Torn between a PS3 and an XBox 360. Help!

Pyongyang

I'm having a hard time deciding which console to buy. On the one hand I can pick up a PS3 from Amazon with Red Dead Redemption and an HDMI cable for the best part of 270 GBP.

However I can also pick up an XBox 360 250GB Super Elite FFXIII with Forza 3, Halo 3: ODST, Gears of War 2, Fable 2 and an extra wireless controller for just 240 GBP. Bargain!

The only thing stopping me from going for the XBox 360 is the fact Gran Turismo 5 is PS3 only.

I'm NOT a hardcore gamer by any means. I don't even really like FPS games, I prefer JRPG's and driving games. So the Super Elite bundle looks like it's just more bang for my buck really as I am unsure I will play most of the games though I would be very happy with FFXIII and Forza 3! However I'd likely need to buy the WiFi adapter too so that kicks the XBox 360 price up even higher.

Really not sure quite what to do! Is it really worth dropping that much money on just one game that isn't even out yet?

Varik

That PS3 deal is 259.99 and i can't see the 360 deal but you never said it was Amazon so that may be it. If you don't like FPS then you could ignore halo and gears, at this stage both game won't be worth much if you trade them in and what's the point of having them if you don't like FPS. MS has paid for some exclusive JRPG but when these come out on PS3 a year later in Japan, the games are vaslty improve to the point where Tales of Vesperia on the 360 was being described as a beta, even Namco developers made it worse by saying the following

“Xbox 360 players often complained ‘why aren’t these parts voiced?’, so when making the PS3 version we first set about improving the voicing … As a result, the entire main scenario became fully voiced.”
“We’d be delighted if those who played the Xbox 360 version would play the PS3 version too. Of course the same goes for those playing for the first time.”
“We made a lot of changes we think Xbox 360 players would be sure to appreciate.”
“There are a lot of elements from the Xbox 360 version which were improved, so please give it a try.”
“Based on the feedback so kindly provided by Xbox 360 players, we added a lot of additional elements.”

and when asked about developing the game

First off, it was easier developing for the Xbox 360. This is to do with the games I was involved with, but basically if you sign an exclusive contract with Microsoft (you won’t release it on other hardware for a year or similar), they will give you a lot of cash for development.
Their support is also very fast and complete in these cases.
SCE don’t really give much cash out (any at all perhaps). Their support is confused and unreliable. When I was doing it at least, the 360 was easier to develop for, which lowers costs.
As a result, first you develop for the Xbox, reducing development costs. But the Xbox version won’t sell [in Japan], you can’t recoup even those lowered costs at all.
So they ported to the PS3, it’s cheaper as you already have the game done, but then Sony came back and told them ‘We won’t recognise it if it’s the same as the Xbox 360 version. Make sure you put in a lot of extra stuff!’
If we didn’t then they wouldn’t have let us pass their check…”

here's a link about it.

There was a lot of stuff about this when the PS3 version came out in Japan in September 09, while the English version won't be out for around a year if the 360s release is anything to go by. The PS3 is a much better bet for JRPGs and without any region locking niche game that may only be released in the states can be played, you'll also be able to get Final Fantasy 14 on the PS3. I would choose GT5 but as it's not out who know what it'd be like. The Playstation have a better chance of getting better JRPG and FF13 was a bit better on the PS3 but not enough to choose which system to buy.

The Xbox 360 Wireless 'N' Network Adaptor goes for £42.91 on Amazon, and until GT5 comes out you may not need a second controller but when you do that's another £32.94 and Final Fantasy 13 can be gotten for £22.49 of Amazon. So £282.91 for what you said on the 360 compared to £315.43 for a PS3, Red Dead, FF13, a second controller and not including GT5 when it comes out. I'd go for the PS3 for the extra $32.52.

Pot Noodle =

Xbox Rocks

Patsy fyre

It depends what your really into. If you want a blu ray player you will have to buy the ps3, if you like watching sky t.v. And playing online you should play the 360. Have you looked at the xbox slim?

gizmo

Pyongyang wrote: »

I'm having a hard time deciding which console to buy. On the one hand I can pick up a PS3 from Amazon with Red Dead Redemption and an HDMI cable for the best part of 270 GBP.

However I can also pick up an XBox 360 250GB Super Elite FFXIII with Forza 3, Halo 3: ODST, Gears of War 2, Fable 2 and an extra wireless controller for just 240 GBP. Bargain!

The only thing stopping me from going for the XBox 360 is the fact Gran Turismo 5 is PS3 only.

I'm NOT a hardcore gamer by any means. I don't even really like FPS games, I prefer JRPG's and driving games. So the Super Elite bundle looks like it's just more bang for my buck really as I am unsure I will play most of the games though I would be very happy with FFXIII and Forza 3! However I'd likely need to buy the WiFi adapter too so that kicks the XBox 360 price up even higher.

Really not sure quite what to do! Is it really worth dropping that much money on just one game that isn't even out yet?

First of all, if you're looking at a 360 you should be waiting for the new model to come out on July 16th. Looking at the bundle you pointed out, if you factor in the the trade-in price for the games you don't want and then the purchase of the wireless adaptor, you'd still be better off spending the cash on the newer model which features the built in wireless.

Now that that's sorted the first question to ask is, what console do your friends have? That should be a big factor in deciding which you buy.

As for Gran Turismo 5, normally I would never endorse buying a console for a game that isn't released yet but to be quite honest, if it doesn't turn out great I'll eat my hat.

On the 360 side you have Forza 3 which has obviously reviewed quite well. I'd recommend getting your hands on it and giving it a shot at least.

JRPGs aren't really my thing but from what I've seen the spread of titles is pretty close across both platforms. Each has their exclusives of varying quality, the PS3 with Valkyria Chronicles, Disgaea 3 and White Knight Chronicles and the 360 with Lost Odyssey, Infinite Undiscovery and The Last Remnant. FFXIII and Tales of Vesperia are on both with the PS3 getting the better versions albeit with, in the latter case, a significant delay in release. As I said though, other Boardsies will know more.

kieran2010

Pyongyang wrote: »

I'm having a hard time deciding which console to buy. On the one hand I can pick up a PS3 from Amazon with Red Dead Redemption and an HDMI cable for the best part of 270 GBP.

However I can also pick up an XBox 360 250GB Super Elite FFXIII with Forza 3, Halo 3: ODST, Gears of War 2, Fable 2 and an extra wireless controller for just 240 GBP. Bargain!

The only thing stopping me from going for the XBox 360 is the fact Gran Turismo 5 is PS3 only.

I'm NOT a hardcore gamer by any means. I don't even really like FPS games, I prefer JRPG's and driving games. So the Super Elite bundle looks like it's just more bang for my buck really as I am unsure I will play most of the games though I would be very happy with FFXIII and Forza 3! However I'd likely need to buy the WiFi adapter too so that kicks the XBox 360 price up even higher.

Really not sure quite what to do! Is it really worth dropping that much money on just one game that isn't even out yet?

You should see what what consoles your friends have as online can be pretty boring if you dont know anyone.
You should also wait for the new slim xbox out july16th if your going for a xbox as the new 360 will have built in wireless.
You could always hold out a bit longer as xbox are signing more and more ps3 exclusives. You never know but they might sign the game you want.

Grayditch

Get a PS3. Just buy a PS3. If you like Gran Turismo, get a PS3. If you like not paying to play it online, get a PS3. Buy a PS3, yeah. PS3.

krudler

Save up, buy both, simples.

tman

Well the first thing you should do when making a decision like this is to post in the Playstation forum for some balanced, unbiased responses...
I'd say go for the PS3 personally... They're both great machines, but if you're not a hardcore gamer as you say, you'll get more use out of the PS3 (great media player as well as a games machine)

Niska

Can't decide for yourself? Let's ask three United players (FF to 00:59):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt6pCQqUlFY

Blatantly nicked from the United thread.

Pyongyang

Flippin' 'eck! So many useful responses! Thanks a million everyone.

I should have added a bit more info to my original post, apologies. The big bundle deal is actually on Play.com. I never really factored in the trade-in thing too much. I did consider the idea of trading in two of the games for Red Dead Redemption under the offer on the Xtravision website though.

I actually never even considered the new redesigned XBox because there are no bundles available for it (not that I have found online anyway). Again, boils down to getting bang for buck, but as most of you have already said, as I don't really like FPS games the value of them to me is basically nil.

The Blu Ray factor of the PS3 is irrelevant as I have just bought a stand alone Sony BDP-S370. Should have mentioned that before, sorry. The use as a home media centre is almost irrelevant too as I can use the Blu Ray player, my TV and I think, my Humax PVR for content playback from USB.

As for friends, well, I actually have very few in Ireland right now, I'm relocating to Dublin from the Cayman Islands next week. However friends out here in Cayman who are from Dublin all have the XBox 360. As for XBox Live or PSN, I don't really like the idea of playing online with a headset though. I imagine it's full of immature kids throwing around obscenities at each other. Apologies for sounding like I'm tarnishing everyone with the same brush. I'm not.

Thanks for the info on JRPG's. I love them. I grew up playing brilliant games on the NES and SNES like Mother, Mother2/Earthbound, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 6 and 7, Secret of Mana etc. Great to see both formats well catered for. How do each of them balance though in terms of platform exclusive JRPG's?

I guess it really boils down to wanting the best bang for my buck. The 'fat' XBox 360 bundles appear to offer a lot, but I didn't consider the hidden extras. XBox Gold membership, the wireless adapter and the fact that most of the games in the bundle I won't enjoy or even play. On the flip side, the PS3 bundles are pretty poor and the console is a bit more expensive than an XBox although I'll be getting WiFi and Bluetooth built in.

I agree with a previous poster, I'll amputate my own head if Gran Turismo 5 turns out to be utter trousers. Buying either console I'd want Gran Turismo 5, Red Dead Redemption, F1 2010, FIFA 11, Mirror's Edge and one of the Final Fantasy Games at the very least. I like the look of two other games, I think they were called Saboteur and Metro 2033, are they XBox 360 only? I like those stealth games, I'm a big fan of the Looking Glass Thief series. Are the Metal Gear Solid games good and PS3 exclusive?

There was one other game I've seen that looks incredible. I think it's called The Last Guardian. If this is PS3 exclusive too then I think my mind has been made up.

Apologies if I've come across as ignorant at times. I'm just an out of touch ex-gamer that saw a trailer for Gran Turismo 5 recently and now wants to get back in to gaming!

Pyongyang

Niska wrote: »

Can't decide for yourself? Let's ask three United players (FF to 00:59):

Blatantly nicked from the United thread.

Looks like the United players know what console they like! Although I'm a Barcelona fan, have been for all 30 of my years to date. I did a Google search to see what console Barcelona players like but all I found was this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEcghxju2G4

and this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CuFhgeOD8A

gizmo

Pyongyang wrote: »

As for friends, well, I actually have very few in Ireland right now, I'm relocating to Dublin from the Cayman Islands next week. However friends out here in Cayman who are from Dublin all have the XBox 360. As for XBox Live or PSN, I don't really like the idea of playing online with a headset though. I imagine it's full of immature kids throwing around obscenities at each other. Apologies for sounding like I'm tarnishing everyone with the same brush. I'm not.

It's a stereotype which is quite often true unfortunately. Personally I only use the headset when playing with friends so I'm able to avoid the great idiot population on both consoles.

Pyongyang wrote: »

How do each of them balance though in terms of platform exclusive JRPG's?

Pretty sure I covered the main exclusives earlier although there may be one or two I'm missing.

Pyongyang wrote: »

I like the look of two other games, I think they were called Saboteur and Metro 2033, are they XBox 360 only? I like those stealth games, I'm a big fan of the Looking Glass Thief series. Are the Metal Gear Solid games good and PS3 exclusive?

The Saboteur isn't that good unfortunately.
Metro 2033 is 360 only.
Stealth games are pretty much balanced on both consoles. The only one I can think of that is platform exclusive is Splinter Cell Conviction with the 360.
MGS4 is PS3 exclusive, MGS: Rising is on both consoles although it's shaping up to be more of an action game.
The Last Guardian is PS3 exclusive.
There's also the Mass Effect series of games which are 360 exclusive.

As you can see, there's a solid argument for getting both consoles. Which one you get first though, I duno. I'm leaning towards the PS3 since you seem to really want GT5 so outside of playing Forza 3 first to see what it's like, I think I'd go with that.

Pyongyang

It's a stereotype which is quite often true unfortunately. Personally I only use the headset when playing with friends so I'm able to avoid the great idiot population on both consoles.

I figured this would be the case. I'd rather not pay for the privilege of being verbally abused by a bunch of kids when I could get that for free via PSN. I wouldn't mind a game of FIFA or F1 online though.

The Saboteur isn't that good unfortunately. Metro 2033 is 360 only.

Shame on both counts. Both games look great but are not necessarily deal-breakers when it comes to choosing a console for me.

Stealth games are pretty much balanced on both consoles.
MGS4 is PS3 exclusive, MGS: Rising is on both consoles although it's shaping up to be more of an action game.

Good to hear there are plenty of stealth games on both platforms! On a side note I just saw a trailer for a game called Deus Ex: The Human Revolution which looks absolutely incredbile. Shame it's not out until 2011 though.

The Last Guardian is PS3 exclusive.

The above statement has virtually sealed the deal. This game looks like it will be absolutely stunning.

As you can see, there's a solid argument for getting both consoles. Which one you get first though, I duno. I'm leaning towards the PS3 since you seem to really want GT5 so outside of playing Forza 3 first to see what it's like, I think I'd go with that.

Indeed I really would like to have Gran Turismo 5 over Forza 3. I can see myself putting a lot of time in to Gran Turismo 5 where with Forza 3 I wasn't quite so taken with the videos I have seen of it. Don't get me wrong, it looks great but it doesn't appear to me that it would have the same depth in gameplay and replay value as Gran Turismo 5.

One thing I was wondering however, would it be better to head up to Belfast and buy a PS3 there, or order online? How do prices compare to the Republic?

whiterebel

Pyongyang wrote: »

I figured this would be the case. I'd rather not pay for the privilege of being verbally abused by a bunch of kids when I could get that for free via PSN. I wouldn't mind a game of FIFA or F1 online though.



Shame on both counts. Both games look great but are not necessarily deal-breakers when it comes to choosing a console for me.



Good to hear there are plenty of stealth games on both platforms! On a side note I just saw a trailer for a game called Deus Ex: The Human Revolution which looks absolutely incredbile. Shame it's not out until 2011 though.



The above statement has virtually sealed the deal. This game looks like it will be absolutely stunning.



Indeed I really would like to have Gran Turismo 5 over Forza 3. I can see myself putting a lot of time in to Gran Turismo 5 where with Forza 3 I wasn't quite so taken with the videos I have seen of it. Don't get me wrong, it looks great but it doesn't appear to me that it would have the same depth in gameplay and replay value as Gran Turismo 5.

One thing I was wondering however, would it be better to head up to Belfast and buy a PS3 there, or order online? How do prices compare to the Republic?

Strengthening sterling has made the difference a lot smaller than what it was.

Helix

from a completely neutral, ive got the lot and gaming is my job, point of view... ps3

theShawzer

I've had both and the PS3 won out in the end. Xbox had too many extra costs, but having said that the slim Xbox is coming soon which is better value with built in Wi-Fi and a 250gb HDD. Remamber aswell that the PS3 games are Blu-ray and virtually indestructable (unless done deliberately), but 360 games get wrecked far too easy and laserburned and believe me I see it in work every day.

grimm2005

Having both, I'm definitly a 360 man. The PS3 for me is purely a bluray player (and a great one at that) but for me the exclusives (that i'm interested in) are few and far between versus the xbox.
In terms of JRPG's the xbox originally had more exclusives I think (blue dragon, lost oddysey) but that has changed slightly in the past couple of years and the ps3 is becoming more on par with the xbox in this area with many previously 360 exclusive games coming to ps3. In terms of western RPG's i think the xbox is better catered for with the likes of Mass Effect and Fable series.

The ps3 has come down in price a good bit in recent years but the 360 i find still is better value, especially with the in built wireless of the new model. I'd wait till that releases and you can see the different bundles until you make a final decision. I also find the 360 controller far more comfortable and ergonomic although the fact you don't play FPS' makes this much less of an issue.

As for the extra costs, while slightly annoying, I find are worth it. €30 a years nets you a far more integrated service with (IMO) a much more cared for/maintained service

Also, the fact that this is in the Playstation forum was never going to give you a balanced opinion

Helix

grimm2005 wrote: »

Also, the fact that this is in the Playstation forum was never going to give you a balanced opinion

wouldnt say so tbh, most people have both at this stage

Pyongyang

I've been doing more research today and it looks like a 500gb version is set for release later this year. Could well involve a different chipset but may very well mean a price drop for the 120/250 models.

I think I've pretty much decided to go with a PlayStation 3, however I'm going to wait it out just a couple more weeks to see what happens with the XBox 360 redesign and if any news emerges with Move bundles or a 500gb model as the Move launch is only a couple of months away.

I have my DS Lite and DSi XL to keep me happy enough until then!

Thanks for all the input everyone. Sage advice pretty much throughout.

Varik

Pyongyang wrote: »

I've been doing more research today and it looks like a 500gb version is set for release later this year. Could well involve a different chipset but may very well mean a price drop for the 120/250 models.

The HDD can be change by you very easily, and there have just released a revised RSX graphics processor, Sony has been using a 65nm RSX, but the revised version is 40nm. The cell processes is 45nm in slims, you can't tell from the HDD size what RSX is inside but the model number on the box can be used to find out. This 500GB will probably be at a higher price point and won't affect the current models but it can be guaranteed to use the new RSX. It also means a 15% power saving.

The model number CECH-21xxA/B is used for this new 40nm RSX processor. The current PS3 Slim model carries the model number CECH-20xxA/B. the xx is based on region. there is a new model number registered as CECH-25xxA/B the letter remains and this is used to reference HDD size so if there's a 500GB it won't be alone.

Helix

arent any major playstation hardware revisions on the way. possibly a 500gb model, but i wouldnt expect it in the next few months, and upgrading hard drive is easy peasy as said above

possibly a price drop for xmas tho

theShawzer

If you are going to upgrade the HDD just remember to do it the day you get the console or you'll lose any data you have saved

Grumpypants

I've both, i think the PS3 is better all round but i wouldnt be without my xbox i also think its brilliant.

Varik

Helix wrote: »

arent any major playstation hardware revisions on the way. possibly a 500gb model

Like i said there is a new model number that was registered in june as CECH-25xxA/B, the A/B means that two HDD will be available with it, and one may be a 500GB.

Helix wrote: »

but i wouldnt expect it in the next few months, and upgrading hard drive is easy peasy as said above

As it was registered only on June i wouldn't expect it either, i say Sony will try to get it out before xmas to make the most out of whatever extra profit this will make make reducing the manufacturing costs.

Helix wrote: »

possibly a price drop for xmas tho

unless this new model is a vast improvement in manufacturing cost i doubt Sony will be reducing the price soon as they have only started to make a profit with the newer slim.

VALIS

The PS3 is a wise decision; it has a strong catalogue of games and a healthy variety of exclusives (you definitely need to factor Final Fantasy Versus XIII into your decision making too; that's surely going to be great!).

I've always been pleased with mine and justfied getting it over the 360 because of the high failure rate back in the early days of those and the additional charges; but now that they've started to consolidate things somewhat into the one package (the built in wifi for instance) and the failure rate is seemingly no longer an issue I'm strongly considering getting the redesigned model later this month. And I really want Alan Wake and Mass Effect!

I don't think there really is a wrong decision to be made here; they're both pretty strong consoles.

Pyongyang

VALIS wrote: »

I don't think there really is a wrong decision to be made here; they're both pretty strong consoles.

The decision was made for me I think when I saw Gran Turismo 5 was PS3 exclusive. I've spent some time today watching the Sony E3 keynote. It left me very impressed with the content the PS3 has coming to it in the next year.

A while ago I was on the verge of buying a Wii but I already have a DS Lite and DSi XL, those are enough for me. Although some of the Wii content out now and forthcoming looks fantastic, plus I've pretty much always been a Nintendo gamer. I've dismissed the Wii since for three reasons.

1. I'll be getting a 3DS at launch. Without fail.
2. Despite looking rather odd, I'm rather taken with the PlayStation Move.
3. The lack of HD on the Wii, oh, and of course, Gran Turismo 5.

I was going to order a PS3 online but instead on Monday week, the fiancée and I are heading up to the North for some bits and pieces. Thinking of picking up a PS3 bundle in store as I don't think I can wait much longer!

Does anyone know of any good spots in Belfast to pick up a PS3 bundle?

Varik

Pyongyang wrote: »

2. Despite looking rather odd, I'm rather taken with the PlayStation Move.

I've always like the Gran Turismo series, but haven't gotten in to racing games this console generation. Will you be going all out and using a wheel with the Playstation eye to head track then.

Creamsoda

If you love Grand Turismo get the ps3 and then save up for the Logitech Driving Force GT. Its a fantastic wheel that was made specially for Grand Turismo. Its the best driving experience I've ever had without actually driving a car!

Kev_ps3

Ive both and prefer the ps3

Helix

Varik wrote: »

unless this new model is a vast improvement in manufacturing cost i doubt Sony will be reducing the price soon as they have only started to make a profit with the newer slim.

im fairly sure theres gonna be a price drop around november

not really got much to go on, but its just my suspiscion