XBox 360 or Playstation 3 ?

[Mayer]

I'm looking for a little CP advice on this one. Mods, if you feel this could be in another thread feel free to move it.

For my Christmas Eve birthday, I have the choice of getting one of these gaming systems. As I do not know much about either, I figured I'd ask to see which people on here like more. Do both gaming systems ever have the same games? Which would you say has better graphics? Which one overall is the better system?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[llama64]

This is a tough call to reduce to a question of which is the better system.

If you like games, Xbox360. If you want the better media system, the PS3.

MS is trying to make the xbox a better media system (addition of xvid/divx) while Sony is trying to get some games out for the PS.

[Yeah_Baby]

well put llama. I personally went with the PS3.

[alltherage]

I have a 360 myself, and it kicks ass. I have a few buddys that have the PS3 and they say its a paperweight. Most of them use it for blu-ray. If you want to game, like llama said, get the 360. Great sports, racing, fighting, rpgs, guitar hero... the list goes on. The main thing is that Microsoft has bought the rights to most of the best franchises out there, like GTA, Final Fantasy, etc. Personally, even if they were the exact same price (the 360 is cheaper), I would still get the 360. I've heard from people that the PS3 has better graphics but the difference is so minimal I can't tell, and I have a pretty discerning eye. I love my 360. I've put a ton of mileage on it already, and it's a blast.

EDIT: This should be a poll.

[photon]

I have a 360 myself, and it kicks ass. I have a few buddys that have the PS3 and they say its a paperweight. Most of them use it for blu-ray. If you want to game, like llama said, get the 360. Great sports, racing, fighting, rpgs, guitar hero... the list goes on. The main thing is that Microsoft has bought the rights to most of the best franchises out there, like GTA, Final Fantasy, etc. Personally, even if they were the exact same price (the 360 is cheaper), I would still get the 360. I've heard from people that the PS3 has better graphics but the difference is so minimal I can't tell, and I have a pretty discerning eye. I love my 360. I've put a ton of mileage on it already, and it's a blast.

EDIT: This should be a poll.

I agree for the most part. MS doesn't have rights to GTA and Final Fantasy though, GTA will be multi-platform and Final Fantasy is still PS3 as far as anyone knows (except for the announced Wii title and the FFXI MMOG on the 360).

Graphics difference is next to nill, most games you can't tell. But the 360 has a much larger game library at this point. Given the HUGE library of titles for the PS2, eventually that should be fixed but who knows.

Basically if there's a franchise you can't live without (Halo, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, whatever), then go with that one, otherwise for gaming now the 360 has the better selection of games.

[Hack&Lube]

PS3 doubles as a good home entertainment center as well since it has a BlueRay player and support for DIVX. It's easily easy to surf the net on your TV with a PS3.

When it comes to games, it depends what game franchises do you play? A lot of the big names are exclusive to PS3 while the only big names attached to XBox (because Microsoft gave bags of money to them) are Halo and Mass Effect.

[Ro]

Graphics difference is next to nill, most games you can't tell.

Not only that, but from what I've read on game review sites, many games (the EA ones in particular) run at a higher/smoother frame rate on the 360 than on the PS3.

I will also add the Xbox live experience to the mix. Hundreds of thousands of players online at any given time- I was skeptical at first about how good it could be and how much it would enhance my gaming experience. Now I'm very happy I bought a 360 and that is one of the main reasons.

[Delgar]

Its a pretty easy call to get a 360 at this stage in the game, I'd say the PS3 has finally gained some momentum, and seems to be over the earlier frame rate issues. Still, the 360 is the best gaming system for now.

The PS3 might be better in a couple years when the number of games released catches up and if programmers start using its supposedly stronger processing power.

[Cerebral]

Don't bother asking what everyone else likes, just look at the list of games available for each system. I personally like the games coming out on PS3 (MGS4, FF13, Ratchet and Clank, God of War, Kingdom Hearts) more so I went with that system. Both are fairly similar in terms of overall specs so it pretty much comes down to games.

[Pagal4321]

I went with PS3....not really sure why, I think it's because of the future potential.
It's supposed to have the capability to be leaps and bounds better than the 360. But like Cerbral says, just look at what games you want and go with your pick....

[MarchHare]

The PS3 is pretty much a dead platform, at least as far as games are concerned. Sales in all regions have been abysmal, so many developers who were previously planning to make PS3-exclusive games have either decided to release for both the PS3 and the 360 or just the 360 alone.

Also, because Microsoft had a year head start, there's TONS of games out for the 360 that are really great. For the PS3, there's only really a few hits -- Resistance, Heavenly Sword, and Ratchet and Clank are about it right now. If you're into sports games, all the major titles are available for both platforms, so you can't go wrong either way there. The Xbox has -- by far -- the better online platform, so if internet multiplayer is your thing, that should be a consideration. Xbox Live Arcade and the Marketplace area also really, really cool.

Really, the only thing the PS3 has going for it is the ability to play Blu-Ray DVDs (the Xbox can play HD-DVD with an optional attachment), but it cames at a pretty steep price premium.

One final thing: the new 40GB PS3s that are currently on the market are not backwards compatible with PS2 games, since Sony cut that feature in an attempt to reduce costs.

Right now, I think it's pretty much a no-brainer; the Xbox 360 is the better of the two systems. That might change after a few years (although it's not looking good for Sony at this point), but you're getting the system now, not two years from now.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I agree for the most part. MS doesn't have rights to GTA and Final Fantasy though, GTA will be multi-platform and Final Fantasy is still PS3 as far as anyone knows (except for the announced Wii title and the FFXI MMOG on the 360).

Lets not forget about Gran Turismo 5. All indications are that this will make Forza 2 look like Pole Position. If you're a die hard racer, the PS3 is the way to go for this reason alone.

Here's a great in depth article on the development of GT5 from Car and Driver. Goes into great detail why they've taken as long as they have.

“In the past, each car was like a sheet, all just one color,” says Yamauchi, who is also an avid amateur photographer. “We are now taking it to a much higher level, studying the feel and texture of the materials.” There’s a difference between how light plays over metallic paint compared with a plastic headlight lens or piece of rubber trim. At the edges of body panels, car paint tends to bead slightly, causing light reflections to spear outward. Going around soft corners, the sun’s reflection pinches up and then spreads out again.
What the interaction of industry and nature renders so casually in the real world, Turismo must duplicate entirely by mouse-click, car by car, scene by scene, angle by angle. Says Yamauchi: “For Gran Turismo 1, one car was one day’s work for one man. For GT3, one car was one man’s work for 30 days. For GT5, one car is one man’s work for 180 days.”


http://www.caranddriver.com/features/13550/the-game-boys.html

[JayP]

First off, do you have a good gaming PC? It doesn't sound like you do, but if so then the 360 is a waste of money. Essentially every good 360 game makes it to the PC eventually and the PC versions are always better (better controls, better graphics, mods, etc.).

The next question is what type of games do you like to play? If you like first person shooters or racing games then it's the 360. That's essentially all the system is. There's the odd game that doesn't fit in that genre, but they're few and far between.

If you're more into action, platformers, and RPGs then the PS3 is clearly the better option.

[Torture]

First off, do you have a good gaming PC? It doesn't sound like you do, but if so then the 360 is a waste of money. Essentially every good 360 game makes it to the PC eventually and the PC versions are always better (better controls, better graphics, mods, etc.).



Minus NHL 07/NHL 08 :whaa:

[McG]

well, i am on the 360 platform. and to be clear...microsoft owned bungie and therefore halo was an exclusive because they could. as far as "exclusive" goes, the only exclusives going forward are either because one company paid for a time frame or they own the development house. there is no sense to be exclusive for any other reason.

a couple of things not mentioned. the 360 acts as a media extender for vista and xp media centre, and for the new windows home server. if you like to stream, this might matter.

also, with the xna development platform, you will continue to see relatively simultaneous releases on the pc and xbox. you will start to see more windows games come out on the xbox as well as vice versa.

i am biased on this, but i would see what games your posse are playing...and some hands on time.

don't forget the wii...it is also for certain things as well.

[Mayer]

First off, do you have a good gaming PC? It doesn't sound like you do, but if so then the 360 is a waste of money. Essentially every good 360 game makes it to the PC eventually and the PC versions are always better (better controls, better graphics, mods, etc.).

The next question is what type of games do you like to play? If you like first person shooters or racing games then it's the 360. That's essentially all the system is. There's the odd game that doesn't fit in that genre, but they're few and far between.

If you're more into action, platformers, and RPGs then the PS3 is clearly the better option.

I'd say first person shooter games are #1 for me. Call of Duty 4 is the first game I'd buy, no question. I also like sporting games...NHL, Madden etc etc.

No, I don't have a gaming PC. It sounds like 360 is the clear choice?

[Cerebral]

I'd say first person shooter games are #1 for me. Call of Duty 4 is the first game I'd buy, no question. I also like sporting games...NHL, Madden etc etc.

No, I don't have a gaming PC. It sounds like 360 is the clear choice?
If you pretty much only like shooters and sports games, the 360 is likely your choice (although Unreal Tournament and Haze are both coming out on the PS3 soon). The 360 appears to be the platform to beat for FPSs and sports games but the PS3 still seems to have the leg up when it comes to RPGs and platformers.

[Jagger]

I'd say first person shooter games are #1 for me. Call of Duty 4 is the first game I'd buy, no question. I also like sporting games...NHL, Madden etc etc.

No, I don't have a gaming PC. It sounds like 360 is the clear choice?

Yes it does to me. COD4 is an absolutely superb game. If you like FPS's then you will love it.

I own a pretty decent gaming PC and a 360 and don't consider the console a waste of money. It is much better playing multi-player sports games on the console than the PC. Also the likes of NHL08 and Halo is actually better on the 360 than the PC. I also don't want to wait until great RPG's like Mass Effect comes out on the computer. To each their own.

From everything you've said a 360 is a no brainer choice for you.

[Inferno]

First off, do you have a good gaming PC? It doesn't sound like you do, but if so then the 360 is a waste of money. Essentially every good 360 game makes it to the PC eventually and the PC versions are always better (better controls, better graphics, mods, etc.).


It's only a waste of money if the games you want to play are on or are going to be on PC. 9 of my 12 360 games aren't available on the PC and chances are wont ever be.

And I still plan on getting a good gaming machine after Christmas because as long as a game is on the PC I'll get it over the console version unless it's a sports game which now that I've had my 360 for over year prefer to play on my 360 despite not being able to use graphic mods. But really the only game I would care about that is the NHL series and the last couple of years it hasn't changed much graphically from NHL 06.

[Mayer]

If you pretty much only like shooters and sports games, the 360 is likely your choice (although Unreal Tournament and Haze are both coming out on the PS3 soon). The 360 appears to be the platform to beat for FPSs and sports games but the PS3 still seems to have the leg up when it comes to RPGs and platformers.

What the heck are these?

Can you tell I'm not a huge gamer? :ph34r:

[Cerebral]

What the heck are these?

Can you tell I'm not a huge gamer? :ph34r:
Examples of role playing games would be Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Mass Effect. If you haven't heard of/played any of those, RPGs probably aren't for you. :D

Platformers are games like Mario Brothers and Ratchet and Clank and Prince and Persia that primarily revolve around you hopping from platform to platform (although new "platformers" are typically a lot more free-moving than that).

Based on your preference for shooters and sports games, I'm guessing the 360 is the system for you. :)

[Table 5]

I know when it comes to gaming, the 360 is the way to go, but dont discount the power of the Blu-Ray on this thing. It's quite a powerful element, which as a standalone would probably cost you about $400. If you plan to watch HD movies in the near future, and think Blu-Ray is the way things will go (and at this stage it looks like it neither format will drop-out), Id give the PS3 some serious consideration. Personally I'm pulling for HD-DVD (not a fan of Sony in general), but if getting a gaming system, it would be really impossible for me to ignore the Blu-Ray factor.

[zukes]

Put it this way, the XBox is already using up to 95% of it's capability. PS3 is just scratching 50% of it's. Don't quote me on the numbers, but PS3 has a lot of room to expand it's games. The difference in the game libraries at this point is solely due to the fact that the 360 has been out a lot longer. PS3 will catch and pass it in the next couple years.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

The difference in the game libraries at this point is solely due to the fact that the 360 has been out a lot longer. PS3 will catch and pass it in the next couple years.


And wouldn't that be right around the time the next Xbox will be available?

[JayP]

And wouldn't that be right around the time the next Xbox will be available?

That won't be for at least another three years, so no.

People always say that the Wii and the PS3's game line-ups aren't very good, but fail to realize that the 360's just even worse in it's first year. I can't think of a single great game on the 360 released in it's first year. Oblivion is the closest, but without mods it's a pretty big disappointment to Elder Scrolls fans.

But Mayer, if you're top two games would be FPS and sports then the 360 is the obvious choice game wise. It's entire line-up revolves around FPS's. As it been said though, the only real decision I'd say you have now is whether the PS3's home media capabilities are of great importance.

[ernie]

Put it this way, the XBox is already using up to 95% of it's capability. PS3 is just scratching 50% of it's. Don't quote me on the numbers, but PS3 has a lot of room to expand it's games. The difference in the game libraries at this point is solely due to the fact that the 360 has been out a lot longer. PS3 will catch and pass it in the next couple years.

There hasn't been a console maxed out or nearly maxed 2 years into it's life cycle ever and the 360 isn;t going to be the first. 360 games will continue to get better and better and better. Remember, the architecture of the two consoles is completely different and ultimately what will happen is the 360 will do SOME things in a superior manner to the PS3 and vice versa (I believe lighting effects is one thing the 360 will always do better than the PS3 from what I've read).

Right now i still don't think there is any contest between the consoles. Library wise the 360 wins hands down and will continue to do so for quite some time and the quality issues look to be completely sorted on the console now as well. The PS3 is a quality machine and it won't fail, it just won't be as dominant this generation as last. But at this time if you are looking at it as a gaming machine it isn't worth it.

[Flaming Choy]

Given the HUGE library of titles for the PS2, eventually that should be fixed but who knows.


Not really true since they discontinued all ps3's with hardware backwards compatibility (software BC isn't very good and limited). the 80 gig version is SW BC and the 40 gig has no BC at all. If playing PS2 games is important to your, and your going with the ps3, try to hunt down a 60 gig version while you can still find one.

Personally, if you want games now, go with the 360. If your waiting for some of the games that people have listed on the ps3 (GOW3, FF13, MGS4 GT5....ect) then might as well wait till those games are out. The ps3 should be cheaper by then and you won't have a console just sitting around. Word is FF13 got pushed back again to 2009 now, not much word on GOW3 (everyone knows its coming , but i don't think it's been announced).

[ernie]

Not really true since they discontinued all ps3's with hardware backwards compatibility (software BC isn't very good and limited). the 80 gig version is SW BC and the 40 gig has no BC at all. If playing PS2 games is important to your, and your going with the ps3, try to hunt down a 60 gig version while you can still find one.

Personally, if you want games now, go with the 360. If your waiting for some of the games that people have listed on the ps3 (GOW3, FF13, MGS4 GT5....ect) then might as well wait till those games are out. The ps3 should be cheaper by then and you won't have a console just sitting around. Word is FF13 got pushed back again to 2009 now, not much word on GOW3 (everyone knows its coming , but i don't think it's been announced).

MGS4 also got pushed back another quarter. Looking at summer '08 now and who knows how much more it'll get pushed back. It was supposed to be September '07 or something, then January and last I read end of Q2 or something.

[simonsays]

Here's a quick video that outlines the pros and cons of the current (we can't really call them next gen anymore) generation systems.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/1383-Zero-Punctuation-Console-Rundown

The video is damn funny, and really lays it out there.

edit: anyone know how to embed non youtube videos?

[Flaming Choy]

I also have a suspicion that mgs4 will appear on the 360 (probably after a year of ps3 exclusivity). Sony said they don't pay money to devs for exclusives, MS has tonnes of money and they have the larger fan base. Would be an easy money grab by Konami. I didn't think games like DMC would jump to the 360, and Assassin's started as a ps3 exclusive, (i think gta4 was also originally sony's), so hoping i'm right (I really want to play that game). Probably more of my inner fan boy hope.

[photon]

Not really true since they discontinued all ps3's with hardware backwards compatibility

No I meant that the PS2 had a huge library; many more games came out for that console than the others, and I think eventually the PS3 will get to the same point with PS3 games.. I didn't mean about PS2 games.

[MarchHare]

No I meant that the PS2 had a huge library; many more games came out for that console than the others, and I think eventually the PS3 will get to the same point with PS3 games.. I didn't mean about PS2 games.

The PS2 had the biggest game library because it was the dominant-selling console of its generation, outselling both the Xbox and Gamecube combined. The PS3, on the other hand, has been a massive commercial failure for Sony. Developers will support the platform with the largest install base, and right now, that's the Xbox 360 (the Wii is more of a novelty system that generally won't see the same type of games that would be made for the Xbox/PS3).

Here are the US October sales figures for the consoles. Note that this is after the PS3 price drop.

Wii 519K
Xbox 360 366K
PlayStation 2 184K
PlayStation 3 121K

You know things are bad for Sony when their previous-gen console is selling 50% better than their current-gen offering.

[llama64]

Put it this way, the XBox is already using up to 95% of it's capability. PS3 is just scratching 50% of it's. Don't quote me on the numbers, but PS3 has a lot of room to expand it's games. The difference in the game libraries at this point is solely due to the fact that the 360 has been out a lot longer. PS3 will catch and pass it in the next couple years.

Care to quote where you get these number from? They don't make any sense, especially when you translate them into actual game experience. Double the processor cores does not automatically mean the PS3 has double the power. A game has to be programmed properly do take advantage of that technology.

The XBox benefits from wide developer acceptance since it's a very simple system to develop for. Even hobbyists can start learning to program games for the Xbox360 using the MS XNA library. Essentially, all of the heavy lifting programming wise has been done. This lets development companies start focusing on the actual game play and content rather then the engine.

The PS3 has reputedly one of the worst development packages on the market. It's a highly complex machine built on bleeding edge computer technology. This makes development of a game on the PS3 very difficult and rather risky. How many game programmers do you know that are absolute wiz kids at parallel programming?

A good chunk of the PS3 sales are actually people and organizations buying a number of them to use in a networked replacement of a super computer. That's actually the reason I want one... mostly for the nerd appeal :D

But as a games platform... the PS3 barely holds a candle to it's pre-decessor, which means the market belongs to the Xbox360. If MS stops being stupid and puts true xvid support into the system, the PS3 will not have much of an advantage beyond a Blue-Ray drive. And the format wars are far from over at this point. But that's a whole other thread...

[Jagger]

Console debates always bring out the fanboy element, something that I've never ever understood. I pretty much own every console, except PS3 right now, and every console has it's merits. The wii/360 combo is excellent and anybody with the means to do so should be more than happy with that choice. The wii, supposedly, gets bad mouthed by 'real' gamers when there is actually a number of excellent pure games on the system. Zelda and Galaxy are two of the best games in recent times on any system period.

I will, in all likelihood, pick up a PS3 at some point. Not yet, but given a number of great games to be released on the system will do so eventually.

For the topic at hand Mayer is an obvious candidate for the 360.

[Table 5]

this might also help in your decision process.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/28/xbox-360-backwards-compat-update-brings-84-new-titles/

[mykalberta]

This is a tough call to reduce to a question of which is the better system.

If you like games, Xbox360. If you want the better media system, the PS3.

MS is trying to make the xbox a better media system (addition of xvid/divx) while Sony is trying to get some games out for the PS.

Where did you hear about the Xvid/Divx, from a legit source or just newsgroups. I follow the 360 fairly close and havent heard anything on that front.

On the 360vsPS3 - PS3 is a very affordable BLuRay player so if you bet on BluRay, fow with the PS3.

I personally have a 360 which is Media Centrered to my Vista Home Premium box and I love watching all my shows and not have to burn them to DVD. If there was a way to buy a DVD, convert it to a good digital format I would do that to all my DVD's and then garbage the cases and just keep the sku in case the piracy nazzis come after me.

[photon]

The PS2 had the biggest game library because it was the dominant-selling console of its generation, outselling both the Xbox and Gamecube combined. The PS3, on the other hand, has been a massive commercial failure for Sony. Developers will support the platform with the largest install base, and right now, that's the Xbox 360 (the Wii is more of a novelty system that generally won't see the same type of games that would be made for the Xbox/PS3).

Here are the US October sales figures for the consoles. Note that this is after the PS3 price drop.

Wii 519K
Xbox 360 366K
PlayStation 2 184K
PlayStation 3 121K

You know things are bad for Sony when their previous-gen console is selling 50% better than their current-gen offering.

Very true.. though was it it's great game selection that caused the great sales?

I agree though, the PS3 so far has been a major disappointment for Sony, though it is picking up somewhat recently. I think eventually it'll come around, but as you say developers are going on both consoles more this generation than last, especially the big franchises.

[HOOT]

I play 360 and love it, I don't like the PS3 controller and many of my friends who had the PS3 quickly returned it for a 360. Probably depends on what kind of games you like to play also...

[mykalberta]

That won't be for at least another three years, so no.

People always say that the Wii and the PS3's game line-ups aren't very good, but fail to realize that the 360's just even worse in it's first year. I can't think of a single great game on the 360 released in it's first year. Oblivion is the closest, but without mods it's a pretty big disappointment to Elder Scrolls fans.


Gears of war I think was a good game but to each his own.

[photon]

Where did you hear about the Xvid/Divx, from a legit source or just newsgroups. I follow the 360 fairly close and havent heard anything on that front.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/53570-divx-and-xbox-360-a-potential-win-win-for-everyone

[The Yen Man]

My favorite genre (and probably one I mainly play) are Japanese rpgs, so for me the PS3 will be the way to go eventually. As the Xbox still sells like crap in Japan no matter how good it is, I think the PS3 will at least beat the Xbox in that department.

[photon]

There's some pretty cool RPGs out for the 360 though.. Enchanted Arms was great I thought, and I haven't even tried Blue Dragon or Eternal Sonata yet.

[zukes]

Don't quote me on the numbers, but PS3 has a lot of room to expand it's games.


Care to quote where you get these number from?



Nope :D

[fotze]

WE played NHL 07 on the PS3 after playing on the 360 for a long time, turned it off after half a game and it was returned. It was choppy for some odd reason. Terrible.

[The Yen Man]

Yah, I'll probably end up picking up both. I dunno what it is, but I think back when I was a kid, I really really wanted an SNES but my parents refused to buy me one cuz they spent so much money already on my NES and its games. Thus I totally skipped that generation. But since the original Playstation 1 days when I was old enough to make my own money, I've owned basically every console that's come out since then. Well, except the Sega Saturn (didn't have the money to), Atari Linx (crappy games), and Neo Geo (too expensive!).

[llama64]

Nope :D

I was asking for your source... not seeking to quote you directly...

oh never mind. :)

[Josh]

I bought a playstation 3 because it has a bluray player and has (or is going to have) the games I want to play. I like my PS3

My brother has a 360, he likes his 360.

Whenever we get together, all we ever do is argue over who's system is better.

(Just kidding, we're both in our mid 20's and have much better things to do than be a bunch of fanboys).

Get whatever system you think is going to be best for you, and ignore the advice from the fanboys.

[JayP]

Gears of war I think was a good game but to each his own.

Gears of War came out around the 1 year mark so I didn't include it.

[Yeah_Baby]

IIRC the PS3 is probally getting there own game in the Gears of War universe. Also I am really stoked for Killzone 2, if it ever comes out that is.

[Lchoy]

My vote is 360, but I don't really have any experience with Playstations.
As most people mentioned, it depends on the games you like to play. My family also has a wii, but that's better for parties I find.

[Flaming Choy]

WE played NHL 07 on the PS3 after playing on the 360 for a long time, turned it off after half a game and it was returned. It was choppy for some odd reason. Terrible.

yeah, i read somewhere that ea sports games ran at 60 fps on 360 and 30 fps on the ps3 due to the the developers being unfamiliar with the ps3 and cell processor. I'm sure this will change in the 09 games (if it hasn't already in 08).

Have to agree with some of the other posters here, wii/360 (aka wii60) is an awesome combo, as long as you don't like japanese rpgs.

[Yeah_Baby]

I have the 60 GB PS3 that I got in the summer, I mostly wen that way cause i never had an Xbox and had a whole libary of PS2 games and the 60 GB is BC. Again the Blu-ray thing was also a factor.

[Yeah_Baby]

yeah, i read somewhere that ea sports games ran at 60 fps on 360 and 30 fps on the ps3 due to the the developers being unfamiliar with the ps3 and cell processor. I'm sure this will change in the 09 games (if it hasn't already in 08).

Have to agree with some of the other posters here, wii/360 (aka wii60) is an awesome combo, as long as you don't like japanese rpgs.

the thing with EA sports is they build everything for the 360 and then port it over to the PS3. and as mentioned the PS3 isn't the easiest system to develop, so hopefully its only a matter of time before all the kinks get worked out.

[Bertuzzied]

The PS2 had the biggest game library because it was the dominant-selling console of its generation, outselling both the Xbox and Gamecube combined. The PS3, on the other hand, has been a massive commercial failure for Sony. Developers will support the platform with the largest install base, and right now, that's the Xbox 360 (the Wii is more of a novelty system that generally won't see the same type of games that would be made for the Xbox/PS3).

Here are the US October sales figures for the consoles. Note that this is after the PS3 price drop.

Wii 519K
Xbox 360 366K
PlayStation 2 184K
PlayStation 3 121K

You know things are bad for Sony when their previous-gen console is selling 50% better than their current-gen offering.

hmmm i guess you don't google much. PS3 sales goes up 245% after the price cut. For the past 2 weeks it has outsold the wii in Japan.


http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183389.html


According to Sony, that rate of sale has roughly tripled, so it's likely around 321,750 PS3s were sold in November through Black Friday in North America. If those sales stay constant through the end of the month, then roughly 429,000 PS3s were sold in the US and Canada during the month. That's a marked improvement for the console, which has not sold more than 200,000 units in a single month this year.

Also PS3 sales increase Sony's shares. So things aren't so bad with Sony.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=176412

[HOOT]

I have the 60 GB PS3 that I got in the summer, I mostly wen that way cause i never had an Xbox and had a whole libary of PS2 games and the 60 GB is BC. Again the Blu-ray thing was also a factor.

That technology that will once again get trumpted by the industry standard? HD-DVD will be the only way to go in a few years...just like the MiniDisc was suppose to be the next best thing. Sony tries but always fails at that...but damn they make a good TV ;)

[Yeah_Baby]

That technology that will once again get trumpted by the industry standard? HD-DVD will be the only way to go in a few years...just like the MiniDisc was suppose to be the next best thing. Sony tries but always fails at that...but damn they make a good TV ;)

well in that case I guess by then I am holding out for the hybred player technology to be affordable;)

[Bertuzzied]

I bought a playstation 3 because it has a bluray player and has (or is going to have) the games I want to play. I like my PS3

My brother has a 360, he likes his 360.

Whenever we get together, all we ever do is argue over who's system is better.

(Just kidding, we're both in our mid 20's and have much better things to do than be a bunch of fanboys).

Get whatever system you think is going to be best for you, and ignore the advice from the fanboys.

I have this argument with my xbox fanboy friend all the time. He LOVES his 360 and I have a wii and ps3. Pretty easy argument for me right now since his XBOX is being shipping across the US getting fixed! hahaha. Not only that the HD DVD drive he bought for his xbox has software problems so the sound that comes out of it sounds like crap. Regular dvds sound better. hahahaha.

Don't really care for the games for the ps3, I bought it for the bluray player which is excellent. Movies are pretty cheap since they have 2 for 1 sales all the time but my main use for it is to play back my camcorder movies in hd.

The wii is just awesome!!

[Bertuzzied]

That technology that will once again get trumpted by the industry standard? HD-DVD will be the only way to go in a few years...just like the MiniDisc was suppose to be the next best thing. Sony tries but always fails at that...but damn they make a good TV ;)

Yeah with awesome titles like Transformers hahaha Blu ray is doomed! hehehe. What else is on HD DVD?

For all the HD DVD people out there, costco has a RCA player for $199. hmmm can it be any uglier though? Maybe my friend should get it so his hd dvds will sound better.

http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/04/HDV5000-HD-DVD-Player.JPG

[simmer2]

That technology that will once again get trumpted by the industry standard? HD-DVD will be the only way to go in a few years...just like the MiniDisc was suppose to be the next best thing. Sony tries but always fails at that...but damn they make a good TV ;)

I disagree with you. HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are both very similar technology so to say HD-DVD will win is simply ridiculous. The technologies are very similar, the main difference right now is the price. If Blu-Ray doesn't get cheaper anytime soon, then you may see a slight edge in HD-DVD.

In terms of the number of movies, Blu-Ray has a few more movies available in its arsenal than HD-DVD, but the difference is negligible. I do hate the fact that consumers are forced to pick one format over the other because of the studio loyalties. You should be able to get all titles no matter what format. Honestly, I just hope one dominates the other so we can just decide which format to go with.

[Bertuzzied]

I disagree with you. HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are both very similar technology so to say HD-DVD will win is simply ridiculous. The technologies are very similar, the main difference right now is the price. If Blu-Ray doesn't get cheaper anytime soon, then you may see a slight edge in HD-DVD.

In terms of the number of movies, Blu-Ray has a few more movies available in its arsenal than HD-DVD, but the difference is negligible. I do hate the fact that consumers are forced to pick one format over the other because of the studio loyalties. You should be able to get all titles no matter what format. Honestly, I just hope one dominates the other so we can just decide which format to go with.

Well the rumour is Paramount was paid $150million for exclusitivity for HD. It is also expected to expire at the end of 2008 so they might be making blu ray dvds again.

[Josh]

I picked both formats. I'm quite happy with my PS3, Toshiba HD-A3 combo.

[SarichFan]

Got both, love the PS3 hardware. Very impressed. It's so quiet, Blu-Ray, HDMI.

I like it's future.

360 I love, and clearly has the best games out however I dread the day it dies on me and wouldn't want it if I were to have just one console.

[Kerplunk]

Deciding which console to get depends on two things:

1) Ignoring fanboy ranting from both the XBOX and PS3 corners, and
2) Going through the list of current games and deciding which has the titles you want to play.

I've used both, and here is a quick, somewhat biased, summary of the two:

XBox 360
Pro's:
- Large selection of 360 games
- Nice media centre user interface
- Good friend list communication
- XBox LIVE (semi-decent game connections)
Con's:
- Somewhat noisy when running
- XBox LIVE (I really hate paying for the privilege to play an online game after buying it)
- The wonderful RROD
Games to look for:
- Halo 3 (for you FPS types that need a mediocre FPS experience)
- Bioshock
- Mass Effect
- Call of Duty 4
- Assassin's Creed
- Rock Band
- GH3
- Eternal Sonata

PS3
Pro's:
- Decent backward compatibility (except for the 40GB version)
- Quiet machine
- Blu-ray DVD playback
- User upgradeable
Con's:
- Price (getting better though)
- Not as easy to connect with friends
- Many dev's haven't learned how to code properly...err, not as many quality games out
Games to look for:
- Warhawk
- Orange box
- Uncharted
- Assassin's Creed
- Rock Band
- GH3
- Eternal Sonata
- Call of Duty 4
- Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Note: There are a lot of other games/abilities I didn't note...these are just the ones that stick out for me. I'm gonna go through the rest of the thread and argue some quotes in a sec.

[REDVAN]

I have a quick question and I didn't ready through the thread so sorry if it's been asked- I am trying to find out if xbox 360 is backward compatible with regular xbox games. I have lots of regular xbox games, and want to upgrade to 360...

[Kerplunk]

I have a quick question and I didn't ready through the thread so sorry if it's been asked- I am trying to find out if xbox 360 is backward compatible with regular xbox games. I have lots of regular xbox games, and want to upgrade to 360...
Check here. I think this is the right list:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm

Oh, and since people may also wonder about PS3, here is that list:

http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleStatus

[Hack&Lube]

Personally, I play FPS games the most so I chose neither and simply upgraded my PC. I can't stand using a controller to play games that are 3D.

[Kerplunk]

On Blu-ray vs HD-DVD:
The only ones who are losing right now are the consumers. While I personally prefer Blu-ray (more storage), I wish the industry would pick a format and get it over with.

Not only that, but from what I've read on game review sites, many games (the EA ones in particular) run at a higher/smoother frame rate on the 360 than on the PS3.
The EA games run different because the lazy tards at EA need to learn how to program properly. I'm guessing they just did a quick port and shoved it out the door. When companies put the effort into it, the quality between the two is not noticeable. And after a year being out, there are engines that should be able two switch between the two fairly well.

The PS3 is pretty much a dead platform, at least as far as games are concerned. Sales in all regions have been abysmal, so many developers who were previously planning to make PS3-exclusive games have either decided to release for both the PS3 and the 360 or just the 360 alone.
Really? Care to give your souce for the numbers on this dead platform? http://vgchartz.com has the PS3 selling about as well as the XBox360 did when first released, and possibly beat out the 360 world-wide last week. In addition, most of the exclusives have already been released for this year for both PS3 and 360, as far as I can tell, so games-wise it's going to be dual platform stuff coming out for the rest of the year.

[RogerWilco]

I don't know, I am not a fan boy. I ended up with the 40G PS3, mostly because I know a couple of people that got the X360 and it broke down on them. This is the first game system I got since the PS1. I didn't get because I was loyal to Sony just looked around a bit and thought I likes the bluray and there were a couple of games I liked for the PS3. I have realy enjoyed Uncharted-Drakes fortune. I am about half way through the at this point. I have also enjoyed useing the the wireless internet on the PS3. I can aslo say that when I go to the store it is a bit dissapointing that the game selection is a bit minimal. But than again I don't game that much so a couple of good titles can hold me over for a long time.

This thread reminds me of when I was a kid and the debate over Atari and Intellivision. No internet back then so it was all school yard talk.

So in a nut shell, get wat you want for what you want to use the system for. I am happy with my PS3 but I think I would have had the same feeling if I went with the 360 or the Wii.

[Yeah_Baby]

The appeal of the Wii rubs off alot faster then the 360 for PS3 IMHO

[RW99]

My line of evolution is NES > Genesis > SNES > N64 & PS1 > 360. So I don't think I'm a fanboy... anyway, I haven't had a regret with going with the 360, not a single one. I'm not saying it's the best, but I have no complaints. Good graphics and plenty of good games, just what I'm looking for. I have no need for Blu-ray until the format war ends and I don't like exercising with the Wii :D

[Kryzsky]

Yep, it all comes down to the games, find what you would like and go with that system.

I wanted to buy NHL 07 when it was released and play it on a next gen system, XBOX 360 was first so they got my money.

[bones]

While I agree with the games are better for xbox argument, as long as the PS3 has staying power...which I believe it does, that argument will be short lived. The PS3 game development will be getting better, the xbox had a huge head start. Right now, some of the greatest titles on xbox are also on PS3 so, I think the title argument is limited.

I have both and prefer the xbox (at this point) because it has a much better user interface. Infrared controlled so you can use a universal remote (Harmony 880). The PS3 is bluetooth so you need a dedicated remote to run it and then your other components. I'm forever answering phone calls at work about how to turn baby einstein on. :)

Another short term plus of the xbox is the fact that it has rumbling controllers. PS3 doesn't have them yet, not until next year which we will have to purchase. Even then, most of the games don't have rumble built into them either. It's a small thing but the controller feedback definitely puts you deeper into the game.

All that said, I've had one xbox die on me and I don't play very much.

I think they're both great systems, to each his own. The HD argument is a different story. I've never rented a blueray disc for the PS3, as there's very, very few titles and side by side...I really couldn't see that much difference.

b.

[JayP]

The appeal of the Wii rubs off alot faster then the 360 for PS3 IMHO

I would disagree, but that's completely off-topic.

On topic is the point about the 360's reliability. Which is to say it has none. Most people I've known who have had a 360 have had it crap out of them. While Microsoft is good at taking them back no matter when you bought it (not by choice, but by necessity) their customer service is garbage and you shouldn't expect your system back for months if you send it in.

If you're on the fence between 2 systems I'd stay away from the 360 simply due to hardware issues.

[bones]

their customer service is garbage and you shouldn't expect your system back for months if you send it in.

They shipped me a return box overnight at their expense, replaced mine, and I had it back within 10 business days.

I'd say that was pretty great service and pretty quick turnaround. I haven't heard of anyone waiting months for theirs personally.

b.

[JayP]

They shipped me a return box overnight at their expense, replaced mine, and I had it back within 10 business days.

I'd say that was pretty great service and pretty quick turnaround. I haven't heard of anyone waiting months for theirs personally.

b.

Go on any gaming message board and the 360 forums are typically flooded with them.

[bones]

Go on any gaming message board and the 360 forums are typically flooded with them.

http://forums.xbox.com/7248663/ShowPost.aspx

there's always a couple sides to it of course. I've had 4-5 friends who've had failures on their xbox's. All had great service and quick turn arounds. I really don't think that there's really a big stability gap between the PS3 and the Xbox. The PS3 has a smaller marketshare and a shorter time on the market.

The argument that the xbox is less stable, is yet to be tested is what I'm saying.

b.

[JD]

They shipped me a return box overnight at their expense, replaced mine, and I had it back within 10 business days.

I'd say that was pretty great service and pretty quick turnaround. I haven't heard of anyone waiting months for theirs personally.

b.
Then allow me to be the first. It took 3 weeks just to get my box. Then it took another 2 months to get my machine back, not without 5 or so extremely frustrating calls to their "customer service" department.

My 360 is fun to play, but if I could have done it again, I'd have went with a PS3. Cripes, I damn near bought one while my 360 was in for repairs.

[llama64]

I would disagree, but that's completely off-topic.

On topic is the point about the 360's reliability. Which is to say it has none. Most people I've known who have had a 360 have had it crap out of them. While Microsoft is good at taking them back no matter when you bought it (not by choice, but by necessity) their customer service is garbage and you shouldn't expect your system back for months if you send it in.

If you're on the fence between 2 systems I'd stay away from the 360 simply due to hardware issues.

A comment about Xbox360 reliability. If you have a first generation Xbox360 (before the Pro and Elite Models), then yes, it's a crap shoot. Recent generations of the console have fixed the primary cause of the problems. If you bought the console recently, you likely will not encounter any of the major problems.

From what I've read, the problems with the Xbox stemmed from it's CPU generating too much heat for the the cooling system to handle. This melted glue that held some components together resulting in a malfunction. If you keep the xbox in a relatively cool place with decent airflow and don't run it for 8 hours straight, it should be alright.

[FlamesKickAss]

A comment about Xbox360 reliability. If you have a first generation Xbox360 (before the Pro and Elite Models), then yes, it's a crap shoot. Recent generations of the console have fixed the primary cause of the problems. If you bought the console recently, you likely will not encounter any of the major problems.

From what I've read, the problems with the Xbox stemmed from it's CPU generating too much heat for the the cooling system to handle. This melted glue that held some components together resulting in a malfunction. If you keep the xbox in a relatively cool place with decent airflow and don't run it for 8 hours straight, it should be alright.

I had a scare with mine luckily I just forgot to plug the a/v plug into the xbox, I was scared and mad

[photon]

This reminds me to call and extend the warranty on my Xbox for another year..

[Mayer]

Bumping an old thread.

I ended up buying the 360 and have been playing NHL 08 and COD4 non-stop. Great games.

I do have a question though. What is the cost to play online with the Xbox live account?

As a sidenote, when I was at Bestbuy making the purchase (the night before the Flames played Anaheim), I saw Pronger there buying 3 seasons of CSI. I was right behind him in line and I was tempted to tell him that I hated him (Canucks had just played the dirty prick), but I held back. The dude is huge and I didn't want any trouble ;)

Edit: Also, whats the best WWII game currently out for Xbox 360?

[Kerplunk]

I do have a question though. What is the cost to play online with the Xbox live account?

The Live Gold 12-month subscription card costs $60 at BestBuy. I'm not sure if there are any 1 or 3 month cards around.

[ernie]

This reminds me to call and extend the warranty on my Xbox for another year..

Warranty is 3 years from Microsoft for a hardware failure...the RROD. It's retroactive to all consoles. In fact I just got the cheque in the mail reimbursing me for when I
paid for mine to be fixed.

[MarchHare]

Also, whats the best WWII game currently out for Xbox 360?


Call of Duty 2 (especially so since you like CoD4), but you might have already played it on the PC.

[photon]

The Live Gold 12-month subscription card costs $60 at BestBuy. I'm not sure if there are any 1 or 3 month cards around.

You can often also find them at Dell for a discount. I paid $40 for mine I think.

[Mayer]

Call of Duty 2 (especially so since you like CoD4), but you might have already played it on the PC.

No, haven't played that yet. Did they go right from COD2 to COD4? Or was 3 not very good or something?

[MarchHare]

No, haven't played that yet. Did they go right from COD2 to COD4? Or was 3 not very good or something?

CoD2 and 4 were both developed by Infinity Ward and are really, really good. CoD3 was farmed out to another developer and is still decent, but not as good as CoD2. If you want a WWII shooter, CoD2 is the one to get.

[Mayer]

CoD2 and 4 were both developed by Infinity Ward and are really, really good. CoD3 was farmed out to another developer and is still decent, but not as good as CoD2. If you want a WWII shooter, CoD2 is the one to get.

Have you played the Brother in Arms series? I think thats the name. Is it any good?

[Inferno]

Have you played the Brother in Arms series? I think thats the name. Is it any good?

Brothers In Arms is awesome if you like simulation WW2 shooters. It's not as fast paced as Call of Duty or Medal of Honor but it's much more authentic.

[Mayer]

Brothers In Arms is awesome if you like simulation WW2 shooters. It's not as fast paced as Call of Duty or Medal of Honor but it's much more authentic.

Forgive my ignorance on the subject. What do you mean by simulation WWII shooters? How is that different from COD4 (besides the fact that COD isn't in WWII)

[Inferno]

Forgive my ignorance on the subject. What do you mean by simulation WWII shooters? How is that different from COD4 (besides the fact that COD isn't in WWII)

It doesn't feel like you're Rambo taking on 500 Germans at a time. With Brothers In Arms you lead your squad telling them where to go and take out other German squads and then move along to the next to complete whatever objective it is you're suppose to. It's slower but gives you less of an action movie feel.

[Mayer]

It doesn't feel like you're Rambo taking on 500 Germans at a time. With Brothers In Arms you lead your squad telling them where to go and take out other German squads and then move along to the next to complete whatever objective it is you're suppose to. It's slower but gives you less of an action movie feel.

Right on, that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. I like the ones that take a little more skill and strategy. Graphics wise, does it measure up to COD4?

[Flames89]

The only games out there that match up to COD4 are Bioshock and Gears of War

[Inferno]

Right on, that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. I like the ones that take a little more skill and strategy. Graphics wise, does it measure up to COD4?

Hell's Highway(Operation Marketgarden) will but unfortunately it's been delayed a few times and wont be out until the end of June.

Here's some screens though:
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/brothersinarms3/images.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gsimage&tag=images;all

I'm also helping make a WW2 game for an independent game company and we're trying to make it even more authentic than Brothers In Arms. But we're only doing it for the PC and because we're all based around the world don't know when it will be released.

[McG]

Right on, that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. I like the ones that take a little more skill and strategy. Graphics wise, does it measure up to COD4?

congrats on your purchase.

although it isn't a ww2 shooter, there are many reviews out there for mass effect that rate it extremely high.

and i would be remiss not to also mention halo 3 and the orange box (half life).

[FlamesPuck12]

I'm just wondering, is it worth getting a used 360? Are they usually in bad conditions? Should I just pay extra for a new one? Suggestions are welcomed :)

[photon]

Depends on the price I think.. I wouldn't say they're usually in bad condition, I think it's like anything else; there'll be some good ones and some bad ones.

If the price is low enough then if something goes wrong you can pay to have it fixed ($129 for a service call I think, call the Xbox # to find out for sure).

One important thing though is to see if the console has been modded, as if it has been and and was banned from Xbox live then you might be buying a console that won't be able to get onto live. Though how to tell, I guess the warranty sticker?

[SarichFan]

I've officially got both, and as developers figure out how to develope for the PS3, i'd rather get the PS3 versions.

I also love the media storage ability on PS3, i've got a ton of movies on there, and my music which you can download through your network.

The online play to me is more mature, there are less 10 year olds on COD:4, actually most of the people I play with are probably in the 20-35 age range.

I love High Def Movies, so Blu-Ray was a HUGE reason for me to pick up a PS3.

I also find the PS3 controller more comfortable to play with.. which is odd because I never really liked the Playstation controllers in the past, but in COD:4 It's smooth as butter.

I also like knowing there's a very slim chance my PS3 will crap out on my, when I know turning on my 360 is like playing russian roulette.

[InSutterWeTrust]

I already own a Xbox 360, I enjoy it, but Ive already had the red ring happen once before and the xbox Im on now isnt acting that great. So Im thinking of switching and picking up a PS3 one of the main reasons is the blu-ray player. For anyone who owns a PS3 does it upconvert regular DVD's? Ive been searching on the net, but its all mixed info I keep finding. Any input would help thanks!

[photon]

It does upconvert regular DVD's, and by the accounts I've read it does a not bad job, definitely better than the 360, though not as good as some of the higher end players like the Toshiba XA2 or Samsung BD-P1200 (which have very high end upscaling chips in them).

The downside to using the PS3 for DVD playback is you either have to use the controller or purchase the addon remote. Since it's all bluetooth most universal remotes won't control the PS3 :(

[InSutterWeTrust]

Thanks for the into photon. I never thought about the remote, which I'm glad you brought up because I have a Harmony Logitech remote and I would have tried programming it to the PS3. Sony and their sneaky ways!

[JayP]

Are you able to put movies on a USB flash drive and play them on a PS3?

[SarichFan]

Yes, I load up my iPod with movies and dump them on my PS3. It's awesome.

[JayP]

Alright, another quick question about the PS3:

Do you really need the 80 gig? I realize that the backwards compatibility is only available with the 80, but Dell's Days of Deals have a very good deal on the 40 right now.

I know some games have the option for a hard-drive install to reduce/eliminate loading times, but does anyone with a PS3 think that only having 40gigs would make a huge difference? I'm talking about a difference of $200 between the two models with the Dell deals.

[I_H8_Crawford]

Alright, another quick question about the PS3:

Do you really need the 80 gig? I realize that the backwards compatibility is only available with the 80, but Dell's Days of Deals have a very good deal on the 40 right now.

I know some games have the option for a hard-drive install to reduce/eliminate loading times, but does anyone with a PS3 think that only having 40gigs would make a huge difference? I'm talking about a difference of $200 between the two models with the Dell deals.
IMO it all comes down to if you want the ps2 compatibility or not.

If you don't care then definitely get the 40GB.... IIRC the HDDs in the PS3 can be replaced relatively easily.

If people can live with 20GB on the 360, I'm sure 40GB will suit you fine.

[JayP]

IMO it all comes down to if you want the ps2 compatibility or not.

If you don't care then definitely get the 40GB.... IIRC the HDDs in the PS3 can be replaced relatively easily.

If people can live with 20GB on the 360, I'm sure 40GB will suit you fine.

That's what I'm thinking too. Although I don't think the 360 has the option for HD installs of games so that is the only thing I'd want a little confirmation about. I doubt it's a huge issue because it's not as if you're playing 5+ games at once.

Dell has the 40gig PS3 + HDMI cables + Rachet and Clank for $370 with free shipping. If I decide to go for the 80 gig it would be at the regular price of $500 and adding the cables and R&C (which I'd be getting either way) would bump the price up to at least $570. Basically I could just buy a PS2 on it's own too and still save $60-$70.

[photon]

I wanted backwards compatibility so I could play Kingdom Hearts, some of the FF games, and the other games I missed out on.

[LockedOut]

That's what I'm thinking too. Although I don't think the 360 has the option for HD installs of games so that is the only thing I'd want a little confirmation about. I doubt it's a huge issue because it's not as if you're playing 5+ games at once.

Dell has the 40gig PS3 + HDMI cables + Rachet and Clank for $370 with free shipping. If I decide to go for the 80 gig it would be at the regular price of $500 and adding the cables and R&C (which I'd be getting either way) would bump the price up to at least $570. Basically I could just buy a PS2 on it's own too and still save $60-$70.
If your looking at the 80 Gig, I think they're still on sale for $450 at Walmart and at EB games. EB games includes a free game(Pirates of the Carribean, Spiderman 3 or FF4-Silver Surfer). Last day is tomorrow. Also 80 Gig comes with Motorstorm and 40 Gig comes with Spiderman 3 Bluray movie. If your still not sure and want to wait a few more days to decide, just get it from Walmart and hang on to it and return it if you decide on the 40 Gig.

[I_H8_Crawford]

I wanted backwards compatibility so I could play Kingdom Hearts, some of the FF games, and the other games I missed out on.
Me too, that's why I went with the 80GB version... also like the fact that it upscales the PS2 and PSone games... cool feature. :D

[JayP]

If your looking at the 80 Gig, I think they're still on sale for $450 at Walmart and at EB games. EB games includes a free game(Pirates of the Carribean, Spiderman 3 or FF4-Silver Surfer). Last day is tomorrow. Also 80 Gig comes with Motorstorm and 40 Gig comes with Spiderman 3 Bluray movie. If your still not sure and want to wait a few more days to decide, just get it from Walmart and hang on to it and return it if you decide on the 40 Gig.

Hmm I already went with the 40 gig. Even so I probably still would've went with the 40 - I have a gaming PC, Wii, DS and now a PS3. The backwards compatibility probably wouldn't get used too much now that I think about it.

[SarichFan]

Yeah I got the 40gb aswell. I don't need a PS2 at all.

I spent the extra $100 on a Bluetooth remote, HDMI and a game.

[Russic]

I bought mine at launch, but if I could do it all over again I'd get the 40 gig and spend the difference on a 250 gb hard drive. I haven't used my backwards compatibility once, so the feature is kind of lost on me.

Just my two cents.

[jschick88]

I just bought a ps3 and very impressed so far. Does anyone else have a ps3 that play NHL08 online or have a league set up? I would love to join.

[Kryzsky]

Dell's Days of Deals have a very good deal on the 40 right now.


How good of a deal, how much?

[Flaming Choy]

I bought mine at launch, but if I could do it all over again I'd get the 40 gig and spend the difference on a 250 gb hard drive. I haven't used my backwards compatibility once, so the feature is kind of lost on me.

Just my two cents.

You do lose 2 usb ports also, which is a problem if u want rock band also. Also read some rumors of destructoid of another ps3 price drop. Don't know how valid it is though.

http://www.destructoid.com/rumortoid-another-ps3-price-drop-to-299-update--66080.phtml

[Russic]

You do lose 2 usb ports also, which is a problem if u want rock band also. Also read some rumors of destructoid of another ps3 price drop. Don't know how valid it is though.

http://www.destructoid.com/rumortoid-another-ps3-price-drop-to-299-update--66080.phtml

The usb drop would hurt, as would the camera card slots on the front (i tend to take a lot of pictures). I do have a few hubs kicking around, so technically the usb problem wouldn't be too debilitating. I also tend to process a lot of my photos in photoshop, so rarely do i actually use the card reader.

You do lose some cool functionality, but if $$ is a concern, the 40 gig is a pretty sweet deal.

[JayP]

How good of a deal, how much?

That post was around New Year's - I doubt it's still up.

Anyways, it was a 40gig, HDMI cable, and Rachet and Clank for $370. At least $120 off.

[dobbles]

Hello all. i was torn between bumping this incredibly old thread or creating a new redundant one. i chose to bump.

i am wondering if folks could offer some up to date info on this topic. i am finally jumping to the new platforms from my 7+ year old ps2. with all the different models for each system, i still am not totally sure what i want. i thought i would post what i am looking to use the system for. so here goes...

i have been a pc game player for the past several years. when i first got my ps2 in 2001, i played a lot of madden and nhl. also have used it as my primary dvd player for all these years. i bought nhl08 for it last year as i thought it was cool i could play as the qc flames. the game is totally nerfed though. i also tried it out on pc. but when i learned that nhl09 on pc was going to be a crappy rehash again, i started considering upgrading to ps3/xbox360. my primary uses would be playing nhl09 and madden. those were always my favorite console games. i detest fps games on console as i am too stubborn to get away from a mouse and keyboard to play. so i most likely won't play a whole lot of other games. we do the fun stuff like dance dance revolution and rock band/guitar hero, but my assumption is those will be the same on both systems. i am intrigued by the bluray player in the ps3 as i would like to continue to use the console as a media player. with that said, i am still a throwback and don't download movies or anything like that. for some reason i need a physical disc to feel like i can watch a movie. regarding price, i can afford the more expensive ps3, but would like to get the best deal possible. regarding online play, i like that ps3 is free as i plan on being a more casual player. i also like that ps3 has built in wireless.

so what should i do? i have thought about trying to buy used as we have a couple gamestops down here in the quad cities. i think i even saw some refurbished consoles for sale online. if i get an xbox i worry about the rrod. is that still a problem with new models? any advice and/or insight would be appreciated.

[Russic]

Kudos to you for bumping the old thread!

Last year at this time the games were the big difference between the two systems. The same game on each platform wouldn't play as well on the ps3 as it did on the 360. Now the field is quite level and the ps3 has more games to keep your attention. That being said, it doesn't seem like games are your only priority. Personally I feel the ps3 is worth a purchase for the blu ray player alone. The other things you mentioned (free online, free wifi) are just icing.

I imagine the RROD issues have to be falling off at this point. They still happen but I don't know if it's as prevalent as it once was. I would stay away from refurbs though.

Keep in mind I'm a ps3 fan, so my recommendation is not entirely un-biased. It just sounds like the ps3 has several of the features that are important to you.

[mykalberta]

Simple answer, do you need want BluRay?

If you do go with the PS3 (hence the price premium), if not go for the 360, if you are going for the 360 wait until september as price drops are rumored.

I have a 360 and will likely buy a PS3 for the odd game and Blu Ray once I decide to go BluRay, I havent decided yet as I am not sure if disks are dead yet.

[Cliche]

Newer models of the XBox 360(RE: xbox 360 60gb) apparently have some of their memory chips removed from the underside of the motherboard, and this might help eliminate RROD. There've been teardowns of the newer models, and they go over the additional heatsinks/heatpipes in the system, as well as moving some of the components.



If you don't mind keeping your ps2 around, then any of the PS3 consoles would be fine. EA also has a minor bias towards the Xbox 360 as previous 08 titles did not run completely @60fps on the ps3.

Ps3 has a user upgradeable hdd as well, so you can either adapt an esata 3.5" drive, or get the largest SATA laptop drive you can get and plug that into a PS3.

PS3 has a 160Gb version being released for Europe as well. Not to sure if it has backwards compatibility as well, so it's hard to say.

Video of "Howto upgrade the hard disk drive in the PS3"
-B1mQ21XXLE

[dobbles]

thanks for mentioning a couple of things that have been on my mind as well. pricing - are either of the consoles scheduled for some new model release and/or price drop? i have waited this long and would definitely wait a few weeks if there are any rumored changes coming.

ps2 compatibility - from what i read the newer versions of ps3 dont play ps2 games regardless of hdd size? is that correct? i don't have a whole lot of ps2 games, but having the option of playing them on the same system would be nice.

thanks already for the feedback! even just hearing other people dissect the main issues can be a good help.

[Cliche]

So far any mention of PS2 compatibility has been none on the newer versions of the PS3. It may be that Sony is chopping out the PS2 compatibility and media card reader on the existing 80gb 499$ version to save on manufacturing costs.

The newer 80gb is just the 20/40gb with an 80gb hdd.

Now if there were only a way to find the MGS4 bluetooth headset in Calgary, and I'll be complete

[Russic]

According to todays playstation blog, the newly announced (as of this morning) 160 gb model will ship in North America in November and be $499 (and include the stellar "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune"). Not really sure what that means for the currently priced 80 gb unit that is also $499.

edit: pertaining to ea ... this year all sports games appear to be running the same on each console, although the ps3 version of hockey will miss out on custom soundtracks (this displeases me).

[Kipper is King]

I picked up a PS3 the other day, and I like it quite a bit. Blu Ray is amazing, and it is incredibly easy to swap the hard drive in it for any 2.5" 5400rpm notebook HDD. Plus, the PS3 can run Linux, and there's a PVR and a swack of new features coming out for it.

http://gizmodo.com/5039428/sony-ps3s-vidzone-service-gives-you-free-music-and-video
http://gizmodo.com/5039448/160gb-ps3-bundle-announced-for-us

http://gizmodo.com/5039435/playstation-3-keypad-to-bring-thumb-typing-to-ps3

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/live-from-gc07/video-of-playtv-ps3-to-psp-dvr-walkthrough-292538.php

If gaming alone is what you're into and you don't mind paying $5 a month for online play (no big deal of course), then the Xbox 360 is a better bet. But if you want hi def movies, and other capabilities, the PS3 is great and worth a serious look. Consider that other stand alone Blu Ray players cost just as much as a low end PS3.

[Rifleman]

If you already have a pretty good PC, I'd go with the PS3. A lot of 360 games end up on the PC.

[OutOfTheCube]

PS3, all the way. The best technology, better exclusive games, more reliable hardware, and Blu-ray. I had a 360 for two and a half years and sold it to pick up a PS3. It's really a lot better console than the 360, and it's only getting better.

[dobbles]

i think i will plan on getting a 40gb ps3. i was reading how easy it is to add a bigger hard drive in, so i think the 40gig will be fine to start. additionally, none of those package deals with games look too interesting to me.

though it looks like i am going to have to pay $400 for it. anyone know of places i can look for a better deal? (don't forget i am down in the quad cities) i have looked all over online and haven't found any decent sales or used models that look worth it.

[mykalberta]

i think i will plan on getting a 40gb ps3. i was reading how easy it is to add a bigger hard drive in, so i think the 40gig will be fine to start. additionally, none of those package deals with games look too interesting to me.

though it looks like i am going to have to pay $400 for it. anyone know of places i can look for a better deal? (don't forget i am down in the quad cities) i have looked all over online and haven't found any decent sales or used models that look worth it.

Not sure about the US but Gamesport up here has a trade in 8 games for $200 off a PS3 or some buisness. Its very profitable up here where you go buy games at Blockbuster for 8$ each and EB/Gamespot accepts them and then you flip the PS3 on craigslist or kijiji.

[Russic]

my buddy bought his on ebay and got a really good deal. There are some hovering around the $300 range right now.

[Since1984]

PS3 is a waste buy the XBOX 360 as you will get much more out of it. I have had a PS3 for a year now and I havent bought a single game on it...very dissapointing as for a blu ray player it works good but I am still waiting on an update so that Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio work properly...

[The Yen Man]

I've always been a Playstation fan since the PSX. I held out on buying a PS3/Xbox 360 this gen waiting for some more JRPG's to come out before I pick either or both up. But then my gf bought me the new 60 gig 360 for my birthday, since I've been kind of thinking of getting one when Tales of Vesperia comes out. I guess now I have one. :D

Anyways, now I can finally play a current gen NHL game. I've been playing NHL 2008 on the PS3 at my cousins, and that's been pretty sweet.

I'll still for sure pick up a PS3 though in the future. I have to complete my collection after all.

[JayP]

PS3 is a waste buy the XBOX 360 as you will get much more out of it. I have had a PS3 for a year now and I havent bought a single game on it...very dissapointing as for a blu ray player it works good but I am still waiting on an update so that Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio work properly...

He's right. There's not one single game on the PS3 worth buying. Even the multiplatform ones suck on the PS3, but are awesome on the 360.

[Russic]

He's right. There's not one single game on the PS3 worth buying. Even the multiplatform ones suck on the PS3, but are awesome on the 360.

Fixed ;)

[llama64]

I found Yahtzee's take on the whole debate to be rather poignant: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/84-Console-Rundown

Boiled down:
Wii: mostly for kiddies, but still fun
PS3: no one knows what it's for
Xbox360: best option for now.. but mostly for frat boys

In the end... pick the one with the games you want to play. Trying to say one console is the bestest is a bit of a silly debate.

[mykalberta]

I found Yahtzee's take on the whole debate to be rather poignant: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/84-Console-Rundown

Boiled down:
Wii: mostly for kiddies, but still fun
PS3: no one knows what it's for
Xbox360: best option for now.. but mostly for frat boys

In the end... pick the one with the games you want to play. Trying to say one console is the bestest is a bit of a silly debate.

+1

[Mayer]

Bump with a question.

I finally got my new HDTV set up. I hooked up my xbox 360 using the component cable I got with it (the one that has the switch to change between TV and HDTV). I started playing some games and noticed they didn't seem to be in HD. Do I also need to run an HDMI cable from it to the TV? Or are some games not HD?

[llama64]

Bump with a question.

I finally got my new HDTV set up. I hooked up my xbox 360 using the component cable I got with it (the one that has the switch to change between TV and HDTV). I started playing some games and noticed they didn't seem to be in HD. Do I also need to run an HDMI cable from it to the TV? Or are some games not HD?

Disclaimer: I don't have an HDTV so I don't know first hand.

However, I did notice there are options for setting your display resolution in the dashboard (under display settings if I'm remembering right). You probably need to set that option to get everything working properly.

Out of curiosity, what's the difference between the component cable and a straight HDMI cable? Is one better then the other?

[Fuzzy McGillicuddy]

you need HDMI cable for HD graphics.

[I_H8_Crawford]

No you don't need HDMI for HD resolution for the 360.

Go into the settings on your 360 and change the display settings to 720p/1080i/whatever your TV resolution is at.

You should notice a huge difference.

[Inferno]

He's right. There's not one single game on the PS3 worth buying. Even the multiplatform ones suck on the PS3, but are awesome on the 360.

That depends on your taste. I could say the same about the Wii cause really there isn't one game for it that I think is worth buying. There are games on the PS3 both current and upcoming that I think are worth buying and that's why I have one to go along with my 360.

[RW99]

Yeah I've only seen one game on the PS3 that I want and that's Ratchet and Crank. And the Wii is not much different. The new Mario and Mario Kart games are the only ones I've been interested in.