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What Is the Difference in Xbox 360s?

There are a few basic differences among Xbox 360 gaming consoles that may affect your decision to purchase an Xbox console. The first generation of Xbox 360 consoles, also referred to as the "classic," boasts a range of features perfect for the avid gamer; however, as technology progresses so do the elements necessary to understand that technology. The differences between Xbox 360 consoles for some can be minute, but for the consummate gamer, these differences can be a deal maker or a deal breaker.

Wireless
- The basic Xbox 360 does not come equipped with a wireless adapter card, whereas the PlayStation is equipped with a wireless card standard. However, the Xbox 360 elite edition comes with a wireless adapter card for Internet play for a higher price than the standard model. For more serious gamers, wireless capability is an important distinction and will factor into purchase decisions. For those interested in playing games without the aid of wireless connection, the Xbox 360 classic will be the most economical choice, with a more than $100 price difference between the elite model and the classic model, as of 2011.
Audio and Visual
- While the Xbox 360 (both classic and elite) both have DVD playback capability, there are some differences in the quality and resolution of video playback that may be important considerations. The Xbox 360 elite boasts faster memory and larger hard drives, which at first glance seem to provide greater appeal. However, the larger elite system reduces playback speed in some cases and, while sound and visual quality is improved in the Elite system, game load times and playback becomes comprised due to the increased technology.
Console Design
- The Xbox 360 elite has a slimmer body style than the classic Xbox 360, and that may be attractive to some gamers. The slimmer model makes for easier storage or travel and is great for those who travel frequently with their gaming system or want to save space. The 360 elite has more venting to help prevent over-heating when utilizing the system for long periods of time. In addition, the 360 elite has two smaller fans to help with cooling. Some elite models are relatively the same size as the classic model, and there is a cost to upgrade to the very slim model.
Compatability
- The Xbox 360 elite boasts the ability to utilize Microsoft Kinect technology, which the Xbox 360 classic is unable to support. The 360 elite comes with a special USB port that will easily connect users with the Kinect for expanded gameplay options. As the 360 classic is one of the first of the new generation gaming systems, it has a wider variety of games available --- although most titles are older, and thus, the system doesn't support newer games with greater system requirements.
Memory and Hard Drive
- The Xbox 360 elite has a larger hard drive and more memory space available for gamers to save files. With up to 250 gigabytes built into the the 360 elite system, it has a much larger storage capability than the Xbox 360 classic. However, classic models have faster load times on games because the system is smaller and does not have to labor as hard to run, despite the elite models' increased hardware capabilities.

Xbox 360