Edumacate me about a XBox system

[Crabbs]

So we need to get a dvd/BluRay player for our family room. Currently we use our PS3 as gaming system & BluRay player in the living room. We were thinking of getting a second PS3 as BluRay/game system for the family room.

Then I started thinking.... which is never good. For a little more $$ I should be able to get an XBox360/Kinect and a separate BluRay player.

Would that be a wise investment? Is the kinect worth it? Is the 4gb XBox ridiculously small? Any suggestions?

[triggercut]

You'll definitely want a bigger storage solution than the 4gb offered by that base 360 model. I can't speak to the Kinect aspect, honestly. It's something I haven't any use for.

[Isgrimnur]

Between patches and DLC, 4 GB isn't going to get you anywhere. And installing games has the potential to speed up loading times.

[Boudreaux]

So far my bellwether for the Kinect is whether you have kids. With kids, the Kinect is hugely fun. Without kids, seems like not so much.

Otherwise, I mostly use the XBox for the social games I don't hassle with on PC anymore - playing with friends online in sports games, shooters, racing, etc.

[Crabbs]

So far my bellwether for the Kinect is whether you have kids. With kids, the Kinect is hugely fun. Without kids, seems like not so much.

Otherwise, I mostly use the XBox for the social games I don't hassle with on PC anymore - playing with friends online in sports games, shooters, racing, etc.

Well Amelia's only 18 months and from what I've found online, it looks like it'll be another year or more before she can really interact with it well.

So maybe just going with a basic PS3 and waiting to see what the Xbox720 has to offer in a year or two might be the better move. Hmmmm decisions, decisions

[Isgrimnur]

Yes, but by then, game prices for the new system will be high. Imagine in two year's time when she snaps that $80 game disc.

With an XBox 360, the games will be available second hand for cheap for quite a while.

[Blackhawk]

I'll echo what's been said here - you're better off with a 360 with a proper drive and no kinect than you are with a kinect and no space.

[Lorini]

I use my Kinect to work out with using Dance Central. My 21 year old will feature it at parties as well. But otherwise it really hasn't brought a lot to the Xbox experience for us.

[wonderpug]

The upcoming Steel Battalion game is worth investigating if you're trying to evaluate how much you desire a Kinect.

[Daehawk]

I read somewhere that game is much better with a pad.

I have no interest in the gimmick. Im too old for the games and stuff it supports.

[wonderpug]

I read somewhere that game is much better with a pad.

I have no interest in the gimmick. Im too old for the games and stuff it supports.

The new Steel Battalion requires the Kinect. You also use the regular controller for general movement and aiming.

[lildrgn]

Full disclosure: I work for the MS store.

If you have one near you, we are offering the 4gb Xbox w/Kinect for $99 with a 2 year subscription to XBL Gold and a 2 year warranty plan for $14.99/month.

Yes, it's a 4gb, but it's designed to compete with Roku, Apple TV, etc, devices that just stream video. We figure, look! You can play awesome games AND stream video for the same price.

(and if this post is inappropriate, feel free to delete!)

[Octavious]

Why would you want a 2 year warranty plan for 15 bucks a month? That seems like a lot... That comes to 360 bucks... Maybe I'm missing something?

[coopasonic]

Why would you want a 2 year warranty plan for 15 bucks a month? That seems like a lot... That comes to 360 bucks... Maybe I'm missing something?

It's not the warranty plan for $15/mo it's everything. It's supposed to be like a cell phone, you get the xbox cheaper ($99) but pay a monthly fee.

[Octavious]

Oh... the warranty and the 2 years gold for 15 a month. I get it now.