PS3 or Xbox 360?

[chiprocks1]

Okay, with all the rave reviews coming out for GTA4, its time for me to pony up the dough and buy me a new system.

But what system to get? Only reason I got the PS2 was for GTA San Andreas.

So, which is the best, most reliable now: Xbox 360 or PS3?

Is it true that PS3 is not backwards compatible for existing PS2 games?

And whats with the 40GB and 80GB PS3 systems? Does this mean I dont have to buy memory cards anymore?

My dilema right now is that I want the PS3 for the Blu-Ray player, but the Xbox for the DLC GTA4 content.

Yes, Ive been out of the loop for awhile now.

Help me.
Thanks

[Derb]

"But what system to get? Only reason I got the PS2 was for GTA San Andreas."

If you want to watch movies in high-def, I'd go for a PS3. If your more of a gamer, go for the 360.

"So, which is the best, most reliable now: Xbox 360 or PS3?"

I have played both for well over a year & in my experience, PS3 answers your question.

"Is it true that PS3 is not backwards compatible for existing PS2 games?"

I think the 80GB version does & the 40GB version does not. Sorry, not into older games currently.

"My dilema right now is that I want the PS3 for the Blu-Ray player, but the Xbox for the DLC GTA4 content."

If you want a BD player, than yes go for the PS3. If you have to have the DLC content on the 360 version being it 1 game, I can't recommend this decision. A rumoured solution to your dilemma is that a BD add-on will come out for the 360. I wouldn't hold your breath for this though. Just weigh in what is more important err priority, games or high-def?

[1138]

Wow, tough call. I mean, the reality is that both are fine game systems. You can't go wrong with either.

I guess the real question for you would be what's worth more: the DLC or Bluray. Everything else is mostly window dressing in my opinion.

I mean, I could tell you that personally I prefer the 360, but I do so for reasons that may or may not be valid to you.

Realiability: the 360 seems to be in a better place at this point in that regard and it does have a kick ass warranty now in the case of failure. The PS3 hasn't shown any major signs of reliable issues yet, so so far nothing to worry about much.

Backwards compatibility seems to not be as ideal as one would hope on either system.

I'm honestly unsure what to reccomend about HD size. Others might know better how it would affect users and it might vary for you in particular.

Hope that helps some.

[Ruined]

PS3 if you want to primarily watch movies, XBOX 360 if you want to primarily play games.

If you play games online or like downloadable content, no contest XBOX 360 is the obvious choice.

Both seem to be similarly reliable at this point in time. The 360 problems in the past were due to a poor heatsink design which was remedied mid-last year, you'd be hard pressed to find a console older than that on shelves today. Also worth considering that the 360 has a much better warranty (3 years), so even if something goes wrong down the line you are covered.

[chiprocks1]

Originally Posted by Ruined

PS3 if you want to primarily watch movies, XBOX 360 if you want to primarily play games.

If you play games online or like downloadable content, no contest XBOX 360 is the obvious choice.

Both seem to be similarly reliable at this point in time. The 360 problems in the past were due to a poor heatsink design which was remedied mid-last year.

Since I never really got around to trying the online thing with PS2. How does it work with either system? Do I plug my DSL directly into the system itself? Is there a fee thats required to play online? Anything and everything I need to know that you guys can share with me is greatly appreciated, cause the online portion of GTA4 is what I find really fascinating and why Im willing to upgrade.

But could you tell me why Xbox is better than PS3 when it comes to online gaming?

Thanks for the info 1138. Is there a great deal more DLC for Xbox that will be excluded from PS3? And do Xboxes come with 40/80 GB? Does this replace memory cards at all or do I still need those?

Also forgot to ask, but can anyone tell me if there are any stores, sites, etc...that sell either system far below the MSRP new? Or is it pretty much the same everywhere?

Thanks again.

[SilentBob]

I think prices are pretty much the same everywhere you look.

Also to your original question i would say its a tough choice as well. I have both systems but prefer my 360 for the games. I'm still on my original 360 system from XMas Eve '05. While i'm on my 2nd 20GB PS3 system since Feb '07 (system died on me after 2.5 weeks)

XBOX360
+tons of awesome games
+great controller design
+XBox Live and achievements
+3 year warrenty
+downloadable content
-need to pay for Xbox Live ($50 a year)
-system could get a bit loud
-not many HDD sizes (20GB and 120GB)
-need to buy a device to enjoy wireless XBL gaming

PS3
+best Blu-ray player out there
+some great exclusive games coming out real soon
+free online play
+easy HDD upgrades for almost any size you want
+bluetooth wireless connection (minus 20GB unit)
-can warm up a room pretty fast
-online is kind of messy compare to XBox Live simple setup/design
-no new controller design in ages (too small for my hands)
-games seem to play/look better overall on 360 system
-backwards compatability seems to disappear the higher the HDD system they release

[chiprocks1]

Thanks for all the info. This does help. Kinda. I just might buy both eventually.

[Derb]

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

Since I never really got around to trying the online thing with PS2. How does it work with either system? Do I plug my DSL directly into the system itself? Is there a fee thats required to play online? Anything and everything I need to know that you guys can share with me is greatly appreciated, cause the online portion of GTA4 is what I find really fascinating and why Im willing to upgrade.

For the 360 or PS3 you'll need DSL + modem + Router.

Some ISPs offer all of this in 1 unit. If you have internet but no router, you'll need to buy one.

For the 360, you will need a membership which isn't bad money wise + a WiFi adaptor which is pricey imo. The PS3 is free however & has built in WiFi

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

But could you tell me why Xbox is better than PS3 when it comes to online gaming?

The 360 has a headset available for chating & the PS3 does not.

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

Is there a great deal more DLC for Xbox that will be excluded from PS3?

Not sure how much is excluded or if it will be indefinite. I am currently happy with the game as is, you might want more.

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

And do Xboxes come with 40/80 GB? Does this replace memory cards at all or do I still need those?

360 sells with

A) no HDD (Cheaper)
B) 20GB
C) Elite 120GB

Yes you will not need memory cards unless you choose "A"

[chiprocks1]

Thanks Derb for the info. This helps alot.

[MooglePorn]

Anyone who buys a PS3 first is either an idiot or really wants a BD player.

Anyone who says they don't want a PS3 at all is either an idiot or... well... they're an idiot.

In other words the 360 is the clear first choice, but both are awesome.

[umainebearman]

Actually the headset isn't the best reason why the 360 is the best choice for online gaming. Xbox live makes it so easy to find your friends and get them in the same game with you it's ridiculous. Xbox live is a much better network. I've played on both xbox live with my console and watched a friend try to play on the PSN. You don't have to pay for xbox live but the gold membership is so well worth it. I can't see having a 360 without it after I've had it for so long.

Differences between Gold and the included with all 360s Silver
Xbox.com | Membership Levels - Gold and Silver

And apparently I'm an idiot because I see no useful reason to have a PS3. Don't want one now don't want one later.

[Ruined]

Also, chip, if you plan to buy 360 (the wise choice for gaming IMO) and you want to use wireless, I'd advise not buying the 360 wireless adapter. It is overpriced when you can get a wireless ethernet bridge for less that can be split to multiple devices where the 360 is plugged in.

i.e.
Newegg.com - SMC SMCWEBT-G 802.11g 108Mbps Wireless Ethernet Bridge - Wireless AP / Bridges

Does the same thing as the wireless adapter, then dump one of these on top of it:
Newegg.com - LINKSYS SD205 10/100Mbps High-speed Switch 5 x RJ45 - Switches

And now you have wireless access for 4 devices for less than the price of the single 360 wireless adapter!

[Astrakan]

People have already touched upon most of the big stuff, but here's a few other tidbits.

- You don't need a wireless adapter to play online on the 360. It has a regular network jack in the back so you can just use that if the 360 would be placed close enough to your cable model or DSL router that you can run a wire.

- Only the 80 GB PS3 is backwards compatible with PS2 games. It has currently been discontinued, but retailers report that a new one will come out sometime this summer, which will include the new Sixaxis controller with rumble.

- The 360's backwards compatibility is done via emulator and not all Xbox titles are currently supported, but every so often Microsoft adds more titles to the backwards compatibility list. The last update was done in November. The list can be found here: Xbox.com | Xbox 360 - Original Xbox Games on Xbox 360

- I haven't used the PS3 online, but from everything I read it seems Xbox Live offers a better experience (universal friends lists, voice messaging, etc.) Although Xbox Live does cost $50 while Playstation Online is free. If online play is important to you, you should do some research on the net and hear from people who've used both.

- And finally, I'd like to point you to the games review comparisons I do every few months in the Game On thread. Here's the latest results:

Games scoring 90 or better
PS3: 3
Xbox: 10

Games scoring 80 or better
PS3: 33
Xbox: 67

Those stats are from gamerankings.com, and the linked thread has Wii stats too.

In closing, like others have said, for gaming I'd definitely suggest going with the 360. If Blu-ray is more important, obviously the PS3 is your best bet.

Both would be a good idea if you can swing the money. I myself am gettng a PS3 come this summer when the new 80 GB version comes out.

KM

[chiprocks1]

Thanks all.

It looks like I will go with Xbox now and when the new PS3 (backwards compatile) comes out later, I'll pick that one up too. I guess Xbox for online is where its at.

[Wirehed]

Also if you are at all interested in "casual" gaming, the 360 has A TON of great, fun to play, low cost games available for down load. There are both classic arcade remakes and wonderful new content, and even a good selection of recent board and card games that are quite awesome.

[ganthc]

I will say the wii is great for getting the downloaded games. My friend and I played Golden Axe II for hours one time. I haven't bought too many, as I still have my old NES game system hooked up to play the classics.

I am tempted to buy Qbert on the ps3 though.

[chiprocks1]

Originally Posted by Wirehed

Also if you are at all interested in "casual" gaming, the 360 has A TON of great, fun to play, low cost games available for down load. There are both classic arcade remakes and wonderful new content, and even a good selection of recent board and card games that are quite awesome.

So when you say Classic Arcade games, do you mean like Donkey Kong, DK jr, Pac Man, Asteroids, Dragon's Lair, Space Ace, etc...?

And if so, are they the exact same as the original (meaning, that whatever patterns I learned for the original cabinet games would work on Xbox)

[Derb]

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

And if so, are they the exact same as the original (meaning, that whatever patterns I learned for the original cabinet games would work on Xbox)

They are the originals, meaning straight from the arcade basically. I got Double Dragon & Street Fighter II on the 360 & no way in hell are those copies from another game console.

[Astrakan]

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

So when you say Classic Arcade games, do you mean like Donkey Kong, DK jr, Pac Man, Asteroids, Dragon's Lair, Space Ace, etc...?

Yes, as well as a bunch of new and original smaller games that don't warrant a full-on disc release.

Here's a list of all current Xbox Live Arcade games:

Xbox.com | Xbox LIVE Arcade - Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360

The list is in the scroll box on the left. New games are released all the time.

KM

[Wirehed]

They generally release 2 games every Wednesday.

This last week was empty because of GTAIV.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

So when you say Classic Arcade games, do you mean like Donkey Kong, DK jr, Pac Man, Asteroids, Dragon's Lair, Space Ace, etc...?

And if so, are they the exact same as the original (meaning, that whatever patterns I learned for the original cabinet games would work on Xbox)

Generally there is a mix of classic and brand new games in the arcade.

For the classic ones, usually they have a near-perfect emulation of the original game, and then they have an enhanced mode you can play also. So basically they give you the option to play exactly how it was, or one that is a bit spiffed up. Things like online leaderboards for score competition across the globe as well as integrated online play + achievements make these games much more appealing and fun on XBOX 360 than the typical PC MAME emulation.

Usually, classic games cost 400pts ($5) while new games cost 800pts ($10).

[chiprocks1]

I checked out the Xbox Classic Arcade Game list. They have some that I want, but there are others I'd like to see released: Scrambler, Super Cobra, Zaxxon, Dragon's Lair, DL Time Warp, Space Ace (Which I have on DVD for the animated games)

Do they take request as to what future games we want released? Or is it just whatever they decide?

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

I checked out the Xbox Classic Arcade Game list. They have some that I want, but there are others I'd like to see released: Scrambler, Super Cobra, Zaxxon, Dragon's Lair, DL Time Warp, Space Ace (Which I have on DVD for the animated games)

Do they take request as to what future games we want released? Or is it just whatever they decide?

Its up to the developers and whether they think they can make money off said games. Laserdisc games like Dragons Lair or Space Ace won't appear on marketplace anytime soon because they take up massive amounts of space due to being entirely full motion video. Currently the size cap for an Arcade game is 256mb. This is to allow portability via memory cards (take a game to a friends house via memory card) as well as to encourage devs to code things smaller so you can fit more games on your hard drive. So for now I'd hold on to the DVD versions, which actually have higher quality video than the original arcade game did.

However, Valve is currently attempting to negotiate that the size cap be raised as they want to bring Portal to XBLA. Microsoft has indicated that this will likely happen, but not right now - sometime in the future. This is likely as in 2006 the size cap was 64mb and that was raised to 256mb in 2007. This year or next, I could easily see it being raised to 1GB or more.

[chiprocks1]

I forgot to ask one last thing about Online gaming.

How does this work exactly when you have 16 players playing at once? I mean, if you have 16 players, and your all gathered in one spot. Would each and every player look the same as in playing the Main Character of the game?

Are you able to play the game the same way as if you were playing stand alone on your TV by yourself? Mission-based? Or is online just to get a bunch of people together and wrech havoc and blow shit up with no emphasis on doing missions?

Color me curious.

Okay. Im pretty sure that XBox is what Im going to get. Ive been doing a lot of research online about reliabilty issues. And the overall consesus is that I get the most current manufacturing date. So if I order online, how can I determine Im getting this and not one thats been sitting on the shelf thats older, waiting to get dumped onto a customer. Its the "Red Ring Of Death" I keep hearing about thats prompted me to do more research. Still not sure what exactly the RROD is.

And the Falcon chipset would be included in the most recent manufacture right? Whatever that is. It just keeps popping up in research.

Any suggestions?

Thanks again for all your help people.

[Astrakan]

Originally Posted by chiprocks1

if you have 16 players, and your all gathered in one spot. Would each and every player look the same as in playing the Main Character of the game?

Depends entirely on the game. Although I don't think there's any game that won't let you customize your character in some way, the level of customization varies vastly between games. Halo 3 for example will only let you choose between three different armour types, while a game like Rainbow Six: Vegas has dozens and dozens of armour variations available.

Are you able to play the game the same way as if you were playing stand alone on your TV by yourself? Mission-based? Or is online just to get a bunch of people together and wrech havoc and blow shit up with no emphasis on doing missions?

Again, depends on the game. Gears of War and Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 are two examples which allow for full playthrough of the game with a partner, just like as if you played it by yourself, while others only have adversarial multiplayer.

Its the "Red Ring Of Death" I keep hearing about thats prompted me to do more research. Still not sure what exactly the RROD is.

The RROD is when three of the four lights on the front light up red (normally they're green and represent the number of connected controllers) and the Xbox is basically bricked, although it usually starts as an intermittnt thing with it working on and off for a while before it dies completely. The good news is that Microsoft offers a three year no-cost warranty for this problem.

As for chip types and whatnot I don't know anything about that.

KM

[Derb]

1 more thing I should add about online comparisons. Sorry if its been mentioned already.

Its been my experience that actual downloading content onto the 360 is (best guess) 15-25% quicker than the PS3