check for this is to look at the systems amperage rating. On the back of the system, to the lower left corner of the unit's bar code, you should see a series of number that might read something like 14.2A; 5V. The number before the A equals the number of amps used by the system. The higher this number is, the better off you are. Generally, anything higher than 14.2 amps is safe and likely won't cause a Red Ring of Death failure. If the system's amp rating is only 12 then it is more likely to suffer a system failure.

In short, if you're buying an Xbox 360 S or E, you shouldn't need to worry about the Red Ring. If you're buying an older model, then check its amperage rating.

A look at the back of an Original Xbox 360; the highlighted area is where you will find the system's amperage rating.

How Much Does A 360 Cost These Days?
The Xbox 360 E model is the most common system on the market these days, and the 4GB version generally retails for $199, while 250GB bundles are generally closer to $250. You can also find various older refurbished models for close to $99.

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GAMES

What Are The Best 360 Exclusives?
You may have already played many of the games in the 360's library on other systems, but the console had a few exclusive titles that you couldn't get on PS3 or Wii. Here's a quick rundown of some great games you should take a look at once you have a Xbox 360: Alan Wake, Blue Dragon, Crackdown, Fable II, Forza series, Gears of War series, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, Halo series, Left 4 Dead series, Lost Odyssey, Shadow Complex, Viva Pinata

Which Games Should I Buy?
If you haven’t been paying attention to 360 releases for the last few years, you might not know which games are worth your time. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

For those who love a good story: BioShock

Irrational Games' masterpiece has a complex artistic and thematic depth that highlights the way interactive entertainment can confront challenging ideas; it weaves together narrative, gameplay, and presentation to communicate a compelling message.
Also Try: BioShock Infinite, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, Red Dead Redemption, Mass Effect 2, The Walking Dead

For The Sports Buffs: NBA 2K11

Visual Concepts has consistently delivered one of the best basketball sims on the market, but the 2K11 entry lets fans take on the The Jordan Challenge and recreate the biggest moments from this icon's career.
Also Try: FIFA 14, Fight Night Round 3, MLB 14: The Show, NBA Jam, NHL 14, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14, Skate 2

For the thrill seekers: DMC: Devil May Cry

Ninja Theory pressed reset on Capcom’s classic action series while retaining its over-the-top action and zany thrills. The mechanics, gameplay, and environments in Devil May Cry are exactly what series fans will want, but this is still a perfect entry point for newcomers.
Also Try: Dead Space 2, Burnout Paradise, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, Dishonored, Bayonetta, Tomb Raider

For those who want bang for their buck: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Bethesda’s massive open-world RPG lets you live out your fantasy. Explore giant castles and underground caverns, then do battle with bloodthirsty dragons or get married and settle down to craft iron daggers.
Also Try: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Fallout 3, Darksiders II, Borderlands 2, The Orange Box

For those who dream of being a super hero: Batman: Arkham City

The Dark Knight soars through an open world taking down the Joker, Two-Face, and Penguin in this ambitious follow-up to Rocksteady’s surprising blockbuster, Batman: Arkham Asylum. Players use Batman's wealth of gadgets to sneak across Gotham's skyline before punching crime in the face.
Also Try: Injustice: Gods Among Us, Lego Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

For the creative type: Minecraft

Mojang’s epic building block simulator needs no introduction. The Xbox 360 might have slightly smaller worlds, but still emphasizes exploration and freedom, encouraging players to shape their world into anything they can dream.
Also Try: Disney Infinity, The Sims 3, Terraria, Tropico 5

For those looking for online action: Halo: Reach

Whether you’re raking in credits en route to that perfect suit, blasting through Firefight with three friends, or experimenting with the great Armor Abilities, Reach’s multiplayer keeps giving fans reasons to come back to this classic shooter years after its initial release.
Also Try: Battlefield 3, Grand Theft Auto V, Gears of War 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Splinter Cell: Blacklist

For those who like to throw a party: Rock Band 3

Like poker or chess, classic games never grow old. While Rock Band isn't the sensation it once was, just set four people in front of the game and watch the party explode. Rock Band 3’s massive selection of songs, as well as its mesmerizing guitar, drum, and keyboard simulation make it one of the best party games of all time.
Also Try: Castle Crashers, Dance Central, Kinect Party, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, You Don't Know Jack

For those who want to think: Portal 2

Not only is Portal 2 one of the funniest games on the market, its physics-bending portal mechanics set the stage for a wealth of creative environmental puzzles. The game’s co-op mode lets you and a friend tease your brains together.
Also Try: Braid, Fez, Limbo, Peggle, Plants vs. Zombies, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Which Games No Longer Support Online Play?
Buying old/used games is a great way to save cash, but online play is no longer supported for some titles. This is far from a complete list, but here is a list of games you may want to avoid if you're interesting in the multiplayer action. Note: some of these games still offer great single player experiences.

America's Army: True Soldiers
Army of Two
Battlefield 2: Modern Combat
Chromehounds
DiRT 2
College Hoops series
Crackdown 2
Def Jam Rapstar
Def Jam: Icon
EA Sports MMA
FaceBreaker
FIFA (any year before 12)
FIFA Street 3 series
Fight Night Round 3
Frontlines: Fuel of War
Lord of the Rings: Conquest
Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth 2
Madden NFL (any year before 2012)
Major League Baseball 2K series
NASCAR 08 series
NBA 2K series
NBA Jam
NBA Live series
NBA Street Homecourt
NCAA Basketball series
NCAA Football series
NCAA March Madness series
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Need for Speed: Pro Street
NFL Head Coach 09
NFL Tour
NHL 2K series
Phantasy Star Universe
Pro Evolution Soccer (any year before 2014)
Ridge Racer: Unbounded
Skate
Star Wars: Battle for Hoth
Test Drive Unlimited
The BIGS
The Godfather
The Godfather II
The Saboteur
The Simpsons
Tiger Woods PGA Tour (any year before 2012)
UFC 2010 Undisputed
UFC Undisputed 3
Warface
WWE 12
WWE All Stars
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011

Note: Microsoft has promised to keep its Xbox Live servers running up until 2016, so you still have time to do some online gaming with titles not listed here.

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SERVICES

Should I Subscribe To Xbox Live?
Unlike Sony’s approach to online gaming with the PS3, if you wanted to play games with other people online, you have to subscribe to Xbox Live, which has a subscription fee of about $60 a year. Many new games come with free trial offers if you'd like to try out the service before you buy it, but if you're looking to do a lot of online gaming you'll need to sign up. Even if you're not interested in online gaming, Xbox Live has a lot of added bonuses that make it a good deal. Members sometimes get exclusive discounts on games in the Xbox Store and even free games. In the past, Microsoft's monthly free game offerings haven't been as impressive as Sony's PSN Plus service, but have recently gotten better. Previously available titles include Fable III, Bioshock Infinite, and Tomb Raider. At the very least, the service is a good deal and a great way to bolster your game collection.

What Other Types Of Entertainment Does The Xbox 360 Provide?
The Xbox 360 is a great addition to any media hub. In addition to playing DVDs, you can download a variety of apps that give you a wealth of new ways to access your entertainment. Here's a quick list of some of the biggest apps for the 360:

A&E – Watch full episodes and clips from some of A&E’s most popular shows like Duck Dynasty, Storage Wars, and Bates Motel.
Amazon Instant Video – Buy or rent movies and TV shows and get access to Prime Instant Video's unlimited streaming.
Ameba – This independent children’s streaming TV provider features music and programming geared specifically for children 2-12.
Comedy Central Stand-Up – Offers unlimited access to Comedy Central's library of stand-up clips featuring comedians like Aziz Ansari, Patton Oswalt, and John Oliver.
Crackle – A hand-picked list of some of the biggest full-length Hollywood movies, TV shows, and original content.
Crunchyroll – Offers the latest Japanese Anime and Asian drama.
Epix – Over 3,000 streaming movies, concerts, comedy, and boxing.
ESPN – Features thousands of live sporting events, highlights, and replays from the classic sports channel. Premium features including split-screen viewing, and the interactive ESPN BottomLine.
FXNOW – A lineup of critically acclaimed dramas, hit comedies, and blockbusters movies within all featured on the FX cable network.
HBO GO – Gives access to HBO original shows, hit movies, comedy specials, sports, documentaries as well as behind-the-scenes extras.
History – Reconnect with the past with a collection of the cable networks most popular shows such as Swamp People, Pawn Stars, and Vikings.
Hulu Plus – Subscribers of Hulu Plus get access to the full current seasons of dozens of popular TV Shows from NBC, Fox, ABC, TBS, and WWE, among others.
iHeartRadio – Listen to more than 800 of the nation's most popular radio stations from 150 U.S. cities live, or create your own custom radio station.
The Major League Gaming – Watch MLG.tv’s curated list of competitive gaming content including MLG’s news programs and MLG Pro Circuit tournaments.
MLB.TV Premium – Stream live baseball games, track your favorite teams, view standings, and utilize DVR functionality to rewind and pauses live games.
MTV – MTV Subscribers get access to full episodes, behind the scenes videos, and other online extras.
NBA Game Time – The official app of the NBA lets you watch basketball any time of the day.
Netflix – Members can watch thousands of streaming TV episodes, movies, and Netflix original shows.
NHL – Get NHL action to your TV as well as the latest scores, stats, and highlights.
Nickelodeon – Catch full episodes and watch funny videos and animated shorts from your favorite Nickelodeon characters.
PBS – Hundreds of videos from PBS stations, including new prime time programs and videos from the archives such as Austin City Limits, Frontline, Masterpiece, Nature, and NOVA.
Qello – A large collection of full-length HD concerts and music documentaries on demand.
Twitch – Watch some of the best players in the world play today’s hottest games.
UFC – Watch UFC Pay-Per-View events live. Subscribers gets access to exclusive live events and a massive fight library.
Vimeo – A creative alternative to YouTube, Vimeo videos tend to be slightly more produced.
WWE Network – Subscribers get 24/7 streaming of wrestling content including pay-per-views, original series, reality shows, and documentaries.
Yahoo Screen – Access your favorite SNL skits, Comedy Central clips from The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, South Park, and now the newest season of Community.
YouTube – Watch your favorite videos and channels from YouTube.

How Do I Set Parental Controls?
The 360’s wealth of content is great, but not all that content is appropriate for the younger set. If you’d like to restrict certain games, movies, and television content from being used on your 360, simply scroll to the Settings, and then select Family. Select the Gamertag of the user whose settings you want to adjust then under Privacy & Online Settings, select Change Settings and adjust the privacy to meet your needs.

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PERIPHERALS

Which Controller Should I Buy?
Microsoft's original Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is still one of the best controllers for the system. As an added bonus, the controller is also compatible with PCs that use Windows Vista, 7 or 8 as long as you also have a Wireless Gaming Receiver. Most console bundles come packaged with at least one controller, but you may want to buy an extra (around $55) if you plan on doing any kind of local multiplayer.

A cheaper off-brand alternative is the Afterglow Wired Xbox 360 Controller, which retails for only $30, was officially licensed from Microsoft (so it works well), and also lights up like a six-year-old's birthday cake.

What Other Peripherals Will I Need?
HDMI Cable – The Xbox 360 can output to a resolution of 1080p, but most new 360s come packaged with composite cables. This won’t do HD movies or games any justice. If you don’t have a widescreen HDTV, then it might be time to upgrade that as well. If you do have an HD television, then you should pick up an HDMI cable to take advantage of the high-definition visuals. Thankfully, you can grab a good HDMI cable for less than $10 online these days.

Headset – Headsets are only necessary for in-game communication and other online chat, but if you plan on doing a lot of online gaming, you’ll want to pick up a good set. Unlike the PS3, the Xbox 360 doesn't work with every Bluetooth or USB-certified headset. Many 360 console bundles come packaged with a basic headset, which works well, and you can purchase these headsets separately for only $20. On the other hand, if you're looking for a headset with a little more audio depth, check out Astro A50 Audio System, which comes with a mixamp allows for Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound and produces some of the best audio on the market for $300.

Rechargable Batteries – Unlike Sony's PS3 controllers, Microsoft's 360 controllers use standard AA batteries. Still, you might want a good set of rechargeable batteries so you don't have to keep adding batteries to your shopping list. Several third-party peripheral manufacturers make recharging stations, but we prefer a good set of rechargeable AA batteries, which is also great for remotes, clocks, and other electronics. Panasonics Eneloop batteries are a great choice, if you don't already have some.

Remote Control – The 360 has a wide range of media capabilities, but to better take advantage of them you might want a dedicated media remote. The 360 controller functions as a remote, but the controller also shuts off after not being used for a short time, making a media remote the go-to for Netflix binges. Microsoft produces their own Universal Media Remote from only $20, and it works well, but you can also find more upscale versions that can be programmed to control just about any entertainment devices you might own.

Should I Buy A Kinect?
Microsoft's camera peripheral allows users to participate in video chat and Skype calls with other Kinect owners, and also works with a small selection of games such as The Gunstringer, Child of Eden, and the Dance Central series. There is also a small list of titles that feature some Kinect integration, such as Mass Effect 3, which allows you to issue commands to your support characters with your voice. However, aside from the titles already mentioned, there aren't many reasons to buy a Kinect. The camera is an interesting novelty, but some players don't have enough room in their game space for the device to work property, and since so few developers fully embraced the peripheral you probably don't need one.

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Game Informer's Recommended Console Bundle
If you don't have a 360 console yet, we recommended the Xbox 360 320GB Limited Edition Halo 4 Console. This 360 bundle includes a custom designed Halo 4 console complete with sounds when the console is turned on and when the Eject button is pushed, two custom Halo 4 wireless controllers with blue LED lights, Halo 4 Standard Edition Game, and an Xbox Live code for Halo 4 DLC.

Game Informer's Recommended Game Collections

2K Essentials Collection (Bioshock, Borderlands, XCOM: Enemy Unknown)
Assassin's Creed Ezio Trilogy (includes: Assassin's Creed 2, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Assassin's Creed: Revelations)
Call of Duty: The War Collection (Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 3 and Call of Duty: World at War)
Mass Effect Trilogy
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (includes: Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Metal Gear Solid Peacewalker)
The Orange Box (includes: Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One, Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal, Team Fortress 2)
Rockstar Games Collection: Edition 1 (includes: Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition, L.A. Noire)
Skyrim and BioShock Infinite Bundle

Game Informer's Recommended Downloadable Games
You used to have to go to a store to buy every game you played. That has most changed, and a large selection of a console's library is downloadable. In fact, the Xbox 360 saw a wealth of indie and otherwise download-only titles that shouldn't be missed. Here's a quick recap of some of the most notable titles on the system: Braid, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Castle Crashers, Fez, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, Limbo, Mark of the Ninja, Outland, Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game, Shadow Complex, Super Meat Boy, The Walking Dead

Game Informer's Recommended Apps

Netflix – Streaming movies and TV Shows
Amazon Instant Video – More movies and shows – Great for Prime subscribers
HBO Go – Watch HBO Shows
Twitch – Watch some of the best players in the world play today’s hottest games
YouTube – The Internets most prolific video service on you TV

Even with Microsoft's Xbox One picking up steam, there are still plenty of great reasons to own an Xbox 360. If you already have a console, or just want to squeeze a bit more life out of the console before moving on, hopefully this guide gave you want you needed to know. Come back anytime, we'll always be here.