PS3 or XBox?

Slow Downcp

Kids surrenty have PS2's but I'd like to get them both new consoles for Xmas (particularly as no new games come out on PS2). I know nothing about the pro's/cons of each, kids just want to be able to play games (not bothered about BlueRay either). Which would people recommend - PS3 or XBox?

APIII

Both have pros and cons obviously. I like the fact that online gaming is free with the PS3 and it'swifi enabled out of the box. It has a few other bits that make it more than just a games console, like a web browser, free music videos on demand, etc. The 360 is more of a dedicated gamers console. I think the games just tend to be better, more in depth and a bigger back catalogue, though of course many games are available on both formats. You pay for online gaming, and the wifi adapter, but the Microsoft interface is easier to use.
In terms of graphics I don't think there's much between them, but if you're not bothered about blu-ray, then you can get a good deal on the 360 at the moment. No doubt the successors to both consoles will be lurking round the corner!

Jez mon

I would recommend x box 360, they seem to have got over the reliability issues (although mine did break for a day during the summer) it's got a large library of cheap games. However, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss blu ray, i've got a player on my laptop and when i connect it to a big TV the quality is excellent. If I was to buy again, the PS3 would get serious consideration because of the blu ray feature alone.

bails87

You could get a PS3 for £200 from Sainsburys, if there's still any left.

If they're used to the PS2 controller already, the PS3 would be the natural progression. There's plenty of good games on both, I don't the PS3 is really 'restricted' in terms of the games available. Plus WiFi and Bluray enabled, and free online play with the PS3.

Maybe find out what their mates have got though, in case they want to play online with them.

If you're buying 2, why not get one of each?

Anonymous

I got my PS3 free with a phone contract. Love it. Blu Ray is excellent, the new built in BBC iPlayer is a revelation!

Slow Downcp

Didn't realise the PS3 had WiFi - but not looked into it really, so guess I should stop being lazy and do some reading of the websites.

Buying one of each isn't an option with my kids unfortunately - WW3 would break out on who uses which! Trying not to let on that they're getting a new console but will try some general questions to try to find which they'd prefer.

freehub

I'd say XBOX 360, I was not so keen on the PS3, and GTA 4 made me want to throw it though the window. XBOX 360 seems to have more choice and also more facilities.

Pross

PS3 every time - this could turn into every Campag / Shimano debate there's ever been except that the PS3 has the looks and class of Campag together with the technical ability of Shimano. Another thing to consider is that in buying an XBox you are contributing to Bill Gate's funding even more poor quality computer software. How they can charge extra for online gaming is beyond me. The only people I know with the XBox bought in before the PS3 came out and wish they waited for the PS3. So to summarise:-

1. PS3 provides the best quality images.
2. PS3 has free online gaming.
3. PS3 fits in more as a piece of electronic furniture (the missus lets it stay on display, all other games consoles have had to be hidden when not in use).
4. PS3 has Wi-fi
5. Built in BBC iPlayer function on PS3 (don't think Xbox has this?)
6. PS3 functions as a blu ray. You may feel you don't want this but watch something like the latest Bond film in Blu-ray and you may change your mind.
7. Xbox is part of Microsoft's evil plans to take over the world which has fortunately been thwarted by Sony.
8. The Xbox is cheaper to be fair - can't think why :?

freehub

Pross wrote:

PS3 every time - this could turn into every Campag / Shimano debate there's ever been except that the PS3 has the looks and class of Campag together with the technical ability of Shimano. Another thing to consider is that in buying an XBox you are contributing to Bill Gate's funding even more poor quality computer software. How they can charge extra for online gaming is beyond me. The only people I know with the XBox bought in before the PS3 came out and wish they waited for the PS3. So to summarise:-

1. PS3 provides the best quality images.
2. PS3 has free online gaming.
3. PS3 fits in more as a piece of electronic furniture (the missus lets it stay on display, all other games consoles have had to be hidden when not in use).
4. PS3 has Wi-fi
5. Built in BBC iPlayer function on PS3 (don't think Xbox has this?)
6. PS3 functions as a blu ray. You may feel you don't want this but watch something like the latest Bond film in Blu-ray and you may change your mind.
7. Xbox is part of Microsoft's evil plans to take over the world which has fortunately been thwarted by Sony.
8. The Xbox is cheaper to be fair - can't think why :?

Don't know how true this is about PS3 providing best quality images, I also think it probably depends on the game developers, I'd say the image quality between them is minimal, I know some games run better and look better on the xbox360.

The PS3 is probably more practical since it does have BD and Wi-Fi, but value for money XBOX360 wins .

And if buying an xbox does help funding for more "poor quality software" from Microsoft, then I say fair play, Windows 7 is great.

sampras38

I wouldn't discount the Blue Ray capability of the PS3 as it's a big selling point, particularly as the BR player is a high quality one. There are some games that both consoles can play, but a few that are only released on one of the other. A lot depends on the games you want to play. Also, with the PS3 you can play online for free, whereas with the 360 you have to pay a subscription.

Also, in my personal opinion, the PS3 looks better and is a far more reliable peice of hardware. Although you'll always get the Microsoft fanboys who will disagree.

sampras38

freehub wrote:

I'd say XBOX 360, I was not so keen on the PS3, and GTA 4 made me want to throw it though the window. XBOX 360 seems to have more choice and also more facilities.

err, no it doesn't

pepelepew

Do they have Pacman on these machines?

Pross

The original Xbox 360 doesn't come with HDMI connection and relies on component leads. The XBox 360 elite does have HDMI but is also only £50 cheaper than the blu ray equipped PS3 so starts to lose the value for money side as well.

freehub

sampras38 wrote:

freehub wrote:

I'd say XBOX 360, I was not so keen on the PS3, and GTA 4 made me want to throw it though the window. XBOX 360 seems to have more choice and also more facilities.

err, no it doesn't

Well from my experience it appears to offer more features, and from my experience comparing games on the xbox 360 and ps3, some very pupular titles, namely GTA IV as I've said before, runs better on the xbox360, aswell as looks better and runs at a higher framerate, dipping into the teens is unplayable imo, weather or not they've fixed the issues with it on the PS3 I don't know.

And don't forget people, just as the XBOX has the RROD, the PS3 has the YLOD...

sampras38

freehub wrote:

sampras38 wrote:

freehub wrote:

I'd say XBOX 360, I was not so keen on the PS3, and GTA 4 made me want to throw it though the window. XBOX 360 seems to have more choice and also more facilities.

err, no it doesn't

Well from my experience it appears to offer more features, and from my experience comparing games on the xbox 360 and ps3, some very pupular titles, namely GTA IV as I've said before, runs better on the xbox360, aswell as looks better and runs at a higher framerate, dipping into the teens is unplayable imo, weather or not they've fixed the issues with it on the PS3 I don't know.

And don't forget people, just as the XBOX has the RROD, the PS3 has the YLOD...

With respect that's pretty much a load of tosh. I have a PS3 and have also had a 360 wired up to my TV and there is virtually no difference.


And what does the 360 have that the PS3 doesn't, apart from a noisy fan and unreliable software?

freehub

sampras38 wrote:

freehub wrote:

sampras38 wrote:

freehub wrote:

I'd say XBOX 360, I was not so keen on the PS3, and GTA 4 made me want to throw it though the window. XBOX 360 seems to have more choice and also more facilities.

err, no it doesn't

Well from my experience it appears to offer more features, and from my experience comparing games on the xbox 360 and ps3, some very pupular titles, namely GTA IV as I've said before, runs better on the xbox360, aswell as looks better and runs at a higher framerate, dipping into the teens is unplayable imo, weather or not they've fixed the issues with it on the PS3 I don't know.

And don't forget people, just as the XBOX has the RROD, the PS3 has the YLOD...

With respect that's pretty much a load of tosh. I have a PS3 and have also had a 360 wired up to my TV and there is virtually no difference.


And what does the 360 have that the PS3 doesn't, apart from a noisy fan and unreliable software?

Actually, with GTA, it was FACT that it looked different between the two, and performed better on the 360, if they've fixed this then fair play, but when I had a PS3 it was FACT, awfull blur, bad on both consoles, worse on the ps3, really big slow downs on the PS3.

Well you're the man who has both flippin consoles, why not tell me what exactly the ps3 has over the xbox 360 in terms of features.

sampras38

freehub wrote:

sampras38 wrote:

freehub wrote:

sampras38 wrote:

freehub wrote:

I'd say XBOX 360, I was not so keen on the PS3, and GTA 4 made me want to throw it though the window. XBOX 360 seems to have more choice and also more facilities.

err, no it doesn't

Well from my experience it appears to offer more features, and from my experience comparing games on the xbox 360 and ps3, some very pupular titles, namely GTA IV as I've said before, runs better on the xbox360, aswell as looks better and runs at a higher framerate, dipping into the teens is unplayable imo, weather or not they've fixed the issues with it on the PS3 I don't know.

And don't forget people, just as the XBOX has the RROD, the PS3 has the YLOD...

With respect that's pretty much a load of tosh. I have a PS3 and have also had a 360 wired up to my TV and there is virtually no difference.


And what does the 360 have that the PS3 doesn't, apart from a noisy fan and unreliable software?

Actually, with GTA, it was FACT that it looked different between the two, and performed better on the 360, if they've fixed this then fair play, but when I had a PS3 it was FACT, awfull blur, bad on both consoles, worse on the ps3, really big slow downs on the PS3.

Well you're the man who has both flippin consoles, why not tell me what exactly the ps3 has over the xbox 360 in terms of features.

I never actually said I had both consoles, just that I had the opportunity to wire the 360 up on one occasion. Of course you'll find the odd game that looks different but over all there's nothing to seperate them. If there was, it would be common knowledge and one console would sell far more than the other.

Read the posts carefully next time..;-)

Plus, the latest GTA game is tosh anyway and hardly a console seller.

redddraggon

To be fair on the PS3 v 360, IMO consoles generally have sh!t games anyway.

The only games I've ever really enjoyed console wise were graphically better on the PC anyway.

Consoles only win when it comes to the likes of FIFA and Racing games anyway.

Scrumple

It's a no brainer: PS3.

The only reason the Xboxf lourished is because PS3 took a while to get the games up to scratch. My mates bought Xbox to play online with the early Xbox buyers - and they now want PS3's.

Now, the PS3 is streets ahead as a machine, and the best choice unless you have friends you want to play with using Xbox!

I hate video games, but the PS3 is my dvd player (ecellent upscaler), blu ray player, and llets me download and watch films on the usb (plug it in and it plays the films). I even put cd's on it and use my surround speakers.
As for games, much as I am no big fan, COD4 etc, and some of the recent ones really are addictive!

bails87

Agree with that, one of my mates who has always hated PS*s bought one a few weeks ago, despite already having an Xbox and Wii, and another who's got an Xbox said he wishes he'd bought a PS3, I don't know anyone who's bought a PS3 and then got an Xbox too/as a replacement.

Also, to the OP, your kids would moan if you bought them a £250 console EACH!? Pah, kids these days

ozzzyosborn206

when i was looking into buying either a x box or ps3 i had more mates on x box, but decided to go for the ps3 it is just a better machine, x box may be cheaper but i think you get what you pay for with the ps3 and also by the time you have paid for the x box online for a year and batterys for the controllers there won't be much price difference, also if they have a ps2 goin gto x box controller will take time and the playstation on eis much lighter too, i had an x box one and liked it but deffo glad i went for ps3

Pross

Plus having a PS2 at present they will be able to play their old games.

freehub

You could always go with something better than an xbox360 or a PS3, a HTPC...

Might cost abit more but it's worth it.

Slow Downcp

Pross wrote:

Plus having a PS2 at present they will be able to play their old games.

Seems the latest PS3's don't have backwards compatibility, so they'd have to keep their PS2's also if they want to play the older games.

Slow Downcp

bails87 wrote:

Also, to the OP, your kids would moan if you bought them a £250 console EACH!? Pah, kids these days

Yeah, they gotta have one each, but will have to be the same. With two boys (aged 13 and 10 by the time Jan comes around), expecting them to share is too much.

thel33ter

PS3 all the way. Better in everyway apart from lack of Halo.

redddraggon

thel33ter wrote:

PS3 all the way. Better in everyway apart from lack of Halo.

Halo is no loss, massive hype but no substance.

wicked

PS3 is technically better. However if you are into online gaming even though you have to pay the 360 is better and every PS3 owner I know will admit that, much tougher competition they say (although in my case easier competition may be a good thing!)

Slow Downcp

Seems as though majority of the vote on here goes for the PS3 - from what I've looked at today (admitedly only a quick glance) it does seem the better bet. Discussions across the dinner table didn't help any at all - the kids couldn't decide which they'd prefer :?

mask of sanity

As already stated, the Xbox is more dedicated to gaming so if you just wan't a games console then get the xbox as it's cheaper. If you want a bit more then go for the PS3. But remember that the xbox has far superior controllers then the PS3!! Can't stand those stupid triggers they gave them!!

APIII

Yeah the PS3 controllers are poo, that's something microsoft got right. I still really like my xbox, but the PS3 sees more use these days because of the other bits, like the bbci player NapD mentioned. If you go for the PS3 then your kids can play each other online which I imagine would be of interest, if you get the xbox then you've got to pay for 2 online memberships a year.