Get an Xbox 360 Elite for $199.99

Grab the top-of-the-line Xbox for under $200.

(Credit: Geeks.com)

Geeks.com has a ridiculously good deal on a refurbished Xbox 360 Elite: $199.99 (after applying coupon code XDEALS at checkout). Shipping will run you about $16.

For those not thoroughly versed in Xbox models, the Elite is, well, the elite. The top of the line. The Xbox that normally sells for $399.99.

Like a new unit, the refurb comes with a 120GB hard drive, an HDMI port, a wireless controller, and a headset. Unlike a new unit, the warranty expires after 90 days.

On the cabling side, the Xbox comes with only the usual component-video cable. If you plan on making an HDMI connection, you can get what you need for just a few bucks.

If the Elite is overkill for your gaming needs and/or your budget can't stretch quite that far, Geeks.com also has a refurbished Xbox 360 Pro (20GB) for $149.99.

Either way you're getting a killer game console and a damn fine media center extender (meaning it can stream music, videos, and photos from your PC).

The Xbox also lets you stream movies from Netflix, though for that you need both a Netflix membership and an Xbox Live Gold account.

OK, so what do you think? Too good to pass up? If memory serves, this is by far the lowest price I've seen on an Xbox 360 Elite. The deal is available through July 31, but something tells me it'll sell out long before that.

[sticks1839]

I know some of the fervor has died down, but a refurbished XBOX sounds like a risky proposition. The warranty is probably the most important part of an XBOX purchase.

[rsmith4321]

I agree, this is not in anyway a fanboy comment. But I'm on my 4th 360 now. I've seen these really good refurb deals before but I warned my friend not to buy one. Really you are paying for a 3 year warranty when you get an 360. Without that you could be buying a new one every few months. Why do you think refurbs are so cheap, it's because you would have to be stupid to buy one.

[Khubo]

I completely agree. I have had 5 of them in the past 2 years. I finally gave up and got a Wii. What most people don't realize is that Microsoft's 3 year warranty only covers the RRoD. On one pof my units the DVD Drive quit ($129 to fix) and on another I couldn't pair a controller (at least $129 to fix). It is just too risky to buy a refurbed 360.

[1kingsfan]

I don't think I'll ever understand it - our 360 is working just fine (crossing my fingers, wishing on a four-leaf clover, rubbing a rabbits foot) but if it ever died - I might replace it - ONCE. Anything over that would make me an instant Microsoft hater for life - I call BS on them for screwing millions of customers over and only apologizing AFTER THE FACT

[paulimusmaximus]

I got a refurb unit about a year ago. I did eventually get the red ring of death, but it was still covered by the warranty. So it was fine. When I got my refurb, it still had about 1 1/2 years left on warranty, so I wouldn't worry too much about getting one of these units.

[Undune]

I agree, I just had to send in my 360 for the third time RRoD, and this time it's finally past its warranty (got mine at launch). I don't know how I would've felt if the first two times I had to pay for the repairs. Definitely a risky proposition.
It sucks, because I just bought three expansions to Fallout 3 (which may have been what did it in). It sucks that there's a console out there that essentially punishes you for playing it too much. In the end, I'm glad I got it, but I hate the once a year shipping it in for repairs.
Also: Sony suxx0rs, Xbox = winrar, etc. etc. etc.

[WillThiele]

I'm getting sick of all these refurbished deals. I know Rick doesn't care if an item is refurbished or not but I do!

[bhec99]

Dude, really? Get over it! That is (most of the time) how you get the best deals!

[Po_Knee]

Will - I purchase 'mostly' refurb these days, with very few exceptions. I have never had any issues and most importantly I have saved a TON of money doing so....

....Most refurb's I come across haven't even been used as they often are 'open boxed' and returned.

Great job Rick -- keep the great posts coming!!

[samhardin]

I agree. This article is incomplete without mentioning the red ring of death.

[cojones78]

The 120GB Hard Drive alone sells for $149. So this is a pretty darn good deal.

[vrock420]

That's a good point. Get the deal, wait until the RROD and use the HDD on your next 360. Think of it as a $50 rental for the gaming unit until it pops.

[Brent212]

Aren't drives in the terabyte range now like $100? Is it because it's a laptop-sized drive, or is a special type of drive needed for the 360?

[TyDiz]

Its a special drive...You can hack one up but its a painful process and would probably cost more to do than to by the specialty drive.

[rickbroida]

I disagree 100%. Most "red ring of death" problems were solved years ago, and as I understand it, the Elite model in particular has secondary cooling systems to help prevent overheating.

[vrock420]

That was supposed to be the case, alas the elite is prone to overheating just as well. Though it looks lower because the Elites' do not sell as many units as the the Pro model.

[yoyojam55]

RIck, you don't know what you're talking about here. The Falcon chipset is what is in xboxs that were made up until October 2008, and is most likely what you will get here. The Falcon chipset, while much better than the original, is still very prone to RRoD. I know two people with Falcon 360s who have Rrod.

If you want an Elite, get the bundle with Halo 3 and Fable 2. It's the same $399, and it's new. You get a 3 Year RROD warranty, and the lastest Jasper chipset, meaning you will be even less likely to get RROD. When you take into account the games that you would buy seperately, this is really only $280 for the 360.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Elite-Halo-Fable-Bundle/dp/B0026GQ8WA

[sixstringmonk]

yoyojam55, I agree that people should only go for a Jasper at this point. However, the Halo 3 / Fable 2 elite is not a Jasper. Check the comments at amazon. I was one of the people who ended up sending it back because it was made in June 2008. The Resident Evil 5 Elite is the only guaranteed jasper Elite at this point.

[Below Meigh]

RRoD were not solved "years" ago. The current Elites and Pros still RRoD. Though I've not seen the new Jasper RRoD, I wouldn't rule it out. The design is bad. Even M$ admits there were major hardware design flaws. I've had 4 RRoDs since the 360 came out, and the previous Xbox (1st gen) also had to be replaced. Friends are on their 3rd or 4th replacement. Yet, my PS3 is still going.
As for refurbs, you can get one to save money. Personally, the Xbox should be $99 w/120GB. Once you get the $50/Live ANNUALLY, and all the DLC points you spend, and the $60 games, you are looking at $600-900 a year.
Foolish...

[1kingsfan]

and yet Below Meigh, you still purchased another - and another - and another. . .WHY? Like my post above, I wouldn't say I'd NEVER replace our current 360 but that's about it - ONE CHANCE IS IT. We have all 3 consoles and to be honest - we really use our PS3 as a blu-ray player more than a gaming system, our Wii when friends are over, and our 360 the most. But shouldn't microsoft be LOSING customers instead of retaining them everything time you repurchase a 360?

[kalel33]

@ 1kingsfan

Why would anyone have to purchase another, and another, when you get it fixed for free. Ah, Sony fear mongering.

[vrock420]

Hmmmm...$199.99 for a refurb 360 meaning it already had something wrong with it at some point. Not bad, if it stayed that way. Once that "fixed issue" goes wrong though, with no warranty, you'll looking at $100-200 out of pocket repair cost, so you are back to a regularly priced Elite. Being that Microsoft do not even believe in their own repair abilities, extending the 1 year to a 3 year warranty for RROD and specific hardward failures, does not instill confidence in this "deal". Pass.

[Scopip]

Refurbs xbox's suck.

Until Microsoft starts providing 1 year warranty's on refurbs, people should stay away. Especially when an arcade/jasper goes for $160 brand new..

[bhec99]

I have an Elite and I love it! After almost 3 years of having the same unit I received the red ring of death and Mircrosoft fixed it for free! OUT OF WARRANTY! As long as it is the 3 sided ring (the absolute most common) Microsoft will fix it for free! This is an absolute bargain, thanks Rick!

[livingaudio]

i belive the elite includes HDMI cables; at least mine did. I have dad an Elite system since X-mas and the only problem i have had is it scratched my Prince of Persia. I sent it in and they replaced the part that causees this to happen. Although my Prince of Persian remains scratched my 360 works fine. Love the 120 HD cant be beat. the price is well worth it!

[ShadowOfHomer]

Price-wise - this is a great deal, but great prices on xboxes usually mean someone is trying to liquidate the horrible falcon chipsets. The sales and history of the elites are too limited to compare their reliability to other falcon units - but the fact that these are already being refurbished is not a good sign.

I've just had my third Red Ring of Death in three years - and was shopping around for a replacement. I suddenly realized what a phenomenal coincidence it was that a growing pool of users with RROD's and expiring warranties could suddenly buy exactly what they needed - a new unit without a hard drive (the xbox arcade). Making a profit from bad design and faulty materials - that takes cajones.

Either way - I would suggest the $199 xbox arcade with the 512MB memory unit. It is a guaranteed jasper chipset (though what exactly that means in terms of reliability is still unknown). Amazon used to sell these, but I just noticed they removed the 512MB memory descriptor (probably so they could liquidate any old falcon shipsets in their inventory).

If you have a current RROD and don't want to reward Microsoft for bad behavior - fix it yourself. There are many RROD fixit kits for $12 on ebay that include video tutorials. First, check the secondary error code to make sure you have the regular issue with the faulty thermal paste; go to http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=484726 . I just fixed mine and have been playing it a little over a week with no problem. I do not plan on buying any more hardware from microsoft until the next gen. They're in the doghouse.

[Forked_Tongue]

Or you can view this video for free http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-TAhI8KYz0rc/how_to_fix_a_xbox_360_e74_and_rrod/ and do it yourself. I bought a used one at a pawnshop about a year ago and the first thing I did was pull it apart, cleaned it with canned air, removed both heatsinks, scraped off their thermal compound, and arctic silvered them, replaced the noisy fans, removed the grill mess (I also use external coolers and it restricts airflow to them), and put it back together with a clear case (bought off ebay). I didn't have a warranty other than what the pawnshop offered so I really had nothing to lose but it's holding up very well (gave it last Christmas to a friend's kid) and will seriously consider what Rick posted as a great deal for the diy.

[izmickey]

@Forked_Tongue
You're a smart man. People should just look up youtube for vids that help you fix RROD yourselfs. Its cheaper and no need to send it in and pay $100 - $200 dollars.

[jrowens84]

Hey, I think this is a loose loose deal! I agree with others hear that all these refurb deals are no good. I've only taken one of the refurb deals that have been suggested because the product was only $15 so if it went bad, I wasn't out of much. $199 is a lot to pay for no if but when the system goes on the blink again. I had a Wii that went on the blink and they sent me a refurb to replace it. You guessed it, the refurb's original problem was the same as the one that I had and the problem showed right back up. This deal is almost as bad as the one the other day for how to get a PS3 for $99. I mean come on, that was a stretch as you had to spend $3000 or $4000 to get to the point that you were "theoretically" receiving the machine for $99. Hum, or I could go buy one for $399 and not have to spend 4 grand!

[technotoyboy]

The PS3 deal was not for everyone. I use credit cards for business, I pay them off every month. Sony had a similar deal back in December and that worked out great for me.

[technotoyboy]

Every time a refurb comes up on Cheapskate people come out of the woodwork to complain about how bad refurbs are, frankly I think you are talking out of school and I question if you have every purchased refurbs and if you have, have you really observed a higher than usual fail rate. Keep in mind, refurbs generally come from the manufacturer, they are not going to dump unreliable stuff on the market, it would hurt their reputation. Over the years I have purchased refurb notebooks, netbooks, XM radios, PCs, motherboards, hard drives, speakers, receivers, monitors, gaming systems,,,, Of these refurb purchases the only thing I noticed a higher than normal fail rate on is hard drives, but after further review that appears to be a Maxtor refurb issue, not a general refurb hard drive issue. Of course you need to compare price, bundle and warranty on new verses refurb.
Do not be afraid of refurbs!

[steel36]

Nice price, but Xbox missed the boat by not including Blu-ray players on these babies.

[holyreki]

I guess selling twice as many units as the competing system w/bluray would be considered "missing the boat"

[izmickey]

are you crazy? They did not sell twice as many units. Dont exaggerate holyreki.

[holyreki]

Sorry, 96% more
http://www.endsights.com/2009/07/16/june-2009-npd-analysis-sonys-problem-installed-base-not-loyalty/

[peterwhite]

I wouldn't worry about the warranty since the red ring is covered for 3 years and honestly, once they tracked down the faulty component the issue was resolved. I was an early adopter and had to deal with the 10 day turnaround; really it was quick and painless (though I did lose my ZUMA arcade rights, grrr) but all of my friends who purchased systems in the past couple of years haven't had any problems.

Now, i just wish they'd work on lowering it's power consumption and/or revising it's power distribution system so that some self cooling, built-in battery back up (5 or 7 minutes, enough to PROPERLY shut down the XBOX) was added to the XBOX suite of products.

[MyTThor]

Wow. Lotta anger on Cheapskate this morning. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go buy my wife flowers and see if it's time for her to realize how stupid a white 360 looks in our theater system.

[Raabscuttle]

Hi All,

If you're really concerned about RRoD isues with XBox 360's, then get a Play Station - otherwise take the 90 day Microsoft refurb warranty or (shudder) add on an extended warranty. If you want new, Geeks also has "open box new" (read that as old Circuit City stock) 256MB Arcade XBox 360s at $154.99.

Oh, and one of my laptops I am still running is a refurbished Gateway M675 that I got in 2004.

[valdukey]

Yeah my used Honda Civic is still running that I got in 2002... does that mean your used 2003 Range Rover is still running?

Think about your comment, genius.

[Raabscuttle]

well wonderlick I was pointing out that becuse a product is refurb doen't mean it dies before you ever see it - ot that it is junk as some idiots seem to suggest. My last refurb laptop that I got to compliment the Gateway was an HP HSX18t with Quad Core Extreme processor. I got it for a THIRD of what HP sold it for new.. The problem with it? I have no idea - if it didbn't say refurb on the box I'd have never known...

Oh, and incase you haven't noticed boy genius, a computer is a completely different animal than a car... People have no qualms about buying a used car, but mention "refurbished" on a piece of electronics and people become wet ninnies..

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

Hi Rick

This deal has been running for a while now, but one of my friends found a sweeter deal on a NEW system. Talk to the guys at microcenter and ask them to work out a deal for you. In his case he got his NEW system at list price but with a $120 non-expiring coupon that could be used to discount games $30 a piece.

Jasper

[hockeymanc]

PASS PASS PASS!! I know three friends who've purchased refurbed 360s over the past year and *ALL OF THEM* has died. It might seem cheap now, but $199 + $99 to fix when it does eventually die = not a good deal!!

[rickbroida]

Actually, that's still $100 less than the list price. Just saying. :)

[tgpumpkin]

Rick, I love your deals, but there are some facts you need to know (and everyone else)

1. The Elite and Pro versions out there are repackaging of the older XBOX models. This has been confirmed on multiple blogs from users who have received old manufacturer date systems. These are the systems that run with a 14,2 a instead of a 12,1. In other words, they run HOT which is RRoD the systems. If you don't believe me, check on some other websites that happen to sell tons of stuff and you will see in their comments/ratings section how miffed people are getting an old elite model.

2. Right now, the ONLY guarantee in getting the jasper unit that runs cooler with less voltage is the XBOX 360 Arcade. They re-released the Arcade in April 2009 with 512MB internal memory. It runs cooler. You can tell if you get one of these when you look at the pack of your XBOX 360 and look in the serial window to find the 12,1 a rating. If it says 14,2...you're sunk.

3. It's a good deal (so kudos to you), but if I had my choice of an Arcade that will last or an Elite that could RRoD...I'll do without Halo and Fable for the long term stability of an Arcade.

[hoclem]

It's 229.99 for the elite and 179.99 for the pro. Guess they got smart.

[rickbroida]

Not if you apply the coupon code, as described in the very first sentence of the post. :)