10 reasons to buy a 360, or wait for a PS3
by Dan Choi 
{ Nov 23rd 2005 at 7:30PM }
In the interest of fair play—or equal time?—here's a link to IGN's
top-10 reasons for buying an Xbox 360, to balance our earlier coverage of
their waiting-for-Revolution list.
PS3 fans left out of the console-list war can visit the "Ten Reasons to Wait for PS3" page
here (if they'd simply like to scroll through a bunch of
affirming reasons, too).
As for the buy-a-360 list we're focusing on now, some decent reasons for Xbox fealty are given, such as the smattering
of good games at launch (if not the best of all time, whether first-party or third), the XBL Marketplace, the combo of
Gamertag and Gamer Card, and system availability in stores now
(to
some extent). Other features cited are shared by the 360's console rivals to come, including wireless controllers,
downloadable games, and backward compatibility (with likely a more complete version of BC to boot). If these competing
considerations prove too much for Xbox fans to handle, perhaps there's another
site they might want to visit from time to time.
[Thanks, JD, todd, and LSSLAVE]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zo? @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
"...good games at launch (if not the best of all time, whether first-party or third)"
Oh, shut up. Please. I think my brain's bleeding now.
Big mOi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
The PS3 will not be on sell till november trust me so your best chance at next-gen graphics will be the xbox 360. But in November 2006 the PS3 will blow us away. But for now I'll just play my Xbox 360 that is still not at my house lol.
Xbox 360 Maniac @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Nice list. I'd add or expand on #7 - playing original xbox games in hi def.
They just need to get cranking on some of the better titles.
Zo? @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Neither of these two systems will "blow us away." The days of having systems "blow us away" are long over. Now, purchasing a new system comes out of habit more than anything else.
If Nintendo f*cks it all up this cycle, then there's really not much left for the industry to fall back on within the next ten years. We're doomed to repeat 1983 come 2013. That's my take on it, anyway.
Dan Choi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Well, Zo?that parenthetical remark was meant to reflect the viewpoints of the IGN 360 editors (if it wasn't made clear enough in the post). Don't kill the messenger (if that's what you intended, that is)!
Not necessarily what I think, but here's what they said: "Never in the history of consoles has there been a better all-around lineup."
Zo? @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
And Dan, my retort wasn't necessarily directed at you or your piece, either. Reading back over what I wrote, I can see how it would have been taken that way. I apologize.
If I'm correct, "IGN" used to stand for "Imagine Games Network." That was years and years ago. I don't know what it stands for today, but I can be almost certain that the "I" doesn't represent "integrity."
In other words, if it came out of the mouth of someone at IGN (save for maybe Matt Cassamassina), it's probably ignorant, biased bullsh*t.
Fenris @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
You can't spell ignorant without IGN.
JRT @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
The first lastgen console out of the gate was the Dreamcast (unless you count the illfated Saturn, which noone does). When that console came out, I HAD to have it. Even though I couldn't afford it as a broke college student, I bought it anyway, and didn't regret it until I realized that the developer support just wasn't there, and that I should have held out for a Playstation 2.
This time around, it's altogether different. The Dreamcast had launch games like NFL 2K and Crazy Taxi, with graphics that were absolutely astounding for a home console at that time. I believe it is still possible right to create next gen games with wow-factor equivalent to the first Dreamcast games, but that Microsoft simply hasn't done it. I don't think this says anything necessarily about the hardware; it's more likely just a lack of time for development. I think we're reaching a time where to truly wow an audience, a game has to be several years in the making. The XBOX 360 games were slopped together remakes of last gen games with higher native resolution, and that's it. I disagree with the earlier poster who claimed that the days of next-gen consoles "blowing us away" are over. If Sony or Nintendo does it right, people will be moved and their system will be the one that truly feels like the next level, just like the last gen consoles did. The XBOX 360 is too incremental, and that will be its downfall. It's a tweener.
Disclaimer: I am a dispassionate observer. I'm interested for intellectual reasons only. I am not a fanboy.
JRT @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
oops, the saturn comment was a complete brainfart
bd (formerly b) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
I'm gonna go this week for a 360 if only I have the chance. I'm possitive anyway. Chances are I won't find one and I'd get good current-gen games anyway: Shadow of Colossus, Dragon's Quest 8, Metroid Prime 1 & 2, Eternal Darkness, MGS: Twin Snakes, MGS3, Killzone, God of War, RE4, MK Deception, MK Shaolin monks, Devil May Cry 2 and 3, and... perhaps that's the amount I'd spend on a 360 anyway if I do find it.
Oh, and Zo?
Don't worry. You can say fuck and bullshit, even kids have heard those words.
Kevin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
I don’t normally complain and have been looking forward to using MCE and XBOX 360 together. Believe me; I want this stuff to work. Here is my experience so far.
I flew home from New Orleans last night and went right over to pick up the XBOX 360 I pre-ordered. The store required me to buy two games with the purchase, but all the good games were sold out. I bought two B games and went home to set the system up. I played some games, went to bed, and left the thing on overnight.
In the morning I noticed that the unit was rather hot and turned it off. After work I came home and turned the unit back on only to get 3 flashing red lights (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907534). I unhooked the power and cables and then plugged them back in. The system worked properly until I had the same problem again.
Then I tried to configure the XBOX to work with the HP MCE that I installed last week (MCE is a whole other story). The configuration failed until I uninstalled Norton Internet Security and then the two boxes communicated. Obviously certain ports have to be opened. Ever since then I get 4 flashing red lights or scrambled video and lockups from the XBOX 360.
I called support and waited 20 minutes to speak with someone. When someone picked up they asked me my name and [What country?] I was calling from! I let her know I was in the US and told her about the flashing red lights. She let me know that there have been lots of calls about flashing red lights, mostly about 3 flashing lights and fewer with 4. She shared info about the problem calls but refused to share her location in the world, other than that it was cold out.
The support girl had me unplug the video cable and wipe it with a soft cloth. It still failed, so she proceeded to let me know the XBOX 360 would need repairs. They are sending a box which she said would arrive tomorrow. She obviously didn’t know that it is too late to ship anything and that tomorrow is a holiday. She said the system will be repaired or replaced within 10 days. We will see.
bd (formerly b) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
*positive*
*Shadow of the colossus*
GamerZero @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Xbox360 is just a fancy heater.Im waiting for Revo because its gonna revolutionize games beyond belief especialy with the virtual reality beating,eyetoy stomping controller.Revo will have no sequels,no ports just pure gaming glory.Might get a PS3 to play HD movies,not sure about games though!Halo what?
BlackYoshi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
JRT, that argument is all well and good, but if it was true, the PS2 would have failed. It had an absolute awful launch lineup, worse than Gamecubes. And yet it sold 90 million units.
sonicinmobius @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
GamerZero, your ignorance never ceases to amaze me. Nintendo is THE ports/sequel company. GBA has tons of NES and SNES ports, and most of the good Nintendo games are sequels/offshoots of something else. Seriously, stop being a stupid fanboy.
P.S. Before other stupid Nintendo fanboys (who are in denial, by the way, about Nintendo becoming a niche company) start saying "OMG XBAWKS IS GAY IT FREEZES LOL!!!!", please know that I like Nintendo. They make quality consoles and games. But they're not the corporate manifestation of Christ.
Mullinator @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
@sonicinmobius
The idiotic fanboys in this world aren't the ones saying that they like a certain console. They are the ones insulting the competition and the people who support the competition. So shut your mouth if you don't want to be seen as an idiotic fanboy yourself which you seem to believe you are not.
Lou @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
the reasons to wait for a PS3 are pretty lame.
that editor actually bought into the marketing BS that Sony throws out. The PS2 was supposed to have 10 times the power that it actually has too and the Dreamcast could outclass it.
If anyone believes the PS3 can do dual screen 120fps 1080p, you have issues. Also, who is going to spend $10,000 to get to play a PS3 with 2 1080p screens? Not me. I can only look at one anyway. What's the PS3 trying to be a console version of the Nintendo DS?
handheld connectivity was proven gimmicky and useless. Look at the Dreamcast VMU, GC->GBA. Atleast in Splinter cell the GBA becomes a radar map. Oh and PSP has crap for games.
Revolution will be in the US before the PS3. As more information is released, more developers are jumping on Revolution.
Let's not forget free first party online gameplay.
Atleast the reasons to wait for Revolution are valid ones. Nintendo doesn't inflate capabilities. The Revolution controller will be exactly what they say it will be.
Though I'm still down on the lack of HiDef support...they better have widescreen 480p though...
Lou @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
the reasons to wait for a PS3 are pretty lame.
that editor actually bought into the marketing BS that Sony throws out. The PS2 was supposed to have 10 times the power that it actually has too and the Dreamcast could outclass it.
If anyone believes the PS3 can do dual screen 120fps 1080p, you have issues. Also, who is going to spend $10,000 to get to play a PS3 with 2 1080p screens? Not me. I can only look at one anyway. What's the PS3 trying to be a console version of the Nintendo DS?
handheld connectivity was proven gimmicky and useless. Look at the Dreamcast VMU, GC->GBA. Atleast in Splinter cell the GBA becomes a radar map. Oh and PSP has crap for games.
Revolution will be in the US before the PS3. As more information is released, more developers are jumping on Revolution.
Let's not forget free first party online gameplay.
Atleast the reasons to wait for Revolution are valid ones. Nintendo doesn't inflate capabilities. The Revolution controller will be exactly what they say it will be.
Though I'm still down on the lack of HiDef support...they better have widescreen 480p though...
XD @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
sonicinmobius,
nice post; I also respect Nintendo.
Fenris,
thats funny stuff!
LSSLAVE, now I know why you got so defensive in the revo top 10, you got some credit for this article lol!
I don't think there are good reasons to wait or not wait for a system purchase. If you want something, thats reason enough to get it, if you have the means to. Every system will have its good and bad points and every system will be better than the other 2 for something and the worst for something else. Bottom line is if something about the system attracts you to it, thats a good sign that you wont be dissapointed with it. If you don't get excited by what you see, wait until you do or until the other guys get their chance to empty your wallet. There are no good or bad systems people, its all preference and what gives you what experience you're looking for. I see myself wanting all 3 but right now I have the only one I can have at this time. Maybe when the next one comes out, I'll trade in my X360 collection and jump ship or just keep them all. I don't see the need to trash which ever system you dont like and why people unrealisticaly raise the systems that they like on a pedistle. They all want the same thing, your money! So if you're going to give it to them, make sure you enjoy what you get so you don't feel ripped off. My biggest complaint with X360 is that DOA4 was delayed because thats the game i wanted to play, but its only a for few more days, so i'll live. The industry on a whole is getting less interesting to me, I hope Nintendo's risks with the revo help get the indusrty thinking about being more creative.
GamerZero @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Go back and read it again sonicinmobius.You will discover I was knocking them all.No games-console company is pure!I like them all but they all deserve a bit of pisstake.
Mullinator @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Actually no you didn't bash them all GamerZero, you just praised the Revolution, stayed neutral with the PS3 and bashed the 360.
XD @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
GamerZero,
you should go read again, you trashed X360, were unsure on PS3 for games but would buy it for next gen movies and said Nintendo was turning the industry on its side for the better. Not to mention you claimed Revo would have NO SEQUELS and NO PORTS? Common, who do you think you're fooling but yourself? Again, I'm not trashing, but Revo will have sequels and ports. Nintendo is netorious for ports and that doesn't bother me because i had more fun in the 16bit era then at any other time. But keep it real please.
Zo? @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
So, you guys gonna continue this fight during recess, or after school behind the swings?
I'll give each of you a juice box if you give it a rest.
GamerZero @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
I won't be buying a PS3 to play movies,thats like buying a car to play music.I will buy it if it plays good games though,sequels like GrandTheftAuto.As for the Revo,I'll probably give it a miss simply because I know Ill enjoy that too!Even if its games were much better or original,I simply havn't got the time to enjoy 3 consoles,complete the best of their respective games and have a life outside of playing games.I enjoyed Halo so I want to see what happens and previews of some 360 games show much more promise than whats available now so Ill get one when I see some AAA reviews.As for the Revo,Nintendo havn't shown anything and I think its alarming because it may be that if they did show something we'd probably all take the piss some more.Im on the fence and Im skeptical of any system that plays games.PS3 will be the most powerful console in terms of graphical display but like everybody keeps saying 'Is that enough to keep everybody waiting?'If games are released on BlueRay surely they will be more expensive,especially if it means more development time to fill such a disk.What about loading times?PS3 has 256 mb for graphics so I don't see how it can be much better if the 360's has the ability to use whatever it like of its 512mb,they both use texture compression.PS3 can render more polys but what kind of improvement to the 360 when it too can technicaly fill a screen with millions,a vast improvement,I doubt it.PS3 can run a version of Linux,hmm,thats just so that they can use a tax dodge just like they did with PS2 when it came with a simple programming tool to call it a computer,sorry a super computer instead of a console.The question is 'How long do I sit on the fence twiddling my thumbs instead of a joypad when I'm bored of the current crop of consoles and a saturated PC market?'
Lansing @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Why didn't they put for the (waiting for PS3) that finding an xbox isn't exactly possible. That's a pretty fair distractor from an xbox360 in my opinion. It's not like I can say, "I want an Xbox 360!, well let me go out and get one!". Everyday I can't find an Xbox 360 is one day closer to a ps3 preorder, take that Microsoft marketing.
GamerZero @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Microsoft has plenty of time b4 PS3 to change minds.Just because you'll wait for PS3 don't think it will get any easier.Better titles will come out and as the months pass you'll have to force yourself to believe everythings going to be better with the PS3.Also the Revo will be chipping at Sony's installed user base in the Spring.I think the high prices will drop in time so waiting for PS3 is even harder.Its GREAT that the competition now have very different strategies to entice the consumer along with better tech and Im enjoying the moment.Some people hate it because its very hard to make a choice but those who do buy early can rejoice knowing its far from over and gaming will happily continue.
themadcoyote @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
The Xbox 360 is not worth getting right now. Just look at all the reports of the 360 crashing and having hardware/software problems. I applaud mircosoft for rushing their product out onto the market before making sure it is stable. But then again consoles are just run down versions of a PC. Also computers had these graphics 3 years ago, so whats so special about paying $400-500 for an outdated system? I'd rather spend the money on a new computer with future games. For example, the new Unreal game in development, that game itself makes Doom3 and Half-life 2 look like A PS2 game. Just my 2 cents.
GamerZero @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
It costs the price of a console to update the graphics card every so often to keep up in the PC market,thats why people buy consoles.
Chris @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM
Yeah, I am pretty sick of these computer references. Consoles are not computers and should not be compared to them. Its not fair to either. Computers do far more than play games and movies, but are far more expensive. Computers can arguably play the more superior graphics but again you have to pay for it and you have to go to the hassle of setting it up and debugging any problems with compatibility. Consoles don't require any set up time. So please people stop comparing apples and oranges.