Introducing the 250GB Xbox 360: Time to Trade Up?
Microsoft finished its E3 2010 press conference with a big surprise - the unveiling of the new 250GB Xbox 360. This one's slimmer, shinier and quieter than the original machine, and that bigger hard drive comes in handy for storing all those arcade games, movies and other delightful distractions that Xbox Live is chock full of.
But the original 120GB model is still a great console, so which one should you buy? And if you've already got an Xbox 360, is it worth investing in the new model? Here's a comparison of the machines' features to help you decide.
Size
The 250GB Xbox 360 is 600 grammes lighter than its older counterpart, weighing in at 2.9kg. It's also 270mm across rather than 370mm, and slightly shorter with a height of 75mm. Depth-wise, the new console is actually bigger than the original - but only by a paltry 4mm.
In other words, it's well worth trading up for the 250GB model if you prefer a more slimline machine which will take up less space under your telly.
Colour
The new machine comes in any colour you like, as long as it's black. A nice shiny black, of course, for a sleeker, more high-tech look.
The original Xbox 360 is still available in grey and black, with a traditional matte finish which still looks good - but also has those funky Faceplates to help personalise your system, while there's no word on those yet for the New Xbox 250GB.
Buttons
The 250GB features a new power button. It responds to the slightest touch rather than a firm push, which should appeal to fans of cutting-edge tech. Plus, the ring of light will only ever appear green, so there's no near to ever fear the red ring of death again.
Ports
Both machines have two USB ports on the front, but the 250GB model has got three round the back instead of just the one. It's also got a dedicated, powered port for the Kinect motion-sensing camera. If you're using Kinect with the old Xbox 360, you'll need to plug a separate power supply into the wall. Score for the New Xbox, then - the less cables the better, we reckon.
Drives
With 250GB on board, the new Xbox 360 has more than double the memory capacity of the original console. That said, the Elite's 120GB is still pretty impressive, providing plenty of space to store games, movies and music.
The new machine does have one distinct advantage when it comes to the disc drive - it's much quieter. If the whirr of the old 360's disc and fan bother you when trying to watch a film or play a game, consider upgrading so you can enjoy your entertainment in peace.
Internet
Whichever model you choose, the 360 gives you access to Microsoft's fantastic Xbox Live service. This lets you play games online, chat to friends, download game demos and extra content, plus choose from a huge library of downloadable games, films and music videos.
The advantage of the 250GB console is that it has a wireless adapter built-in, so you can get online without the need for an ethernet cable. If you have an original Xbox 360, you can pick up an adapter separately - or just go old school and plug your machine straight into the wall.
Games
Both machines will play every single title in the massive library of games already out there for Xbox 360. That includes titles you can't play on any other console, like Halo, Gears of War, Fable II, Forza Motorsport and Crackdown 2. Then there are all those huge blockbusters - Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, Final Fantasy...
Not to mention the fantastic range of Kinect games due to arrive this autumn. For kids there are titles like Kinectimals, where you get to interact with an adorable selection of big cats. Keep fit freaks will enjoy Your Shape - the Kinect camera is so sophisticated it can tell whether you're performing those yoga poses properly.
Or there's Kinect Adventures, a collection of action-packed mini-games which are perfect for party play... Adrenaline-fuelled racer Kinect Joy Ride, where you control cars just by using your own body movements... Motion Sports, which sees you and your friends competing in a giant virtual stadium...
In short, whatever you're into, Kinect offers something for everyone, and will be playable on both types of Xbox console.
Cost
This will be a big one for bargain hunters. The new Xbox 360 launched at 99.99 - not unreasonable at all, especially given its size and feature set. That said, other, bigger Xbox models are available for rather less, but aren't as all-singing, all dancing. They'll definitely do the job, however.
Of course, you could always opt for a compromise and bag a Limited Edition 250GB Super Elite. It's not small, slinky, Wi-Fi'd up or Kinect-ready, but does boast a 250GB Hard Drive of its own, features exclusive patterning for Forza 3, Final Fantasy XIII or the juggernaut that is CoD: MW2, and will set you back a bit less than the New Xbox.
So... Which to choose?
This is a bit of a tough one. Sure, the new 250GB console's stylings are sleek. But the design of the original Xbox 360 is a classic, and at 120GB the hard drive still offers plenty of storage space.
However, the new machine just comes out on top. The slimmer, shinier design is impressively modern and high-tech looking. Extra features like the built-in Wi-Fi adapter, bigger hard drive and dedicated Kinect port help to give the 250GB model the edge.
So if you've already got an Xbox 360, it's well worth considering an upgrade. If you haven't, and the latest technology and sleekest stylings are important to you, the 250GB console is the one to go for. Or, if the size and built-in wi-Fi aren't an issue for you, then a 250 GB Super Elite could be the ideal compromise. The choice is yours!
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