Green or White?

As trival as it may sound, the color of the box that your xbox 360 comes in is important.  Basically there are 2 choices if you want to get a Xbox 360.  Any other variations you may see would be based on this.  Microsoft refers to one choice as "Xbox 360", and another choice as "Xbox 360 Core".  This guide is to clear up any confusion you may have over what the two are in a 3 part series.

The green box is what Microsoft calls the "Xbox 360 Core", and what I will call the "Xbox 360 Basic Version".  The white box is what Microsoft calls the "Xbox 360", and what I will call the "Xbox 360 Premium Version".  So just think green box = basic, and white box = premium.

The difference between the Xbox 360 basic, and premium versions are in what they include, and their price tags.  The basic (green) version costs $299.99 and includes some basic things you will need in order to play xbox 360 games.  The premium (white) version costs $399.99, and includes the basics plus some extras.  Outside of the box, things should look like this:

You may or may not notice that the basic version console and the premium version console look slightly different out of the box.  That's because the basic (green) version does not have chrome detailing, whereas the premium (white) does. 

What about Silver, Gold, & Platinum Packages?

Some sellers may advertise what xbox 360s they have as being silver, gold, or platinum packages, as well as throw in some games, and additional accessories.  However Microsoft is still shipping them out as white for premium, and green for basic boxes.  If you should come across any platinum xbox 360 packages, it is most likely a costly xbox 360 with a few games included.  Sellers advertise in this way to get your attention, hoping that you will not pass over them as you might with some sellers that blend in too well with the many others selling xbox 360s.

This guide continued...

In my next guide, "Green Xbox 360 or White Xbox 360?  Part 2" I go into more detail about what is specifically included with what.  Following that guide is, "Green Xbox 360 or White Xbox 360? Part 3" and concludes by telling you why you should go with one or the other.