Next gen consoles - which do you recommend?

[Culp]

Greetings friends :p

So I have relented and decided I will purchase a next gen console in the very near future, but now I am stuck on deciding which one to go for. Right now I'm oddly drawn to the Wii, even though I've gone of Nintendo since the 64, but it seems like a solid system that hopefully won't have its sales snuffed out by the other two.

So I pose the question, what console do you guys prefer? Which do you think has the most longetivity? What has the better games? Etc etc.

I'd just like to hear from some others experiences before I throw money down. :shy:

[Gringo Loco]

It depends what kind of games you like, along with are you a casual gamer, or a hardcore gamer. If you're a hardcore gamer, then you really only have two options: Xbox 360, or Playstation 3.

The 360 has alot of games out plus Xbox Live. Xbox Live is pretty much free unless you want to play online. Then it's $50 or $60 a year, I can't remember how much. You can probably get game cards for cheaper than that on Ebay.

There are a few things I don't like about the 360. One is, the security. I borrowed my nephew's 360 and put my credit card information on it so I could buy a game off of Xbox Live. Little did I know that I could not take the information off of it and only he could do that by calling Microsoft and approving it. They would not let me, and I'm the card holder. Another thing I did not like about it was the build quality. It feels cheap and doesn't scream next generation to me.

Now about the PS3, there are some titles out, but obviously not as much as the 360. I own a PS3 and I believe the games will come so I'm not worried about that. I do feel that the playstation store needs to do alot to get it to the functionality of Xbox Live and I'll be honest, I don't see it getting that far, even though Sony is stating that they will have movies and videos for downloading.

I have very little experience with the Wii, but after owning a Game Boy Advance and the N64 (I think that was my last Nintendo console) I have no interest in Nintendo. They make games that I do not like. I feel most of the games are for children, but that's just my opinion. Also, I feel their third party support is weak.

[The Dream Master]

Gringo did a great job there, so I'll just throw in a few cents' worth here:

If you want some instant gratification, go with the 360. It already has a ton of titles that are worth playing, and, for the most part, every cross-platform release has been superior to the PS3 version. Also, there's a little game called Halo 3 coming for the 360 in a couple of months.

With the PS3, you're basically buying into potential. There are a ton of great titles in the pipeline. Plus, if you're into HD media, it has a built-in Blu-ray player. If you're into online gaming, the PS Network is free, but I don't really like the structure of it compared to X-Box Live.

The Wii will be unlike anything you've ever played before. If you're just a casual gamer, it's something easy and fun to pick up. Plus, there's also the Nintendo exclusives. The only drawback is that it's not as powerful graphically, and, as Gringo pointed out, the third party support isn't so great.

I honestly think the best thing to do is buy a Wii along with one of the other consoles.

[Zombie]

I don't really count the Wii as a "Next Gen" console. It's not HD, highest it goes is 480p.

Having both PS3 and 360, I would say the 360. It's just better all around and cheaper. Like the other's said. The multiplatformed games have been better on 360, and also more and more games that was exclusive to PS3 is coming to 360. Right now the only game that got my attention on the PS3 for awhile is Ninja Gaiden Sigma. But slowly games will start coming out that should make it worth while besides the bluray player.

I like 360's online play way better then PS3, although only game I've had that was online was Fall of Man and I only played it once. Well I have Mortal Kombat 2 and thats ok online. Could have a better structure but it works and the lag isn't to bad.


I'll maybe put more, just gotta go for now. But IMO the 360 is the best choice. If you decide to get into high def movies you can always buy the add-on however just depends what movies you like. Thats the only reason I got the PS3 was that once I saw HD-DVD and how great it was but all the good movies I liked are mostly on Bluray so thats why I got it. 360 as a total with actual retail games and downloaded full live arcade games I have 47. (think like 23 live games and 24 or so Retail games) and only 2 PS retail games and 2 downloaded games with NG getting the most playing time out of all of the PS3 games.

[The Dream Master]

Graphics aren't the sole factor in deciding if something's next-gen or not. Sure, the Wii is weak graphically, but it's gameplay is very much the next generation of gaming. In ten years, people will be looking back at this system as a revolution. It's easily as big a development as 3-D graphics or CD quality sound.

Now that I think about it, the Wii is probably the system to have if you're just looking to have a good time. As far as I'm concerned, neither the 360 nor the PS3 have delivered a game that made me step back and say, "wow, I've never experienced that in a game before." The Wii does that in spades.

This isn't to say that I don't love my 360 and PS3, as each system has its strengths. You do a big disservice to the Wii by not calling it next-gen in comparison with those systems' graphics though.

[Zombie]

ok, I'll admit the Wii is "next gen" gameplay and innovation wise. I was thinking the same about that being it's the first console that actually gets YOU into the game.

However, I would stick with the other's because the Wii you can kinda get at anytime (once it's easially found) due to how cheap it is.

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, I agree with that. Like I said earlier, the best way to go (if it's possible) is to get a Wii alongside one of the others. As awesome as the Wii is, I'd be lying if I said you wouldn't be missing out on some killer shit if you ignored what the PS3 and 360 offer.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

All three.

[Brett H.]

Wii if you like fun. 360 if you're a omg teh grafx!1! geek.

[The Taff]

If you want action, graphics, superior cross platform titles, and an online component like no other, you get a 360.

If you want good RPGs, graphic power that isn't used, and you have a wad of cash burning in your wallet, you get a PS3

If you want innovation, fun but gimmicky titles, and if you can find one, you get yourself a Wii.

I recommend skipping the PS3 and purchasing a 360 and a Wii. Together, the two come close to the price of a PS3. It's a wiser purchase.

And if you throw my advice out the window, then you're garbage. People burn garbage.

[Deathscythe]

I think any console is worth buying if it currently has games that interest you. If it doesn't, don't buy it. PS3, Wii, and 360 all currently don't have anything available that really interests me at the moment.

[Just Jeans]

Dead Rising 2, Alone in the Dark, Resident Evil 5, GTA 4-- 360
The Umbrella Chronicles, Mario, Zelda -- Wii
Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, Resident Evil 5, GTA 4 -- PS3


As you can see, I'm stuck having to purchase all three. I'll probably get them in order of price -- Wii, 360, PS3.

The Wii is also awesome because of the Virtual Console. By the time I can afford one, I'm sure most of the NES, SNES and N64 games I gave a damn about will be available to buy, and that gives me all the more reason to get it (come on, Terranigma -- I need you!)

[Brett H.]

The Wii's controller is not a gimmick. Ignore Nate and get a Wii.

[Just Jeans]

Also, there's a little game called Halo 3 coming for the 360 in a couple of months.

Yawn. Halo was dull as rocks. Escape from Butcher's Bay and Half-Life 2 were better. :shifty:

Microsoft is going to have to do a lot better than the Halo franchise to take my busniess exclusively. Until they've got the rights to distribute most of my favorite franchises -- which they never will -- I'll always be a multi-platform guy, by necessity more than brand loyalty.

[The Taff]

The Wii's controller is not a gimmick. Ignore Nate and get a Wii.

IT'S A GIMMICK!

Fun gimmick, BUT A GIMMICK NONE THE LESS!

[FreddyKR]

I tried the wii and I don't like it very much. The PS3, in my opinion isn't all that great either. The graphics aren't as good as the 360, but they are much more clearer because of blue-ray. thats it. I love my 360, has everything I need.

[The Dream Master]

Yawn. Halo was dull as rocks. Escape from Butcher's Bay and Half-Life 2 were better. :shifty:

Microsoft is going to have to do a lot better than the Halo franchise to take my busniess exclusively. Until they've got the rights to distribute most of my favorite franchises -- which they never will -- I'll always be a multi-platform guy, by necessity more than brand loyalty.

Oh, I agree with you one hundred percent, except for the assertion that Halo is boring. I think it's a fun FPS, especially the multi-player. I don't think I'd go out and by a 360 just for that game, but, then again, I don't think there's any game that would cause me to do that for any system.

I've always been one to buy all the systems each generation (except the Saturn--I never bought that one). I simply can't live without the Nintendo franchises (Zelda, Metroid, Mario), so their system is always a given. Sony's systems have always been solid, and Microsoft two systems have been impressive.

[Just Jeans]

IT'S A GIMMICK!

Or progress.

But then you’re probably one of those people who still think the introduction of the thumb sticks to supplant the D-pad was sure to fizzle and die, eh Nate? :wiggle:

Let's face it -- there's only so much you can do with a traditional controller. No matter how many buttons you add, it's going to take a drastic (read: gimmicky) redesign to actually push the technology forward. If Nintendo could snag stronger third party support, the Wii probably could be the console of the future (I'm eager to see what Hideo Kojima has planned for the system).

...except for the assertion that Halo is boring.

I never owned the original X-Box, but I did get the chance to play Halo, and... well, it was just dull. The game didn't move me. Of course I'm one of those ancient and dusty types who isn't moved by online gaming -- I like a bit of multiplayer, but I never bought into the online gameplay aspect of the console format -- and the single player mode in Halo literally put me to sleep. I used to think I just couldn't enjoy the FPS genre, but Escape from Butcher's Bay and Half-Life 2 both really energized me. I love Doom III as well.

The hype surrounding Halo when I finally played it probably plays a big part in my indifference to the franchise.

[Gringo Loco]

Doom 3 scared me. I couldn't play it. :err:

[Just Jeans]

Alien vs Predator 2 had that affect on me. I had my PC hooked into the surround sound, and the beginning of the game is just so damned tense that it literally had me bitting my fingernails.

[Gringo Loco]

Yeah I tried to play the demo again a couple of weeks ago. (in my best italian voice) Forget about it. lol

[Kane Lives]

I wasn't too high for the Game Cube, so I wasn't expecting much from the Wii honestly. But, so far it has me hooked. I've had the most fun with it between Super Paper Mario and Twilight Princess.

I've played the 360 as well, and it's also cool. More mature games.

[Jason's Storm]

IT'S A GIMMICK!

Fun gimmick, BUT A GIMMICK NONE THE LESS!
A gimmick that is selling shit loads and kicking the crap out of other consoles.

~JS:)

[FreddyKR]

Do people still play AVP 2? I remember playing it like 4-5 years ago and I fucking loved it.

[Just Jeans]

I still do, on occasion. I got hung at the beginning of one of the stages and never worked out how to progress, so I sort of flaked out.

[FreddyKR]

But do you think people still play it online? I didn't give a shit about the single player. I loved the multiplayer though.

[Just Jeans]

I wouldn't know. I don't give a shit about multiplayer, but I loved the singleplayer. :X

[FreddyKR]

lol I'm the complete opposite

[The Dream Master]

I've never been a huge online multiplayer guy, but I do enjoy playing some Halo 2 on X-Box live. I used to love playing Goldeneye multiplayer, but that, obviously wasn't online.

[Gringo Loco]

I used to play Everquest, Day of Defeat, F.E.A.R., and Battlefield 2 all on the PC so I don't have any desire to play online multiplayer games on a console. The only games I would use online multiplayer would be SFII or MK 1-3.

[Zombie]

Ok, so I beat Ninja Gaiden a few days back. Was going through again for a higher leaderboard score, playing some missions. Excellant stuff. However I finally turned on my 360 again and just played Sonic The Hedgehog (Original Game) and Lost Planet (Still trying to beat) and I must say that the 360 is just excellent! I pretty much forgetting how graphics looked on it and they're outstanding and just so many better games (for now).

Defitnitely start of with a 360. Get a Wii little later on, then next year if you got the cash grab a PS3. You'll just have more fun on the 360 all around. Its going to be hard to pry me away again as I'll start another long streak on the 360 till I get bored of some of the games. I haven't even tried Lost Planet online yet but they released the two Map Packs for free so I'm defitnitely looking to try it online and see how that goes.

After I'm done with Lost Planet though for awhile then it'll be back to FEAR and St's Row probably as I still need to beat those games. I'm honestly shocked how long I let it sit for so long. But I have no kids all week so I get some alone time after work and get to sit and enjoy my games!

[Rich]

This is a tough one. I want the PS3 for the new Tekken, but then I want the Wii for the Mario titles. Both are out of my price range right now, although it looks like I'll be getting a Wii way before I got a P3.

[Culp]

I ended up getting the Wii and I can't complain about my purchase. I usually have visitors in and out so 4 player games like Mario Party have served well :p

I'm still yet to go online with it, but that will be near future. I think I might get a 360 later down the track although until then the Wii has been a bucketload of fun. The only downside is the requirement of batteries in the remote, but if you have rechargables then there really isn't any problem.

Yay :D

[On a Pale Horse]

What version of PS3 should I get? I was waiting for the latest version, because I figured it would have all the bugs worked out. But a friend told me the new 40/80 gig versions have some problems- they dont play PS2 games, and their high speed blue ray player wont play some blue ray discs.

[Gringo Loco]

What version of PS3 should I get? I was waiting for the latest version, because I figured it would have all the bugs worked out. But a friend told me the new 40/80 gig versions have some problems- they dont play PS2 games, and their high speed blue ray player wont play some blue ray discs.


First, there are hardly any bugs in the PS3. As a matter of fact, I can't think of any. But it is a possiblity that the 80gb PS3 will not have the Emotion? engine in it for PS2 games. That the system will use software emulation. What this means is that at first there might not be as many games supported by it, compared to the systems carrying the Emotion engine.

If you're really worried about the Blu-ray player not playing BD-R discs and the Emotion engine, but want the 80gb hard drive, I would buy the 60gb system and upgrade to a bigger sized hard drive. You can do the upgrade yourself, all you need is a laptop SATA hard drive.

[Zombie]

What version of PS3 should I get? I was waiting for the latest version, because I figured it would have all the bugs worked out. But a friend told me the new 40/80 gig versions have some problems- they dont play PS2 games, and their high speed blue ray player wont play some blue ray discs.

I to haven't heard ANYTHING negative about the PS3's other then the lack of games and the games that are on both PS3 and 360 the PS3 is the "worst" of them. That's just the graphics and maybe some gameplay, controls, and framrates. As for the system itself though, nothing compared to the 360.

I wouldn't be surprised if most talk like that is PSx haters, Microsoft Fan Boys, and people who just like to spread rumors.

[Jason's Storm]

You forgot price being a big negative.

~JS

[Geddy Peart]

I've been wanting to get a next gen console for a while now, but can't decide on a 360 or a PS3.

What do you guys think?

I know the 360 has been out longer and has a bigger game selection, but the hardware has been plauged with problems from my understanding. A friend of mine is already on his 3rd 360.

As for the PS3, the price has gone down but the games still cost around $60-80 each. Plus, the PS2 had hard/software problems. Sony would fix your system for free, but is the PS3 having the same issues?

So I'm asking for advice, which system do you guys think I should get?

[Jason's Storm]

Don't rule out the Wii, if price is a big issue to you. The games are under $50, if not less. Oh BTW, Wal-mart MIGHT have a special on the PS3 this Saturday. Something like, buy a $499 system and get up to 10 Blu-Ray movies free.

~JS

[Voo-doo]

PS3, shitty
360, better games.
Wii, more fun.
its really want you are looking for.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

360 has issues have been resolved with in the last couple of months with new boards and chipset. Huge game selection on top of that and LIVE which is awesome even though you have to pay 40 bucks a year for multiplayer stuff.
I have an Elite, my girl has premium. Couldn't be happier.

PS3.....Seen it in action toyed with my friends...he basically uses it as a Blu Ray player only.Since it was cheap at the time. It is getting better games out now. Uncharted has been compared to Gears Of War in terms of gameplay. Haven't seen any reviews yet on that. I find it hard to accept as a gamer since it's been marketed solely as a Blu Ray player( free movies up the ying yang). When you buy it.

Wii...Haven't tried since they are so damn hard to find to even buy. I'd get it myself mostly for the Virtual console stuff. Wii games...some are good some are just plain eh.

[Geddy Peart]

I think the 360 appeals to me more after reading all of this.

[Zombie]

I've been wanting to get a next gen console for a while now, but can't decide on a 360 or a PS3.

What do you guys think?

I know the 360 has been out longer and has a bigger game selection, but the hardware has been plauged with problems from my understanding. A friend of mine is already on his 3rd 360.

As for the PS3, the price has gone down but the games still cost around $60-80 each. Plus, the PS2 had hard/software problems. Sony would fix your system for free, but is the PS3 having the same issues?

So I'm asking for advice, which system do you guys think I should get?

I think the whole "360/PS3 has system problems" blah blah blah is over-rated already. Yes, both systems are ELECTRONIC devices. Yes, ELECTRONIC devices sometimes have problems. From a small cell phone, video game console, to a big screen tv. There will always be problems. The thing that outweighs the problems is the respective companies know of them, and will fix/send a new one out to you if you so happened to have a problem. Yes, my 360 did die, but just recently I have left it on the most/longest and it's just fine. If something does happen then I get to take it back and within a couple of hours if not less I have a brand new one and no worries. Once my extended warrenty runs out, then I get to send it to Microsoft to get either repaired or another one, no biggie as I have a PS3 to keep me busy. The same goes for the PS3.

So, just overlook the whole "System Issue's". They've been around since systems have been coming to the home market. They're just getting glamorized now because of the internet and always "Someone know's someone who they knew who's on their 10th console!".

The best way to pick which one? Do you want a movie player with a couple to a few good games and wait till next year till it really picks up? Or do you want a system that has a ton of good exclusive games NOW as well as the multiplatform games being better on it compared to the other system?

If you choosed the second option, then get a 360. I could bad mouth the PS3 but really no need to. It's just having a slow start, developers are just now getting the hang of the system and next year it will really start to show it's full potential. Uncharted just came out for the PS3 which is getting most excellant reviews, but again it's something that will last for so long till the next big game comes out next year sometime, so while you're waiting you'll have access to games like Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Heavenly Sword, Ratchet and Clank, and maybe another or two I'm forgetting as far as exclusives are. I like my PS3 though for the Bluray player so far as well as the occasional games here and there. But next year will be alot better.

Get a 360, I gurantee you that you won't regret it.

[Darth Sinister]

My issue is that in the case of the consoles, they should guarantee that they don't burnout on you. I mean, as far as I know, Nintendo has not had that problem. Regardless of Sony and Microsoft replacing the damaged systems, this still shouldn't happen like to begin with. If they spent more time testing the damn things in the first place, the less likely they'd have to replace one.