Oh god I think I was a fanboy(!)

OK, So I regularly laugh at fanboys of any one console alone... Safe in the elitist knowledge that I can enjoy all games because I'm prepared to play on all consoles..... blah blah etc

However, I realised something last night.... I'm quite sure that I was, in some small way, being fanboy-ish for some time with this generation of consoles. I haven't been what i'd consider to be a fan-boy since the days of the Sega/Nintendo wars - well, I was less than 10 years old, so it's to be expected. But as I got older and had access to more and more consoles, I came to appreciate that it was better to appreciate all consoles instead of one, as I got to play more games, which is a win-win situation for me.

So, for years I'd set about denouncing all fanboys, getting on my all-format pedestal and laughing at them as they miss out on game after game because they want to hump their one and only console.

That is, until this generation like I said.... I bought both an Xbox 360 and a Wii on release. I didn't buy a PS3 until 3 weeks ago due to the price of the console that put me off. And for such a long time, I wouldn't say I "mocked" the PS3s initial lack of games, but I was ready to point this out to all the PS3 fanboys who were ripping the other formats to shreds and even sometimes vehemently defended the 360 which is indeed an excellent console. And all because I couldn't afford a PS3 - it seems my fanboy-ishness (not a word, I know!) was born of frustration from the fact that I couldn't afford a PS3, which is shameful really. I became what I mocked, and that's probably just desserts.

The thing that struck me when I really thought about it though, was I could afford a PS3 if I wanted to. I know that all the PS3 haters out there are first to point out the price of the console as it's first weakness, but in all fairness, it's price is equal to that of a 360 Elite with just a couple of games, or a Wii with a couple of games and extra controller. I think those that use the PS3 price as an excuse now are very sadly in denial... bottom line is, since getting my PS3 I discovered just how worth the extra money it actually is. Although I'd still defend the Wii and 360 for both having some games that I just wouldn't be happy without, ultimately, the PS3 is EASILY the best console of this generation in my opinion. It looks, feels and is expensive - and worth every penny.

I think the upshot of all this realisation is that I will not so much elevate myself above who I'd consider fanboys, because in doing so, I risk becoming one myself. I'm still a firm believer that in having access to all games consoles is the best deal - it means I miss out on nothing. But I'm willing to be more open to reasons for being a fanboy - there can be genuine reasons after all. Maybe you had several Xboxes die on you and not hate MS, maybe you've had some other bad experience with MS through their many other products - perhaps you want to stab Mario in his silly little red hat and pin his moustache to a dartboard - whatever you're reasons are, as long as they're genuine, I have no problem. It's the unfounded reasons that fanboys employ for their one console love I still hate - basing their hate for the other consoles on no other fact or reason. That's what I'll still mock.

For the rest of you justified fanboys - I salute you. After all, I was among your ranks - even if it was for just a short while.

Now I have all the platforms and am once again one of gamings richest people for it (not in the financial sense, I wish!)

"And all because I couldn't afford a PS3 - it seems my fanboy-ishness (not a word, I know!) was born of frustration from the fact that I couldn't afford a PS3, which is shameful really."

We get that alot. But I am glad you are enjoying your PS3! 

i bet the Wii is worth every penny you spent on it but the question is the Wii really worth the hype? I owned a PS3 since launch bought my elite almost a yr ago (black friday) and justb finished building my gaming rig and i honestly dont see a reason to own a Wii. Not sure if i would sterotype this belief as being a fanboy but i truely feel you in saying the PS3 is best gaming console for the nex gen (current gen). But not for nothing I love all three of my black beasts lmao well the elite is like a grey smoke type of black but yeaa Myzz617

So you're waiting for a Wii in black then huh? lol

No seriously, the Wii is worth the hype - provided you get the right games for it. Obviously, it's always going to come down to opinion, but for me there are a number of games that are essential to anyone who thinks of themselves as a gamer. Mario Galaxy, Zelda, De Blob - and believe it or not, still my most played Wii game is Wii sports. It rocks!

met

how can you expect me to regard all consales as equal, my freind has had 3 xbox 360s in the last year one after another they broke down because lense problems or other internal stuff. finaly he decided to get a ps3 and he has had it for about 6 months and not a single problem. ps3 is by far the best consoldamonm

Am I missing something? Where did I ask people to regard all consoles as equal? I didn't is the answer.... infact, I even omitted that I think the PS3 is the best console. It doesn't mean the others are bad - far from it. Plus - you said it was your friend who had 3 x 360s break - what about your own opinion and your own experiences?

For me, a console breaking down does not make it a bad console. I've had 2 x 360s break but both times have had excellent customer service from Microsoft in replacing them without an issue. I've had no problems since and still enjoy all the exclusive games that non-360 owners don't. How is that a bad console?

This is just the typical pre-formed "fanboy" view of a console that I was talking about. Sure, if you personally had 3 x 360s break and received poor service from MS, I could see why you hate the 360, but you're forming your opinion based on someone elses experience. Branding the 360 a bad console is just silly based on that.

That was a great blog and I look forward to more.Large_Soda

cheers - it was an attempt at a balanced view... I understand some fanboys opinions, but many are pre-formed and those are the ones I like to question.

The great thing about people expressing their opinions is that it gives me greater insight into how superior mine is.Large_Soda

and LMAO. yeah, I feel that way most of the time *cleans dust off pedestal*

Fanboyism=Jealousy

Just get all of the consoles, then you can sit back and watch all these people bicker.

no offense but it sounds like ur fanboyism has just switched consoles. eitherway this isn't a place to compare the consoles.clarkportmanken

None taken - but no, I wouldn't say I've become a fanboy of the PS3... I would say that I think it's the best of the main 3, but that doesn't make me automatically think the other 2 suck - does that make sense? I like all 3, but I like PS3 the most...

It was posted in the PS3 section as it's mostly surrounding the PS3 since that was the most recent purchase and the surprise of being my favoured console. I knew that posting I like the PS3 most in either the Wii or 360 forum was asking for trouble *rolls eyes*

My fanboyism has now dissipated anyway - and that's what my thoughts were about. I didn't even realise I was being remotely fanboyish, but I was... and all because I couldn't afford a PS3 (how sad was that!?). I'm still of the opinion that all 3 formats are king, not just one. If it was a choice between just a PS3 or just a 360 and a Wii, I'd take the Wii-60 combo as I'd have more games open to me, but as one single console, the PS3 is clearly the more technically capable and impressive console. Not only that, but despite it's high price tag I actually think it's great value for money.

I have all three systems and also just built a gaming PC. The only problem I have now is a lack of time to play all the games. I don't really play the Wii anymore, though. Hopefully there will be something on it I want at some point. My wife won't let me sell it.zaphod_b

I built a gaming PC about 3 years ago, so it's likely rubbish by the standards now... ha ha. Cost me a fortune too, over £1,300 which would get me an amazing rig these days. I knew before I built it though that it would depreciate quickly... My Mrs loves the Wii too.

I have all three systems and also just built a gaming PC. The only problem I have now is a lack of time to play all the games. I don't really play the Wii anymore, though. Hopefully there will be something on it I want at some point. My wife won't let me sell it.zaphod_b

I think that is sooooo cool that your wife is a gamer:)...my old girlfriend was a gamer....best dam relationship I ever had!!! :P

It's good that you've come to that realization...you've grown-up!!! lol...I'm just glad I haven't had to struggle with fanboyism because I've always been an open-minded person.I've been tought from childhood to respect diversity...different people,religions, politics or whatever. I know my post was a little off topic but hey....what the heck!!! lolMERC_RECONN

Nah man, it's a good thing. I've always been able to hear an issue out, sort out the pros/cons without picking sides.

If only there were more of you around, the boards would be more civil.

[QUOTE="MERC_RECONN"]It's good that you've come to that realization...you've grown-up!!! lol...I'm just glad I haven't had to struggle with fanboyism because I've always been an open-minded person.I've been tought from childhood to respect diversity...different people,religions, politics or whatever. I know my post was a little off topic but hey....what the heck!!! lolMau-Justice

Nah man, it's a good thing. I've always been able to hear an issue out, sort out the pros/cons without picking sides.

If only there were more of you around, the boards would be more civil.

Thanks:D but I give all the credit to my family, the family structure is so important to human development.