The Xbox 360 is this years number one console and for good reason. A massive selection of triple A titles have hit the system in 2011 and more will surely follow next year. If you’re in the market for gaming hardware this year then the Xbox 360 is still a great choice, first let us explain why and then after that we’ll show you some great deals you can get from Amazon this holiday season.
Microsoft Xbox 360 is no doubt the gaming system of choice for gamers that want high quality games, dedicated online services and some of the best games money can buy. Xbox Live is the number one gaming community service and to get the most out of it you’ll need to buy a yearly Gold Subscription that costs around $50. This may seem expensive but it really is worth it; not only will you get the best multiplayer gaming experience but open a whole host of features such as:
- Free game demos
- Downloadble games and content
- Rent and buy movies in HD
- Create your own Avatar
- Stream movies from Netflix and HBO
- Stream TV Shows from Hulu Plus
- Live Sports from ESPN
Xbox 360 isn’t just about the hardcore gamer; with the introduction of the Kinect, Microsoft have brought family fun that was previously only associated with Nintendo Wii into the fold. The Kinect is a device (usually sold separately) which allows for motion controlled games, simply move your body infront of the camera and watch as your onscreen character follows your movements. Kinect is also a new way to control your home cinema, with voice and motion control provided by Kinect – you can watch movies and listen to movies simply be speaking to your system and using hand gestures.
You may have heard that the Xbox 360 was unreliable and often broke down. This used to be true before Microsoft went back to the drawing board and redesigned the console inside and out. The new slimline console is smaller, quieter, power efficient and does not suffer from any of the overheating issues which plagued the console in in 2006 to 2009 – if you buy an Xbox 360 for Holiday 2011 then you can rely on it for years to come.
Xbox 360 consoles
Xbox 360 packages start at around $200 so there really is no excuse. The system comes only comes with a standard definition cable so I suggest picking up an Xbox 360 HDMI Cable if you own a new HD television.
- Xbox 360 Slim Console with 4GB Storage – This is the cheapest 360 model and is a great if you’re on a budget. Extra storage can be added later if you want to install games to the hard disk, but the system itself can still do everything the more expensive systems can and still features built in Wi-Fi. Does not include a game.
- Xbox 360 Slim Console with 4GB Storage with Kinect Sensor – This is the cheapest 360 model and is a great if you’re on a budget. Extra storage can be added later if you want to install games to the hard disk. The system itself can still do everything the more expensive systems can and still features built in Wi-Fi. Coming with Kinect and the Kinect Adventures game means this is ready to play out of the box this Christmas.
- Xbox 360 Slim Console with 250GB Hard Drive – This premium Xbox 360 is for those looking to spend some serious time gaming. The huge hard disk means you can install loads of games and you’ll be ready to go after downloading the two free games that are included, Halo Reach and Fable 3.
- Xbox 360 Slim Console with 250GB Hard Drive and Kinect, holiday value bundle – This premium Xbox 360 is for those looking to spend some serious time gaming. Coming with the Kinect Sensor and Kinect Adventures means fun for all the family out of the box. The huge hard disk means you can install loads of games and when you hook the console online you’ll be able to download the special Kinect edition of Carnival Games for free.
- Limited edition Xbox 360 Slim Console with 320GB Hard Drive – This model has been customised with a Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 paint job. It comes with the Modern Warfare 3 game and two MW3 controllers. For serious Call of Duty fans only.
- Limited edition Xbox 360 Slim Console with 320GB Hard Drive – This model has been customised with a Gears of War 3 paint job. It comes with the Gears of War 3 game and two Gears of War controllers for die hard fans of franchise only.
If you want some more game recommendations then check out some of the Gamesweasel favorites:
Xbox 360 games for the evening
Xbox 360 games for sports lovers
Xbox 360 games for the family
Xbox 360 first person shooter classics
Xbox 360 Kinect only games
Get Christmas 2011 Xbox 360 Buying Guide now
New: Buy an Xbox 360 from Amazon.com
Related: Wii Buyers guide for Christmas 2011, Xbox 360 games for Christmas 2010