Opinions please: XBOX 360 vs. PS3

[IcEWoLF]

Fixed

Still going to blow those games away.

 

[dfergie]

Don- Thanks for moving the thread.

Your Welcome! Thats what were here for... ... I have 2 HD DVD Xbox players so am interested in these comparison threads myself... Haven't gamed since the C128 days...

 

[TheForce]

Still quite new so pardon the ignorance on my part.

I took a look at CC and BB today and found few PS3 systems, none with 80G package. I saw a driver's wheel and pedals for both PS3 and XBOX 360 so these are available.

Here's my thinking and tell me if it is a bad idea-

Both stores told me the newest PS3 system I saw on the web site won't be out until June or so. Today, I can get the XBOX 360 with a cheapo HD DVD drive $49 that is supposed to play many of the troubled DVD's, like Bourne Ultimatum ( I can't play on my A30)
So if I get started now with XBOX 360 and buy from a local BB with return policy it would be the way to go to get started. If I am happy, I stop there and have a solution to my A30 bug troubles. (I'm not worried about HD DVD demise right now)
Then in June or July, if the gamer obsession gets me, I'll spring for the PS3 system that is state of the art.
I'm thinking about $1000 budget for 2 systems and some accessories.

Don and others- I see some of you have multiple systems, like 2 XBOX's why would anyone want or desire 2 or more of the same thing? Multiple rooms?


Earlier, I sort of lied about games. I do have a couple on my cell phone I play when I have a few minutes time to kill. Celeris, Pool, a pinball machine, and PacMan So computer games are not totally new to me.


I see I can get a BlockBuster membership like my Movie Pass that is a flat rate per month. Is this realistic? I would think it is a good thing to sample many games before you buy. Unlike Movies, Games are better the more you play them, right? So the Game Pass is really only good for sampling at a lower price.

 

[akodoreign]

All I see is some RPG there. (You are an RPG******, I see you playing RPG's every time I log on live..)
BTW am not interested on those games
FFXIII all the way, it will blow all those titles out of the water.
If you read my post, they are my personal preferences.

and if you remember I said when FFXIII comes out I will own a PS3
I think I have my wife talked into letting me buy a used PSP for crisis core. LOL.

I tell you what though I was really Impressed with lost odyssey. It felt like a FF game to me. Very very good RPG, and I know my RPGs.

Can't wait for the sequel.


AND to the OP. With the Best Buy warranty at least at my Best buy its no questions asked.


also Xbox live has games such as root beer tapper, Pack man, Tron, so if you like those, that might be a sell point for you.

 

[yourbeliefs]

Still quite new so pardon the ignorance on my part.

I took a look at CC and BB today and found few PS3 systems, none with 80G package. I saw a driver's wheel and pedals for both PS3 and XBOX 360 so these are available.

Here's my thinking and tell me if it is a bad idea-

Both stores told me the newest PS3 system I saw on the web site won't be out until June or so. Today, I can get the XBOX 360 with a cheapo HD DVD drive $49 that is supposed to play many of the troubled DVD's, like Bourne Ultimatum ( I can't play on my A30)
So if I get started now with XBOX 360 and buy from a local BB with return policy it would be the way to go to get started. If I am happy, I stop there and have a solution to my A30 bug troubles. (I'm not worried about HD DVD demise right now)
Then in June or July, if the gamer obsession gets me, I'll spring for the PS3 system that is state of the art.
I'm thinking about $1000 budget for 2 systems and some accessories.

Don and others- I see some of you have multiple systems, like 2 XBOX's why would anyone want or desire 2 or more of the same thing? Multiple rooms?


Earlier, I sort of lied about games. I do have a couple on my cell phone I play when I have a few minutes time to kill. Celeris, Pool, a pinball machine, and PacMan So computer games are not totally new to me.


I see I can get a BlockBuster membership like my Movie Pass that is a flat rate per month. Is this realistic? I would think it is a good thing to sample many games before you buy. Unlike Movies, Games are better the more you play them, right? So the Game Pass is really only good for sampling at a lower price.

The 80 GB package does not exist. The 60GB was also eliminated a while back (trust me early adopters were THRILLED after spending that $599 for that gem.)

If you plan on using the 360 with a lot of downloadable content you really should get the Elite. The 120 GBs are very handy for games and demos and movies. Its either that or a 20 GB, and considering a standard HD movie can fill up around 3 GB, space will fill up rather quickly. Then again if you don't plan on downloading or using the marketplace much then the standard 360 will do fine. Course you could just get the Arcade package with the 512 MB card.

It is not THAT uncommon to have multiple systems. I personally would really like to have another 360 so that I could mod it and customize and play backup games with it. Its not much different than having more than one computer. You have one that you use for your standard stuff, and another you just play with and modify and experiment with. Also if you have a lot of friends who come over, sometimes a networked 360 setup is good for multiplayer (LAN parties anyone?) I would not modify my Elite that I have now because I don't want to get banned from LIVE and given the high problem rate for 360s my box would not have a valid warranty if modded.

As far as games go, I don't know much about the Blockbuster Game Pass, but I use Gamefly myself. It's basically Netflix for video games. The prices are slightly cheaper for Gamefly, but there is the issue of turnaround time for games. I live in CT and the nearest distributor is in Pennsylvania, so the time between when they get the disc and I get a new one is usually around 4 days. If you live close to CA, FL, or PA you will likely get it quicker. Of course if you live next door to a blockbuster or price is not an issue then that may be the better choice.

Also you should not just view the Game Pass/Gamefly plans just for playing as many games as possible. You could view it like Netflix or the Movie Pass where you can just keep the movie for as long as you want until you are done with it. Think of it this way: If you buy a game, a new one will cost you $60, and if you get one used the cheapest you will likely get it is for $30 (and that is VERY rare.) If you play a game and then have no more use for it, if you try to sell it you will NOT get a lot of money in return, especially if you go to a Gamestop or something like that. You could always try eBay and things like that, but that pool is so large it may not even be worth it. I use my Gamefly to play through games and then return them. I got Assassin's Creed, and I played it through once and then shipped it back. I did not have much desire to go back and grab all the flags or kill all the special soldier or go through all the conversations, etc etc. I used to have a large number of games, and then when I went to sell them to get new stuff I'd have to sell like 3-5 games to get a good deal on a brand new game. Of course the age of the game you return has a lot to do with it as well, but just remember: If you're done with a game in 1 month that you purchased and then you try and sell it, odds are you will only recoup 30-60% of your cost. One last thing is that, and I don't know if this is true with Game Pass, but with GameFly you can choose to keep the game, like purchase it if you so please (so that you can move on to the next game in your queue), and you get it at a good discount (and more can be applied because the longer you stay a member the more discounts you get) and then they send you the case and the instructions for it.

One thing though: If you do choose to go with Gamefly can you PLEASE let me know so I can get a referral credit? Trust me when I say that it is a very good service.

 

[dont24]

The PlayStation 3 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Pack has been confirmed.
Last I heard was June. I'm one of those w/ multiple consoles. Wii, 2 360s, and an xbox. Although I'm thinking of selling the xbox w/ all games. I'm interested in the new bundle when it's available. For me. it's because of BluRay, but I'm sure I'll try some of the PS3 exclusive titles.

 

[yourbeliefs]

The PlayStation 3 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Pack has been confirmed.
Last I heard was June. I'm one of those w/ multiple consoles. Wii, 2 360s, and an xbox. Although I'm thinking of selling the xbox w/ all games. I'm interested in the new bundle when it's available. For me. it's because of BluRay, but I'm sure I'll try some of the PS3 exclusive titles.

You may as well sell the Xbox and games. That's what I did. I remember I ran into some issues because I didn't have the original video cords (excuse ME for wanting an HD experience!) The 360 seems to be able to emulate games fine, and also you can DL them off of Marketplace now.

I already signed up for the alert so that they'll tell me when it is available to order, but then again they have failed me a few times with that.. I'll need to keep my eyes open.

 

[dont24]

You may as well sell the Xbox and games. That's what I did. I remember I ran into some issues because I didn't have the original video cords (excuse ME for wanting an HD experience!) The 360 seems to be able to emulate games fine, and also you can DL them off of Marketplace now.

I already signed up for the alert so that they'll tell me when it is available to order, but then again they have failed me a few times with that.. I'll need to keep my eyes open.

I may just do that. Or, the wife is the PTO prez at our kids school. Maybe I'll ask her to talk w/ the social worker and find a family in need who's kid(s) would enjoy the xbox and all the games. But, back to the thread. My co-workers and I all chose the 360 because of the titles and Live ~2 years ago. If we were all choosing a gaming platform today, I think the consensus would have been PS3.

 

[mwgiii]

Don - you will be very pleased with the XBox Live Marketplace. They have an extensive catalog of movies and TV shows (most in HD) to rent. A little more info is here: Xbox.com | Movies & TV Shows - Movies and TV on your Xbox

I agree with yourbeliefs, you should look at a 360 Elite. The 120 GB hard drive and HDMI port are worth the money. It can also output 1080p. If you connect it to your network, you can stream music and videos from any of your computers.

The original 360s had a horrendous failure rate. MS has reengineered the heat sinks on the newer models which appears to have greatly improved reliability. MS also has also put in place a 3 year warranty for the 3rrod (3 red rings of death) problem.

There is no true flight simulator for the 360 although Ace Combat (with the flight stick) comes close. Blazing Angels is also another good flying game.

Forza and Project Gotham are great exclusive racing game along with the multiplatform games Dirt, Burnout, NASCAR, and Need for Speed.

I currently have 2 360s because I got tired of fighting the kids for play time.

 

[dfergie]

Don and others- I see some of you have multiple systems, like 2 XBOX's why would anyone want or desire 2 or more of the same thing? Multiple rooms?

Actually, no Xbox system... I have one hooked to Htpc and other yet to be hooked up but possibly to my notebook for camping in my smaller camper or tent camping (and I'm a packrat and got it from my late mother )

 

[meStevo]

I agree with yourbeliefs, you should look at a 360 Elite. The 120 GB hard drive and HDMI port are worth the money. It can also output 1080p. If you connect it to your network, you can stream music and videos from any of your computers.

To clarify here, the 120gb HDD is the only bonus over any other 360 SKU. If you buy a brand new 360, all can output 1080p, and act as a media center extender (as well as stream audio/video through the system w/out media center).

 

[yourbeliefs]

To clarify here, the 120gb HDD is the only bonus over any other 360 SKU. If you buy a brand new 360, all can output 1080p, and act as a media center extender (as well as stream audio/video through the system w/out media center).

Well A: Not ALL of the 360s have HDMI output. The new ones are SUPPOSED to, but that does not mean that some retailers don't have older stock of it.

B: The Elite is black. It just looks cooler.

 

[dont24]

Don and others- I see some of you have multiple systems, like 2 XBOX's why would anyone want or desire 2 or more of the same thing? Multiple rooms?

Wife and 2 kids I had a hard time getting time in front of the 360, when I had just the one. My wife enjoys some playing some of the Live arcade games. One is in my oldest son's room. Oher 360 is in our bedroom. On the weekends, I usually move "our" 360 to the living room to play RockBand and Guitar Hero on the main system.

 

[akodoreign]

Wife and 2 kids I had a hard time getting time in front of the 360, when I had just the one. My wife enjoys some playing some of the Live arcade games. One is in my oldest son's room. Oher 360 is in our bedroom. On the weekends, I usually move "our" 360 to the living room to play RockBand and Guitar Hero on the main system.

Yeah Have 3 kids 12, 9, and 5. I made it clear that the Elite is mine. They get the pro and the arcade.

 

[TheForce]

Thanks for the heads up on the 360 1080p issue and HDMI- It was quite confusing reading the stuff in the reviews. I definitly must have the 1080p so if I get one that is absent the HDMI port I will be sending it back. As I understand, the 120G over the 20G drive is mostly for the online downloads. If I don't get into that, I wouldn't need it, right? But if I decide to add it later on, I could by just plugging in an external hard drive to the port. The color isn't real important to me either.

About the warranty. In light of the high failure rates, I think this is real important. Some have said it is a 3 year but others and the stores say 1 year with a purchased extended warranty for a hundred bucks making it 2 years. What's the truth behind these claims?

Don't have kids here. That's why I haven't looked at Wii as I have been told it is primarily for little girls. No offense if your're a PRO wrestler who loves his Wii.

 

[akodoreign]

Thanks for the heads up on the 360 1080p issue and HDMI- It was quite confusing reading the stuff in the reviews. I definitly must have the 1080p so if I get one that is absent the HDMI port I will be sending it back. As I understand, the 120G over the 20G drive is mostly for the online downloads. If I don't get into that, I wouldn't need it, right? But if I decide to add it later on, I could by just plugging in an external hard drive to the port. The color isn't real important to me either.

About the warranty. In light of the high failure rates, I think this is real important. Some have said it is a 3 year but others and the stores say 1 year with a purchased extended warranty for a hundred bucks making it 2 years. What's the truth behind these claims?

Don't have kids here. That's why I haven't looked at Wii as I have been told it is primarily for little girls. No offense if your're a PRO wrestler who loves his Wii.

You will have to buy the 120 gig hd from MS to get the upgrade $180 dollars.

External drive can be used to read movies that you have downloaded from other places though. (have to go to market place and get the optional media update , but its free, to read divx movies). as well as songs (aka mp3s)

But for stuff from market place you have to use the official drives, can't be external.

MS warranty goes like this.

1 year covers everything , any errors you could possibly have, next 2 years protects you from only Red ring of death. this comes with every system.

Best buys warrenty lets you take it to Best buy get a new system that very same day. and walk out happy. :up

 

[TheForce]

Well I made the move.
Spent some expensive gas and hit 6 stores, 5 of which I visited 2 days ago. I jumped on board with the XBOX 360 because 2 days ago I saw the HD DVD drive ($49) in most of the stores. One Best Buy had 25 of them on an aisle kiosk. Today, only that store had any left. They had 6, so I figured if I waited, I'd not get one of the main selling points for me which was the HD DVD drive ( with King Kong HD DVD.)
I also bought the elite system as the salesman told me that there are lots of free demos of the games to download and the 120G drive would come in handy.
I did spring for the 2 year BB warranty. Normally I'm against these but in light of the reliability, I decided this was a prudent insurance against the need to pack up the unit and ship off to MS for a lengthy repair. He did say that you only get one swap on a purchase and if you want the same deal on a second box, you have to buy a new warranty again but only during the second year. Your extended warranty covers in store replacement as often as needed for the first year. The third year is back to MS unless you renew with BB.
I didn't buy any games at this point. I want to check out the Market place demos and rent a few before deciding what I like to own.

I now have to free up a shelf in my rack. The TIVO on a cancelled D* account will have to go into storage!


Oh, one interesting thing I noticed. When I checked out, several young "Geeks" came over to congratulate me on getting the XBOX. Haven't had that experience since buying my MacBook Pro. I guess XBOX people are like a cult???

 

[kb7oeb]

Well A: Not ALL of the 360s have HDMI output. The new ones are SUPPOSED to, but that does not mean that some retailers don't have older stock of it.

The HDMI versions have a small HDMI logo on the box

 

[akodoreign]

Well I made the move.
Spent some expensive gas and hit 6 stores, 5 of which I visited 2 days ago. I jumped on board with the XBOX 360 because 2 days ago I saw the HD DVD drive ($49) in most of the stores. One Best Buy had 25 of them on an aisle kiosk. Today, only that store had any left. They had 6, so I figured if I waited, I'd not get one of the main selling points for me which was the HD DVD drive ( with King Kong HD DVD.)
I also bought the elite system as the salesman told me that there are lots of free demos of the games to download and the 120G drive would come in handy.
I did spring for the 2 year BB warranty. Normally I'm against these but in light of the reliability, I decided this was a prudent insurance against the need to pack up the unit and ship off to MS for a lengthy repair. He did say that you only get one swap on a purchase and if you want the same deal on a second box, you have to buy a new warranty again but only during the second year. Your extended warranty covers in store replacement as often as needed for the first year. The third year is back to MS unless you renew with BB.
I didn't buy any games at this point. I want to check out the Market place demos and rent a few before deciding what I like to own.

I now have to free up a shelf in my rack. The TIVO on a cancelled D* account will have to go into storage!


Oh, one interesting thing I noticed. When I checked out, several young "Geeks" came over to congratulate me on getting the XBOX. Haven't had that experience since buying my MacBook Pro. I guess XBOX people are like a cult???

LoL, yeah but not the eerie kinda cult that Mac users are all part of * sorry couldn't stop myself*

Don't forget to visit the HD-DVD forums here and look at the sale thread.

Also if you have a Vista Ultimate (home or pro) you can throw a Video capture card into it and use it as a DVR that the 360 can access and display on your TV.

 

[dont24]

Oh, one interesting thing I noticed. When I checked out, several young "Geeks" came over to congratulate me on getting the XBOX. Haven't had that experience since buying my MacBook Pro. I guess XBOX people are like a cult???

Congrats. You really can't go wrong with either gaming system. If you have movies, pictures, and music on your MacBook Pro and want to try viewing on your 360, check out Connect360.