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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67 Posted by harmonator62 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:16PM EDT Report Abuse
I agree with the Xbox 360 as top console, but Wii really should be second here. If you're an avid gamer who enjoys 1st person shooters or RPG's the 360 has you covered. The best feature with the new Xbox Experience is hands-down the ability to load 360 games onto the hard-drive. This makes load time nearly zero, even on demanding games like Mass Effect. The Wii takes care of the other areas the 360 has fallen short in: group games and easy pick-up games. Until the PS3 comes out with some dramatic exclusives all shoppers should be considering the Wii and 360 before going to the PS3.
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68 Posted by protogy001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:20PM EDT Report Abuse
Wii is the best IMO. Games are supposed to be fun, and the Wii is the most fun. X360 would be next, because of its gaming library and quality of games. The PS3 has something to offer, but I'll stick to my PC with surfing the net, etc. I'd rather spend the $400-$500 on something more fun.
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69 Posted by tecs111 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:59PM EDT Report Abuse
Xbox 360 all the way for me although i have all of them and like them very much, and no you do not need an adapter to get onlinewith the 360 just hook it to your router with a cable, very simple and if you can't do that then you are just lazy.
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70 Posted by lnfranklin2002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:55PM EDT Report Abuse
I got all 3 and i have to say i love my 360 more than any of them. I never have received the red ring of death because i got the elite version which has high quality hardware. While the PS3 is more powerful its lack of quality games has me considering selling it. The Wii is just good old plane fun. Nothin fancy, just fun.
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71 Posted by bigtaterman2003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:07PM EDT Report Abuse
I own a PS3 and I love it! No problems whatsoever. If you are going to spend money, buy a PS3. At least you won't have to worry about buying a Blu-Ray Player when DVD Players become obsolete.
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72 Posted by jacecris on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:26PM EDT Report Abuse
i agree
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73 Posted by eepichette on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:52PM EDT Report Abuse
Tge one thing that surprises me is how many people like the Wii. I mean didn't they start selling the Mario name in like 1987, or was it sooner? My point is Nintendo has been for amatuers since the super nintendo. Sega Genesis was better, sony playstation was better, then PS2 Both PS3 and Xbox 360 are better. Wii is for elderly people to excercise while playing virtual bowling, give me a break! It is not even in same league. Why they push a crappy system. It just hurts the other two companies. Meaning quality suffers becaues of Wii's market share. It is annoying.
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74 Posted by khbsm5 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:50PM EDT Report Abuse
Im not sure rather to pick ps3 or wii ,but I would definitley say DO NOT GET XBOX i now have my fourth one sitting broke in the box and ,although they will replace it Its gonna take up to six months ,and thats after i recieve the mailing label sO far its been two weeks.If you think its worth the headache then by all means get one other wise go with one of the others.
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75 Posted by txly08 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:25PM EDT Report Abuse
"If it ain't broke don't fix it.DVD is still cool. DVD is not dead, Blu ray will be dead sooner." HAHA...only the third post down and already the x360 fanboys rear their heads. Dude, wake up! Blu-ray is the future and that's why the next xbox will have a Blu-ray drive in it. Anyways, I own all three and have to say my personal favorite of the three is the PS3 (LBP baby!). However, I recommend getting the Xbox360 because you know the PS3 will get a price cut either this year or early next. Also, the x360 isn't just inexpensive, the games are dirt cheap since you can easily flash the drive and then play pirated games. I downloaded Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 for free, three weeks before they were even released in stores.
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76 Posted by skir23890 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
I have always owned a XBOX from the beginning as a matter of fact I own 2. The major bread winner for that is ONLINE PLAY. XBOX just knows how to do their business with that alone. now yes the break down RING OF DEATH AAAAAAAHHHHHHH, I have had one do it to me but its been so long and don't remember when. When I have had to turn it in for repairs the longest it had taken to get back to me was two to three weeks but come on PATIENCE thats whats wrong with people now days is I WANT IT NOW AND I BETTER GET IT NOW OR ELSE....TECHNOLOGY GUYS AND LADIES IS LIKE OUR ECONOMY """IT CRASHES HERE AND THERE"""!!!!!!!BUT YEA 360 ALL THE WAY BABY....Oh and i own a wii its cool but dont get played as much as my 360
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77 Posted by skir23890 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
txly08 I totaly agree with you on the blue ray in xbox ITS COMING wahahahahhahaha and when it does im pretty sure that they will take the time to make sure that they have there ducks in a row so it don't look like the release of the 360
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78 Posted by morel_blanc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:26PM EDT Report Abuse
XBOX 360 does put games first. All in depth tech reviews geared toward visual performance of games will point out that 360 outshines the PS3. Basically all Ubisoft games, Fallout 3, Grand Theft Auto 4, and World at War are shining examples of why 360 performs better with framerates. Aliasing is also a BIG issue on the PS3. PS3 also has a myriad of loading issues due to the disc space of Blu-Ray. OMG RROD! I'd rather wait two weeks to fix a 360 than waste cash on a Blu-Ray...errmmm...PS3. Anyways, in terms of visual performance across the board: 1) PC 2) 360 3) PS3 Wii is just a novelty item. Almost every review points out that the Wii has "Wii graphics" (i.e. terrible).
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79 Posted by shawnmckenzie_1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:18PM EDT Report Abuse
I have used multiple systems over the years but I have to say the 1080P out put along with 7.1 DTS sound of the PSIII is a deal at the $800.00 I paid for mine when it came out. I am in my 30's so the staicker shock of the PSIII was not even an issue. I love the system I used it to replace my Blue Ray player & as a gaming system. Buy one you will be happy you did.
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80 Posted by pitsteelersfan_4life on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:13PM EDT Report Abuse
I own all three systems but really only play the 360. The 360 is by far the best system.
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81 Posted by evanheisey on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:56PM EDT Report Abuse
I have a wii and absolutely love playing the simple group style games that it offers, however, i am also a huge fan of games such as call of duty and madden, and the graphics, and other capabilities for such games on the wii is terrible, which is why i also have a ps3, and while i'm not a huge fan of the xbox360, i do understand why it can be viewed as a better system, but i don't want to have to pay for the online content, and another $50 a year can make the ps3 slightly better for me
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82 Posted by nickmberger on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:37PM EDT Report Abuse
None. You should save your money because you will be out of a job in the next six months.
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83 Posted by wytefangg on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:51PM EDT Report Abuse
Or for a FAR better value and better selection of cheaper but still fantastic games, you could buy a gaming PC for a mere $500 that'll smoke any other console out there with far greater functionality and power than any of them. That's the ticket right there. Consoles are old hat at this point and already outdated. Why pay $60 a game when you can get the same game, played on a system with better graphics, more texture memory, and superior FPS & RTS controls, for only $40-50?? We need to educate the younger gaming generation as to which system is truly the best - the PC. This has been a public service announcement. ;) Console kiddies, it's time to move up to the big leagues.
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84 Posted by wytefangg on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:51PM EDT Report Abuse
To rbuck1212us - next time you make a feeble attempt to insult a hobby demographic, you might want to learn how to spell. Genius. LOL
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85 Posted by csus_jl on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:31PM EDT Report Abuse
I have all three systems and they each definitely have their strong points. I've had the Xbox 360 for the longest and usually play it the most but the PS3 has finally started getting some titles worthy of attention. PS3 is definitely the way to go when you're talking about a game that's bigger on the story mode than multiplayer or w/no multiplayer at all (i.e. Dead Space) - not because the graphics are necessarily better but it runs quieter. If it's multiplayer you want then XBox 360 is the way to go - $50/year for the Gold membership is worth it, that's less than $5 a month!
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66 Posted by sm_harper on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:30PM EDT Report Abuse
For a minute there I thought this article was going to be biased. Also I want to clear up that God of war III is out in 2009 not this year. But they can still play Little Big Planet, Valkyria Chronicles, Metal gear solid 4, Resistance 2 and other games.