Xbox 360 - It's the most popular next generation gaming system in history. As a consumer, you have a lot of options when it comes to purchasing an Xbox 360. You could go to your local Best Buy and purchase it. But is it really a "Best Buy?" We price shopped Amazon, eBay, Best Buy and Circuit City and came up with following price information. The following price comparisons are for an Xbox 360 20GB entertainment system - no games included. The price comparisions include shipping but no sales tax.

First, let's look at Best Buy. Best Buy's current price is $349.99 + 7.99 for shipping. Total Cost = $357.88

Circuit City currently has the same retail price as Best Buy, $349.99. Circuit City however has a current offer of Free Shipping on purchases over $24.00. This brings our total cost to $349.99.

Amazon's average price is $349.99 but like Circuit City, currently offers free shipping. Amazon's total cost is also $349.99.

Our price comparisons on eBay are a little more complicated. After researching completed auctions, we came to an average price including shipping of $281.00. There were auctions that went as low as $249.00 and as high as $350.00. Without too much effort, you should be able to get one right around $280.00, give or take a few bucks. Reminder: always read and understand the auctions details. Always check sellers feedback and never pay with anything other than Paypal. Why? Buyers Protection Policy, plain and simple.

Summary

eBay: $281.00 (Sales tax not included)

Amazon: $349.99 (Sales tax not included)

Circuit City: $349.99 (Sales tax not included)

Best Buy: $357.99 (Sales tax not included)

Conclusion

Though eBay requires the most due diligence and work, the savings can definitely add up. The savings can be as much 20% and if you consider that most eBay sellers don't charge sales tax, the savings could be closer to 30% when it's all said and done. While eBay obviously has some really good deals, just be sure to follow my suggestions Iregarding ebay transactions--always read auction details, always check seller feedback and always pay with Paypal. The Xbox 360 is an awesome entertainment system. So sit down with your kids, play a few games and enjoy some family time together. Your kids will think it's cool because they're absolutely destroying you on the Xbox and you'll think it's cool because it gives you the opportunity to spend more time with them. Everybody wins!