This decision is killing me, advice/insight wanted...

I want to break into the next gen scene, but cannot for the life of me get my head wrapped around PS3 or 360.

From what I've seen the PS3 is currently lagging in games, but everyone predicts a big 2008 for it in terms of games and a more level playing field so to speak, but that is just a prediction.

360 has the killer online community but the system is less reliable and more prone to breaking down?

360 has the better games and developers are more familiar with its design process, but the PS3 has a more powerful hardware setup and potentialwith a more complex design process.

Blu-ray is winning the next gen dvd battle at 2:1 or 3:1 in sales, but I don't really want to throw my money into the battle until there is a clear winner (especially with studio backing flipping sides recently - paramount etc...)

On that same note, I can get 5 free blu ray movies just for buying a PS3 (thats easily a $100 value)

"Buy a 360 for now or invest in a PS3 for the future" - just a quote I saw on this forum. It seems to be the feeling that yes, PS3 will pay off in the future, if (and its a big if) blu-ray wins and gaming studios put out some better games.

Multiplat games obviously do better on 360, but recently they've been fairing better and better on PS3 (Tiger Woods 08). I know Madden struck out for PS3, but from here on out, multiplat games might be equal? On that note, I mostly game sports games like madden, fifa, nba 2k also some shooters and the big blockbuster games (not a halo fan at all though, sorry).

I really like the PS3's ability to update itself from the internet (just from reading the firmware 1.9 update stuff). Makes it seem like the PS3 will last longer than the 360 because it is so easy to upgrade/adapt. Or can the 360 easily update itself as well?

I understand both systems are capable of upconverting standard dvds to high def via HDMI. I hope thats true. It pulls me towards the 360 because if it upconverts, than why gamble on the blu-ray and save some $.

Wi Fi would be nice, but I'm currently not set up for it.

I've priced both systems as follows:

60 GB PS3 - $500 Premium 360 - $350

HDMI cable - $10 (yeah, I got a hookup...) $10

A game to start with - $60$60

5 free blu-ray movies - free

Total - $570 $420

Microsoft is a power in itself and I worry about choosing against a company that is so driven to dominate all that it is involved with. But thats another issue in itself.

Any insight, help, or corrections with my assumptions/statements above would be most helpful. I've come to the best knowledge base I can find for this help. Thanks in advance.

2 or 3 years down the road, you think 360 still have the better, more refined games...good to know.

U have to add 20$ for the 360 controllercharging kit.Then add 150$ for 3 years of live and the price argument is null.

Looking at ur post no doubt get the ps3.Since u dont have a 360 u will havePLENTY of GREAT games to play on the ps3 RIGHT NOW.But the ps3's future just destroys that of the 360.It will have a longer lifespan.I can tell u that very soon the limited DVD9 of the 360 will bottleneck it's games greatly.Well they already do actually.Look at forza 2 for e.g.

Ps3 will have K/mouse support in many games which will be a HUGE thing for those who want to play with that style.There is really no comparasion between the ps3 and 360.Ps3 is clearly better however iam not saying that u wouldbe dissapointed if u got the 360.But why not get the best thing.

And remember that the 360 is not saving u $.XBL costs money please dont be a fool even if it's better than PSN it still costs $.I am not a fanboy and it is my honest opinion that looking at ur tastes get the ps3 or u may even regret it latter on when MS announces the next xbox and abandons the 360 when the ps3 is getting great games left and right.And dont even think about being worried about the sales of the ps3.U can be assured that sony will make sure that it will be very well supported throughout this gen.

A PS3 pricecut eh? Care to elaborate? That makes the PS3 more appealing with a price cut.

what is a falcon chip?

Thanks for the opinion thinker, I gotta say, thats the way I'm leaning. That $500 is just so much though...

A PS3 pricecut eh? Care to elaborate? That makes the PS3 more appealing with a price cut.

andypg3

[QUOTE="andypg3"]

A PS3 pricecut eh? Care to elaborate? That makes the PS3 more appealing with a price cut.

Dualshockin

thanks sony

what is a falcon chip?

Thanks for the opinion thinker, I gotta say, thats the way I'm leaning. That $500 is just so much though...

andypg3

[QUOTE="andypg3"]

A PS3 pricecut eh? Care to elaborate? That makes the PS3 more appealing with a price cut.

Dualshockin

Where did you hear that?

Anyways, I'd recommend that you wait until december, you'll probably find better deals for both consoles around christmas.

[QUOTE="Dualshockin"][QUOTE="andypg3"]

A PS3 pricecut eh? Care to elaborate? That makes the PS3 more appealing with a price cut.

SillyManimal

Where did you hear that?

Anyways, I'd recommend that you wait until december, you'll probably find better deals for both consoles around christmas.

what is a falcon chip?

Thanks for the opinion thinker, I gotta say, thats the way I'm leaning. That $500 is just so much though...

andypg3

A PS3 pricecut eh? Care to elaborate? That makes the PS3 more appealing with a price cut.

andypg3

[QUOTE="andypg3"]

what is a falcon chip?

Thanks for the opinion thinker, I gotta say, thats the way I'm leaning. That $500 is just so much though...

briguyb13

Yeah, I've heard of those red rings, does the PS3 have any reoccuring problems like that?

I could wait till christmas 2010, but I wouldn't have anything to do for 4 years...I'd like to purchase sooner than later, but if there was a rumored price cut for say Oct. or say PS3 cuts prices around the Halo 3 release then I'd time my purchase.

[QUOTE="SillyManimal"][QUOTE="Dualshockin"][QUOTE="andypg3"]

A PS3 pricecut eh? Care to elaborate? That makes the PS3 more appealing with a price cut.

Dualshockin

Where did you hear that?

Anyways, I'd recommend that you wait until december, you'll probably find better deals for both consoles around christmas.

Could you be more specific?

There are rumors that a $400 skuwill come out sometime this year, but I've never heard anything about what you said.

what is a falcon chip?

Thanks for the opinion thinker, I gotta say, thats the way I'm leaning. That $500 is just so much though...

andypg3

Plus i already said that over the lifespan of this gen U WILL SPEND MORE MONEY ON 360 THAN PS3.It's just that u will play in installments on the 360 after the initial cost of 350$.

Yes u will have to have 500$ at one time in order to buy a ps3 which is not small money i'll agree.However if u have even a shadow of a doubt that u are being ripped off then please remove those doubts.Remeber blue ray HELPS in gaming.

In the end it's all your decision.

Could you be more specific?There are rumors that a $400 skuwill come out sometime this year, but I've never heard anything about what you said.SillyManimal

[QUOTE="briguyb13"][QUOTE="andypg3"]

what is a falcon chip?

Thanks for the opinion thinker, I gotta say, thats the way I'm leaning. That $500 is just so much though...

andypg3

Yeah, I've heard of those red rings, does the PS3 have any reoccuring problems like that?

I could wait till christmas 2010, but I wouldn't have anything to do for 4 years...I'd like to purchase sooner than later, but if there was a rumored price cut for say Oct. or say PS3 cuts prices around the Halo 3 release then I'd time my purchase.

[QUOTE="SillyManimal"]Could you be more specific?There are rumors that a $400 skuwill come out sometime this year, but I've never heard anything about what you said.Dualshockin

I'm prepared to take that risk.

This is how i would price it out for the PS3. I dont want to pressure you or anything but right now the prices are pretty muc hthe same.

(these are canadian prices)(ill exclude taxes)

PS3- 550

game $60

hdmi- 10

free blu ray movies- I did a little research and i came to a conclusion that if you get the most expensive movies you could get up to $200 in store credit because you could just return the movies. Also i contacted best buy and future shop and they even told me they will give me store credit back.

blu ray remote- free!. I saw this deal this week. $40 value but you could easily return it for store credit.

$550+ 60+10=$670

670-200-40=$430

So really the ps3 could cost you $430 and you get wifi which is like a $100 for the 360.

As for games the PS3 is doinggood in 2007. Like many games like Heavenly Sword, warhawk,lair, uncharted, ratchet future,folklore and a few more. As for the multiplats they are pretty much become identical on both the 360 and Ps3

As for 2008(IMO the ps3's year). There is going to be so many titles out! Atminimum of12 killer titles next year. I'll name a few.

1.Metal gear Solid 4

2. Little big Planet

3.Killzone

4. Infamous

5. L.A. Noire (never say gameplay yet but its from rockstar so it has to be good)

6. Resistance 2

also there is more confirmed titles

Also currently there are 6-8 unannounced titles that are making there way for 2008.

anyways. i would get a Ps3.

[QUOTE="briguyb13"][QUOTE="andypg3"]

what is a falcon chip?

Thanks for the opinion thinker, I gotta say, thats the way I'm leaning. That $500 is just so much though...

andypg3

Yeah, I've heard of those red rings, does the PS3 have any reoccuring problems like that?

I could wait till christmas 2010, but I wouldn't have anything to do for 4 years...I'd like to purchase sooner than later, but if there was a rumored price cut for say Oct. or say PS3 cuts prices around the Halo 3 release then I'd time my purchase.

And if u decide to buy a 360 then i think u should be comfortable with the 3 year warranty.If your 360 breaks then i am sure that MS will put those falcon chips in your 360 so that u dont visit them again and cost them furthur money.

1. Buying one or the other today, right now, is a poor economic decision. One orthe other or both will likely have a price cut before Christmas. And both will have a better library available at Christmas. If money is a concern, as it seems, you should wait a few months and see what happens. All fanboy BS aside, MS is in the better position vis-a-vis price, simply because they launched first, with less cost built-in, and will have obtained manufacturing efficiency first....therefore, they can act first, or follow Sony...either way MS has the first mover advantage and will use it to ensure that Sony does not leap ahead on price. The PS3 will never be cheaper than the 360. It is simple economic fact and if you discuss it with a neutral party that understand business they will tell you this.

2. The issue with the PS3 is whether you want or need the features. Why pay for Wifi if you don't want it? Why pay for BluRay if you don't want or need it, or if you fear making the wrong format decision? Another fundamental fact is that standalone BluRay and/or HD-DVD players are going to plummet in price. This is simply a truism of technology. In a year or two they will be dirt cheap. Do you expect to buy and play a lot of movies in the next 1-2 yrs? If not, then the current value of a BluRay player is minimal to you...you will be able to buy a standalone one for nothing in the future. The vast majority of DVD players sold have been sold at far less than $100. Think about that as the same will happen with BD or HD-DVD. On the other hand, if you are a movie nut, have an HDTV, and are certain to buy and play movies...then the PS3 could be a good choice. Same for Wifi. Will you really need/use it?

3. The issue with 360 is whether you fear the reliability factor. The new Falcon chip models with extra heat sink will likely solve the problem. They will hit retail around Oct - Nov. Combine that with a likely price drop and the issue of reliability may be moot.

4. PS3 gaming library is currently inferior to that of the 360 and will likely stay that way through mid-2008 at least. The only exception to that is if there are specific games that you want that are only PS3....in which case, no one can really advise you since you have to make a judgement based upon your favorites. But for now through winter/spring the 360 is clearly ahead. Whether the PS3 catches up or surpasses the 360 is a matter of debate.

5. There is little to no evidence that one or the other is particularly better at actually playing games. There might be a slight 360 advantage in 3rd party titles. And there might be a slight PS3 advantage in first party titles.

6. The cows will tell you they have a better 2008 lineup....this mostly reflects 3-4 primary franchises. It also reflects the fact that MS has deliberately focused its strategy on winter 07 and has not announced very much for 2008. This simply reflects the different business strategies. Clearly there will be hundreds of games for both systems launched in 2008. Are there any particular franchises you are severely in love with...and if so...on what systems? If not, then either a cow or a lemming argument about future releases is pretty hollow because there will be hundreds of games and we know very little about most of them.

7. And then there is price. Do you really need Wifi? Do you really need BluRay? If so, pretty good deal. Sony PSN is free. XBL is less than $5/month. Nevertheless, free is better than not free. How big a deal is $5/month cashflow? How big a deal is $500 vs $350 upfront cost?

8. Neither is going to die. Neither is going away. And this generation, multiplat games are going to dominate and represent the lion's share of total games. And neither system looks to be that much better at actually playing games than the other.

Only you can decide what value means to you.