Ps3 Or Xbox-360 Elite

[rugbyrene]

I know I won't get many balanced repsonses but here goes.

I'm trying to decide which of the two big consoles to get, PS3 or XBOX-360 Elite(I'm not even considering the "kindergarten like" Wii). I've read reviews, and comparisons and am still no closer to a decision.

So I turn to you the helpeful forum community to help me.

Please post your recommendations to help a fellow gamer having a crisis.

Cheers.

Oh and any suggestions on how to get around the girlfriend-wife-partner trap would also be appreciated.

[attilathepun]

When do you want it?

Are there any exclusives that you really want?

How much online gaming do you plan on doing?

Do you plan on using it as a next gen DVD format player?

Want wifi/rumble/motion control?

[oak]

Not really answers, but a heap of questions for you to consider.

Few things to consider

- do you want a HD-DVD/ Blu-Ray Movie Player?

- are they any particular games / game franchises you want

If you want the high definition player then, I'd say PS3 because:

- 'PS3' is cheaper than 'xbox360 elite + HD-DVD addon'

- More Blu-Ray titles are being released (more studio support atm)

Games

- if theres any games u really want - get that console

- if your a 'Gran Turismo' fan etc get the PS3

- if your a 'Halo' fan get the 360

If there's no killer game u must have @ the moment then your choice (game wise) is:

- 360 - has more games atm

- PS3 - has more 'potential' (more powerful hardware, inbuilt HDD on all consoles, larger storage bluray discs)

Also, which controller do u like better? Do you care about rumble (360)? or tilt sensitive (PS3)?

Media device

- 360 is better hooked up to a PC out of the box

- PS3 is better if not hooked up to PC

- PS3 supports having linux installed (dual boot)

Those are the things I would consider. My preference is PS3 - but theres a lot of good points with the 360.

[palmag]

It really comes down to what you want it for. if you want a pure games machine, then you can't go past the 360, with a catalouge of over 160 games its hard to beat ATM. But if you want a blu ray player/game console combo aswell, then go for the PS3. In my opinion wait till before Christmas as the Elite will be out by then and there may be a "rumoured" price drop on the PS3 (and the Xbox premium?), by then your choice might be a little clearer and easier since both consoles would have a broader games catalogue aswell.

[rugbyrene]

All goood question/posts. These are all things I've been wrestling with. My problem is I like bits of both consoles. The XBOX is more established than the PS3 with a wider game selection but the PS3 will potentially have more/better games.

I love Halo having played the first installment on the PC but also like Gran Turismo and F1 (PS3).

I'm not looking for a Blu-Ray player yet as I'm staying out of the whole Blu-ray/HD-DVD battle until a winner is announced. I would like to have media streamer abilities as I have a lot of content on the PC which I currently have to burn to dvd to play.

I have been leaning towards the PS3 but am put off by two things:

1. Price ($1000 seems a bit much to me)

2. Been burnt by bad Sony hardwar before (set top box)

If the Sony would come down in price by $200 and if the catalogue of games approaches that of the XBOX, it would be a lot more appealing.

[attilathepun]

I think you should get the XBox, and (unless you *need* HDMI) not bother waiting for the Elite - grab the premium and Gears of War for $650 and away you go.

If you don't want a blu ray player now, then I don't see a compelling case for the PS3 at all.

Unless you are willing to wait 6 - 8 months for the elite to come out and the Ps3 library to expand - in which case there is no point making a decision or even thinking about it now.

[rugbyrene]

I think you should get the XBox, and (unless you *need* HDMI) not bother waiting for the Elite - grab the premium and Gears of War for $650 and away you go.

If you don't want a blu ray player now, then I don't see a compelling case for the PS3 at all.

Unless you are willing to wait 6 - 8 months for the elite to come out and the Ps3 library to expand - in which case there is no point making a decision or even thinking about it now.

How easy is it to turm the current 360 into a media streamer? I'm running XP-home (SP2) and have a wireless-g network.

[palmag]

All goood question/posts. These are all things I've been wrestling with. My problem is I like bits of both consoles. The XBOX is more established than the PS3 with a wider game selection but the PS3 will potentially have more/better games.

I love Halo having played the first installment on the PC but also like Gran Turismo and F1 (PS3).

I'm not looking for a Blu-Ray player yet as I'm staying out of the whole Blu-ray/HD-DVD battle until a winner is announced. I would like to have media streamer abilities as I have a lot of content on the PC which I currently have to burn to dvd to play.

I have been leaning towards the PS3 but am put off by two things:

1. Price ($1000 seems a bit much to me)

2. Been burnt by bad Sony hardwar before (set top box)

If the Sony would come down in price by $200 and if the catalogue of games approaches that of the XBOX, it would be a lot more appealing.

I am in the same boat as you canwood, I am looking at buying into the next gen gaming console. I know my needs and what I want out of a games machine. For me personally, there are 3 killer games that would sway me to a console: GTA IV, Assasins Creed and Metal Gear solid 4. To my surprise both GTA 4 and Assasins Creed are coming to the X360 (as they lost exclusive title status), hence the only title swaying me to the PS3 atm is Metal gear solid 4, unfortunately I will not pay $1100 (PS3 + game) to play 1 game, so at the moment my chice is clear.

Having said that if the x360 and PS3 were the same price I would be swayed to the PS3 because of the Blu ray capabilities.

[attilathepun]

How easy is it to turm the current 360 into a media streamer? I'm running XP-home (SP2) and have a wireless-g network.

I haven't done it with mine, but I understand that it is pretty easy - I imagine there must be various guides kicking around the net. I think it used to require media centre, but MS wised up, and now all you need is a newer version of media player (please correct me if i am wrong)

Bear in mind that you will need either the MS wireless adaptor or a wireless game bridge to connect the Xbox - i.e. more money needed.

[bennobee]

Actually Metal Gear 4 was rumored to be coming out on Xbox 260 as well. I thought that was the big story how there are few 'exclusives' anymore. Final Fantasy will be an intresting one as well.

[rugbyrene]

Actually Metal Gear 4 was rumored to be coming out on Xbox 260 as well. I thought that was the big story how there are few 'exclusives' anymore. Final Fantasy will be an intresting one as well.

I don't suppose halo will be on PS3?

[palmag]

Actually Metal Gear 4 was rumored to be coming out on Xbox 260 as well. I thought that was the big story how there are few 'exclusives' anymore. Final Fantasy will be an intresting one as well.

I think that is only speculation, if true, it could be likened to Halo coming out on the PS3.... or a Sony HD DVD player...

[rugbyrene]

I think that is only speculation, if true, it could be likened to Halo coming out on the PS3.... or a Sony HD DVD player...

So there's no definitive answer then?

I went into HN at lunch and they had a PS3 and 360 set up side by side. Different games and screens so a direct comparison couldn't be made as regards image quality but they both looked good. And I guess like dvds it helps if your screen is good (which mine is) to get the most out of your source material.

I'm leaning towards the 360 now as it's cheaper, has more games and to be honest the image quality is as good as the PS3 and it has media streaming capabilities.

Now all I have to do is convince the bank (aka girlfriend) that I need it.

Any help on that?

[Souwalker]

Now all I have to do is convince the bank (aka girlfriend) that I need it.

Any help on that?

You're doomed!!!

[-Bishop-]

When you do a comparison, unless you 'really' want the ability to play blu-ray movies, it's hard to justify the price difference.

Good luck convincing anyone the price of either is worth it, you have to really want a new games console to justify the prices so far, maybe once the Premium 360 package hits $500, then the value comes good, until then you have to want it as more than just a passing fancy...

[rugbyrene]

When you do a comparison, unless you 'really' want the ability to play blu-ray movies, it's hard to justify the price difference.

Good luck convincing anyone the price of either is worth it, you have to really want a new games console to justify the prices so far, maybe once the Premium 360 package hits $500, then the value comes good, until then you have to want it as more than just a passing fancy...

That's what I'm thinking. Is it worth paying a grand for a games machine? I think not. Once again Sony is being arrogant in assuming people will en-mass drop $1000 on a games console.

The 360 looks a lot more appealing when a direct price comparison is made and the other "advantages" the PS3 may have don't make up for the extra dollars.

[Ace_Beef]

That's what I'm thinking. Is it worth paying a grand for a games machine? I think not. Once again Sony is being arrogant in assuming people will en-mass drop $1000 on a games console.

The 360 looks a lot more appealing when a direct price comparison is made and the other "advantages" the PS3 may have don't make up for the extra dollars.

On a side note I got the HD DVD player for the 360 recently and have it hooked up to my 1080p Samsung. I got out Casino Royal on DVD and the upscaling capabilities of the HD DVD drive blew me away, and I think that upscaling SD DVD's is something that is still coming to the PS3 in a future update....something else to consider if you have a large collection of DVD's and don't already have an upscaling dvd player.

[-Bishop-]

That's what I'm thinking. Is it worth paying a grand for a games machine? I think not. Once again Sony is being arrogant in assuming people will en-mass drop $1000 on a games console.

I think your pushing your luck trying to sell 'any' games console to Joe Public for over the half grand mark, Microsoft knew that, it's why they build a core 360 version, and slapped a $499 price tag on it here, bag Microsoft all you want (I know I do), but they read the market and know their buyers well.

They knew it with the original as well, people bang on about inflation etc, but you can't get past the mental mind set of pricing structure, 6 weeks after launch the original Xbox dropped to $399, nicely under the half grand mark and into a price range people liked, although people still baulked at the price, many fans have awful short memories when it comes to support for the next-gen and defending current pricing...

My current train of thought tells me Sony have screwed over the 360 fans, their monster PS3 price tag has meant we missed out on what was supposed to be a price drop near the PS3 release, but Sony gave us a $1000 one model only nightmare, so where is the motive to lower 360 pricing when it's already half a grand cheaper? (and there is that nice half grand mark again).

Now 360 fans have to wait for those much talked about reductions in manufacturing costs, at which stage we may finally see the Premium hit $499 and the Core $399 or less.

About the only thing we can do in the mean time is hope like heck Sony says uncle, and drops it's prices, and brings in it's budget version, as that is the only way we will see a 360 price drop sooner rather than later...

[momaw]

I think your pushing your luck trying to sell 'any' games console to Joe Public for over the half grand mark, Microsoft knew that, it's why they build a core 360 version, and slapped a $499 price tag on it here, bag Microsoft all you want (I know I do), but they read the market and know their buyers well.

They knew it with the original as well, people bang on about inflation etc, but you can't get past the mental mind set of pricing structure, 6 weeks after launch the original Xbox dropped to $399, nicely under the half grand mark and into a price range people liked, although people still baulked at the price, many fans have awful short memories when it comes to support for the next-gen and defending current pricing...

My current train of thought tells me Sony have screwed over the 360 fans, their monster PS3 price tag has meant we missed out on what was supposed to be a price drop near the PS3 release, but Sony gave us a $1000 one model only nightmare, so where is the motive to lower 360 pricing when it's already half a grand cheaper? (and there is that nice half grand mark again).

Now 360 fans have to wait for those much talked about reductions in manufacturing costs, at which stage we may finally see the Premium hit $499 and the Core $399 or less.

About the only thing we can do in the mean time is hope like heck Sony says uncle, and drops it's prices, and brings in it's budget version, as that is the only way we will see a 360 price drop sooner rather than later...

so you're saying it's Sony's fault we have to pay more for a 360 and won't see a price reduction anytime soon?

nice (I had to add that last comment to maintain my apparent BD/Sony hating reputation)

[-Bishop-]

so you're saying it's Sony's fault we have to pay more for a 360 and won't see a price reduction anytime soon?

nice (I had to add that last comment to maintain my apparent BD/Sony hating reputation)

As theories go I like it, I'm probably only 50% serious, but you have to keep the Sony fanboys on their toes, and I'm all hopped up on Sony loathing because I'm sick of the Sony Handycam banner ads all over this site...

[momaw]

As theories go I like it, I'm probably only 50% serious, but you have to keep the Sony fanboys on their toes, and I'm all hopped up on Sony loathing because I'm sick of the Sony Handycam banner ads all over this site...

Well if you listen to the diehards about the level of supposed Sony hatred here, the irony in their advertising here is quite amusing

[Raja]

That's what I'm thinking. Is it worth paying a grand for a games machine? I think not. Once again Sony is being arrogant in assuming people will en-mass drop $1000 on a games console.

The 360 looks a lot more appealing when a direct price comparison is made and the other "advantages" the PS3 may have don't make up for the extra dollars.

There are some good 'packages' available for the 360, which usually include 2-3 games, maybe an extra controller. Shop around, there are some good deals available, which if you factor in the extra's makes the console a positive bargain.

[Mr. Whippy]

I had an Xbox premium, which I sold when I realised I couldnt play games in 1080p (bought an SXRD) due to not having an hdmi port, and I bought a PS3. Despite the fact I'd made up my mind to get a PS3 simply because there was no way I was going to shell out twice for an Xbox Elite just to get HDMI, for what its worth my 2c on the comparison between the PS3 and the 360 Premium (realising you are deciding between the PS3 and the Elite, but the only difference is a bigger hdd and a hdmi port so here goes). Some observations in addtion to Oaks -

- I like the pc standard gear of the PS3. Standard power cable. Controller charged via a standard USB to mini USB cable.

- I like the PS3 controller better. Much smaller and lighter than the 360, although the triggers are weird.

- Unlike the 360, you cant use a universal remote for the PS3 as the controllers are bluetooth.

- Personally I think the black and silver of the PS3 case looks better, plus it does away with the disc tray. Seems a bit better designed. Dunno about the Spiderman 3 font though.

- The PS3 is case is much quieter than the 360 (the premium at least, maybe the Elite is quieter) which is important when using it to play Blu Ray movies.

- I like the PS3 user interface better than the 360 dashboard, although Xbox has just announded MSN Messenger support.

- The PS3 is outrageously priced. Not only do you not get a remote control for the DVD player, a 2nd controller (which are out of stock everywhere), or a HDMI cable (as expected), a component cable isnt even included (!).

Bottom line, I like the PS3 more. My outrage at the price was only outweighed by the outrage at Micro$oft not including a HDMI port for the 360 Premium the first time around. The way I looked at it, the only thing I would miss about the 360 would be Halo and Gears of War, while with the PS3 I get pretty much everything else on the 360 plus games like Gran Turismo, Tekken and Metal Gear Solid. So what you should do is buy a PS3 now and an Xbox Elite when the new Halo comes out :-)

[Guest]

My 2c, as a game console, 360 - no brainer. Sonys reign as console king is over.

Forget the elite, few if any games will support 1080p resolution and that goes for the PS3 as well. Ignore the sony hype, games cannot maintain a steady frame rate at that res period. The bigger HDD is useful only for the planned TV download serivce - thats if it even appears in Aus. you can also use any external usb hdd to store music and i think video though Im not sure on that one.

The days of console exclusive titles are over, most traditional PS camps have already gone or will soon go multiplatform, including the MGS series. production costs of games these days is prohibitive to stay on one console. Graphically wise, they are much of a muchness, nothing in it there.

PS3 has bugger all games that arent already on 360, and check the upcoming list for this entire year for PS3. Its really sad. meanwhile the 360 has a release list set for this year that sets it for the best year in gaming ever. And if the rumours are true that MS is considering buying out the flailing publisher Take Two, - who own rights to about 30 devs including Rockstar (GTA). If this happens, Sony is finished.

Personally I don't like japanese made games which tend to proliferate around the PS, but thats just a preference. I don't like the story or art style they have. Compare 'Lost Planet' to Gears of war, you can't - because there is no comparison.

There really is no compelling reason to buy a PS3 unless you really want an overpriced 1st gen blue-ray player that will be obsolete in no time when superior and cheaper 2nd-gen stand-alone players arrive. Sony tried on the same caper with the DVD inclusion in the PS2 back before Joe public was ready for DVD.

XBOX LIVe is also great, nothing beats how easy it is to get a game going with a friend - even in free gaming PC land. I was also surprised how addictive the in game achivements are.

I'm not a kid, I'm an adult and prefessionally employed, of the many friends and collegues I know that are 360 owners, one held out for the PS3 "because PS3 is superior". While me and my friends are playing Rainbow6 or Gears co-op, he's out there alone, and has to play with annoying 12yo American prats if he wants a multiplayer game.

One last thing, the PS3 controller sucks. Bad. Its made for a kids hands. MS's 360 controller fits like a glove.

[Paranoid666au]

You'll find that probably most of the games on both console wont run in native 1080p. Resistance Fall of Man was suppose to be a 1080p game but it's maximum internal res is 720p. The 360 now supports 1080p through component and VGA. Yea apparently it does 1080p through component but only on the games though.

IMO I feel the 360 controller is more ergonomic than the PS3. The PS3 controller is the same shape as the PS2 and it doesn't quite mould to the hands as the 360 does. And the sticks are too high. Gees Sony, it's your third attempt and you still can't get those sticks right! The triggers just suck, they are curved outwards and move under the controller making it easy for your finger to slip off. I really feel the 360's controller is better made, it's the first controller I have used that I could play for hours and not have my hands getting sore, it just feels good to use. After playing some GT HD and a couple of demos, the PS3 controller feels like definite second place. And the 360 has rumble which given no choice, I'll take over the motion sensor which a lot of games don't even use. Then there's the PS button, your thumps have to get around the sticks to get to it, I think it might of been better at the top where the Sony logo is. The 360 guide button may look big and gimmicky but it all makes sense, it's large and it's raised dome makes it easy to hit and because the left stick is at the top it's easy to reach. If Sony could fix up those triggers, reduce the height of the sticks and put rumble back in, it would be a much better contender to the 360 and there really wouldn't be a lot to complain about.

The 360 fans are fairly restrained in the noise department. It's the DVD drive that makes all the noise. The 360's have different brand of DVD drives, one type makes a lot of noise the other is fairly quiet, so it really comes down to luck which one you'll get. I'm one of the unlucky ones and it's pretty annoying for me, I mean crank up the sound system and it's not so bad but gees, why do they have to such a sucky drive in there? I bough a games console not a leaf blower! OK it's not quite that bad. And I own a PS3. But it's not enough for me to be my games on the PS3; I prefer rumble, the better controller, Xbox Live and custom sound tracks in every game to a quieter console. DVD playback is no problem though, the DVD drive is much restrained and the 360's fans cut down too making it very quiet. When the PS3 is running and I'm watching TV I can sometimes where the fan, during a movie the volume is usually cranked up and the PS3 can't be heard (or noticed) still not exactly not whisper quiet then.

If you want a next console then the answer is a Wii (You can take that seriously or as a joke if you wish). If you think the graphics aren't good enough and you want traditional gaming then the answer is a 360. If you want Sony exclusive games, then it's going to cost you a $1000, gosh that's keen! (I don't usually says gosh!) (Maybe if you fly to Pakistan and sell some of your organs it might cover both the flight and the PS3)(You can take that seriously or as a joke if you wish ) Most of the next gen games will be on the 360, the graphics will be just as good, the controller will have rumble and for now Xbox Live is simply better than Sony's PSN even though you have to pay to play. The Elite's HDMI might come in handy for HD DVD with the next gen audio formats and of course 1080p, maybe even pure 1080p24 but when it comes to gaming, component will do just fine. If you just want a games console the 360 Premium will do the job, there's great deals going around and you get the 360 on it's own for less than $600. Purely as a games console, the extra $400 IMO is very hard to justify.