I'm thinking of getting an X360 with New Vegas, as I'm tired of my PC's 'issues'. I don't know the first thing about
the console though, so I'm wondering if it needs an existing internet connection for the game's updates? As right
now I don't have one (long, uninteresting story). Thanks in advance for any help.

Yes, in order to get patches, updates, bug fixes, etc... you need to be able to connect the xbox to the internet.

Okay, thank you for the information.

What if I'd get Fallout 3 GOTY, would it need an internet connection or could I just hook it up and play?

You don't need internet to play, just to update the game. I think (plz someone confirm) the GOTY edition of F3 already has the latest patch.

there is still an update i belive due to the new Dashboard, I don't have the GOTY erdition but I do have the F3 games on demand download and that needed a 3MB update after the new dashboard.

Yep that is the way many games are going now. They release an un-finished beta test game early filled with bugs, then require you to go to the internet to fix after they finish debugging some of it. There is usually multiple patches after release now.

It is this way as companies can get away without hiring testers. YOU become the beta tester and you need the internet connection to keep testing the new patches for them.

It is kind of sad but this is what gaming has become.

Yes it needs an active Internet connection.

As for the FO3 GOTY edition, no it does not need an active Internet connection. The game comes with all expansions & updates added, you just get the option to install the expansions from that disc & continue playing normally.

Thanks for the info everyone!

I just connect my computer modem into the XBox360 every so often - look on your provider's website, they should have the protocol settings. I play my console games off line...