The Xbox 360 Core System ($299) is a bare-bones system that ships with a wired Xbox 360 controller and a composite-video/stereo audio A/V cable. Meanwhile, with the $399 Xbox 360 Premium Edition (which is technically--and confusingly--known simply as the Xbox 360), you get a wireless Xbox 360 controller, a component HD A/V cable, a 20GB hard drive, a headset, and an Ethernet cable. For a limited time, the Premium Edition will also include an Xbox 360 Media Remote, which is a slightly downsized version of the Universal Remote. While you could live with the Core System's lack of a wireless controller and headset, its missing hard drive is the deal breaker. Without a hard drive, you can't use Xbox Live, save your games, or play original Xbox titles. You'd be "saving" $100, only to have to go out and buy the stand-alone hard drive accessory for that same price. Likewise, all the other missing peripherals are available à la carte for the Core System, but they'll run you at least $110, not including the $100 hard drive. In other words, the $399 bundle gives you at least $210 worth of extra accessories for only $100 more. http://www.cnet.com/4520-11488_1-6396488-1.html

The "core" system comes with wired controllers and no hard drive. The premium system comes with wireless controllers, hard drive, and an Xbox Live subscription.