Looking to buy a console

[Apotheosis]

Ok.. so, i've been slacking on video games for the past 4 years or so.. except for the few I play on my computer..

point is.. I'm considering buying a console.. and I'm torn between Xbox 360 or PS3...


also, I want to buy a decent one that's cheap..... how's the refurb market? are refurbs reliable?

[The Ponzzz]

I would not go refurb with Xbox. There was an article that stated the majority of refurbs are old RROD machines and an Xbox that RRODs once tends to do it again.

I'd put the cash down for the biggest GB ones as you'll get the best bang for your buck. The Elite for 360 gives you your cables or HDMI which is a sweet saving right from the get go.

Look at the exclusive market to make your choices for the games. I bought a PS3 when FFXIII was a Sony exclusive and then they reneged. 360's achievement system outweighs PS3's trophy system and gives you something to continue playing a game that has virtually no replay value (if you like high scores). GoWIII is Sony's exclusive right now that looks sweet, but there a metric shitload of exclusives that are worth the 360 purchase. A lot of DLC is not available for PS3 either.

Just keep that all in mind. If you want to play RPGs, don't bother with either system and pick up a SNES or PS1 or 2. Sarcasm aside, the DS actually has a lot of decent RPG titles.

[Celephais]

The Elite for 360 gives you your cables or HDMI which is a sweet saving right from the get go.
http://www.firefold.com/HDMI-to-HDMI-Cables-C485.aspx
HDMI cables are digital cables, because of this there is no problem with interference giving you grainy signal, either the signal makes it, or it doesn't. Instore or high end brand HDMI cables are a rip off and they're there to get people who don't have time to wait on the shipping.

[Apotheosis]

Well, I have a buddy who run's a small IT business and gets HDMI cables ridiculously cheap...

beyond that.. I have been leaning towards an XBOX for some time now..

[Hips]

Go with the 360. More/better games.

[kookiegod]

Yah, I bought an Xbox from day1, even over the PS2 back in the day cause I saw what their plans were, and being designed from the get go for online connectivity, exclusives (Halo, Mechassault), and such.

The 360 expanded on that incredibly and their new revision made it even better.

If you want a gaming console get it, if you want something for the family, get a Wii.

The PS3 just doesn't rate for the price. Get a PS2 for its old gaming library.

~Paul

[AMUSED1]

I agree with Mario. If you want a high selection of RPG's, definitely do not get an Xbox 360. And the only reason to get a PS3 would be to play all the old RPG's on ps1 and ps2. And that's not even saying the system will be able to play them all. I'd also hesistate about getting an Xbox 360 with the HD DVD player since the entertainment market is basically swapping to Blu-ray being the next standard for replacing DVD's. Which PS3 is very lucky to have.

[Ignot]

Ok.. so, i've been slacking on video games for the past 4 years or so.. except for the few I play on my computer..

point is.. I'm considering buying a console.. and I'm torn between Xbox 360 or PS3...


also, I want to buy a decent one that's cheap..... how's the refurb market? are refurbs reliable?

What type of games do you like? Will you be using a console for anything other then gaming? Movies, etc?

[SHAFT]

I love my PS3. I gave my 360 and all the games away a few weeks back, I never used it. Don't get a Wii either, mine collects dust.

[Methais]

My 360 has a 2 inch layer of dust on it. I can't remember the last time I turned it on.

Any game that comes out for both systems that I buy, I buy it on PS3. I like the controller way better.

I also like how the Playstation Store lists things with actual dollar prices instead of that lame "point" system at $1.25 per 100 points that 360 uses.

If you like fighting games or anything that would mainly use the D-pad, get a PS3.

Everyone says get a 360 if you like FPS games. This is bullshit. If you like FPS games, stick with your PC.

Mouse > Analog stick.

Also, 360 is lame in the sense that it's impossible to make 3rd party peripherals for without Microsoft's green light due to some universal lockout the system has.

I like both systems. I just like PS3 better.

[Paradii]

The only plus side of getting fps's for xbox would be the social part. It's a lot of fun getting 8 or so people over at your place and drinking some beers and killing some shit.

But I also can't see anyone on this forum having 7 real life friends, so stick with the pc.

[Methais]

Anyone on this forum includes you, you know. <insert Emeradan douchehole smiley>

[kookiegod]

I agree with Mario. If you want a high selection of RPG's, definitely do not get an Xbox 360. And the only reason to get a PS3 would be to play all the old RPG's on ps1 and ps2. And that's not even saying the system will be able to play them all. I'd also hesistate about getting an Xbox 360 with the HD DVD player since the entertainment market is basically swapping to Blu-ray being the next standard for replacing DVD's. Which PS3 is very lucky to have.

HD DVD is dead, and Microsoft dropped that last year.

Blu-Ray drives are dropping in price daily, so just getting a PS3 as a cheap blu-ray player isn't worth it either.

Personally, I like my set up, I'm a big Halo3 fan, and I like the 360 controllers and xbox live is very well done. Add in I can grab my netflix from it now, tons more of DLC, it works for me. I got a PS2 for their old library.

~Paul

[Guarrin]

Get a 360. And make sure it's a new(er) model. The reason RROD occurs is because whatever holds up one of the chips actually melts in their old models. I just picked up an elite and its great. You can actually find the model numbers to purchase online, but, frankly I'm too lazy to do so.

The only games that make it worth buying a PS3 over 360 IMO: Final Fantasy (release on 360 also) and God of War. I'll probably pickup a God of War III bundle eventually, and play FFXIII on it also. With 360 you're getting better online content for "casual" games (get Castle Crashers, Puzzle Fighter HD, and Puzzle Quest), and a better library of games with the Microsoft game studios (Halo3, Gears).

As for blue-ray, I couldn't care less. The only benefit is that developers can actually fit more on the PS3 blue ray disc, so, in theory you can get 'more', but, since most companies release on 360 and PS3, you end up getting the same content anyway.

If you ever want to get into game development, and create your game, you have the tools to do so with VS, MS neighborhood, etc.

Oh, and DS has some great games too if you can filter through the crap thats on the market. Unfortunately some jackass just stole mine.

[Androidpk]

PS3 does have Metal Gear Solid 4 and Kill Zone 2. Other then those two games though the 360 wins hands down.

[Rimalon]

I went through this about a month ago.

Decided on a 360, and I don't regret it in the least.

Just make sure you get an arcade stick for Street Fighter 4!

[Back]

I can’t really compare so I’ll just tell you why I went PS3, what I like and dislike.

The reasons I went PS3 even though it was more expensive (not that that made a big difference). I have a PS2 and have been very happy with Sony’s products. I’m very leery of Microsoft products. Blu-Ray. True 1080p resolution. Not only is the controller almost exactly the same as the PS2 it has intuitive new features. Did I mention GOD OF WAR 3!!!

What I like: The games so far (obviously). Call of Duty. Oblivion. Fallout. Warhawk. Assassin’s Creed. Madden ’08. Visually and audibly stunning. Blu-Ray movies as well. Iron Man and Wall•E so far. Free on-line game play. Playstation Store has a lot of cool freebies like demos and wall papers. I/O system is fast (its starts up faster than my Mac) and can be done through the controller.

Things I dislike: Not as much game support for PS3 as there is for Xbox. I mean this in the way of patches and extra DLC. It seems some game developers don’t bother. The internet browser is clunky to control even with a wireless keyboard and mouse.

[xdigitalx]

The reason RROD occurs is because whatever holds up one of the chips actually melts in their old models. I just picked up an elite and its great. You can actually find the model numbers to purchase online, but, frankly I'm too lazy to do so.

So does this mean they have solved the RROD issue for good? It has been the main reason I avoided a 360 to this point.

[kookiegod]

I'd hope its fixed by now.

I've had to replace my console 2x now, BUT, each time, MS has done a stellar job, free shipping, sending me a box, comp games, a free year of xbox gold, microsoft points.

So I'm hoping its done, but they done a good job taking care of me, compared to Dell which is a POS company.

~Paul

[Guarrin]

This means the new models *shouldn't* RROD. However, some of the OLDER elites can, and have, hit the RROD. I just picked up the elite when my 20g hit the RROD. Since they sell faster, you usually get newer models in and less likely of getting an older chip.

Also, keep in mind the elite is going to be discontinued (most likely) and used primarily for special releases, such as the RE:5 red elite.

MS customer service is better than Dell, but that's not saying much.

[Stanley Burrell]

The 360 Arcade is compatible with an HDMI cable, er?

As far as games, there are too many too list. Fuck, what happened to that YouTube video of that dude who was all "SHEEEEIT, MANG, XBOX GOT NO GAMES, SON." ?!

[Guarrin]

The 360 Arcade is compatible with an HDMI cable, er?

As far as games, there are too many too list. Fuck, what happened to that YouTube video of that dude who was all "SHEEEEIT, MANG, XBOX GOT NO GAMES, SON." ?!

I'm fairly certain only the Elite is HDMI compatable.

[The Ponzzz]

I'm fairly certain only the Elite is HDMI compatable.

It is.


What I like: The games so far (obviously). Call of Duty. Oblivion. Fallout. Warhawk. Assassin’s Creed. Madden ’08.

CoD's Live MMO is far better, and none of those games are exclusives. Keep that in mind.

The Blu-ray player is a perk, but I still just pick up normal dvds. Some of the prices for those BR movies are totaly stupid.

RROD isn't such a big fear with newer models as it was. So there is no real scare these days.

I'm not trying to bash PS3, I own one and it was my second next gen system (Wii being the first). But aftering owning a PS3 first, I can't believe how poorly it is to the Xbox.

[Stanley Burrell]

There's a port for one on the back of my Arcade. I've heard the definition isn't as equiped as an Elite.

[Bobmuhthol]

Uh, the Elite is not the only one that's HDMI compatible. I know the standard 360 has HDMI as of at least 18 months ago.

[Scott]

RROD and the E74 error for Xbox 360's happen, but you can easily fix them yourself assuming your warranty has expired. I had to repair my own, but it only took about 30 minutes to do and the only thing you have to buy is thermal paste.

[Apotheosis]

What type of games do you like? Will you be using a console for anything other then gaming? Movies, etc?

Well, I'd def. use it as a dvd player & entertainment console for my new flat screen tv......

but.. after looking at the game list, there are about 10 titles at the most, for the 360 that I would buy for sure..

I have a PS2 + all the old good RPGs (final fantasy 7 + onwards), vagrant story, among other classics... but I never play them anymore...

FF 13 will be released for 360, so that basically makes me care less about PS3.... I won't want Blue-Ray until it becomes mandatory, because I really am not an electronics junkie, I barely watch TV..

Not sure why PS3 would be that great compared to the 360, which, as far as I can tell, has pwn3d the hell out of PS3..

I'm looking at EBAY bid for elites... not sure if I should avoid them or not... I want to avoid all the avoidable bugs..

[The Ponzzz]

If you want to avoid any risks, grab a new Elite. You get a 1 year warranty from MS for free. Or grab a refurb from GameStop, they give you a one year and have the option to extend it.

[Guarrin]

If you want to avoid any risks, grab a new Elite. You get a 1 year warranty from MS for free. Or grab a refurb from GameStop, they give you a one year and have the option to extend it.

Don't buy refurbs. Bad things happen.

[Androidpk]

Not all refurbs are bad, I bought one at gamestop and it hasn't given me any issues.