Xbox purchase - advice

Tropez

Toto wrote: »

If you get the 360 I would definitely go for the 250gb version rather than the 4gb version. The 4gb has nowhere near enough memory for most of the games.

Second this. Some games on the 360 require installation to function optimally and at 4Gb you won't be able to install those games and the Xbox is almost as much a media centre as it is a gaming device, so there's lots of VoD apps and such available which all require space.

Which brings me to my next point, be sure to set up parental controls. For example, Dailymotion is available through the 360 and that's basically Youtube with !!!!!!.

Now personally, I'd be inclined to get the 360 and a games bundle and extra controller for now, and maybe stash a bit away each month so that a year or two from now, when the cost of the Xbox One and games has reduced and it has a much better library available, assuming your kid wants one, get the Xbox One then.

I have a 360 myself and won't be getting an Xbox One until there's enough content available on it to justify the purchase.

I would make sure you get one of the Xbox 360 Slims (or 360S as they're sometimes called). These are the final generation 360 models that significantly improved airflow, cooling and quality of components which leads to fewer technical issues and a quieter running experience. They also have built-in WiFi.

One more thing, if you have capped Internet, disable the option to download when the console is off because updates get pushed that way and be sure to keep an eye on what is downloaded. It's really easy to download demos (another reason for parental controls) and use up a 20Gb cap in a week - especially when it's still new and shiny.

As for Kinect, I wouldn't bother. It's supplied with the Xbox One and is a purchasable addon for the 360. There are too few games on the 360 that even benefit from it, let alone require it. Also, you need a lot of space available to get the most out of Kinect.

ifstar

For a 10 year old, an xbox 360 would be sufficient, make sure you get an 250gb slim version. There is a huge catalogue of games available and new ones are still being created and will be for the next few years. You could also look 2nd hand as many people will be selling off their 360 to get the One.


You'll get lot's of "lego" games on the 360 as well as minecraft and other things he would like. Don't bother with Kinect, there isn't enough on the 360 that makes use of it.


Buy an xbox live subscription download code rather than buying it on the xbox console itself - this stops it automatically renewing at a much higher price in a years time. (somewhere like livecodes.co.uk have 12 months for £27). This allows him to play online and chat to his friends - basically an essential. He will get free games he can download every month with it though so it is worth the money and the xbox servers are very reliable


Buy an extra wireless controller for him if he is going to have friends round (although they could bring their own).

bluenoseam

There was a thread on the gaming forums which pretty much covers everything you want & more which I posted in not so long ago - I've linked it for you. Any questions feel free to PM me.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4883165

cheepskate_2

I would go with the 360, Hardly any of the younger age have a Xbox one.
Linking up with their friends through Xbox live is what the kids seem to enjoy...Xbox live(where they can go online and meet up with selected friends) is about £30 for the year, this is a good buy if his friends also have it.

tea_lover

Xbox live subscription can also be a great birthday/Christmas present, as it needs renewing annually. We got our last one for about £27.

Counting_Pennies_2

Thanks all. Really helpful and the link to the other thread.

One final question what size screen minimum for the tv would you recommend?

Thanks again

cr1mson

Coming late but Santa bought my 11 year old an Xbox 360 250GB and he has been more than happy with it! His Uncle bought him an extra controller which is handy when friends come round. His faves on it are Forza, Fifa 14 and Minecraft. We got Fifa 14 free with console and other two preowned.

onlyroz

Bear in mind that the xbox 360 was released in 2005, and while they might still be producing games for it, this won't last for much longer. If you're buying a console as a special gift for a child not far off their teens then surely the newest one would be the best investment.

tea_lover

onlyroz wrote: »

Bear in mind that the xbox 360 was released in 2005, and while they might still be producing games for it, this won't last for much longer. If you're buying a console as a special gift for a child not far off their teens then surely the newest one would be the best investment.

Not while it's still so new. Loads of issues still to be ironed out, and prices of games and consoles will drop a lot in the next year or so.

mysecretalias

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

Thanks all. Really helpful and the link to the other thread.

One final question what size screen minimum for the tv would you recommend?

Thanks again

I wouldn't want to play my xbox or my playstation on any smaller a screen than a 32inch to be honest.