Which gaming console should I get?
Thu Nov 13, 2008 5:11PM EST
See Comments (100)
The holiday season usually equates to one thing: Tons and tons of video games. With Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft all in the mix, it can be hard to choose a console for yourself or a loved one. Here's a rundown of all your options:
Xbox 360: Microsoft's offering best suits those that put games first, everything else second. The Xbox 360 boast a huge collection of exclusive titles, like Halo 3 and Halo Wars, Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie, Velvet Assassin, Forza Motorsports 2, Blue Dragon, Geometry Wars (my favorite), Fable, and tons more. Xbox Live is still the most impressive online environment, and the New Xbox Experience will bring a plethora of new features and downloadable content. (Don't forget, Netflix HD streaming will be a big plus for subscribers.) As of now, there are three different Xbox 360 bundles to go with—Arcade, Pro, and Elite. My personal recommendation? Even though the Arcade does have an attractive low price, your experience will be hampered without a hard drive. Go with the Pro, as it offers a 60 GB hard drive and two pack-in titles at a very reasonable $299.
Playstation 3: The PS3 is a very strong gaming platform, but where it really shines is its multimedia capabilities. Don't get me wrong—there are quite a few Playstation 3 exclusives, like Metal Gear Solid 4, Gran Turismo, Heavenly Sword, SOCOM, and God of War III, but this one is definitely for the multimedia aficionados. Blu-ray playback (the best Blu-ray player in the market, in my opinion), playback of MKV high-definition files (with some converting trickery), DiVX/XvID compatibility, and HDMI 1.3 ports. Additionally, the PS3 also has a pretty robust Internet browser, which makes watching YouTube videos on your big screen a pretty easy task, and its flexible USB ports allow you to connect your own keyboard, mice, and other devices. Also, don't forget, there's no yearly subscription to Playstation Network, as opposed to the $50 a year that Xbox Live charges. Right now, there's only one Playstation 3 bundle—80 GB priced at $399, but a 160 GB model will be appearing sometime this month at $499. Pricey, yes, but versatile and powerful to boot. My recommendation, go with the 80 GB.
Nintendo Wii: Although many believe that this console is for the casual gamer, I find it more suited to the person who always has a few people over. With a ton of awesome multiplayer options like Wii Sports, Mario Kart, Super Monkey Ball, Rayman: Raving Rabbids, Mario Party, Mario and Sonic at the Olympics, Super Smash Bros. Brawl (my pick), Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and tons more, it's easy to get you and your friends involved in the game. Also, the Wii has a pretty robust Internet browser and a growing Virtual Console library, which is a nice touch. However, if online gaming is your thing, you will probably be disappointed with Nintendo's online service. If you're looking for a Nintendo Wii this year, online retailers like Amazon and Gamestop do have them in stock right now. Make sure you buy early, or you may be out of luck once we get closer to the holidays.
Now, if I absolutely had to choose one this year, I would have to go with the Xbox 360 by the narrowest of margins. Tons of games, great online experience, tons of multimedia downloadable content, and a reasonable entry price is a winning formula for me. Now, if the Playstation 3 drops its price (which might happen), then I would have to reconsider.
Agree or disagree? Have any other additional comments? Feel free to let me know what you think below.
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Comments on Which gaming console should I get?
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7 Posted by gdogg_3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:07PM EDT Report Abuse
The PS3 really suffers IMO the online network. Yeah its great to watch your videos and surf the internet...but isnt that what the pc or laptop is for as well? Plus I hated for the longest time that the servers for SOCOM in the beginning were horrible. You couldnt get in a game and it took forever to finally get into one. I love the PS3 and the gaming quality from its games but when it comes to choosing games for a certain system, Im more inclined to go with the X360 version just so I know that playing online with my friends and chatting is up to standard. Yeah there are times when it wont like it should but for the most part it has been reliable.
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8 Posted by thowe21 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:08PM EDT Report Abuse
After a recent firmware update, the PS3 now has the ability to view Hulu content. Also, don't forget about Home on the PSN coming soon, the next version of Second Life for the PS3.
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9 Posted by jttabencki on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:43PM EDT Report Abuse
360 FTW! I just don't see any games at the moment that warrant a PS3 purchase. I had a Wii and sold it after beating Mario Galaxy. I enjoy my 360 for the games they have, its ability to upconvert dvds via a hardware chip instead of software emulation thats in the PS3. If I want to watch anything else, I stream it from my comp with tversity. Need I ask for more?
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10 Posted by foleydagoalie on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:01PM EDT Report Abuse
I guess it depends on what's important to you. I have a bigscreen high definition TV, so the Playstation 3 is a little more suited to my taste. My Buddy has a regular CRT so a blu-ray player wouldn't be very attractive to him, so he got a 360. My wife really wants a Wii. I think Wiis are more female and amateur friendly when it comes to gaming systems. Your article is pretty spot-on. People just have to decide what features are most important to them.
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11 Posted by pwdkhanaqin on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:22PM EDT Report Abuse
i will go for the PS3 because of his features,and has great grahpics
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12 Posted by benwakinz on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:05PM EDT Report Abuse
I have both the ps3 and x360 and i have to admit the 360 get used much more than the poor ps3 which always seems to be updating (slower than an 80's modem) true i do use my ps to play bluerays but if i had to keep just one it would be the x360 for sure.
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13 Posted by arbtheripper on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse
360 hasn't had hardware issues in almost 2 years. How dated is all this information? Attention parents of gamers: DO NOT BUY THE ARCADE VERSION. It seems like a great deal to those who don't know better, but it is too stripped down to have a complete gaming experience. Sony hasn't come to the plate as far as big holiday releases, so ask your kids what games they are into before you go out and buy the most expensive console thinking it is the best because of price.
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14 Posted by xerniex12 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:53PM EDT Report Abuse
Yeah I spend a few months doing my research on both the XBOX 360 (all versions) and the PS3 but with all of the 360's ailments(ring of death and other complaints) I settled on the PS3 with no regrets. Blu-ray over HD-DVD(Gone now) plus the free PSN is unbeatable.
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15 Posted by knnthjefferson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse
ok i like ps3 in the wii i had 3 360 it keep breaking what up with that go ps3 an wii no more 360 for me
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16 Posted by robmanq on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:46PM EDT Report Abuse
kissme520k. Get the f*&^ off of this sit. I have ssen ur freakin advertisments everywhere. We are commenting on video games not looking for whores
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17 Posted by bumgarner.jeff on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:15PM EDT Report Abuse
I own all three and definitely agree with your breakdown. The 360 live and the new netflix connection are fantastic. The PS3 is great for Bluray and their few exclusive titles. The kids love Wii but it seems a bit dated in terms of video quality, fun for non gamers and kids. Right now for all around options 360 rules, espescially with game titles and wow that netflix connection is WAY COOL!
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18 Posted by knnthjefferson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse
hey come on i love my p23 it cool now my xbox360 i keep geting the red ring now xbox360 it but not no more ps3 babe or wii
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19 Posted by tehc0de on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:59PM EDT Report Abuse
Xbox Live PS Network and Wii Online. That's where i was sold
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20 Posted by captain+bob on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:17PM EDT Report Abuse
The Xbox 360 also has DivX/XviD capability and HDMI ports (all models since fall 2007). It also accepts USB keyboards (but not mice).
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21 Posted by flightace23 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:00PM EDT Report Abuse
The PlayStation 3 is the best console on the market (in my opinion). As for the Xbox 360, this is a great buy for the upcoming gamers for the holidays. For those who are interesting in buying a Nintendo Wii, you better start investing in one now. Because, during the holidays (there going to be virtually impossible to find).
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22 Posted by knnthjefferson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse
that cool but 360 come out with to much war game they need to try summing new sum times
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23 Posted by rockerkid223 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:47PM EDT Report Abuse
I think the wii is a great console. All the xbox 360 and ps3 have broke in the middle of a game after about 3 weeks.
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24 Posted by bushmaster9000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:15PM EDT Report Abuse
The Wii is the best!
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25 Posted by vanbroekhoj12 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:31PM EDT Report Abuse
PS3 has it in the long run
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6 Posted by scott.masola on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:08PM EDT Report Abuse
I am at the point of never purchasing another Sony product ever again. I wrote them days ago on a problem I’m having with my PS3. And it occurred immediately following a system update. It restarted as always and immediately froze. Now as soon as you turn it on the screen freezes and just a hundred little green lines. I wrote to them days ago with no response. I have the 80GB with reverse technology. Which was the only factor on getting the PS3? I just feel like Sony not including the reverse technology on all of there PS3 units and not being helpful at all. It shows how much they don’t care about the consumer just what they can get from you. I haven’t even had the console but 8 months. And already dead.