Must-have games: Xbox 360

The regular Xbox 360 system includes the Xbox 360 console, a wireless controller, a headset, an Ethernet cable, HD component and composite AV cables, and a 20GB hard disk drive all for $399. The hard disk will come preloaded with an Xbox arcade game, and Microsoft will also throw in a media remote control until the end of 2005.

This hardware package should have all the accessories you need to start playing any of the system's games at launch, both online and offline, including that hard drive to store all your saved games so you won't have to worry about a memory card. Although both packages include a "silver" level subscription to Microsoft's Xbox Live online gaming service, the full package also includes a headset.

The core Xbox 360 package may not have all the accessories that the full-system package offers, but the core package offers just enough to start gaming. The $299 core system includes the console, a force feedback wired controller, and composite AV cables. You'll need to pick up a separate memory card if you want to save your game progress and get access to Xbox Live. Since the hard drive is optional, games will be designed with the core system in mind, without requiring the hard drive.

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