should i buy an xbox 360? please read

Yes

Just get it. It's the best console of this generation. The games on it are at least. If you are someone that doesn't like to spend money then don't get it. It has loads of add on options like wireless connection, batteries, headsets, loaders, keyboards and whatnot which are useful. You also need to pay every 12 months to play online so keep that in mind. You will be spending money on things other then just games if you own an X360. If you are OK with that then there is nothing stopping you from getting it. It's by far the most fun experience you can get this generation up to this point. It just costs more money in the long run then other consoles as you mostly spend cash on games with the other systems; with X360 you spend money on online features, accessories as well as games. Not to mention there are allot more quality games to choose from on the X360 then other systems out there so you'll probably spend more money on that as well.

If that's not a big issue for you then get it. Definitely. 

i've got a ps2, and i've been thinking about buying the xbox 360. i've read some stuff about it, but can someone compare the ps2 to the 360 (i know it seems ridiculous to u guys, but i want to make sure my money is being spent in a good way. i don't want to end up regretting buying a 360). and , if u say something very technical, like "gH cores" or something like it, can u try to explain it to me? can someone help me out?Freedom24-7

besides online play and graphics, what else does the 360 have that the ps2 doesn't have?Freedom24-7

besides online play and graphics, what else does the 360 have that the ps2 doesn't have?Freedom24-7

i've also heard that the 360 makes alot of noise compared to other systems and heats up quickly. is that true?

and i'm also interested in the specifications of the 360.  i mean, besides great titles and controllers and other add ons to the 360, what are the technical differences between the ps2 and 360 (besides graphics, i already know the 360 kicks ass on that lol)?

i've got a ps2, and i've been thinking about buying the xbox 360. i've read some stuff about it, but can someone compare the ps2 to the 360 (i know it seems ridiculous to u guys, but i want to make sure my money is being spent in a good way. i don't want to end up regretting buying a 360). and , if u say something very technical, like "gH cores" or something like it, can u try to explain it to me? can someone help me out?Freedom24-7

 Freedom24-7 i was in the same boat as you around 3 months ago when i owned a PS2. Ask me and i'll gladly tell you some things that 360 does that make it an unbeatable buy.

i've also heard that the 360 makes alot of noise compared to other systems and heats up quickly. is that true?

Freedom24-7

 It does make more noise than the PS2 since its processing power is much greater and needs a strong fan, but a good point to note is that it makes no noise hardly when you're on the dashboard (viewing pix listening to music etc). As for the heat, yes, it does get warm but if you take basic preacautions then you shouldn't get any trouble (eg. not covering the fan or leaving 360 on for days on end).

[QUOTE="Freedom24-7"]i've got a ps2, and i've been thinking about buying the xbox 360. i've read some stuff about it, but can someone compare the ps2 to the 360 (i know it seems ridiculous to u guys, but i want to make sure my money is being spent in a good way. i don't want to end up regretting buying a 360). and , if u say something very technical, like "gH cores" or something like it, can u try to explain it to me? can someone help me out?BikerPunk

Im on the same ship as you two.  I've used my ps2 to its capacity where i almost hate it now.  There is no competition for the 360 in my opinion.  The ps3 cost waaaay too much and the wii has the absolute worst graphics ive ever seen, and when i play videogames, i dont want it to be in the form of exercise(im lazy :D).  The live also attracts me very much.

i've also heard that the 360 makes alot of noise compared to other systems and heats up quickly. is that true?

and i'm also interested in the specifications of the 360.  i mean, besides great titles and controllers and other add ons to the 360, what are the technical differences between the ps2 and 360 (besides graphics, i already know the 360 kicks ass on that lol)?

Freedom24-7

[QUOTE="Freedom24-7"]besides online play and graphics, what else does the 360 have that the ps2 doesn't have?pokeracc

thanks julesmaester. glad u guys willing to help me out here.  and i'm glad alot of ppl can relate. well, there are two things i need to know:

is it worth the money ( i have the money, but i feel guilty spending so much money. yeah, i know it seems odd, but i just don't want to make a big purchase that i will regret)? i mean, the core syste, plus 3 games only, costs about $500. is that really worth it?

and, what are the technical differences between the ps2 and the 360? i know there are exclusive titles and such, but i want to know how the 360 compares to the ps2 in terms of performance (besides graphics)

 and i think that's about it.  if i do decide to buy it, i'll buy it this summer when i can get the money.  and, i know that if i do buy it, i'll buy the core package to save money, along with 3 games i might like (well, one i'll buy when it comes out in over half a year).

The 360 is a very good game console and will continue to get better without question.  I personally do not think the elite is worth the purchase at this point in time.  Now if it has the newer processor and the new optical drive as well as a redesigned fan for heat dispation then I'll gladly upgrade mine for it but until it does I'll stick with what I have.

The PS2 was easily the winner of the last generation.  In my opinion the winner of this generation will not be as easly to declare even-though a lot of people will declare one console the winner.  There are so many games that are not exclusive to either system right now, that the real winner of this generation is us: the game players.  The competition the Sony and Microsoft will create will drive them much in the same ways that Nintendo and Sega did with the NES and Genesis and that was a great time to be a gamer and now with the 360 and PS3 so close to specs that we have to opportunity to experience this one again and for a lot of gamers the first time.

So if you want it, get it and enjoy the games.  If you want to stick with the PS2 for awhile longer then do that.  The best thing to do is look at the upcoming game list for both and decide which has the best lineup that suits your gaming style.  Also another thing to consider is have you played all the games you want to on your PS2 up until this point.  Used games are dirt cheap right now and is a good time to pick up a lot of titles one my have missed out on this first time though. 

     Before I purchased a Xbox360 I had similiar concerns.  The graphics on the PS2 are not of the same quality as the next gen systems.  But to make really good use of the next gen systems graphics a HD TV would really help.  But the graphics on an older TV are still much better.  Cost is the factor between the PS3 and Xbox360.  I found the best deal at Costco with the best warranty also.  The games coming out, for the most part, can be found on both systems.  At least Microsoft is expanding the variety of games on its system giving Xbox owners more choices in the types of games to play.  I am not a tech guru, just like to play and have fun.  So far the Xbox360 has delivered an enjoyable experience with no system problems.  I have had my system for over a year now.  Everything works well and the game play has been smooth.  The PS3 is expensive and when you add the additional equipment needed it is even more expensive.  If you are considering the PS3 wait longer because they are still producing quality games for the PS2, like God of War 2.  If you choose the Xbox360 I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have, the graphics and game play are outstanding.  Good Luck

The first mass produced and shipped orders of the 360 had overheating issues. This happened to mine, which I got at launch, about 9 months in (red ring of death). I shipped it into MS and they sent me a replacement unit free of cost. They also extended my warranty for 1 year based on the new replacement unit. The units that are in stores today for sale have been corrected for this overheat issue. Also, I keep my 360 battery, which is rather large, sitting on top of 4 plastic Coke bottle caps. This leaves for some room between the battery and the floor/carpet and helps dissipate the battery heat better. There are a number of great titles on the 360 which I've truly enjoyed playing (Elder Scrolls, GRAW I, DOA4, Dead Rising ... etc). If you already have a widescreen HDTV and dolby surround sound equipment, you can leverage those with the 360. All games are presented in pristine HD clarity, and sound is output in digital 5.1 stereo (you can hear blasts and bullets whiz by you in GRAW, which just heightens the intensity of the game). MS seems intent on making the 360 a more well rounded entertainment unit with such features as tv and movie downloads via XBOX LIVE. You can also plug your iPod directly into the 360 via the front USB port and listen to non-DRM or plain ol' mp3s that are on your iPod through your 360 and stereo. As much as MS is trying to make the 360 the centerpiece of your entertainment center, the movie downloads on XBL don't port to other systems (like iTunes tracks not playing on non-Apple devices). The 360 doesn't ship with a built in HD player, whereas the PS3 does, at a higher cost. You can however, buy an HD-DVD add-on drive and I've seen this in action at a friend's house. The picture quality and improved menu access is definetly worth it if you're a movie addict and want hi-def DVDs now. In a nut shell, I think MS knows where it's going with the 360 as a gaming console. There are still some kinks to work out with the 360 as an entertainment centerpiece.

i've also heard that the 360 makes alot of noise compared to other systems and heats up quickly. is that true?

and i'm also interested in the specifications of the 360. i mean, besides great titles and controllers and other add ons to the 360, what are the technical differences between the ps2 and 360 (besides graphics, i already know the 360 kicks ass on that lol)?

Freedom24-7

Yeah that is true.  8)

in mine opinion the 360 is the best, but do wait for the Elite. In my eyes its not only the specswise but also because of the games it's getting. I know the original XBOX was almost only shooters and was why I loved it but the 360 is also getting a lot of games in the other genres, especially in the RPG genre, just look at Oblivion the 360 will have alot more of games like it. We all know that's all about the games so let's take a look at the line up of games for the 360 this year, this way I knew I can't go wrong with a 360.

Mass Effect Q2  this RPG is going to be a trilogy over the 360's lifespan so do pick it up

Bioshock

Unreal tournament 3

Forza Motorsport 2

assassin's Creed

GTA4

Brothers in Arms hells highway

Halo 3

And alot more of which I just can't think of right know, but I'll tell you this all of these are looking like they are going to be AAA titles and I even miss alot of the games that come out this year, so I recommend you, you look up the games for the 360 check them  out and decide if you like them if they appeal to you. 

thanks julesmaester. glad u guys willing to help me out here.  and i'm glad alot of ppl can relate. well, there are two things i need to know:

is it worth the money ( i have the money, but i feel guilty spending so much money. yeah, i know it seems odd, but i just don't want to make a big purchase that i will regret)? i mean, the core system, plus 3 games only, costs about $500. is that really worth it?

and, what are the technical differences between the ps2 and the 360? i know there are exclusive titles and such, but i want to know how the 360 compares to the ps2 in terms of performance (besides graphics)

 and i think that's about it.  if i do decide to buy it, i'll buy it this summer when i can get the money.  and, i know that if i do buy it, i'll buy the core package to save money, along with 3 games i might like (well, one i'll buy when it comes out in over half a year).

Freedom24-7

Do Not Get The Core System,  It doesn't come with a Hard Drive, which is pointless.  Also if you ever want to save ur game then you will need either a HDD or a memory card, but the memory cards are small and pointless, and the hard drive would cost $110 seperate, so it is pointless to buy the core console.

thanks guys for all your input (hey, who isn't biased these says lol). i just wanted to make sure the 360 performed better than the ps2 (u know, no glitches or anything, good graphics, good game flow, etc.). i'm just getting the feeling that the ps2 is approaching the day when someone will say "u still have a ps2, that thing is old" or something like that. yet i also don't want to regret buying the 360, but from what u guys say, it seems my fear is too high for what it's worth. thanks for all your input guys.

as for ppl tellling me don't get the core system, i don't think i have a choice.  my parents would never let me spend that much money, and i don't think i have that kind of money.  everything else costs at least $100 more, and my parents would kill me if they knew i had spent that much.  besides, i'm a high school sophmore, so i don't think i will be playing much video games in the future (damn school system).  i just wanted to see if the 360 was worth the purchase.  plus my summer is gonna be packed with other stuff.  but i still think that i'll have time to play the 360 over the summer if i got it.  but thanks for your input anyways.   

Yes buy it, especially now easters gone there are great offers on (so i hear) btw are you in the US?

I recommend just getting the Premium, not the Elite or the Core.

Heres a comparison of the PS3 and 360 (tho its kinda old) hope it helps.

You'll get a biased response asking in this forum, Yes!!HarryVanBreemen

lol true that, true that, and YES!!!

i recently sold my ps2 and all its games.  i got the 360 for my birthday and i love it so far.  i'm a little scared from the issues people have had with it breaking but otherwise i've loved being able to finally getting all those xbox games like halo and ninja gaiden that i've always wanted to play.  the system is sweet and you can usually find some little deal now where you'll get a free gme for buying it. the controller is actually more comfortable than the ps2's, at it RUMBLES unlike the ps3's from what i understand. i love the rumbles :)