Aug 13
Is This the Right Time to Buy a 360?
As many of you remember, I recently wrote about the XBox 360 Price Drop and HDMI Premium News. Ever since then, me and my boy Steve have been keeping a look out for more news, confirmations, and anything else that could push us into getting a 360.
The Problem Thus Far
Basically, we have stayed away from getting a 360 because the system has been plagued with problems, most revolving around its tendency to overheat. The problem has been SO BAD that it’s reportedly costing Microsoft over 1 Billion Dollars to address the issue, PLUS there’s now a tab right on the Xbox Homepage helping users start the process of getting their system fixed.
Previous Rumors
For the most part, the whole HDMI port on the Premiums was completely unexpected. When the story broke, Destructoid was pretty on top of it with IGN pretty much nowhere in sight. Before that though, there was a lot of talk on a new 65nm chip that be going into the boxes at some point that would help the whole overheating problem. When the HDMI port went confirmed, people starting going crazy thinking that this event might also herald the inclusion of the new chips on the new Premiums.
Here’s the Story Morning Glory
It seems that at the moment, there is no confirmation that the 65nm chips have been found on the new Premiums. Furthermore it seems that if there is a conclusion on the forums, it’s that new chips will be going on later but new heatsinks are going on now. Honestly, this bit of news didn’t do too much for me until I read some forum talk and ppl are tending to agree that the heatsink will have more of an effect than the chip so this might be the time to buy.
Other reasons include (obviously) the $50 price drop on Premiums, and most of the big retailers including a game with the system (Best Buy – Top Spin 2, Circuit City – Table Top Tennis [i think]). Add to that that – Best Buy is offering through the 25th of August, every $100 you spend on entertainment items nets you a $10GC. (Oh, and if you get a Best Buy replacement plan, you could probably find a way to trade in your system later if the new chip ever comes out).
So yeah…Hopefully soon I’ll be posting up 360 reviews and news along with all the Wii stuff I occasionally post!
August 13th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
I mainly stayed away from Xbox because my children does not know the meaning of moderation. They would play until I have to peel them from the game. Or they’d play at 2AM until 6, right before I wake up and I am wondering why they’re all groggy and sleepy at 9AM.
I caught it on video (the ones for burglar.
August 13th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
@Midas – Ha ha. Thankfully MY KID isn’t that old yet, but I’m sure it’s gonna happen. Unfortunately, I don’t know that I would stop him. I mean, I LOVE VIDEO GAMES. But I guess that’s why I have a wife. To protect me from myself. (#);)
August 14th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Ah! I’m sure your boy will not be happy to hear that xbox gets over heated
Lets hope that MS gets it fixed fast and you get to shell out some money from your pocket 
August 14th, 2007 at 9:33 am
@T-Saurus – Ha ha!, That’s why we’ve been waiting for the new chip or heatsink (the latter of which looks to be shipping on new Premiums now). Plus, couple that with a Best Buy PRP and M$’s new 3yr warranty, and you’ll be ok. *nod*