Your pick for the Next Generation of gaming?

[JacobsDream]

I'm looking forward to the PS3, I'll probably be at Best Buy 5am on lauch day but I could end up getting the Wii after seeing the trailer for Legend of Zelda and Metroid Prime. If I had to choosed 1 next-gen console, it would by far be the PS3.

 

[joeman1]

well I am all for the wii. But my funds are going to be very limited for a while so I probably wont be getting it for a while but at least I do get Zelda for the cube.

 

[Los]

Playstation 3.

The PS3 ($599 USD) will incorporate Blu-ray HD-DVD, a 60 gig hard drive, compact memory stick slot, built-in wifi capabilities, HDMI output, along with the regular stuff. That's not just the reasoning.

Price wise, it makes sense. In less than 5 years, HDTVs will be the norm (480p or higher definition) and to upgrade everything else (360 will already come with Component cables, Wii will have composite) to a wireless entertainment system will cost a bit of money.

You buy a 360 for 399, get a wifi adapter for 100, and 200 for a HD-DVD player that only reads HD DVDs. You'll still play games on the standard DVD-9 format (18 gigs tops for space). On top of that, for the wirless controller, another 20 bucks for this, 30 bucks for that, it can add up.

Out of the box with a PS3 you get all those things. Free internet capabilities to the Playstation Network, 1080p capable system that will enable you to play PSone and PS2 games. A controller setup that is all too familiar with 6 degrees of rotation and manipulation. With its Cell processor and RSX graphics card, the visuals are absolutely stunning (see the latest MGS4 trailer for more details) and can create lush worlds and tougher AI (assuming developers will spend more time in AI development).

Great games will be present on the PS3. God of War 3, Gran Turismo 5, Metal Gear Solid 4, FF13, the list can go on. New franchises and property will appear on the PS3, as any other system would have as well. But its the quality of first party games (SCEA, SCEI) that I want. Its the thought and effort of Square Enix and other publishers that will drive this system.

But the system isn't just a gaming console anymore. Its an entertainment center with Linux built into the box as its operating system. You know code? You can develop your own games through the PS3 (research pending to when I have time to look through this).

Some say Sony is resting on its laurels this time around. I say Sony is making a strive to bring us closer to the future of entertainment.

 

[Dannager]

Playstation 3.

To play devil's advocate here, let's examine the reasoning.

The PS3 ($599 USD) will incorporate Blu-ray HD-DVD, a 60 gig hard drive, compact memory stick slot, built-in wifi capabilities, HDMI output, along with the regular stuff.

Alright, let's take a look. Blu-ray drive? Sure, I can understand the need for that. The amount of media space games take up has increased tenfold over the course of the last generation. I see no reason to expect that to let up. The memory stick slot I don't see as a big plus. They already incorporate a hard drive. By the way, I imagine few people will succeed in filling their 60 gb hard drive to capacity. The 360 ships with a 20 gb hard drive, which has more than enough space for game demos and saves. Unless people put enormous music libraries or start storing video files an extra 40 gb isn't going to matter all that much. Wi-fi? Depends on your current networking setup. HDMI is pretty much expected nowadays.

Price wise, it makes sense. In less than 5 years, HDTVs will be the norm (480p or higher definition) and to upgrade everything else (360 will already come with Component cables, Wii will have composite) to a wireless entertainment system will cost a bit of money.

Mmm, it will be cost-effective if you need to have all those things. Let's take a look.

You buy a 360 for 399, get a wifi adapter for 100

If you need a wi-fi adapter. For those who have a wired networking setup already, one more cord in the back of your PS3 won't really matter in the long run.

and 200 for a HD-DVD player that only reads HD DVDs.

Only reads HD-DVDs? What does it matter as long as 360 games are made on HD-DVDs? It's not like you won't be able to play some games. The only roadblock you might hit is trying to play other next-gen media (movies, for instance) on your 360, but since we have no idea which media type (Blu-Ray or HD-DVD) will come out on top it's not really worth comparing at this point. I could just as easily tell you that the PS3 "only" reads Blu-Ray discs.

You'll still play games on the standard DVD-9 format (18 gigs tops for space).

Unless they start producing games requiring the HD-DVD upgrade.

On top of that, for the wirless controller, another 20 bucks for this, 30 bucks for that, it can add up.

The Premium 360 (the one priced at $399 as you referenced above) ships with a wireless controller.

Out of the box with a PS3 you get all those things.

For a $200 premium.

Free internet capabilities to the Playstation Network, 1080p capable system that will enable you to play PSone and PS2 games.

The 360 has X-Box Live, which is by far (and inarguably) the most robust online console service to date. Yes, you have to pay for it, but you get what you pay for. And bear in mind that the 360 has emulation software that allows the vast majority of X-Box titles to play in the 360.

A controller setup that is all too familiar with 6 degrees of rotation and manipulation.

Controller familiarity usually isn't a huge selling point. The 360's controller is one of the best to date, pretty much everyone acknowledges. It does lack motion sensing technology, though.

With its Cell processor and RSX graphics card, the visuals are absolutely stunning (see the latest MGS4 trailer for more details) and can create lush worlds and tougher AI (assuming developers will spend more time in AI development).

I will grant you this. The PS3 is certainly capable of pushing its hardware further than the 360 can go.

Great games will be present on the PS3. God of War 3, Gran Turismo 5, Metal Gear Solid 4, FF13, the list can go on.

Yes, the PS3 has fantastic franchises. The 360 doesn't lack in that department, though. Bungie's products alone can keep that console afloat. Furthermore, Square-Enix announced (rather cryptically) recently that they won't be supporting the PS3 "too much". What that means remains to be seen.

New franchises and property will appear on the PS3, as any other system would have as well. But its the quality of first party games (SCEA, SCEI) that I want. Its the thought and effort of Square Enix and other publishers that will drive this system.

You'd better be prepared to deal with Square-Enix releasing flagship titles on other consoles, then (especially the Wii).

But the system isn't just a gaming console anymore. Its an entertainment center with Linux built into the box as its operating system. You know code? You can develop your own games through the PS3 (research pending to when I have time to look through this).

I imagine the number of people who will end up taking advantage of that will be minimal.

Some say Sony is resting on its laurels this time around. I say Sony is making a strive to bring us closer to the future of entertainment.

We'll see. Sony certainly has been resting on its laurels. Its showing at this year's E3 can be described as nothing but dismal. They need to announce a killer app for their console to do will this generation. Whether or not they've got one on the table and what it is remains to be seen.

 

[JacobsDream]

This is not a debate thread my friend or this will never end.
X360 for you, PS3 for him, we've all got our reasons.

 

[joeman1]

you forgot the wii

 

[JacobsDream]

you forgot the wii

My appologies, the wii is the top vote getter in this thread.

 

[Dannager]

This is not a debate thread my friend or this will never end.
X360 for you, PS3 for him, we've all got our reasons.

No debate is taking place. We are simply discussing the pros and cons of each system, which, unless I am mistaken, is the express purpose of this particular thread. If the thread creator had intended for us to simply cast our lot for a particular console without sharing our reasons or criticisms, I imagine he would have simply created a poll. Furthermore, I did state in my post that I was playing devil's advocate. I believe that all three consoles have something to offer, and will be purchasing (or have already purchased, in the case of the 360) each of them.

 

[WhirlwindMonk]

In the end, I believe the Wii will sell the most units. Cheapest, most appealing, and promised huge library of games to download on nostaligia alone.

I have purchased the 360 already, purely because I'm a fan of the hardward and software respectively. The next gen of gaming will depend less on graphics and power and more on online play, and so far Microsoft has shown that when it comes to consoles, Xbox Live by far dominates the online gaming culture.

Nintendo did a poor job of that before, as did Sony, and they'll have to step up a bit to really get back into the race with solid online play and features if they want to stand a chance for favorites (though not sales).

Game wise, so far, again based on online capability, the 360 has the best line up. PS3 has a decent one, I'll admit, but all I see that people are excited for are sequels, and you can only reheat meat loaf so many times before people catch on. The Wii has some pretty nice games, but what I'm hearing is a lot of people are more excited that they get the entire past Nintendo games promised to them for download instead of being thrilled for next gen games. So game wise, 360 looks best.

There is no way to be sure until all consoles are out for a full solid year each, and the 360 is already going towards finishing up its first year; so we'll see if the running start keeps it in the lead - or pull back because it put too much steam into the starting break. PS3 will be seen to either rise or fall because of its high price tag and pricey tech for the blu-ray discs. The Wii...I have no worries for, lol. I see very little problems it could run into other than the Gamecube was highly over looked in the current gen of Xbox, PS2, and GC, so it may again come forth as the under dog and nothing more.

You know, for once, I'm going to agree with you. The 360 is doing well, and probably will continue to do well, because (please excuse the phrase) the mainstream gamer plays online games, mainly fps's and sports games. However, I think there are more than enough "old school" gamers out there (like me) who think this whole online thing is a gimmick so developers can put their effort into good graphics rather than a good story (which is what I place in highest priority) that the PS3 and the revolution will still do excellently. As for the highest selling, the PS3 will win in Japan. I don't think there's a chance of that not happening, and it will sell well over here. I am tempted to buy one, very tempted. And if a poor college student without an active source of income may buy one, then a lot of people will. But I honestly think it will be close between the 360 and the PS3, and the revolution will still be in third, but that by no means is a bad thing. It'll just come down to if PS3 pulls off a strong showing in the online department. I think if it's just online vs. single player, the 360 will probably win, but if PS3 dominates in single player and puts out a good online, I imagine it taking this generation.

 

[JacobsDream]

No debate is taking place. We are simply discussing the pros and cons of each system, which, unless I am mistaken, is the express purpose of this particular thread. If the thread creator had intended for us to simply cast our lot for a particular console without sharing our reasons or criticisms, I imagine he would have simply created a poll. Furthermore, I did state in my post that I was playing devil's advocate. I believe that all three consoles have something to offer, and will be purchasing (or have already purchased, in the case of the 360) each of them.

No harm intended by my post. I personally don't like arguing which console is better because more often that not, it gets out of hand.
Personally condidering what features I could need in any of the next Gen systems, the PS3 would be close to the price of a similar featured X360 and its processing power is still a major plus.

If I could, I'd buy all three next gens (hard to resist Halo 3 on the X360 among other games) but basically, I agree that the price difference is not much between a fully loaded X360 and the PS3 deluxe (or the "silver" editions of either). I think it comes down to what games or kind of games that each gamer plays.

 

[Dannager]

No harm intended by my post. I personally don't like arguing which console is better because more often that not, it gets out of hand.
Personally condidering what features I could need in any of the next Gen systems, the PS3 would be close to the price of a similar featured X360 and its processing power is still a major plus.

I agree, console wars very rarely do anyone good to participate in. And I agree, of all the consoles the PS3 has what can be best described as staying power. It will continue to come out with mind-blowingly awesome games after the 360 moves on.

If I could, I'd buy all three next gens (hard to resist Halo 3 on the X360 among other games) but basically, I agree that the price difference is not much between a fully loaded X360 and the PS3 deluxe (or the "silver" editions of either). I think it comes down to what games or kind of games that each gamer plays.

Yup, I think it does too. Though I've been noticing a lot of blurring between the usually distinct console game markets. Microsoft is trying hard to get some decent RPGs moved to its system, for instance.

 

[Sketcher]

I'm going to jump on the Wii bandwagon because it's different and it's the cheapest of the bunch. The PC is the best all-around gaming platform, but the Wii seems to be different enough (and cheap enough) to give a PC gamer a reason to buy it should there be good enough game support. Many of the good games come out for Xbox, PS2, and PC already, and I see that trend continuing with the next-gen platforms. Why get a PS3 or an Xbox 360 when you can just get the game for your home computer? Wii actually has some novelty to it, we'll see if it is successful.

 

[joeman1]

I'm going to jump on the Wii bandwagon because it's different and it's the cheapest of the bunch. The PC is the best all-around gaming platform, but the Wii seems to be different enough (and cheap enough) to give a PC gamer a reason to buy it should there be good enough game support. Many of the good games come out for Xbox, PS2, and PC already, and I see that trend continuing with the next-gen platforms. Why get a PS3 or an Xbox 360 when you can just get the game for your home computer? Wii actually has some novelty to it, we'll see if it is successful.

I agree. Its going to be interesting to see what happens this time around.

 

[Los]

Alright, let's take a look. Blu-ray drive? Sure, I can understand the need for that. The amount of media space games take up has increased tenfold over the course of the last generation. I see no reason to expect that to let up. The memory stick slot I don't see as a big plus. They already incorporate a hard drive. By the way, I imagine few people will succeed in filling their 60 gb hard drive to capacity. The 360 ships with a 20 gb hard drive, which has more than enough space for game demos and saves. Unless people put enormous music libraries or start storing video files an extra 40 gb isn't going to matter all that much. Wi-fi? Depends on your current networking setup. HDMI is pretty much expected nowadays.

The idea behind a system that has multiple interfaces for mediums is to encourage substitution purchases as well. Yeah, I picked up a PS3. Well guess what? The PSP has some unique functions that'll work with my PS3. They're 150 or so. I'll get one. Then you can use your HD to also serve as a complete backup for all your games. PS2 games, psone games, all of them.

The PS3 is also more of an entertainment center outside of being a console. Blu-ray has more storage capacity, higher definition, and is one of two contenders for the next gen crown. This certainly is a testament to Sony's forward thinking notion as opposed to just rehashing another DVD9 system. Give the publishers potential and they'll run away with it.

The norm is hardline and if you want that, you can pick up the $499 system. Ok?

Only reads HD-DVDs? What does it matter as long as 360 games are made on HD-DVDs? It's not like you won't be able to play some games. The only roadblock you might hit is trying to play other next-gen media (movies, for instance) on your 360, but since we have no idea which media type (Blu-Ray or HD-DVD) will come out on top it's not really worth comparing at this point. I could just as easily tell you that the PS3 "only" reads Blu-Ray discs.

The PS3 reads both DVDs and Blu-ray discs. The 360 only reads DVD9 (standard DVD) discs. The HD-DVD player is a $200 add-on that only lets you watch HD-DVD movies. So I really don't know where this one is going. Or did you not understand what I was saying?

The 360 has X-Box Live, which is by far (and inarguably) the most robust online console service to date. Yes, you have to pay for it, but you get what you pay for. And bear in mind that the 360 has emulation software that allows the vast majority of X-Box titles to play in the 360.

There are those who would argue that PC internet connections are far better than what XBL provides. The only difference is that XBL provides service for all games while publishers only work with one game at one time. Sony doesn't have an answer to XBL yet. But the platform they're speaking about shows potential.

The 360s 250 titles out of 900+ games is hardly a vast majority.

Yes, the PS3 has fantastic franchises. The 360 doesn't lack in that department, though. Bungie's products alone can keep that console afloat. Furthermore, Square-Enix announced (rather cryptically) recently that they won't be supporting the PS3 "too much". What that means remains to be seen.

One Halo flop and its over for Microsoft. Halo is the only thing that kept them going the last time around. This time, they have a little more help but the fact that MS relies so heavily on Bungie leads me to believe that even they don't trust other publishers. And why would they? Up to this point, COD2 has been one of three or four million sellers since the 360 has been released. And that was almost a full year ago.

There are almost 60 games now available for the 360. And you're telling me with almost 5 million units shipped to date, they have less than 10 titles that have 1 million units sold? That's pathetic. That's just bad.

You'd better be prepared to deal with Square-Enix releasing flagship titles on other consoles, then (especially the Wii).

I'm not worried about a Final Fantasy being released for the Wii or 360. It likely won't be the mainstream FF games (I-XII).

 

[Dannager]

Your arguments are poignant and thoughtful. I will think on your analysis.

 

[OnlyHuman]

I'm thinking X-Box 360, PS3 seems like it will have many problems.

 

[RavenPoe]

X Box 360 has many great features, and I very much enjoy Kameo. I will pick one of my own up as soon as Halo 3 comes out. In the meantime I just picked up a cheap PS2 to catch up on some old titles I haven't played.

 

[ThePosterFormerlyKnownAs]

On second thought never mind

 

[willard3]

People who claim that the PS3 is just copying off of other consoles (movement-sensitive controllers, etc.) need to take a serious look at the other Sony press releases. Regarding the PSP, I heard something like if you're playing a racing game on the PS3, you can set up the PSP as a rear-view mirror for some games. I can't recall anything else that specific, but please post if anybody finds some.

The 360 is a decent system, but the game selection kind of sucks right now. I'm not sure about the Revolution; I really want to play Metroid Prime 3 and probably Brawl (unless they completely botch it).

 

[WhirlwindMonk]

I'm thinking X-Box 360, PS3 seems like it will have many problems.

You mean like overheating? And hard drive fragmenting?

I'm not saying the PS3 will be perfect, my point is all systems have problems when they first release, which is why, unless I hear otherwise, I will not be buying either the revolution or the PS3 on launch, I'll wait for the second or third revision where they've fixed some of the original bugs. Though I would like a PS3 at some point soon. I don't know how much longer my PS2 is going to hold up, since it's the one version where the laser sometimes gives out (which is right in line with my luck, plus, it seems like it's starting to go). *sigh*