Considering going out and buying a Xbox 360 today

Deathstrike2 · February 2009

More and more, I find myself spending time on these forums and not in game. I've tried all the newest MMOs and many of the older ones and nothing seems to be holding my attention long. In fact, for the last 6 months or more, the only MMOs I've been excited about are the ones that are still in development (Aion, DCU, CO, Fallen Earth, etc.).

Anywho, I'm thinking of hanging up MMOs for a while and trying out an Xbox. I'm wondering what experiences some other adults have had with consoles and particularly the Xbox and MS Live. Is it worth the money and do they have long term appeal? I should note that in addition to MMOs, I've been enjoying PC RPGs like Mass Effect, The Witcher, and Fallout 3. To a lesser degree, I also like FPS games like COD4 and Crysis.

Any input offered is appreciated.

Illius · February 2009

I can't speak from experience since I don't own an X-Box but from what I've heard the XBL is full of kids hell bent on cursing and making jokes about your mother over the live chat. I have thought about buying a console and I'm thinking about maybe a PS3 if they bring the price down.

Other then that, if you like RPG's on the PC check out Neverwinter Nights. It's gettin old but it's really fun IMO. Hope this helps... somehow.

Deathstrike2 · February 2009

While I do like PC RPGs, I am annoyed by the fact that many are released before they're ready, and then I have to wait on patches. My understanding is that consoles do not have this issue (at least not nearly as much). That's another reason I am considering an XBox.

As far as community, I'm not really too worried about it. I have never been a huge PvPer, so I'd probably be playing most games single player. Even with multiplayer, I've become pretty good at ignoring annoying people.

Milky · February 2009

Originally posted by Deathstrike2

More and more, I find myself spending time on these forums and not in game. I've tried all the newest MMOs and many of the older ones and nothing seems to be holding my attention long. In fact, for the last 6 months or more, the only MMOs I've been excited about are the ones that are still in development (Aion, DCU, CO, Fallen Earth, etc.).
Anywho, I'm thinking of hanging up MMOs for a while and trying out an Xbox. I'm wondering what experiences some other adults have had with consoles and particularly the Xbox and MS Live. Is it worth the money and do they have long term appeal? I should note that in addition to MMOs, I've been enjoying PC RPGs like Mass Effect, The Witcher, and Fallout 3. To a lesser degree, I also like FPS games like COD4 and Crysis.
Any input offered is appreciated.

Don't get a Xbox 360. Get a PS3.

Here is why.

- 360's tend to break down from what is called "Red Ring of Death" Google it if you don't know what this means.

- 360's charge you a monthly fee to use online services. PS3 doesn't.

- PS3 is also a Blu Ray player

-Yes the PS3 is more expensive, but in terms of value its the better deal by far. You get the Blu Ray player, and no monthly online fees.

tvalentine · February 2009

Originally posted by Milky

Originally posted by Deathstrike2

More and more, I find myself spending time on these forums and not in game. I've tried all the newest MMOs and many of the older ones and nothing seems to be holding my attention long. In fact, for the last 6 months or more, the only MMOs I've been excited about are the ones that are still in development (Aion, DCU, CO, Fallen Earth, etc.).
Anywho, I'm thinking of hanging up MMOs for a while and trying out an Xbox. I'm wondering what experiences some other adults have had with consoles and particularly the Xbox and MS Live. Is it worth the money and do they have long term appeal? I should note that in addition to MMOs, I've been enjoying PC RPGs like Mass Effect, The Witcher, and Fallout 3. To a lesser degree, I also like FPS games like COD4 and Crysis.
Any input offered is appreciated.

Don't get a Xbox 360. Get a PS3.

Here is why.

- 360's tend to break down from what is called "Red Ring of Death" Google it if you don't know what this means.

- 360's charge you a monthly fee to use online services. PS3 doesn't.

- PS3 is also a Blu Ray player

-Yes the PS3 is more expensive, but in terms of value its the better deal by far. You get the Blu Ray player, and no monthly online fees.

yeah and the ps3 has a much better game libra...... oh wait.

And how many people buy blu ray movies? Dont those cost 25$+? So the blu ray player argument is moot. I mean if you do buy blu ray movies, then you must obviously be able to afford a PS3 and i would normally say they should buy it. But, i dont know many people who buy Blu ray movies.

Also we are on a MMORPG website .... a website about games that make you pay monthly fees......... andfor XBL where its only 50$ for 12 months which is less then 5$ a month, which is about a third of what normal people pay to play 1 game.

Deathstrike2 · February 2009

Originally posted by Milky

Don't get a Xbox 360. Get a PS3.
Here is why.
- 360's tend to break down from what is called "Red Ring of Death" Google it if you don't know what this means.
- 360's charge you a monthly fee to use online services. PS3 doesn't.
- PS3 is also a Blu Ray player
-Yes the PS3 is more expensive, but in terms of value its the better deal by far. You get the Blu Ray player, and no monthly online fees.

I did read about the red rings, but I thought that the new Falcon chip fixed that on the newer 360s?

I didn't know that PS3 offered online services, but I suppose it makes sense that they would. How are the PS3 games? I'm not really into Blue Ray (DVD is good enough for me at this point).

Milky · February 2009

Originally posted by Deathstrike2

Originally posted by Milky

Don't get a Xbox 360. Get a PS3.
Here is why.
- 360's tend to break down from what is called "Red Ring of Death" Google it if you don't know what this means.
- 360's charge you a monthly fee to use online services. PS3 doesn't.
- PS3 is also a Blu Ray player
-Yes the PS3 is more expensive, but in terms of value its the better deal by far. You get the Blu Ray player, and no monthly online fees.

I did read about the red rings, but I thought that the new Falcon chip fixed that on the newer 360s?

I didn't know that PS3 offered online services, but I suppose it makes sense that they would. How are the PS3 games? I'm not really into Blue Ray (DVD is good enough for me at this point).

The library of games for the PS3 is great and is only getting better. In most cases multi platform games are far better on the PS3 as compared to the 360. Also another point I missed, the PS3 has the cell processor which makes it a more powerful machine than the 360. Most of what I have listed are exclusives, there are some cross platform titles as well. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I also haven't mentioned any of the Playstation Network games you can download (but Echochrome and The Last Guy are great)

Metal Gear Solid 4

Valkyria Chronicles

Disgaea 3

Heavenly Sword

Eternal Sonata

Folklore

Resistance series

Little Big Planet

Grand Theft Auto IV

Uncharted Drake's Fortune

Tomb Raider Underworld

Resident Evil 5 (soon to be released)

Also it is a misconception that Blu Ray discs are far more expensive than DVD. They are about on par. I have at least 6 movies right now that were under $20. I know you said you're a DVD guy right now, but I HIGHLY recommend renting a Blu Ray movie or buying one and see it for yourself - especially if you have a Hi Def TV or Monitor with 1900x1200 or 1080p or higher resolution. There is a huge difference in terms of picture quality AND sound. I almost exclusively watch Blu Ray now.

tvalentine · February 2009

Originally posted by Milky

Originally posted by Deathstrike2

Originally posted by Milky

Don't get a Xbox 360. Get a PS3.
Here is why.
- 360's tend to break down from what is called "Red Ring of Death" Google it if you don't know what this means.
- 360's charge you a monthly fee to use online services. PS3 doesn't.
- PS3 is also a Blu Ray player
-Yes the PS3 is more expensive, but in terms of value its the better deal by far. You get the Blu Ray player, and no monthly online fees.

I did read about the red rings, but I thought that the new Falcon chip fixed that on the newer 360s?

I didn't know that PS3 offered online services, but I suppose it makes sense that they would. How are the PS3 games? I'm not really into Blue Ray (DVD is good enough for me at this point).

The library of games for the PS3 is great and is only getting better. In most cases multi platform games are far better on the PS3 as compared to the 360.

LOL ....... i've heard the exact opposite. FO3 and GTA 4 come to mind.

And blu rays costing more then DVDs is not a misconception.

http://www.walmart.com/browse/Blu-ray/_/N-8pzxZaq90Zaqce/Ne-2p4c?ic=96_0&tc=50&ref=125868.406941&tab_value=25720_All&catNavId=616859

the cheapest ones are 20$ and those are older movies, the rest will cost more then 25$ new. (they are 40$ when they arent marked down)

LackeyZero · February 2009

xbox 360 is cheaper.

xbox 360 games are much much cheaper than PS3s.

That said, if you're more interested in Western type of games versus Japanese games, then go for the Xbox 360. I prefer PS3 only because of the types of games from specific developers, who are working mainly/exclusively for PS3.

Rikimaru_X · February 2009

Why do people who have'nt experienced something speak on experience? Anyway yo, Xbox live is great man and you got a lot of great games to choose from, and Bionic Commando comes out this month as well as Street Fighter 4 then next month Resident Evil 4. There are tons of demos on Live you can try and content. It's worth the money, because a one year membership is only 60 bucks, but you should get a 1 month card when you buy your X360 if your getting it new.

To whomever said that Live is full of kids, it's not true. I've found even grown ppl to act like brats and where ever you go, Xbox Live, outside, PC games, MMO's, Foums, your always going to find immaturity so it's not a valid excuse for anybody who can't deal with kids or immature people. Block them, pwn them, or teach them a lession. Too much whining.

The 360 is a great investment and currnely I don't think the PS3 is to me, because there is only 2(3) games that I want that are exclusive to that system, so it would just catch dust on me. I have a large collection of X360 games and I can recommend you some as well, and depending your play genre there is probabily a demo on the markert you can download for free and try the game out. Just remember to get the X360 that comes with the hard drive. Reply if you have any questions.

EDIT

And on the Ring of Death, just get a warrenty, but you might not have this problem at all. When you buy you automatically have a warrenty with Microsoft so it's good. People make the red ring of death sounds like something that's common and happens to all systems which it don't. It happens with the older ones, but not many of the newer ones. My pops should be getting his X360 back this week and mine is still healthy in my room. Just take care of your console and you will be good.

Draenor · February 2009

red ring of death isn't really an issue anymore.

To argue that the ps3 library is better or even on par with the 360 library is laughable (the only game for ps3 that isn't on 360 that I would ever even want to try out would be Metal Gear Solid 4, and if history is any indication, that'll eventually find its way to 360 in some form or another.)....Heavenly Sword? LOL!!! More like Heavenly Bored...it's God of War with a different skin and an anime looking chick...if you want to play God of War, skip both of the consoles and just buy a ps2.

7 dollars a month for xbox live...if you can't afford that, you shouldn't be buying a game console...besides, live is better than ps3 network...you get what you pay for.

if your concern is with the number of games that you will be able to play, buy a 360, no two ways around it, the 360 has a better library of games and is much cheaper.

Brenelael · February 2009

Originally posted by Milky

Originally posted by Deathstrike2

More and more, I find myself spending time on these forums and not in game. I've tried all the newest MMOs and many of the older ones and nothing seems to be holding my attention long. In fact, for the last 6 months or more, the only MMOs I've been excited about are the ones that are still in development (Aion, DCU, CO, Fallen Earth, etc.).
Anywho, I'm thinking of hanging up MMOs for a while and trying out an Xbox. I'm wondering what experiences some other adults have had with consoles and particularly the Xbox and MS Live. Is it worth the money and do they have long term appeal? I should note that in addition to MMOs, I've been enjoying PC RPGs like Mass Effect, The Witcher, and Fallout 3. To a lesser degree, I also like FPS games like COD4 and Crysis.
Any input offered is appreciated.

Don't get a Xbox 360. Get a PS3.

Here is why.

- 360's tend to break down from what is called "Red Ring of Death" Google it if you don't know what this means.

The newer 360's have this problem fixed and even if they don't Microsoft will replace any "Red Ringed" 360 for up to 3 years after purchase so this argument is moot. If you pay 20 extra bucks to the store where you purchase it in most cases you can just return it there for 2-3 years also.

- 360's charge you a monthly fee to use online services. PS3 doesn't.

Everything you can do online on a PS3 you can also do on a 360 for free... the monthly charge is for premium services the PS3 doesn't even offer for the most part.

- PS3 is also a Blu Ray player

So.. Who wants to pay up to 5 times as much for a movie with marginally better quality than the same movie on DVD? I see BluRay going the same way as the BetaMax and Laser Disc players in a few years. This is no selling point.

-Yes the PS3 is more expensive, but in terms of value its the better deal by far. You get the Blu Ray player, and no monthly online fees.

For what you get with the PS3 it's just not worth the extra money. I looked at both very carefully and ended up going with the 360 because for what you get it's a much better value. Also the game library for the 360 is so much better.

Bren

Gameloading · February 2009

Originally posted by Draenor

red ring of death isn't really an issue anymore.

To argue that the ps3 library is better or even on par with the 360 library is laughable (the only game for ps3 that isn't on 360 that I would ever even want to try out would be Metal Gear Solid 4, and if history is any indication, that'll eventually find its way to 360 in some form or another.)....Heavenly Sword? LOL!!! More like Heavenly Bored...it's God of War with a different skin and an anime looking chick...if you want to play God of War, skip both of the consoles and just buy a ps2.

7 dollars a month for xbox live...if you can't afford that, you shouldn't be buying a game console...besides, live is better than ps3 network...you get what you pay for.

if your concern is with the number of games that you will be able to play, buy a 360, no two ways around it, the 360 has a better library of games and is much cheaper.

Actually the Playstation 3 library now is on par with the Xbox360 library and its upcomming lineup is signficatnly better than the Xbox360's. Last year there was Gran Turismo Prologue, Metal Gear Solid 4, Valkyria Chronicles, Resistance 2, littlebigplanet and Motorstorm: Pacifict rift. upcomming exclusive games include Infamous, Killzone 2, Heavy Rain, MAG, Final Fantasy Versus XIII, God of War 3, Uncharted 2, Gran Turismo 5, Team Ico Project, MAG and much, much more.

What does the 360 have left? More halo with Halo wars and Halo 3 ODST?

Live is better than Playstation Network? I disagree.

While live is clearly more accessible and user friendly, lets look at the things that actually matter.

Xbox live: All games use peer to peer connection save a selected few.

Playstation Network: First party games have dedicated servers

Xbox live games online multiplayer:

Gears of War 2: 10 players

Halo 3: 16 players

Call of Duty 4: 16 players

Playstation Network online multiplayer:

Killzone 2: 32 players

Resistance 2: 60 players

MAG: 250 players.

Heck, even Downloadable games such as Warhawk and Fat Princess feature 32 players online multiplayer.

While the community aspect is better in Xbox live, the things that actually impact gameplay are done better on PSN.

Also Brenelael, You're wrong. you can NOT play online for free on Xbox live. You HAVE to pay in order to play online. On the PS3, this is free of charge.

Paying for a peer to peer connection is clearly ridiculous.

If you're going to play online on your xbox360 any "Xbox360 is cheaper" argument is completely irrelevant because eventually you'll pay more for your 360 anyway.

I believe the PS3 is currently 400$ while the cheapest arcade model xbox360 is 150$?

so in 5 years of playtime you already caught up with the PS3's price tag. in 6 years, you already paid more for your 360 than you did for a PS3 and thats just the console and the ability to play online.

Now if you're even semi serious about getting a 360 you'll get the premium pack in order to get a hard drive. I think that's about 250$? so in 3 years you have caught up to the PS3's price tag, and in 4 years your 360 is more expensive than your PS3.

I own both consoles and I enjoy both, if you had to make me pick, I'd go with the PS3.

Cleffy · February 2009

I would go a PS3 because why would you need an XBox360 over a PC? Most XBox360 games are ported to the PC anyways since they share alot in common. When you are thinking about XBox360 games worth getting that aren't ported to the PC, you can count them all with 1 hand and is that really worth the money? Also the PS3 will be going down in price in the next 2 months.

Precusor · February 2009

Screw MS and buy a PS3.

Precusor · February 2009

Originally posted by Gameloading

Paying for a peer to peer connection is clearly ridiculous.

Paying for peer to peer is even more ridiculous.

Edit: oops

Calintz333 · February 2009

I would say get a ps3 only because you run slighlty less chance of it messing up on you, Take statistics and numbers into account to, Xbox 360 faliure rate as of 2006 was 33.3%, Wii Faliure rate was less than 1% and PS3 I belive was around 3%. My Xbox 360 (Which I got near the end of 2007 when the problem was suposed to be Fixed) Broke in November of last year. My cousins Xbox 360 which he got in January of last year broke last week. So I would go with Ps3 because my friend who has a ps3 has had it since it came out has not a single problem with it and he lives next to it...

Milky · February 2009

Wow, I can't believe how much misinformation is on this thread. Where to start?

Blu Ray movies

Don't buy your Blu Ray discs from Wal Mart. Any big retail store and you will be paying a premium. Go to Amazon or online vendors. I have NEVER seen or purchased a Blu Ray movie that was $40, unless it was a disc set like a triology or TV show set. There are tons of new movies for about $20. You can get The Dark Knight on Amazon for $23.99. For the Full screen DVD version it is $20.99. That is hardly a significant difference in price. You can get Transformers for less than $19.99 on Blu Ray. Most Blu Ray movies, even new releases, will run about $20-$25, not $40. Certainly not the 5 times mark up that someone in the thread mentioned. This is completely false when you look at the facts.

There is a HUGE difference in picture quality from DVD to Blu Ray. If you can't notice the difference you probably don't own a true Hi Def TV or monitor. Saying there is not a significant difference is simply untrue.

Blu Ray is the future of movies on disc format. Sorry HD DVD folks.

PS3 Library

The PS3 has a fantastic library and its up to par with the 360. Anyone that tells you otherwise is a delusional. Anything that is cross platform will usually be stronger on the PS3, and even stronger on the PC.

Pricing

Yes, the 360 is cheaper than the PS3. The 360 also comes with technical issues, comes with a monthly online fee, and is more noisy than the PS3. The PS3 is more expensive because it comes with more features, a Blu Ray player, and a much more powerful Cell Processor. In the long run you will SAVE money with the PS3 because it has no monthly online fee. If you're getting a 360 you also need to buy all the add on stuff which will bump up the price of the system. These are called "hidden" fees. You buy cheap... you get cheap...

Kurush · February 2009

Well, there are a lot of pointless partisan arguments offered up here. Trying to objectively judge the merits and flaws of each system is pointless. There is no clear winner through objective evaluation. Both are fairly reliable, which is the only bare minimum requirement. The 360 is obviously less so, but repairs are free, so that's less of an issue. Each has merits and flaws beyond that that are difficult to compare.

Technically speaking, the only real advantage of either console is the PS3's bluray player. _If_ you have a high-definition television set, and you really want to enjoy high-definition DVD's, then that's one point in the PS3's favor. However, I definitely wouldn't buy the PS3 just for that unless you're truly some kind of movie fanatic.

I'm saying you shouldn't try to evaluate the consoles themselves because what you're ultimately trying to purchase is not a superior machine. You're trying to purchase entertainment, and that's the criterion upon which you should base your decision. I've known far too many people who end up buying consoles due to boredom but never use them. You need a more personal means of evaluating the console's real worth. I'll put forward this challenge to you. We'll call it the four month test.

Look at the library offered on each console, games that are not offered on PC or won't run on your PC due to insufficient hardware. Look at those titles and pick the ones which you think could truly interest you. Look at them in some detail. Ask yourself, "Could I entertain myself for four months with these titles?" Then do the same thing with both console's future product pipeline. Ask yourself, "When these are released, could I entertain myself for another four months?" If you answer yes to both questions, then I think said console might be worth purchasing. If you answer yes to both questions for both systems, then you should start looking more closely at individual games.

Milky · February 2009

Originally posted by Kurush

Well, there are a lot of pointless partisan arguments offered up here. Trying to objectively judge the merits and flaws of each system is pointless. There is no clear winner through objective evaluation. Both are fairly reliable, which is the only bare minimum requirement. The 360 is obviously less so, but repairs are free, so that's less of an issue. Each has merits and flaws beyond that that are difficult to compare.
Technically speaking, the only real advantage of either console is the PS3's bluray player. _If_ you have a high-definition television set, and you really want to enjoy high-definition DVD's, then that's one point in the PS3's favor. However, I definitely wouldn't buy the PS3 just for that unless you're truly some kind of movie fanatic.
I'm saying you shouldn't try to evaluate the consoles themselves because what you're ultimately trying to purchase is not a superior machine. You're trying to purchase entertainment, and that's the criterion upon which you should base your decision. I've known far too many people who end up buying consoles due to boredom but never use them. You need a more personal means of evaluating the console's real worth. I'll put forward this challenge to you. We'll call it the four month test.
Look at the library offered on each console, games that are not offered on PC or won't run on your PC due to insufficient hardware. Look at those titles and pick the ones which you think could truly interest you. Look at them in some detail. Ask yourself, "Could I entertain myself for four months with these titles?" Then do the same thing with both console's future product pipeline. Ask yourself, "When these are released, could I entertain myself for another four months?" If you answer yes to both questions, then I think said console might be worth purchasing. If you answer yes to both questions for both systems, then you should start looking more closely at individual games.

I disagree with you on several points. On the technical point, not only does the PS3 have the Blu Ray player, it also has the Cell Processor for gaming which makes it a technical powerhouse over the 360. And if you objectively look at both systems there is a clear winner. Lets spell it out with the facts.

Tech

The PS3 has two advantages. Cell Processor and Blu Ray player. 360 suffers from tech issues (RROD). Winner PS3.

Games

Both consoles have a good library of games.

Tie

Value

We all know the basic 360 is cheaper than the PS3. HOWEVER, to get the full 360 experience which any serious gamer would want, you will need at least a pro system with a 60GB Hard Drive. This will run you $300 and does not come with a Blu Ray player. The elite system is $100 MORE than the PS3 - and it doesn't come with a Blu Ray player. No matter how you put it, you will also be paying a monthly subscription for online services with the 360. The PS3 offers NO monthly fees for online services.

In terms of value, because the PS3 comes with a Blu Ray player with the system, AND does not charge monthly online services fees the clear winner here is PS3.

Overall

PS3

Now, I did not pull all of this out of my butt. This is cold hard facts, not biased opinion. And to those that say I don't know what I'm talking about, I say all of this as a owner of both systems.

Teala · February 2009

You know I have all three game consoles and I don't touch any unless one of my guy friends comes over. Then we'll play one of them on occasion otherwise they just sit in the cabinet collecting dust. Sure there are a couple of cool games on them, but to be honest they just don't appeal to me all that much. One thing I do like to do is watch the guys play one of the football titles I have. OMG now that is entertainment. They get super serious when they play. Bickering back and forth about how this and that is best and how this team is better and that player is the bomb. lol good times!

AsprnBtl · February 2009

Originally posted by Milky

Originally posted by Kurush

Well, there are a lot of pointless partisan arguments offered up here. Trying to objectively judge the merits and flaws of each system is pointless. There is no clear winner through objective evaluation. Both are fairly reliable, which is the only bare minimum requirement. The 360 is obviously less so, but repairs are free, so that's less of an issue. Each has merits and flaws beyond that that are difficult to compare.
Technically speaking, the only real advantage of either console is the PS3's bluray player. _If_ you have a high-definition television set, and you really want to enjoy high-definition DVD's, then that's one point in the PS3's favor. However, I definitely wouldn't buy the PS3 just for that unless you're truly some kind of movie fanatic.
I'm saying you shouldn't try to evaluate the consoles themselves because what you're ultimately trying to purchase is not a superior machine. You're trying to purchase entertainment, and that's the criterion upon which you should base your decision. I've known far too many people who end up buying consoles due to boredom but never use them. You need a more personal means of evaluating the console's real worth. I'll put forward this challenge to you. We'll call it the four month test.
Look at the library offered on each console, games that are not offered on PC or won't run on your PC due to insufficient hardware. Look at those titles and pick the ones which you think could truly interest you. Look at them in some detail. Ask yourself, "Could I entertain myself for four months with these titles?" Then do the same thing with both console's future product pipeline. Ask yourself, "When these are released, could I entertain myself for another four months?" If you answer yes to both questions, then I think said console might be worth purchasing. If you answer yes to both questions for both systems, then you should start looking more closely at individual games.

I disagree with you on several points. On the technical point, not only does the PS3 have the Blu Ray player, it also has the Cell Processor for gaming which makes it a technical powerhouse over the 360. And if you objectively look at both systems there is a clear winner. Lets spell it out with the facts.

Tech

The PS3 has two advantages. Cell Processor and Blu Ray player. 360 suffers from tech issues (RROD). Winner PS3.

Games

Both consoles have a good library of games.

Tie

Value

We all know the basic 360 is cheaper than the PS3. HOWEVER, to get the full 360 experience which any serious gamer would want, you will need at least a pro system with a 60GB Hard Drive. This will run you $300 and does not come with a Blu Ray player. The elite system is $100 MORE than the PS3 - and it doesn't come with a Blu Ray player. No matter how you put it, you will also be paying a monthly subscription for online services with the 360. The PS3 offers NO monthly fees for online services.

In terms of value, because the PS3 comes with a Blu Ray player with the system, AND does not charge monthly online services fees the clear winner here is PS3.

Overall

PS3

Now, I did not pull all of this out of my butt. This is cold hard facts, not biased opinion. And to those that say I don't know what I'm talking about, I say all of this as a owner of both systems.

As a programmer for both Xbox360 and PS3, I really have to disagree with you on the cell processor.

On paper, yes it is quite a bit more powerful than the XBox360 cores. There's quite a few things (that would violate Sony's NDA's) about the cores that you don't know about, suffice to say, they're nowhere near as powerful as the Sony hype machine would have you believe.

Additionally, the absolutely ridiculous amount of manpower that's required to get the PS3 merely running at the same level as the XBox360 is absurd. In our studio, we have a dozen programmers dedicated to the ps3, numerous tools written specifically for it, and it still took 2 years to get the tech on somewhat on par with tech that took a few months to build for the XBox360. Every new feature that goes into the XBox360 results in painstaking manhours to port and optimize it for PS3. This is not just our studio, I speak to programmers from many others who go through the same process, its a nightmare. Like it or not, MS at least understands that developers would rather spend their time making a game, rather than deciphering the enigma machine Sony calls a PS3. Don't even get me started on Sony's tools and support.

There are a lot of things going on behind the scene, back alley deals between Sony and studios, etc... Bottom line, it takes a freakish amount of effort for the PS3 to be better than the XBox360. How this can be a selling point for the system, I don't understand. Most developers operate under significant budgets and time constraints, and working with the PS3 hinders their progress significantly.

Milky · February 2009

Originally posted by AsprnBtl

Originally posted by Milky

Originally posted by Kurush

Well, there are a lot of pointless partisan arguments offered up here. Trying to objectively judge the merits and flaws of each system is pointless. There is no clear winner through objective evaluation. Both are fairly reliable, which is the only bare minimum requirement. The 360 is obviously less so, but repairs are free, so that's less of an issue. Each has merits and flaws beyond that that are difficult to compare.
Technically speaking, the only real advantage of either console is the PS3's bluray player. _If_ you have a high-definition television set, and you really want to enjoy high-definition DVD's, then that's one point in the PS3's favor. However, I definitely wouldn't buy the PS3 just for that unless you're truly some kind of movie fanatic.
I'm saying you shouldn't try to evaluate the consoles themselves because what you're ultimately trying to purchase is not a superior machine. You're trying to purchase entertainment, and that's the criterion upon which you should base your decision. I've known far too many people who end up buying consoles due to boredom but never use them. You need a more personal means of evaluating the console's real worth. I'll put forward this challenge to you. We'll call it the four month test.
Look at the library offered on each console, games that are not offered on PC or won't run on your PC due to insufficient hardware. Look at those titles and pick the ones which you think could truly interest you. Look at them in some detail. Ask yourself, "Could I entertain myself for four months with these titles?" Then do the same thing with both console's future product pipeline. Ask yourself, "When these are released, could I entertain myself for another four months?" If you answer yes to both questions, then I think said console might be worth purchasing. If you answer yes to both questions for both systems, then you should start looking more closely at individual games.

I disagree with you on several points. On the technical point, not only does the PS3 have the Blu Ray player, it also has the Cell Processor for gaming which makes it a technical powerhouse over the 360. And if you objectively look at both systems there is a clear winner. Lets spell it out with the facts.

Tech

The PS3 has two advantages. Cell Processor and Blu Ray player. 360 suffers from tech issues (RROD). Winner PS3.

Games

Both consoles have a good library of games.

Tie

Value

We all know the basic 360 is cheaper than the PS3. HOWEVER, to get the full 360 experience which any serious gamer would want, you will need at least a pro system with a 60GB Hard Drive. This will run you $300 and does not come with a Blu Ray player. The elite system is $100 MORE than the PS3 - and it doesn't come with a Blu Ray player. No matter how you put it, you will also be paying a monthly subscription for online services with the 360. The PS3 offers NO monthly fees for online services.

In terms of value, because the PS3 comes with a Blu Ray player with the system, AND does not charge monthly online services fees the clear winner here is PS3.

Overall

PS3

Now, I did not pull all of this out of my butt. This is cold hard facts, not biased opinion. And to those that say I don't know what I'm talking about, I say all of this as a owner of both systems.

As a programmer for both Xbox360 and PS3, I really have to disagree with you on the cell processor.

On paper, yes it is quite a bit more powerful than the XBox360 cores. There's quite a few things (that would violate Sony's NDA's) about the cores that you don't know about, suffice to say, they're nowhere near as powerful as the Sony hype machine would have you believe.

Additionally, the absolutely ridiculous amount of manpower that's required to get the PS3 merely running at the same level as the XBox360 is absurd. In our studio, we have a dozen programmers dedicated to the ps3, numerous tools written specifically for it, and it still took 2 years to get the tech on somewhat on par with tech that took a few months to build for the XBox360. Every new feature that goes into the XBox360 results in painstaking manhours to port and optimize it for PS3. This is not just our studio, I speak to programmers from many others who go through the same process, its a nightmare. Like it or not, MS at least understands that developers would rather spend their time making a game, rather than deciphering the enigma machine Sony calls a PS3. Don't even get me started on Sony's tools and support.

There are a lot of things going on behind the scene, back alley deals between Sony and studios, etc... Bottom line, it takes a freakish amount of effort for the PS3 to be better than the XBox360. How this can be a selling point for the system, I don't understand. Most developers operate under significant budgets and time constraints, and working with the PS3 hinders their progress significantly.

Yes, it does take more work to develop games for the PS3. I don't think that is no secret. In the end, gamers will get a better gaming experience on the PS3. Hard work does pay off in the end. You shouldn't do things because they are easy. You should do things because they are hard, especially if that hard work results in a better experience for the end user. Even if you added this as a negative aspect to the Cell, the PS3 still wins out in overall tech over the 360. The Cell processor is newer, more complicated tech. It doesn't suprise me at all if development houses don't have experience with it and are slower to develop games for it. As different houses gain more experience with it, this will become less and less of an issue a year from now.

Milky · February 2009

Originally posted by Teala

You know I have all three game consoles and I don't touch any unless one of my guy friends comes over. Then we'll play one of them on occasion otherwise they just sit in the cabinet collecting dust. Sure there are a couple of cool games on them, but to be honest they just don't appeal to me all that much. One thing I do like to do is watch the guys play one of the football titles I have. OMG now that is entertainment. They get super serious when they play. Bickering back and forth about how this and that is best and how this team is better and that player is the bomb. lol good times!

Then you also have the extreme losers that can't take losing to a computer or another player. You know, I'm sure you've seen them before. The ones that throw temper tantrums everytime somthing in the game doesn't go exactly perfect and they start to yell obsenities and throw the controller at the walls/floor. Then they start whining like a kid.

Man1ac · February 2009

What the F*CK is it with this retarded crap about the xbox 360. The newer models are better ventilated, I know they're no perfect but since the prices have gone down you could buy an elite. if you're worried about your xbox 360 overheating, keep it stood up, if you're worried you might knock it down accidently, stop practicing ballet in your bedroom.

Yes, the ps3 has blu ray and still has the odd exlusives like little big planet, GT 5, metal gear solid 4 etc. But xbox live is DEFINITELY worth the price, its good, ask anyone. It's not Microsoft's fault the community is bad, what do you want them to do? make the xbox 360 rated 18+? What an amazing marketing tactic.

Yes the ps3 is a good option, but saying the xbox 360 is rubbish and showing off at the amazing power of the ps3, (which hasn't been that much better when games are compared which are available for both consoles). Then go ahead. I'm done with these topics, these arguments, this bullshit. Overall they both have their pros and cons.

I hope when these ps3 fanbois die, they'll go to an xbox 360 hell where they'll be endlessly torured by master chief and Braid. (And vice versa)

Rikimaru_X · February 2009

Originally posted by Milky

Originally posted by AsprnBtl

Originally posted by Milky

Originally posted by Kurush

Well, there are a lot of pointless partisan arguments offered up here. Trying to objectively judge the merits and flaws of each system is pointless. There is no clear winner through objective evaluation. Both are fairly reliable, which is the only bare minimum requirement. The 360 is obviously less so, but repairs are free, so that's less of an issue. Each has merits and flaws beyond that that are difficult to compare.
Technically speaking, the only real advantage of either console is the PS3's bluray player. _If_ you have a high-definition television set, and you really want to enjoy high-definition DVD's, then that's one point in the PS3's favor. However, I definitely wouldn't buy the PS3 just for that unless you're truly some kind of movie fanatic.
I'm saying you shouldn't try to evaluate the consoles themselves because what you're ultimately trying to purchase is not a superior machine. You're trying to purchase entertainment, and that's the criterion upon which you should base your decision. I've known far too many people who end up buying consoles due to boredom but never use them. You need a more personal means of evaluating the console's real worth. I'll put forward this challenge to you. We'll call it the four month test.
Look at the library offered on each console, games that are not offered on PC or won't run on your PC due to insufficient hardware. Look at those titles and pick the ones which you think could truly interest you. Look at them in some detail. Ask yourself, "Could I entertain myself for four months with these titles?" Then do the same thing with both console's future product pipeline. Ask yourself, "When these are released, could I entertain myself for another four months?" If you answer yes to both questions, then I think said console might be worth purchasing. If you answer yes to both questions for both systems, then you should start looking more closely at individual games.

I disagree with you on several points. On the technical point, not only does the PS3 have the Blu Ray player, it also has the Cell Processor for gaming which makes it a technical powerhouse over the 360. And if you objectively look at both systems there is a clear winner. Lets spell it out with the facts.

Tech

The PS3 has two advantages. Cell Processor and Blu Ray player. 360 suffers from tech issues (RROD). Winner PS3.

Games

Both consoles have a good library of games.

Tie

Value

We all know the basic 360 is cheaper than the PS3. HOWEVER, to get the full 360 experience which any serious gamer would want, you will need at least a pro system with a 60GB Hard Drive. This will run you $300 and does not come with a Blu Ray player. The elite system is $100 MORE than the PS3 - and it doesn't come with a Blu Ray player. No matter how you put it, you will also be paying a monthly subscription for online services with the 360. The PS3 offers NO monthly fees for online services.

In terms of value, because the PS3 comes with a Blu Ray player with the system, AND does not charge monthly online services fees the clear winner here is PS3.

Overall

PS3

Now, I did not pull all of this out of my butt. This is cold hard facts, not biased opinion. And to those that say I don't know what I'm talking about, I say all of this as a owner of both systems.

As a programmer for both Xbox360 and PS3, I really have to disagree with you on the cell processor.

On paper, yes it is quite a bit more powerful than the XBox360 cores. There's quite a few things (that would violate Sony's NDA's) about the cores that you don't know about, suffice to say, they're nowhere near as powerful as the Sony hype machine would have you believe.

Additionally, the absolutely ridiculous amount of manpower that's required to get the PS3 merely running at the same level as the XBox360 is absurd. In our studio, we have a dozen programmers dedicated to the ps3, numerous tools written specifically for it, and it still took 2 years to get the tech on somewhat on par with tech that took a few months to build for the XBox360. Every new feature that goes into the XBox360 results in painstaking manhours to port and optimize it for PS3. This is not just our studio, I speak to programmers from many others who go through the same process, its a nightmare. Like it or not, MS at least understands that developers would rather spend their time making a game, rather than deciphering the enigma machine Sony calls a PS3. Don't even get me started on Sony's tools and support.

There are a lot of things going on behind the scene, back alley deals between Sony and studios, etc... Bottom line, it takes a freakish amount of effort for the PS3 to be better than the XBox360. How this can be a selling point for the system, I don't understand. Most developers operate under significant budgets and time constraints, and working with the PS3 hinders their progress significantly.

Yes, it does take more work to develop games for the PS3. I don't think that is no secret. In the end, gamers will get a better gaming experience on the PS3. Hard work does pay off in the end. You shouldn't do things because they are easy. You should do things because they are hard, especially if that hard work results in a better experience for the end user. Even if you added this as a negative aspect to the Cell, the PS3 still wins out in overall tech over the 360. The Cell processor is newer, more complicated tech. It doesn't suprise me at all if development houses don't have experience with it and are slower to develop games for it. As different houses gain more experience with it, this will become less and less of an issue a year from now.

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