Just imagin actual using the controler as a lightsaber with rumble in a Starwars game.... I'm a PC user but thats enough for me to start drooling

Wii looks good, but when I play my games, I like to just sit on my butt and do as little movement as I can and still have fun. If i want to sweat, I'll go outside and do some actual work. I don't want to be backflipping and running around the living room so just i can play a game. It's like that old treadmill where you have to actually run on a treadmill to play a running game. I swear, us Americans are getting fat, lazy, and getting used to technology to do everything for us.

wii does have a regular controller too, so i wouldn't worry too much about losing any wait.

X-play's episode about the E3 convention definitely made me feel more like buying a Wii than either of the other two systems. But really I could probably spend several more years just buying all the awesome games I haven't played for the PS2 -- all the Grand Theft Autos, Ratchet & Clank, Ultimate Spider-Man, Silent Hill, RPGs.

have you see the halo 3 trailer? - check the graphics on that and then tell me if its good or not.

halo is ONLY on the xbox.
so im with xbox 360

sonys running into trouble with the ps3 with its blu-ray systems, and will be quite expensive...


knowing me, ill probably somehow be able to get both...

If I were you, I'd base my console choice on what sort of games I liked.

If you like to play online, the choice is between a 360 and a PC. If you like FPS (running around shooting people) think about 360 or a PC.

If you like strategy games (like Gal Civ) then buy a PC.

If you like a wide variety of games, get a PC or a PS3 (this would be my personal preference). Because, based on the current gen consoles, those are the platforms that are going to give you the most choice.

Then you've got the Wii. Personally, I don't buy into the whole 'revolution' idea (can anybody say gimmick?) but maybe there's something there if you like wierd and unusual games.

As for consoles in general vs. PCs... Consoles are better for action games (with the possible exception of FPS) because the controls can be disigned with the specific controllerd in mind. Consoles are also better for when you have some friends over and want to play a game together. PCs are better for a deeper and more involved game.

Also take into account how soon you want to be playing games. A lot of these new systems have very few launch titles and maybe only 3-4 even worth noting off the bat. The 360 took months before enough games were released to satiate most true gamers. When the PS2 first came out the same was true, some noteworthy launch titles followed by filler games then some trickling out of great games. It did however take a couple years and GT series to get people truly hooked. Now if you want a viable system with a large library of games that is cheap I would suggest the regular Xbox, and for this reason, because a 360 or PS3 will cost some change to get the games and will be a lot of waiting for that ultimate title. Where as the Xbox and even PS2 have great titles already out and very affordable nowadays.

To add, the japanese and most asian markets favor the playstation line. So you can bet on it that a lot more development will go into the PS3 then 360 for console specific games. Multiconsole games wouldn't be so much a problem.

Island_gurl, your home PC may not have the same quality of video output as your office PC, office computers are generally newer and chosen with productivity (and having to stare at the screen for 8 hours a day) in mind.

If your home PC's monitor is not very recent, and not running at least at 75Hz (painting the entire scren 75 times per second), you could be suffering from eyestrain. Note: fps (frames per second) and refresh rate (Hz) are not the same thing.

Other things to consider are gamma correction (how bright your monitor displays colours, independent of brightness and contrast), resolution (how many dots across and down the screen are), screen size (15", 17", 19", etc.) and the quality of the actual picture on the monitor as well as room lighting and ergonomics (the height of the monitor, position of your chair and keyboard/mouse, etc.).

As for what console game to choose, it all depends on how much cash you want to squander. A new Xbox 360, Nintento Wii or PS3 is going to be a huge bite, whereas you can find a used PS2 or Xbox or other console with a bunch of games for under $100 in most newspaper classifieds.

First off, I don't think a gaming PC is going to be the path for you like a bunch of people here do. I'm a PC gamer primarily, but recognize the shortcomings of the platform to those who aren't at least moderately into tinkering with computers. Unless you want to be all about installing new device drivers, updating this and that, optimizing your PC to get better performance, dropping $200-$400/yr in new hardware on the machine (not counting games), I'd suggest to stick to consoles. They have a lower maintenance and just work without much tinkering required.

Now, as to the 360 or the PS3...

The first question is to ask yourself how much you want to spend on the console. In US dollars, the XBox debuted at $400 for the premium model (the only one worth getting). The PS3 is going to come out at $600 for their premium model (again, only one worth getting since upgrading the parts from the lower-end one will cost more than the price difference in the packages). If price is a major concern, then it's the XBox 360 for you.

Second is what sorts of games do you like? Multiplayer, shooters, racing, and non-japanese-style RPGs are the domain largely of the XBox 360. The PS3 will have a lot more niche titles and Final Fantasy style RPGs. There are a fair number of game series' that are PlayStation exclusive. I'd do a bit of research on what the launch titles are for the PS3 versus what will be out for the XBox 360 by November. http://www.ebgames.com should help you out a bit there.

Third, what do you want this box to do? Me? I want my gaming console to be a gaming console first, and a media center second. The PS3 looks to be a swiss army knife when what you need is a single blade pocket knife. Don't buy into the whole Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD crap just yet. They're both fighting it out over which will be the dominant format in the coming years. In my opinion it's too early to go with one or the other. Also, do you have a High Definition TV? If not, then you're not going to get all the visual benefits of any of the next gen systems. So, which is the most powerful isn't going to matter if you can't see the differences.

My suggestion overall is to go with the 360. It's cheaper, it's out now, it is a gaming machine first, media center second. It will also have a lot more games out for it by November when the PS3 comes out... oh, and if you haven't preordered a PS3 with your local game store yet, you're probably not going to be able to get one until January/February. But ultimately make the decision based on the games you like to play. Hell, if you're a fan of the old Mario and Zelda games from Nintendo, it may even be better to wait for the Nintendo Wii coming out about the same time as the PS3. Cheapest of them all, and more of a user-friendly experience.

Wow that is a ton of comments to respond too!!! I didnt think this thread would be invaded like that, but it's a good surprise

So here we go:
Civ3Fanatic

hd dvd and blue ray are the two next generation of media content storage (basically the thing that will replace DVDs) but right now forget bout them there not really that good of a feature since your going to be able to be fine with DVDs for a long time unless your some tech junkie but from your posts i dont think that you are (could be wrong though)

Thanks for the definition, and nope I'm not tech junkie far from it! I need advise as to what console i should buy, lol! Because like a lot of you have mentionned I am not ready to invest on tons of upgrading stuff for my PC and it's just too complicated to work out for my little head So PC against consol, I will go for console.
Now like I mentioned in the article i dont even know the name of the games am playing (please dont hate me!!!). I love this racing game on the PS2 where you have to find all the garages in a city. This one rocks because you do some searching but you also do some cool races in the city with traffic and all! I get bored with the fighting game, the one with two players it's BORING...but i still play it I like games that make you go on a hunt for something. Like the one with the fox, oh man, i'm really hopeless with names... Jaws Unleashed is one i saw at the gaming store, it looks like something i'd enjoy playing! But I cant remember if it was a PS2 game or a XBox one...

(>U)Neb

Well, you're obviously very undecided. Don't put out the money for a next generation console then. If you must get a console, get a cheaper console (ps2, xbox, gamecube) and see if you like it. Spend some time playing it. Then you'll know whether the the money for a next generation console is worth the money to you. Chances are, your tastes are similar to your friends'. If your friends have consoles, and like them, get the one they have. Hell, maybe just borrow one for a week or two and see if you use it.

Yes very undecided indeed I like the PS2 I enjoy it very much when I get to play, heh. But I thought it would be boring to have a PS2 once all the new generation ones come out and all new games are available. I mean I dont want to look like I'm stuck with an Atari when everyone runs on the new stuff, haha!
Also, you seem to really like wireless controllers. All three next generation consoles have the option of wireless controllers. And there are 3rd party controllers for every current system that are wireless. So no matter what you choose, you can have wireless controllers if you really want them.
Oh I love the idea, no more ropes that look like a jungle in the leaving room! It's just neat! Even the Wii has wireless controlers??

Also. Just something I've been wondering. You say you know nothing about video games. Galciv isn't exactly a casual gamers first choice. Do you.. play galciv? Or did you just stumble on these forums?

Galciv? Humm, what is Galciv?? What do you mean I just stumbled on these forums? I'm a bit confused.

Thatguybil

Wii Just imagin actual using the controler as a lightsaber with rumble in a Starwars game.... I'm a PC user but thats enough for me to start drooling Lol! Hey I never heard about that, but sounds fun! Although I hope you have enough spaceto have a starwar in your living room! Achillus Myself, I like 360 because of what microsoft wants to do with it and how they do it. Sure they want to control your living room, but if they are willing to lose alot of money to do it and buy you out, I say go ahead. Sony, well, they also want to control your living room. But the difference is that they want you to pay them your life savings and your unwashed used panties to use for their weird sexual acts (They are Japanese, they do that crazy stuff, if you don't believe me, watch Shocking Asia). HAHAHAHAHHA!!!!! Ok now you've just help me decide I will for the PS3 (kidding!). No seriously you've just exposed some really good points, I think I'll stick with the 360, maybe i'll wait a little longer see if the prices drop. I dont think waiting for the PS3 will be worth it. Goblinarcher, so the Wii controller is wireless? Heh I know I'm a pain with this question, mwahahah!!!

Sorry about the above comment, I think I got abit lost with the quote thing!

Noumenon72:

But really I could probably spend several more years just buying all the awesome games I haven't played for the PS2 -- all the Grand Theft Autos, Ratchet & Clank, Ultimate Spider-Man, Silent Hill, RPGs.

Really?? Hey maybe I should do the same then, who cares if I'm from the old school right???

have you see the halo 3 trailer? - check the graphics on that and then tell me if its good or not. halo is ONLY on the xbox. so im with xbox 360 sonys running into trouble with the ps3 with its blu-ray systems, and will be quite expensive...

I've seen alot of advertising for Halo, but havent seen the graphics of it yet, just pictures and it looks like everything else on a picture you know. If the PS3 is too expensive and that it's just trouble I guess i'll go with the 360 then! Now i'm just hesitating between the 360 and the old system... Grrrr!!!

knowing me, ill probably somehow be able to get both...

Geee!! Good on Ya!!!! Do you want to be my sugar daddy *wink, wink* ??

Islandgurl: 360 is better for graphics, PS3 is better for diverse titles. If you like a lot of FPS and sports games, get the 360. If you like RPG and 3rd party games, get the PS3.

We have a 360 and we do enjoy it. The online gaming is really fun. We'll also be getting a PS3 in November because my hubby is a Playstation kinda guy. The price is scary ($500), but the value for the money is incredible because of the technology that's being put into it.

If you do get a 360, let me know, and we can meet up and play some games together!

No118:
Thanks for your input. Like I mentionned earlier I like racing games, running around and shooting people can do for me too! lol! But racing is my personal favourite!

ICE300:

Now if you want a viable system with a large library of games that is cheap I would suggest the regular Xbox, and for this reason, because a 360 or PS3 will cost some change to get the games and will be a lot of waiting for that ultimate title. Where as the Xbox and even PS2 have great titles already out and very affordable nowadays.

Ok I think my choice is getting more precise, too bad for the wireless controlers *sniff* I really loved those!!

Mistoffeles:
Yes it could be the screen it's an old samsung screen that must be 7 years old now, lol! I have my laptop but i just know it's not powerful enough for any games except the card games, lol!

Ok I think my choice is getting more precise, too bad for the wireless controlers *sniff* I really loved those!!

You can buy wireless controllers for XBOX and for PS2.

Zoomba:

First off, I don't think a gaming PC is going to be the path for you like a bunch of people here do. I'm a PC gamer primarily, but recognize the shortcomings of the platform to those who aren't at least moderately into tinkering with computers. Unless you want to be all about installing new device drivers, updating this and that, optimizing your PC to get better performance, dropping $200-$400/yr in new hardware on the machine (not counting games), I'd suggest to stick to consoles. They have a lower maintenance and just work without much tinkering required

I agree, 100%!!!

Now, as to the 360 or the PS3... The first question is to ask yourself how much you want to spend on the console. In US dollars, the XBox debuted at $400 for the premium model (the only one worth getting). The PS3 is going to come out at $600 for their premium model (again, only one worth getting since upgrading the parts from the lower-end one will cost more than the price difference in the packages). If price is a major concern, then it's the XBox 360 for you.

Well everyone keeps saying that the PS3 is too expensive for what it's going to offer. So yup, i'll stick with the 360 as a first choice. But now I'm thinking about just settling for a PS2 or a Xbox.
Nope I dont have a high definition TV, those are way too expensive as of yet! Maybe in a couple of years, lol!
As for the Nintendo games, yeah I suppose I was a big fan of Mario when I was 10, hehe! I havent played a Mario game in ages! So not sure about the Wii...

TW:
Hey!! I never thought you'd be commenting on such a thread!
Well like I said, now I'm not too sure about the 360. I mean I'm still very tempted, but I feel like I'd be commiting some crime to buy it without even knowing anything about it heh! Plus like Zoomba mentioned, I dont even have the good tv to go with it, haha! So I think i'll just settle for the old console. *sniff*

BTW, i found that Jaws Unleashed and its available for Ps2, Xbox & PC and it looks really cool:
http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/664/664357/vids_1.html

Texas Wahine:

You can buy wireless controllers for XBOX and for PS2.

I can? Why didnt anyone told me this b4?? lol! Then the PS2 will do! I should check this out at the store......................

island_gurl12 :

I can? Why didnt anyone told me this b4?? lol! Then the PS2 will do! I should check this out at the store......................

I did.

Me:

Also, you seem to really like wireless controllers. All three next generation consoles have the option of wireless controllers. And there are 3rd party controllers for every current system that are wireless. So no matter what you choose, you can have wireless controllers if you really want them.

-----------------------------------------

island_gurl12 :

Galciv? Humm, what is Galciv?? What do you mean I just stumbled on these forums? I'm a bit confused.

These forums are generally dedicated to the game "Galactic Civilizations 2". It's a turn based strategy game for the PC.

Your profile says you've been a member on this site since spetember 2004. Have you been here a year and a half without learning about galciv, or are you some kind of master of sarcasm?

-Neb

My bad Neb! I didnt understand when you said 3rd party controlers I suppose... Sorry!

These forums are generally dedicated to the game "Galactic Civilizations 2". It's a turn based strategy game for the PC.

Ah ok, well apologies... I thought I could post in this forum since my thread was going to be based on consoles and that the forum is called Gaming, heh!

Your profile says you've been a member on this site since spetember 2004. Have you been here a year and a half without learning about galciv, or are you some kind of master of sarcasm?

Yes I've been a member of JoeUser for nearly a couple of years now, so? No I didnt learn anything about galvic and I didnt know it was a crime. And no I'm not some kind of master sarcasm, thank you! This must have been the first time I posted anything in the forums of gaming, and I suppose I shouldnt have used it now. Next time i'll just post under the miscellaneous forums so as not to offend you............

Hey now. I'm not the spanish inquisition. You can post about barbie dolls and chocolate in the bug-reports forum if you want and I won't complain. I was just curious is all.

-Neb

(>U)Neb, Stardock hosts several forums and cross-references the articles. Although you may see this article in GalCiv forum, this article was actually posted from JoeUser -- which doesn't have much thing to do with GalCiv.

Learn something new every day. I figured each was self contained.

Learn something new every day. I figured each was self contained.

Thanks for clarifying Anonymous user!

Hey Island_Gurl12,

I just got an XBox360 myslef, and one really nice thing is that, if you connect it to the internet, you have access to TONS of free demos that will keep you busy for the first month that you own the system. You can also stream music and video (if you have Windows Media Center edition) from your PC, and the wireless controllers are nice too.

I'm not planning on an PS3 personally, but from what I hear from game developers, there isn't that much of a difference between the capabilities of the systems, plus the PS3 is going to be 600$, which would cause my wife (jennybean) to kick me out and/or kill me. And i dont want to be homeless and/or dead, so the XBox360 was a good purchase for me.

Hope this helps!