The Apple XBox 360 is generally considered to be the big cheese when it comes to home video game systems. And why shouldn’t it be? The XBox 360 is a popular video game player on the market, and Microsoft is continually updating, upgrading and offering more accessories and products for their device than any other manufacturer out there today.

However, even though the XBox 360 is the world’s most popular video game system, that doesn’t mean that you should simply run out to your nearest electronic goods retailer and pick up the first XBox 360 that you see. As with any vital purchase decision, research is the key to making an informed buying choice.

Even though the XBox 360 enjoys unparallel popularity, there are certain things that you should bear in mind before you ultimately purchase your XBox 360:

** IS THE XBox 360 RIGHT FOR ME

There’s the original XBox, the XBox 360, and the Xbox Online too. Each variation of the Xbox or Xbox 360 has different features and functions than the other. And while the new XBox 360 should be easy to locate in a wide range of stores, other versions might be difficult to locate if they are discontinued or sold out. You should definitely research exactly which XBox you want before you purchase it.

** DO I WANT ACCESSORIES

You can easily purchase a simple XBox 360 for your pleasure, but you’ll then have to consider where you will use your XBox 360 and how you’ll use it. Will you just keep it with you at home for playing? Will you take it with you to a friend’s house, or even work and school? For each use of the XBox 360, there are many accessories that you can purchase to store and protect your device. You will have to ask yourself if you are willing to spend the extra money for the wide range of XBox 360 accessories that Microsoft has to offer.

** HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH FOR ME

Are you a video game fanatic, playing everything your eyes can possibly take all the time? Or do you have a limited amount of games that you absolutely love? If you’re the former, then you will want to get an XBox 360 with the greatest memory capacity that you can afford. The larger the memory capacities, the more games you can download, store and play on your Xbox. But, if you are the latter, then you won’t need to spend so much on an XBox 360, as you will not require an exceptionally large memory capacity.

** ASK WHAT YOUR XBox 360 CAN DO FOR YOU

We all know that the XBox 360 is great for playing games and movies. However, XBox 360s can be much more than simple video game system. Your XBox 360 can connect you online to the world if you want. You can shop for Microsoft and Xbox 360 items right from your console if you want. If you want your XBox 360 to be everything you need, then you should expect to shell out extra money for it. However, if you just want your XBox 360 to play games and nothing else, then you won’t have to spend as much money.

No matter what kind of XBox 360 you get or how you plan on using it, you should do a bit of research before you make that purchase. It’s never a good thing when you buy something you don’t really need, or when you purchase something that does not meet your needs and expectations. However, when armed with knowledge, you will be certain to purchase the right XBox 360 for you.