The Xbox 360 game console has three variants. Yes, you heard it right that is why you might be wondering why Xbox 360 games are labeled with arcade, elite and pro. Well, these are the different variants of Xbox 360.

1. The Xbox 360 Arcade replaced the discontinued Xbox 360 Core. In October 18, 2007 this product was announced to the public but it was already in stores earlier. This variant is also known as the entry level for the Xbox 360 series which means that the games are not that complex just like playing in a real arcade.

The Xbox 360 Arcade includes the following:

  • wireless controller
  • composite AV cable
  • HDMI 1.2 output
  • an internal  memory chip 256 MB
  • five Xbox Live Arcade games which are Boom Boom Rocket, Luxor 2,  Feeding Frenzy, Uno, Pac-Man Championship Edition and on one disk

2. The Xbox 360 Pro is also referred to as Premium or just Xbox 360 with a tag line "Go Pro". This Xbox 360 variant includes all the features that can be seen on the Arcade variant.

On this variant it includes the following:

  • component cable and hybrid composite with optional optical out
  • 60 GB HD Drive detachable
  • compatible with Xbox original games

The first Xbox 360 Pro made use of Zephyr motherboard but by the end of September 2007, the motherboard was changed to Falcon. The new motherboard is said to be quiter and much cooler. The HD drive that comes with this Xbox 360 variant contains demo games, videos and free Arcade game titled Hexic HD.

3. The most expensive Xbox 360 variant is the Elite. The console makes use of 120 GB and with black matte finish which gives it a very sleek look.

The package includes the following:

  • HDMI 1.2 cable
  • controller
  • headset

The 2008 releases includes the game  Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Kung Fu Panda and it also makes use of the Falcon 65 nm chipset.

So now you know the different variants of Xbox 360, you will be able to determine which of them will best suit you.