Xbox 360 Arcade

Microsoft recently released a new version of the entry level Xbox 360 Core, dubbed the Xbox 360 Arcade. The system still features all of the attributes you’d expect from the console: a wireless controller and both a standard AV output and a HDMI port for high definition video, as well as DVD playback and a Silver Xbox Live Membership. The benefit of this package and the previous version though, is that the Arcade is designed for the whole family and is ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box.

It includes a 256MB Memory Unit for you to save your game progress, and features Family Settings, letting you restrict access to younger players without compromising your own enjoyment. Also included in the pack is a selection of five Xbox Live Arcade games, usually only available as downloads through the Xbox Live Marketplace. The games are:

• PAC-MAN Championship Edition
• Feeding Frenzy
• Boom Boom Rocket
• Luxor 2
• UNO

Also, by including all of this, the Arcade pits itself squarely against the Wii, rather than the Playstation 3 that the Xbox 360 Elite sees itself competing with. This machine gives Microsoft coverage across both ends of the market - the hardcore games player as well as the casual gamer.

(5 out of 5)

This console is set up on my main TV alongside a Wii. With the combination of the Xbox 360’s power and the fun of the Wii, all for the same price as a Playstation 3, you can’t go wrong. The 360’s Live functionality with the headset means I can talk to friends when we’re teaming up, or taunt newly met opponents from across the world! ~ Lucy Pritchard

(5 out of 5)

I was intending to buy a Wii for my kids for Christmas but due to the shortages, I bought this instead. I decided to test it before then so that I could check if it was suitable. The only problem is that I didn’t want to put it back in the box. The games that are included are so addictive! I ‘m already looking forward to the kids going back to school in the new year so I can have it to myself! - Jenny Palmer