Advice required: PS3 or XBox

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InTheCube

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Hey guys.

I plan to buy a gaming console in the coming weeks, and I don't know whether to go for the new PS3 Slim, or the XBox 360 Elite.

Without starting a flame war, could you please provide me with the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms, in your opinion. Please don't diss other people's opinions. Please provide constructive feedback, and try to back up your claims, where possible.

Some things to take into consideration, before replying:
  • I have just recently got a 512kbps ADSL line installed, so I am interested in online gaming as well. I have never played online before, so I don't know what to expect.
  • This purchase will be my first gaming console
  • I prefer racing, adventure, action-adventure, and real-time strategy games.
  • I don't really like fighting or FPS games
  • I am used to playing games on PC - but last I played was a 2-3 years ago.
  • I have a HD-Ready 32" LCD-TV
  • I am partly interested in the PS3 because of the blu-ray player, and home entertaiment/home theater possibilities

I am not looking for a definitive Console X is better than Console Y answer. I am looking for advice that will help me to choose a console that will fit my needs.

Thanks guys!
 
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Without starting a flame war? :erm:

Good luck with that :D

My Advice - Xbox, but then again I left it for PC Gaming.

Console games are overpriced and most PC platform versions of the games have richer graphics.

Good luck with the ensuing barrage of commentary :)
 
I had the same choice a month ago, i chose the ps3.

Free to play online
Blu ray
upscaling dvd's

I love my PS3.

Can someone tell me how much xbox charges to play online? Alsio i heard something about sony having something or other in Sa while microsoft don't.
 
PS3 is currently more value for money. Can be used for more than just gaming. The price difference is not that big considering the extra BluRay, Wireless, HD video and sound performance, etc. Then there are the better Exclusive titles in games available and many more coming.

Good luck.
 
OK.. so I've been browsing the Forum's for other PS3 vs XBox threads.

There are a few important issues for me, that I've realised after reading this thread, which is over a year old. I'm sure alot has changed since then, what with the XBox 360 Elite being released, and PS3 Slim.

Issues I picked up that I'd like clarity on, for both consoles
  1. controller: battery life, battery changing, charging, wireless, USB interface
  2. controller: are both wireless? bluetooth or WiFi? wireless range?
  3. internal HD replacement / upgrade (proprietory issues)
  4. memory cards / memory sticks (proprietory issues)
  5. availability of games (sounded like XBox used to have more/better)
  6. video output options (HDMI, component, etc)
  7. audio output options (HDMI, RCA, optical, etc)
  8. built-in wireless/WiFi to allow access to my home wireless network, as well as to the internet for online gaming
  9. is WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n? My home network is 802.11n draft 2 compliant (up to 270/300 mbps). Which console supports the latest WiFi standards better?
  10. XBox Live ain't supported in RSA (no local servers) but one can game on international servers, for a fee (how much exactly??), but there are issues about paying or RSA credit cards being blocked or RSA accounts being locked or shut down.
  11. PSN is fully supported in RSA, is free, and there are local servers (to go great with local-only bandwidth??), but can't compare to XBox Live (in supported countries)
 
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ToxicWazte said:
OK.. so I've been browsing the Forum's for other PS3 vs XBox threads.

There are a few important issues for me, that I've realised after reading this thread, which is over a year old. I'm sure alot has changed since then, what with the XBox 360 Elite being released, and PS3 Slim.

Issues I picked up that I'd like clarity on, for both consoles
  1. controller: battery life, battery changing, charging, wireless, USB interface Sixaxis uses USB to charge, not sure about 360
  2. controller: are both wireless? bluetooth or WiFi? wireless range? Sixaxis is Bluetooth, 360 umm just wireless?
  3. internal HD replacement / upgrade (proprietory issues) You can use any 2.5" HDD (up to 1TB) in the PS3, 360 you have to pay a hugely overpriced fee for a MSFT branded HDD(aroung 1K for 120gb?)
  4. memory cards / memory sticks (proprietory issues) 2x USB's on Slim, think theres 3 on the 360? 60gb PS3's had a couple of memeroy slots, Slims dont
  5. availability of games (sounded like XBox used to have more/better) Sums it up
  6. video output options (HDMI, component, etc) Both have them
  7. audio output options (HDMI, RCA, optical, etc) " "
  8. built-in wireless/WiFi to allow access to my home wireless network, as well as to the internet for online gaming PS3 comes standard with Wi-fi connector in built. 360 you have to pay another huge price for the add-on Wi-fi which uses a USB port (R800?)
  9. is WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n? My home network is 802.11n draft 2 compliant (up to 270/300 mbps). Which console supports the latest WiFi standards better? Think they both support the latest
  10. XBox Live ain't supported in RSA (no local servers) but one can game on international servers, for a fee (how much exactly??), but there are issues about paying or RSA credit cards being blocked or RSA accounts being locked or shut down. Live cost around R500 a year
  11. PSN is fully supported in RSA, is free, and there are local servers (to go great with local-only bandwidth??), but can't compare to XBox Live (in supported countries) True, payed for services are usually better than free services but I would say the amount you are paying for Live is not worth it over PSN. PSN is great, is almost on par with Live and improves with every firmware update. You can also download demos and other stuff off the store with local cap (Akamai)
Click to expand...

Sorry if some of my answers are inaccurate. I know some information about the PS3 due to some friends having the console but I am more of a PC gamer myself :)
 
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I recently Bought a PS3 a while back and I must say Im a happy chappy all the way... Games works excellent, wifi range is awesome for lan and updates. load times quick and efficiant. HD graphics are amazing. Running the console on a 40" HD screen sony bravia :)

battery life awesome for controllers. although when you play Need for speed undercover 5 hours straight for two days then you have to recharge them... everything is free with the PS3. As you mentioned the blu-ray rom is awesome!!! logitechs z5500 system works great with the PS3.

this console is amazing 10/10 !!!

regards
PS3 user.
 
get all three and throw in a wii then you safe :D

ps3 + xbox + pc + wii
 
Personally I love my PS3 (both of them :) ) but I don't know that much about the Xbox. I use mine for gaming, dvd/blu-ray and media streaming which I LOVE, I'll try answer your questions in terms of PS3.

ToxicWazte said:
controller: battery life, battery changing, charging, wireless, USB interface
Click to expand...
All excellent, lasts a really long time, tells you when its low, charges through USB pretty quick
ToxicWazte said:
controller: are both wireless? bluetooth or WiFi? wireless range?
Click to expand...
Bluetooth, never had a problem with range, PS3 sits in a cupboard works through glass etc.
ToxicWazte said:
internal HD replacement / upgrade (proprietory issues)
Click to expand...
Any 2,5" HDD will work, firmware is designed to help you switch. VERY easy.
ToxicWazte said:
memory cards / memory sticks (proprietory issues)
Click to expand...
No such thing on the newer PS3 models, at least as far as I know
ToxicWazte said:
availability of games (sounded like XBox used to have more/better)
Click to expand...
There are a fortune of excellent games, both consoles have their share of exclusives but I wouldn't really recommend buying either for just one game, go to kalahari and take a look at each selection and then decide.
ToxicWazte said:
video output options (HDMI, component, etc)
Click to expand...
Um, HDMI and the red, yellow, white (whatever that is?)
ToxicWazte said:
audio output options (HDMI, RCA, optical, etc)
Click to expand...
As above
ToxicWazte said:
built-in wireless/WiFi to allow access to my home wireless network, as well as to the internet for online gaming
Click to expand...
Wifi works excellently as long as the router is relatively nearby, mine is in the room directly above one floor up. Generally I find the same sort of range issues as I do with my laptop
ToxicWazte said:
is WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n? My home network is 802.11n draft 2 compliant (up to 270/300 mbps). Which console supports the latest WiFi standards better?
Click to expand...
G possibly a/b/g definitely not N, which is a shame- also has wired ethernet which is obviously first prize, but my wifi works great for streaming movies etc
ToxicWazte said:
XBox Live ain't supported in RSA (no local servers) but one can game on international servers, for a fee (how much exactly??), but there are issues about paying or RSA credit cards being blocked or RSA accounts being locked or shut down.
PSN is fully supported in RSA, is free, and there are local servers (to go great with local-only bandwidth??), but can't compare to XBox Live (in
supported countries)
Click to expand...
I honestly have no idea
 
Rosaudio said:
Sorry if some of my answers are inaccurate. I know some information about the PS3 due to some friends having the console but I am more of a PC gamer myself :)
Click to expand...

SuperAntMD said:
Personally I love my PS3 (both of them :) ) but I don't know that much about the Xbox. I use mine for gaming, dvd/blu-ray and media streaming which I LOVE, I'll try answer your questions in terms of PS3.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rosaudio & SuperAntMD for your responses.

I must say after doing more reading, I am more inclined to get the PS3 Slim.

This article - PS3 Slim vs Xbox 360 Elite: David vs Goliath has me convinced about the PS3 Slim. It's an excellent article, providing an unbiased comparison.

According to the article, it seems the only thing that the XBox has a bit of an advantage with, is XBox Live.

I don't really care for exclusive titles, as I am led to believe that most of the great games will be released on both platforms. Both platforms will have some exclusives, so if you are going to choose only one platform, you're going to lose out either way. Since I'm not a hardcore gamer, I don't care about this.

What I like about the PS3 Slim
  1. you can upgrade the HD with no fuss
  2. wireless controllers are rechargeable through USB. No need to deal with batteries. I think it is also possible to charge the controllers using your computer's USB port, if both USB ports on the console are already in use. Nice if you have an external HD, or other devices attached.
  3. blu-ray - I am not a hard-core gamer, so blu-ray IS a plus, as I am interested in Blu-Ray movie releases, and other home entertainment options. Also, multi-disc games sound like a pain. With Blu-Ray, everything should fit on one disc.
  4. built-in WiFi, and gigabit ethernet
  5. PSN is free
 
PSN being free was the reason i bought the ps3.

Paying 700 bucks a game 4k for the console and still paying for online play WTF?

Thus far i have played fifa 2010 online on the ps3 perfectly.
 
killadoob said:
PSN being free was the reason i bought the ps3.

Paying 700 bucks a game 4k for the console and still paying for online play WTF?

Thus far i have played fifa 2010 online on the ps3 perfectly.
Click to expand...

Sweet. NFS undercover works great in online mode.
 
ToxicWazte said:
Thanks Rosaudio & SuperAntMD for your responses.

I must say after doing more reading, I am more inclined to get the PS3 Slim.

This article - PS3 Slim vs Xbox 360 Elite: David vs Goliath has me convinced about the PS3 Slim. It's an excellent article, providing an unbiased comparison.
Click to expand...

I agree, that is an excellent article. Makes me want to go out and buy a PS3 myself :D Ahh.. if only I had money.. :(
 
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