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Playstation 3 or XBox 360?

10K views 70 replies 37 participants last post by  cyberphox 
#1 ·
I have enough Airmiles to pick up either an XBox 360 or a PlayStation 3.

I have seen it mentioned here that the XBox will work with the Mac to stream video and such to your tv. Does the PS3 do this as well.

I really like the BlueRay in the PS3 and would consider getting it just for movie but extra features would be nice. The kids have a PS2 and a GameCube but the teenager is pulling for the XBox.

Anyone here have any input on this one?
 
#2 ·
I think they are both good systems. I bought a PS3. I have always liked the controller better then the Xboxs. There are more games though for the XBox, though I dont really notice as I am not a huge gamer. The online gaming is free on the playstation, and the blueray is nice as well. I am more then satisfied with the PS3. Its very quiet and its not an eye sore to look at like the xbox 360.
 
#3 ·
Xbox 360 by a longshot...

I just got mine yesterday after learning that it now plays divx/xvid with a new update from microsoft......
the best thing is that if you don't have a wireless network set up yet you can play files via USB off a memory key or ipod (set up as disk)

Never have to buy -RW discs again for my dvd divx player!!!

Yesterday I was upgrading the ram in my mac mini while playing the OWC upgrade video from my memory key on the xbox 360 =)
 
#4 ·
Playstation 3, especially if you have an HD TV the graphics are amazing. We love the Blueray (rent movies from zip.ca) and my sister brought over a CD of her photos from Costa Rica and the PS3 did an amazing slide show. We are now selling our XBox on eBay, it is noisy, and not as intuiative as the PS3. I am more of a Wii girl myself ...

Christie
 
#5 ·
I hear you on the Wii. No Wii on Airmiles though. Besides, the Wii is the least expensive and I would rather pay for the cheapest system and get the more expensive ones for free. From that perspective alone I suppose I should get the PS3. Even the teen son admits that the PS3 is just plain cool and light years ahead of the other systems.

PS3 - advanced tech (awesome graphics and BluRay)
XBox - a computer in a console with mostly mature games
Wii - really fun, interactive, group play

I think I will go PS3 and get a Wii later.
 
#6 ·
It really depends on what you will be using it for. Personally, I have both.

I buy and play all of my games on xbox 360 - the games seem to run smoother, the controller is better, and xbox live is amazing. If there will be any gaming online I have to recommend the Xbox.

I use my PS3 mainly as a blu ray player. If you are looking at getting into HD movies this may be the way to go. You could buy the add on for the 360 for HD DVD - but HD DVD vs. Blu Ray is a whole other topic of discussion altogether.

In the end it comes down to movies or gaming.
 
#7 ·
The Xbox has hardware issues (not just the console, but even the accessories) plus you can't beat having a BluRay player. I've had an Xbox for over a year now (got it free from Shoppers) and it's been spotty--although I haven't gotten the full-on red ring of doom (hardware failure) I did get a red error or two lately. I've had to replace a controller that died after the warranty ran out; the DVD remote also died; and I get a am seriously considering getting a PS3. I really hate having to pay in order to play online. This grossly offsets the price difference between the two platforms over time (which is irrelevant, to a degree I suppose, if you're getting it for free.)

As far as game selection goes: The Xbox does have more than the PS3, but it's nothing to brag about (Xbox had a year or so head-start). There are only a few games that are must-haves.

A quick trip to this: Xbox 360 technical problems - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia might make you reconsider.
 
#8 ·
If you Google your question, you will get a flood of answers as well, and this debate is one that rivals Apple vs Microsoft.

I have both but prefer the 360, just because there's more games. If you like online gaming then the XBox live community on the 360 is extremely active and there's lots of demos and downloadable content to be had. I have the 360 connected wirelessly to a media server through TVersity (TVersity » Home) The PS3 hardware is pretty nice though, especially if your TV can support the Bluray, it's actually why I bought it, but there's still a real lack of great games for it.

Unlike wonderings, I actually prefer the look of the 360. The PS3 kinda looks like my toaster oven. It all comes down to personal aesthetics, I guess.
 
#11 ·
Xbox 360



I have XBox 360 and I just love it online. My friend has all three consoles and prefers XBox for online. WII I find just so wimpy but PS3 does have it bonuses but you are paying a lot more. There have been hardware problems with all three units so don't assume one is worst than the other.
 
#12 ·
in my opinion, the games are more fun on the 360, at least the ones that aren't cross platform.

LIVE is worth the $5 a month, especially if you have friends in real life that you want to play with online. it's really easy to join their games or invite them to yours.

the ability to stream video from the mac is a huge plus. why bother with an apple tv?

manny is right to point out the hardware issues. they are real - i have a friend who is on his 5th one. the 360 has some serious design flaws and frankly, i'm really disheartened microsoft hasn't come out with a revision to the hardware to address the reliability issues.

if you can put up with the risk of hardware failure then the 360 is the clear winner. just based on my own observations, i would estimate that 1 out of every 4 xbox 360 consoles will have the red ring of death within the first year. microsoft seems to have a never ending warranty though, so you can get a replacement as often as needed.
 
#13 ·
The PS3 is rumored to be getting a firmware upgrade that will enable you to play divx and wmv files very soon (possibly today?). But by choosing PS3 you will be choosing sides in the format war (ahhh !!!!)

Also keep in mind that the 40Gb price dropped version might not be compatible with ps2 games (i don't think it is).

i got an xbox b/c it's online play is really unmatched right now. altho in terms of games i would have probably gone with the ps3 but they really dropped the ball when it launched.

xbox's hardware failures i think are mostly attributed to overheating and plugging in 3rd party hardware accessories like fans and stuff directly to its power supply (ironic!). I think if you keep it cool it'll be fine. Plus it has a 3yr warranty from MS for complete hardware failures. I am not sure what sony's is.

Most companies are getting out of distributing games exclusively for one console or the other so that is less of a factor. But even if you don't consider yourself a gamer you should check the catalog of games as there is a huge push right now for games for the non-gamer :)

Hmm what else
the xbox is kind of noisy. and is also notorious for scratching discs when you stand the console up.

but if you are looking at it as a media player first Sony is really pushing it as one where as the xbox is primarily for gaming so maybe you should go with PS3. If you get something your kids really want you might not get on it at all lol
 
#15 ·
To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong. Either way you will most likely be happy.

Personally, I have always been a big Xbox fan, so I was leaning toward the 360 for the longest time. With the recent price drop on the PS3's, I decided to pick one up and give it a shot. I've always had something against Sony, which I can't really explain. I was a big Nintendo fan growing up, so my hatred for the Sega moved to Sony once they released the PSone. However, I have to give Sony credit for the PS3. It's a marvel.

I think in the long run the PS3 brings more value (with the Blu-Ray player) but both systems bring equal quality.
 
#20 ·
both are good, i now have a ps3, my 360 blew up, i had to go through the whole MS warranty BS.

i think the 360 currently has better media center functionality, you can plug in a mac formatted iPod for example and it also plays multi region movies.
the PS3 however has a built in web browser which is handy while on the couch.

Sony have to update the PS3 quickly for better media center capability, I am currently experimenting with getting music to stream to my ps3 using this app called twonky media (not much luck as of yet)

games wise, i think the ps3 will have better exclusives,
ratchet and clank on ps3 is amazing, as will gran turismo 5, the user interface of the ps3 is much cleaner, where i find the 360's gui looks like it was designed for kindergarten kids.

i don't miss my 360, i just wish sony would come out with a major media center update to the OS! :)
 
#22 ·
games wise, i think the ps3 will have better exclusives,
ratchet and clank on ps3 is amazing, as will gran turismo 5, the user interface of the ps3 is much cleaner, where i find the 360's gui looks like it was designed for kindergarten kids.
That's a pretty heavy maybe though. I remember hearing this when I bought my PS3 a year and a half ago but where are those great exclusives? Ratchet and Clank is good but it's not a title that warrants buying the system in the same way Halo was. Did you play Lair? Not exactly a showstopper. I am looking forward to Metal Gear though.

The only reason these consoles are even close is because of the recent Sony price drop. If it were still at the $500 mark this would be an easy decision. If I were making a buying decision today I would go 360 if you're buying it for games/media server and PS3 if you want a Blueray player and the games are secondary. It's weird to be saying this though as these are gaming consoles first and foremost, are they not?
 
#21 ·
I can't offer a comparative analysis, as I only have the 360, haven't played with the PS3, and the Wii? Have been trying to set one up for a friend who has no computer but does want to be online with it (it ain't DSL-friendly). Wii has a very, very user-friendly interface for novices, though.

XBOX 360 experience: have had it for a year, sent back twice for the "red rings of death". Very good service (quick pickup and return). Note that they replace your console with another refurbished unit (which helps in turnaround). Warranty extended to three years for RRoD.

Games? Halo 3. What else would you want a console for? :D

M
 
#23 ·
XBox

I just went through this same process and settled on a 360. Many of my friends have 360's. Yes, some have had problems but Microsoft quielty released a new batch in the past few months that uses the newer Falcon chip and runs cooler and quieter. I made sure to get this latest model, they start with Lot Code 0739 and up. Mine is lot 0740. Got Xbox Live Gold for $48...at $4.08/mn its well worth it.

Go Xbox!
 
#24 ·
When I switched from original XBox to XBox 360..

I just went through this same process and settled on a 360. Many of my friends have 360's. Yes, some have had problems but Microsoft quielty released a new batch in the past few months that uses the newer Falcon chip and runs cooler and quieter. I made sure to get this latest model, they start with Lot Code 0739 and up. Mine is lot 0740. Got Xbox Live Gold for $48...at $4.08/mn its well worth it.

Go Xbox!
...and updated to XBox Live 360, XBox mailed me a Live card free for a whole year. Anyone get that?
 
#26 ·
1) If you are a gamer: the 360 takes the notch and it's really not a contest. Way more games and yes, they have some pretty good exclusive titles like Halo. If you are a gamer that can't do without Halo, Bioshock etc.. then 360 would be the logical choice. Within the next couple quarters however, the gap will be closer as there are some nice exclusive titles coming out for PS3 that have been taking forever to be released (MGS etc). Plus, major releases like Call of Duty 4 (which is by far my favorite game even after being a Halo fanatic for years) is available on both platforms. Xbox Live is much more robust but subscription based. PS3 Network is free and you don't have to hand over your credit card to anyone.

2) Quality of hardware: the PS3 by far. Although MS will swap your unit easily, I'd rather not deal with the BS to be honest. My original release 360 actually had no problems for a couple years before I sold it and got out of gaming but I had issues with how loud the DVD drive was and how hot it ran (although I hear some of those things have been addressed with newer consoles). Another really annoying thing about the Xbox is it's ginormous power supply! I hate it! It's almost as big as the console. Some complain that the PS3 is bigger, not by a long shot if you consider the 360 brick. PS3 has no external PS, just a cord. The Elite looks nicer in black, but Sony has always had an edge in hardware design and aesthetics. All the way down to the touch sensitive buttons.

3) Overall Out of the Box Value: since the price drop, the PS3 is much better value in my eyes. For one, it includes the Blu-Ray player, built in WiFi (which is a huge feature to me), can be used as a media streamer for music (as long as you use EyeConnect), can browse the internet as it has a built in browser, software is much cleaner and more attractive for the living room/media centre savvy like me (Xbox interface is arcade like/childish to me). If you added the HD-DVD and WiFi accessory to the Elite, it would be about $200 more expensive. Yes, the Xbox may have a bigger HardDrive, but the PS3 harddrive is self upgradeable with any aftermarket drive whereas 360 is not. I don't download enough content to even come close to filling up my 60GB drive anyways. Don't forget, BluRay gives you 5 free DVD's as well when you buy a PS3 (mail in).

So after selling my 360 a year ago, I got a PS3 after the price drops. No brainer to me. Call Of Duty 4 fulfills my small gaming needs. The Blu-Ray player (reason why I got it) is amazing on my 42inch 1080p panel (even regular DVD's look better for some reason). But again, all this means nothing if you are a hardcore gamer because if I were - I'd probably have the 360 right now.

As well, if I were a PC user, I may opt for the 360 as well. The Media Centre integration with Vista is unbeatable. You can use your 360 as a PVR basically.
 
#28 ·
First vote would be to forget the airmiles and get the Wii (or recheck to make sure you can't get the Wii with airmiles).

Second vote would be for the PS3. Fewer games, but better games (less mindlessly violent, which I know some people prefer but I'm a bit nervous of those people). Don't know about Mac compatibility, but the built-in blu-ray saves you around $500 right off the top. If you have an HDTV, PS3 is currently the way to go (behind Wii).

Finally, there's the XBox. Mindlessly violent, lots of hidden costs, noise and prone to crashing -- gosh can you tell MS designed this thing?? Sure, there are some awesome experiences you can have on XBox, let's give credit where credit is due -- but for many the minuses eventually outweigh the pluses (though I have to admit that the new DivX/XviD ability is a new plus).
 
#30 ·
As much as I like the Wii for it's fun factor, thats all it is. The reason it is so cheap is because it's ONLY a gaming console and based on old technology. It's a gamecube in newer packaging and interactive joysticks. Not knocking it, but there is a reason why it's cheap. Would never spend my airmiles on a Wii. Because I'm an adult, multi-use consoles are more attractive. I would only get a Wii in addition to and because I'd want to entertain guests.
 
#32 ·
i posted earlier but it's not being approved :confused: all i can add now is
-If you get ps3 you're choosing sides in the format war (noo!!)
-i'm not sure if the newer, price dropped 40gb PS3 is backwards compatible at all with ps1-2 games.
- I think the xbox hardware failures are due to overheating and/or adding those fans that plug into the powersupply (which is ironic). i think if kept cool the unit is fine.

but if you're looking for game system+media player then it sounds like the ps3 is for you. also if you get what your kids want you might not get to use it at all :D
 
#33 ·
-If you get ps3 you're choosing sides in the format war (noo!!)
-i'm not sure if the newer, price dropped 40gb PS3 is backwards compatible at all with ps1-2 games.
- I think the xbox hardware failures are due to overheating and/or adding those fans that plug into the powersupply (which is ironic). i think if kept cool the unit is fine.
Yes, believe it or not, HD-DVD is a superior format to BluRay despite what you may interpret from current title selection. Do some research on this before you consider committing to an integrated HiDef video format that may not survive the format war - who still owns a Beta player? It would be faster and easier if you Google it yourself rather than me writing out the specs here.

Myth: PS3 graphics are better than XBox 360.....Not true. The 360 graphics components are in fact mildly superior, but in reality, to the naked eye the comparison is pretty much moot. It often comes down to the game developers effective use of the graphic engines in each. The problem with the PS3 is that Sony built a hybrid console to feature both gaming and new format video (BluRay - which is a proprietary format owned by Sony). Yes BluRay has a storage capacity of up to 50Gb, but the two main misconceptions people have is 1. Neither a BluRay or HD-DVD drive has any impact on the graphics...this is produced by the graphics processor in the console's hardware. 2. There is not a game in existence that exceeds the DVD-9 storage limit anyway. I'd rather have an inexpensive HD format OPTION rather than an integrated proprietary format that has yet to be decided. If BluRay does happen to win this format war, then the 360 can just release a BluRay add-on. It's nice to have a choice.

The dreaded "Red Ring Of Death" as they call it. The fact is that 90% of the issues are the result of poor placement. All next gen consoles are powerful computers when you break them down....computers naturally generate heat. When you cram your 360 into your entertainment unit and bury the power supply, you're essentially overheating the hardware....this is typically what happens. It is indeed true that Microsoft made some hardware design oversights, but have since made drastic corrections to the mainboard and chipset to rectify this - and also increased the warranty to 3 years (retroactively for owners as well). Customer service is generally a breeze, and whenever there has been a hassel, I generally hear that it is because someone lost their receipt, or didn't register their console....more or less user error yet again.

I own both consoles and prefer the 360. The PS3 is neat, and does excel in certain aspects, but to me the PS3 only wins in specific cosmetic areas, whereas the 360 wins in functionality. Free or not, Sony cannot hold a candle to what XBLive has to offer. I willingly pay my annual fee just to have the full XBL Gold Package that gives me my money's worth and more.

The game selection on the 360 is currently better than the PS3, but this will undoubtedly change....specifically because Sony pushes quantity over quality as a standard, and Microsoft has always maintained a higher game quality standard in general. Plus you can't beat Live Arcade, especially if you have kids.

Backwards compatibility? This is correct - the new price dropped PS3 does not include any BC capabilities....this is one way they were able to decrease the pricetag. All 360 consoles include BC capabilities with a BC list growing constantly.

Just a few pieces of insight that may help you make an educated decision. Neither are bad consoles, you just need to get all the facts so you can decide which one is best for your own situation.
 
#35 ·
Yes, believe it or not, HD-DVD is a superior format to BluRay
Not to start a format war, but according to who? Just because you say so, doesn't make it true.

There is no noticeable quality difference between the two. One has a a better compression algorithm (HDDVD) while the other has a higher bitrate (Bluray). In the end, there's really no difference (and I would argue that a higher bitrate extends the possibilities that the quality may get better down the line as the compression software matures). Plus, Bluray has a larger capacity, so it's better suited for data backups and other high-capacity uses.

As for the consoles... one "taboo" subject that hasn't been mentioned is modding. Not that I'm advocating piracy, but being able to mod a console means access to some awesome JAP games, and homebrew applications. The 360 can be easily and cheaply modded, and the PS3 cannot (as of yet).

Personally, I own a Wii because I'm not into all the "razzle dazzle look at what I can do" graphics of the new consoles. 90% of the games these days feel like technical demos. I like my games to be FUN.

A7
 
#36 ·
Do they have Bioshock and Crackdown on the PS3... these two games are just so enthralling that I can't understand why I didn't buy an Xbox 360 before. But I haven't used any other console than an Xbox 360 - I used to be a Mac gamer only.
 
#38 ·
If you REALLY can't decide get one on Airmiles and buy the other one (cheaper of the two). You can always sell one. It almost sounds to me like you have enough kids (including yourself) to keep both busy anyways :D , and money isn't an issue.
 
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