XBox 360 vs PS3 - Help!

[Spirit of '83]

Hi everyone,
I've decided I'm ready to take a plunge and buy a new game system. My problem is that I can't decide which one to get so if anyone has any thoughts, let me know. Here are the pros/cons as I see them.

360
Pros: Great online game experience, exclusive games such as Halo and Bioshock, easier to develop for (many games are designed on this system then ported over to PS), more titles, backwards compatibility
Cons: Lots of hidden costs, i.e. have to pay for online gaming access, have to buy a wireless adapter, a loud cooling fan, no blue ray support

PS3
Pros: raw computing power, built in and free online access, larger hard drive standard, controllers recharge more easily, more of my friends have it than the 360
Cons: more limited game selection, i've heard the online experience is not as good

Thanks!

[Bosibus]

Here is the debate from about a month ago.

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55353

[allstar1579]

If more of your friends have the PS3, go with it. 360 is better online, it's got the bugs worked out, but the games will be coming for PS3, it will narrow the gap before long. The worst is getting a system and then realizing you can't play with your friends.

[Spirit of '83]

Here is the debate from about a month ago.

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55353

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

[Moose Milligan]

If more of your friends have the PS3, go with it. 360 is better online, it's got the bugs worked out, but the games will be coming for PS3, it will narrow the gap before long. The worst is getting a system and then realizing you can't play with your friends.

Totally false.

PS3 has free online game play and online content. Built in wireless.

I never got into online gameplay before because I didn't want to buy the add modem and pay 15 bucks a month just to play a game online. PS3 changed all that for me, I play COD4 online like it's my job and it's nice to be able to get a game of madden against a real life player whenever you want, without having to pay for it at all.

PS3 is more expensive, but it's worth it, IMO. I had as Xbox360 and it broke twice. The second time I got it back from the factory I took it straight to Gamestop and used it towards buying a PS3.

As cheesey as it is to say, I thought I was done video games for awhile, but looking back on it, I never played because I didn't know if my 360 was going to act up or not. Way more than once I'd play a game and it'd just lock up, the discs were totally clean, too. Then the red circle of death started.

They say that 360's are fixed with all the bugs, but I don't believe it to be true. I know people that have bought the next gens that were supposedly fixed, but still had to send them in to get fixed.

Can't lose with a PS3.

[geschinger]

One should pick the console that has the best selection of games they are interested in as well as the features they are interested in.

For me it was a no brainer, the XBOX 360 blows away the PS3 for how I use the console - as a gaming machine for online play and online media delivery system. If one happens to have a Media Center PC in the household the XBOX 360 is truly an amazing device. Having a library of all my movies, online content including HD material accessible on-demand from the XBOX really is a killer app for me. Combined with the superior online gaming platform and the better games selection made going the 360 route a no brainer.

The PS3 is the superior choice if it has the games you like and optical HD movie playback is important to you. It also will likely have a longer shelf life as the XBOX 360 successor is already in development.

[allstar1579]

Totally false.

PS3 has free online game play and online content. Built in wireless.

I never got into online gameplay before because I didn't want to buy the add modem and pay 15 bucks a month just to play a game online. PS3 changed all that for me, I play COD4 online like it's my job and it's nice to be able to get a game of madden against a real life player whenever you want, without having to pay for it at all.

PS3 is more expensive, but it's worth it, IMO. I had as Xbox360 and it broke twice. The second time I got it back from the factory I took it straight to Gamestop and used it towards buying a PS3.

As cheesey as it is to say, I thought I was done video games for awhile, but looking back on it, I never played because I didn't know if my 360 was going to act up or not. Way more than once I'd play a game and it'd just lock up, the discs were totally clean, too. Then the red circle of death started.

They say that 360's are fixed with all the bugs, but I don't believe it to be true. I know people that have bought the next gens that were supposedly fixed, but still had to send them in to get fixed.

Can't lose with a PS3.

It's a crapshoot with any system you get, 360's especially because well honestly, Microsoft tends to cut corners on hardware more than the other 2, but that being said, I know people that have had 3 360s in the 3 years they've been out, and I've had mine since launch day and its still perfect.

The online is better because of the system. Yes you have to pay for it, but you are paying for the features you get. Sony has online communities inside each individual game, but they don't have one overbearing list that you can see all of your friends online and what they are doing. Being able to talk in voice chat with your friends while playing 2 separate games, or being at 2 different points in the game is pretty cool.

Xbox has had their online community a lot longer, they have worked out the bugs in the system and are already to the point of demos, in game downloads, movie rentals, shared content etc. Sony is behind a good 3 years on this system because they didn't have it running in the last generation like Microsoft.

People are generally either pro-sony, or pro-xbox, and thats where you will see the more passionate arguments about which is better. Really what it comes down to is if you are buying a system for social gaming, which community is better for you.

[birdsfan4ever]

If you get the 360 buy it at Best Buy and get the warranty on it. Then when it breaks just take it to the store and they will give you another one.

[Mark Carver]

If you get the 360 buy it at Best Buy and get the warranty on it. Then when it breaks just take it to the store and they will give you another one.

Or just buy the Xbox 360 Elite (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm) from the cheapest source you can find and never worry about it breaking down and giving Best Buy money just to give it to them.

The Elite systems shipping now use the Falcon 65nm chipset. The Elites (and other Xbox 360 models using the Falcon) can be identified from earlier versions by a re-designed power connector and a power supply that runs at 175w. The motherboard layout is also different.

That's what I did.

[birdsfan4ever]

Or just buy the Xbox 360 Elite (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm) from the cheapest source you can find and never worry about it breaking down and giving Best Buy money just to give it to them.

The Elite systems shipping now use the Falcon 65nm chipset. The Elites (and other Xbox 360 models using the Falcon) can be identified from earlier versions by a re-designed power connector and a power supply that runs at 175w. The motherboard layout is also different.

That's what I did.

That wasn't out yet when I got my 360 so I think the Best Buy deal worked out. When my 360 broke I had a new one the same day instead of waiting weeks. My new one still freezes too much, I had problems with the original Xbox also. They just don't last long I guess.

[Mark Carver]

That wasn't out yet when I got my 360 so I think the Best Buy deal worked out. When my 360 broke I had a new one the same day instead of waiting weeks. My new one still freezes too much, I had problems with the original Xbox also. They just don't last long I guess.

The point is, that the Xbox consoles that you buy today could have the new Falcon chipset and a check of Google will show someone how to identify that they do indeed have the chipset. This chipset corrects many problems that have occurred in the past and buying an extended warranty on the console is a waste of money.

[HoodGuy007]

So if I bring a picture of an XBox 360 Elite sitteing in our DEVO bin which is sent out every day, is there a good chance that you may take that assuption back?

I have a 360 personally and am generally not big on the replacement plans on "smaller items, i.e. anything under $500. But I've got one on my 360 and will get one on my PS3.

[Mark Carver]

So if I bring a picture of an XBox 360 Elite sitteing in our DEVO bin which is sent out every day, is there a good chance that you may take that assuption back?

I have a 360 personally and am generally not big on the replacement plans on "smaller items, i.e. anything under $500. But I've got one on my 360 and will get one on my PS3.

Nah, don't need a picture of the box. Just follow these easy to read instructions found at here (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/02/05/how-to-spot-a-falcon-65nm-360-in-the-wild/) or here (http://forums.xbox.com/15804553/ShowPost.aspx).

[Elbren]

Or just buy the Xbox 360 Elite (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm) from the cheapest source you can find and never worry about it breaking down and giving Best Buy money just to give it to them.

The Elite systems shipping now use the Falcon 65nm chipset. The Elites (and other Xbox 360 models using the Falcon) can be identified from earlier versions by a re-designed power connector and a power supply that runs at 175w. The motherboard layout is also different.

That's what I did.

Wait ... that 10 lb brick only puts out 175w??? :confused: What else is in there that makes it so special when the 750w power supply in my PC is only 6" x 4" and weights +/- 2 lbs?

[HotTubMan]

I had a Playstation and traded it for an Xbox360 system. In my opinion the 360 just blows the PS3 away in every category except Blu-ray. Xbox games have already had the problem of filling up the DVD while Blu-ray won't have to deal with that.

As for online..paying $49.99 for a full year is the best money I can spend. I am glad they charge because it keeps away alot of the garbage players. Online gaming is a privledge on xbox and if you get caught abusing it they can and will ban your particular system from playing on live.

I love that feature and for the most part gets rid of the jerks. I can only imagine how bad the Playstion gaming will get. It was unbearable when I had my Playstation.

The Marketplace is also totally awesome. Being able to download movies, tv shows and extra songs for games such as Karoake is just great. It refreshes games. I would think PS will have these features running soon if not already. Media Center is a major selling point as well. I use it almost everyday. It's great to have my xbox and computer synched...with my ipod!

The achievments put the 360 over the top though. It makes you get much more out of games and your rewarded for your efforts! I would never had gotten 1000 on PGR3 if not for the achievements pushing me.

As for breaking down. Playstation 3 has actually had a higher percentage of failures then Xbox360 which amazed me. We all know the 360 has/had serious problems and to see the PS3 was much worse surprised me.

I love my 360 and it's the only product I do have an extended warranty for.

It's worth it because a month without XBox live is like a year without water.

I say get the warranty and hope you never need it. Better safe than sorry.

I obviously prefer the 360 and have owned both. But, you really can't go wrong with either for entertainment puposes.

[Pushmonkey]

IMO I can not stand Microsoft products, so I have a ps3 and have not owned any x-box's. Also, I have small hands so for me i just don't like the x-box controllers.

[HotTubMan]

IMO I can not stand Microsoft products, so I have a ps3 and have not owned any x-box's. Also, I have small hands so for me i just don't like the x-box controllers.


I also have small hands and just hated the first controllers that came out on the original xbox. I feel your pain there.

As for the 360 controller, I have no problem. It fits my hand and is extremely comfortable and the buttons all seem to be in the right place.

Competition is a great thing in the gaming world which makes both system become better systems.

[Spirit of '83]

Thank you all for the comments. I wound up getting an offer from a friend with a side business in electronics for $350 on a new PS3 so that sealed the deal. Hopefully the PS3 online and game libraries start catching up to the 360 in a hurry.

[HotTubMan]

Thank you all for the comments. I wound up getting an offer from a friend with a side business in electronics for $350 on a new PS3 so that sealed the deal. Hopefully the PS3 online and game libraries start catching up to the 360 in a hurry.

Congrats on your purchase. I am sure you'll enjoy it!

[Objectivity]

Or just buy the Xbox 360 Elite (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0327-microsoftunveilsxbox360elite.htm) from the cheapest source you can find and never worry about it breaking down and giving Best Buy money just to give it to them.

The Elite systems shipping now use the Falcon 65nm chipset. The Elites (and other Xbox 360 models using the Falcon) can be identified from earlier versions by a re-designed power connector and a power supply that runs at 175w. The motherboard layout is also different.

That's what I did.


Mayby Microsoft should take your advice. Their display XBox 360 at GDC (Game Developers Conference) developed a Red Ring of Death and the BBC caught it on camera.

I guess they're not even immune from the 30% failure rate.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/02/19/red_ring_of_death_xbox_game_developers_conference/

[HotTubMan]

Mayby Microsoft should take your advice. Their display XBox 360 at GDC (Game Developers Conference) developed a Red Ring of Death and the BBC caught it on camera.

I guess they're not even immune from the 30% failure rate.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/02/19/red_ring_of_death_xbox_game_developers_conference/

That is embarrasing for a company and it not the first time. It wasn't an elite model though but you would think they would have a new model on display. I think those display cases get way to hot for these products. I put my hand behind the PS3 at gamestop and it was hot enough to cook an egg. The salesman said they have been through five of them in two months time from overheating.

As for Square trade they did a survery of 1000 warranty claims. It said that most if not all of the failures were from the old motherboards in which Microsoft has extended their warranties to three years and are replacing any unit that fails in the three year period due to the faulty motherboard.

Remember this is only a sample of 1000. Considering the 17,000,000 units sold, Microsoft has stated that they have a failure rate of less than 4% in which they themselves deemed totally unacceptable.

PS3 had an early failure rate between 18-19%. I don't know if PS3 solved their problems and in no way am I saying that Microsoft has solved theirs. I had one failure with my Playstation in which I owned for 1 month and 2 failures with my 360's that I have had since Feb 2005.

Both are unacceptable as a consumer and I guess the problem would be they were rushed out before addequate testing.

At least they are backing their product and extending their warranties for the problems that arosed.

Overall I am very happy with my machine even though the failure rates have to concern the guy spending $500.00 for it.

I don't think we will be able to show these units (working) to our grandchildren like the old units I still have that have worked forever.

[Spirit of '83]

For anyone else thinking about buying a PS3...Target has the 40GB this week for $399.99 plus you get a $40 gift card upon purchase.

Thanks again everyone.