Joystiq poll: Console purchase plans
by Kyle Orland 
{ Nov 15th 2006 at 10:45AM }
By now you've pored over the spec sheets and feature lists, you've read the breathless previews and early reviews and you've drooled over the screenshots and box opening photos. Now, with less than a week to go before the latest generation of the console wars starts in earnest, it's time to make some decisions. Purchase now, purchase later, or pass entirely -- these are the choices that will help determine which console maker will reign supreme as the king of the market and which will languish in relative obscurity.While the polls below are self-selected and unscientific, we hope they'll help you get an idea of where your buying decisions lie in relation to the Joystiq readership.
[Note: All three polls are distinct and must be submitted separately to register the votes]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Gettro @ Nov 15th 2006 10:53AM
360 is great!!!
WII will be great!!!
PS3 will be Late!!!
crono141 @ Nov 15th 2006 12:57PM
looks like joystiq users hate PS3 almost as much as they say joystiq does.
Wii60 FTW!
Confusatron @ Nov 15th 2006 10:54AM
I already own a 360 and my Wii is preordered. Honestly, I would like to have a PS3 as well, just because I am sure there will be some exclusives there that I want (not Metal Gear or Final Fantasy, but maybe games like Dragon Quest). But for $500 to $600, I can't justify picking up a PS3 just for a few exclusives.
When I picked up my 360, it was because I knew the 360 and PS3 libraries would be almost identical. I made my choice based on the exclusives each system would have. Fable, Halo, and Mass Effect beat out Metal Gear, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest in my book.
8bitclassics @ Nov 15th 2006 10:58AM
Forgot the all important "purchase now for sale on eBay"
Logic Bus @ Nov 15th 2006 10:58AM
Two things:
1. Couldn't this have been one survey with one submit button?
2. There needs to be an "I don't know" choice for each of the questions. I own a 360, so that was easy, but I may not answer the other two surveys because I don't know if I'll get the other two systems, and I can't for sure say "never."
Fernando @ Nov 15th 2006 11:04AM
When I was in my local Toys t Us (Laredo, TX) to preoder a System, they just let pick one console, and if we want another, we have to get in line again. So, I decide that I want the Wii, for the exclusives of Metroid, Zelda, all Mario (Mario Kart in a future, Mario Galaxy, etc) and Smash Bros Brawl (its going to have online multiplayer =) ) Plus, I save a lot of cash for games, component cable, extra wiimote-nunchuck, zelda and red steel games (and Lego Star Wars 2 for my fionce jaja, I have a beautiful gamer fionce)
gee @ Nov 15th 2006 11:07AM
You can vote more than once. Out goes any credibility to this servey.
T-Bag @ Nov 23rd 2006 12:24PM
Well I'm not the one getting duped out of $250 in a couple of days over the Nintendo 64.5, so it isn't really my problem. This poll shows nothing more than the amount of blatant fanboyism this emo/goth blog boasts.
Vlad @ Nov 15th 2006 11:08AM
I'm still surprised that so few people are saying PS3. have people looked at the potential game lineup for the PS3 in the next year and a half compared to the other systems? I don't think there's any competition. PS3 sucks for now (bugs, price, not enough good games, online service still sketch) but a year or year and a half from now...it's going to be irrestible. I'd love to see this poll again this time next year to see how opinions have changed!
jSn @ Nov 15th 2006 11:13AM
What games are going to be irresistible for the ps3? Another metal gear solid sequel? That racing game that looked great in the controlled cam scenes but completely average in the actual gameplay? 95% of the games will be on both consoles. The ps3 is nothing more than 360 level technology with an expensive blu-ray drive attached.
kodec @ Nov 15th 2006 11:14AM
Nice broken poll you have there.
strider_mt2k @ Nov 15th 2006 11:17AM
I have no plans on buying any of them as I'm not a console gamer per se (though I do own a DS Lite)
I'm mostly a PC gamer.
However, I am historically a Gameboy fan so I have will admit a bias.
The Wii by far seems like the most interesting and heart-capturing (pardon the pun, Zelda fans) of the three from a gaming standpoint.
The XB360 and PS3 machines seem like mega-cool techno-toys that might actually be more fun for a guy like me to hack and make do outrageous stuff than to concentrate solely on gameplay with, and I have a PC that I do that with already.
I am still fascinated to read about this stuff regardless!
psychotron @ Nov 15th 2006 11:19AM
Those results are so predictable. The poll is taking place in a clearly anti-sony website from the writers right down to the users. It would be an interesting poll if it took place in a more balanced website.
D-Pad @ Nov 15th 2006 12:58PM
I'd like to have all three... Alas, the money tree in my back yard died long time ago. :( Heck, I still want a PS2. The new shiny slim silver limited-edition PS2. Oh well, Wii will be here soon, to end some of my sorrow. *sniff*
Captain Obvious @ Nov 15th 2006 11:24AM
@psychotron
You mean a more balanced site like, say, PS3 Fanboy?
G99 @ Nov 15th 2006 11:23AM
To be frank, this is far from scientific #6. The majority of the population that actually buys the consoles never visit these websites, nor do they even know they exist. It is far from a random selection of people.
-----------------
My belief if this was real world? You would be surprised at how many people know absolutely nothing about the launches. People I talked to in game stores knew nothing about the Wii, and of the PS3 they only knew the launch date. Expect big sticker shock from many parents. Expect even more anger from the people who will come to the store, or wait in line for many hours and not get a single one.
Awol @ Nov 15th 2006 11:23AM
Psycho, you're an idiot.
Nothing is anti-sony, except for Sony themselves. Maybe the reason you hear a lot of anti-sony sentiment here is because they deserve it for how they treat their customers. Their arrogance will be their downfall.
Nobody wants a ps3 because they can get the same thing for a lot cheaper with the 360, or a whole new experience with the Wii.
Oh, and everything's broken.
> @ Nov 15th 2006 11:26AM
LOL ... the fact that over 50% of Joystiq readers already own a 360 explains so much .. ahahahahhaaa
tanngrisni @ Nov 15th 2006 11:29AM
Quite frankly, I'm suprised so many people are saying never to the PS3. Given the outragous price, the limited quantity, and the poor line up of games, it would be pretty foolish to try and brave the lines right now, but 2 years from now when Blu-ray technology will (theoretically) be cheaper to mass produce, there should be enough good games at a cheap enough price that it should be worth buying.
The rest looks pretty money from all the gamers I've talked to. The Wii is (relativly) cheap, has a number of unique and impressive launch games, and strong third party support.
The 360 is a powerful machine at a reasonable price, and is just now picking up steam. A number of critically acclaimed games have come out in the last month or 2, so it's worth the pickup.
Even if you can vote more than once, I don't think the numbers would be vastly different.
Moderate @ Nov 15th 2006 11:30AM
Joystiq and its patrons:
Blind Sony hate, mob-mentality (little or no ability to think on one's own), zero intelligence, and extreme Nintendo/Xbox fanaticism (more like Xbox 360 fanboys that will also purchase a Wii)...
You must all be happy now. You have a gathering place for your circle jerks. The reality of the situation is that Sony is still going to be the market leader, but that they will lose marketshare, obviously. But don't be caught on the wrong end of the stick with all this religous zealotism I see here...many good games are going to be exclusive to the PS3.
I know it's fun to hate on the market leader to fill some nerd void in your life, but it's not the wise thing to do. If you bought stuff based on the games you'd like (like non-fanboys), most of you probably wouldn't be hating on Sony at all.
Gnac @ Nov 15th 2006 11:30AM
LOL ... the fact that the 360 has been out for over a year explains somuch .. ahahahahhaaa
crono141 @ Nov 15th 2006 11:31AM
"LOL ... the fact that over 50% of Joystiq readers already own a 360 explains so much .. ahahahahhaaa"
Yeah, it explains that we're game fans and we wanted the 1st next gen console as soon as it became available last march.
The fact you don't have one explains so much ahahahahhhaaa.
moron...
Community-Based Song Lyrics @ Nov 15th 2006 11:32AM
psychotron,
How is Joystiq anti-Sony? Are you just upset because you're a Sony fanboi and most of the consumer base out there right now is pissed off at them for all the bullshit that they've been dishing out over the last few years? I could go on for minutes just listing all the anti-consumer crap that Sony has been trying to pull over on consumers over the past couple years. Joystiq is not anti-Sony. The PUBLIC is anti-Sony, and Sony brought it upon themselves.
lyrictalk.net
Marty @ Nov 15th 2006 11:32AM
It explains that the 360 is a popular platform. Keep living in PS3-influenced denial, >.
psychotron @ Nov 15th 2006 11:32AM
Wow, you people do hate Sony! It's hilarious really. I love the internet. Microsoft is completely hated everywhere else except when it comes to the xbox. Then it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Also, I did not suggest another website, because quite frankly I don't know of any balanced website when it comes to video games. I agree with #12, a poll like this needs to take place outside of the internet all together.
> @ Nov 15th 2006 11:32AM
"Yeah, it explains that we're game fans and we wanted the 1st next gen console as soon as it became available last march.
The fact you don't have one explains so much ahahahahhhaaa."
Basically, 1 in 2 posters on joystiq are XBOTS.. LOL ahahahahhaaa .. they should have done this a long time ago.. lolol ..lmao
socrates @ Nov 15th 2006 11:34AM
My decision is pretty easy.
The Wii? I have almost no interest in Zelda. And beyond that, there's....uh....what the hell are people buying this console for again? Maybe Smash Bros would be fun to play with my female friends once or twice. It isn't because the graphics aren't much better, it isn't because they don't have 5.1 sound...it is classic Nintendo for the past 15 years: a big 0 when it comes to non-fluff games. Or maybe Excitetruck is above my head, I don't know. A next gen system with still no genre diversity. Why do you think the 64 and Gamecube have been duds? No controller scheme will fix that problem.
360
More tempting, but I still don't see the point yet. GoW looks like a really fun rental, but I hate the notion of games where I just can't see myself playing 2 years later. Same with Dead Rising. Hasn't used the first year to leverage any compelling titles, in my opinion.
So what does the future hold? Bioware is a big draw, but I have two reservations. First, Jade Empire proves that they can make really disappointing games. Second, if a game of theirs is fabulous, I can just pick it up on the PC. (Also see: System Shock).
Blue Dragon - the team behind this suggests that this game will rock, but what I know of the game makes me very dubious (I speak more on this on today's Blue Dragon post).
That leaves Halo3. Which is VERY good in one situation - local multiplayer. If you have at least 2 (and preferrably 3) friends with you who are also at least competent at such games, then Halo is great. But when it comes to singleplayer, or multiplayer over the internet, I don't see how HL2, TF2, Counterstrike, BF2, CoD, or a MILLION OTHER PC games aren't 100,000 times better. Should I throw down $500 for that, without getting a HDDVD or BR player in return? I don't think so.
PS3
I will almost certainly have to buy FFXIII. 12 is so damn amazing...I really am lucky the other two consoles are so blah to me, because I can't afford two, and my decision might just be made for me. Metal Gear, God of War, etc. etc. etc. No real pressing reason to buy it now (although Resistance seems pretty clearly to be the best actual launch title for any of the next-gen consoles, I can wait on it), but a PS3 purchase seems inevitable to me.
crono141 @ Nov 15th 2006 11:34AM
Hey >,
I don't own a xbox, or a 360.
That explains so much.
Now STFU.
Javi @ Nov 15th 2006 11:38AM
If only it those people would be saying the truth about never buying a PS3. LOL
For me all systems as soon as possible because the PS3 is not evil and it's surely gonna have the most extensive lineup of all three systems. Halo, GOW, Zelda, Resistance, GT ,God of War and whatever else in any system here I come.
> @ Nov 15th 2006 11:37AM
OMG.. this is SOOO revealing, seriously tho.
All the Sony-hate, all the talk of Gears and Halo as the end-all.. and, if you guys think Joystiq represents the views of the general public? LOL.... this might as well be XBOX360 Fanboy Proper.. ok, im heading out for lunch now ..,
Flit @ Nov 15th 2006 11:38AM
>, with his sony paycheck, can buy a ps3, for hawking sony's warez ( and i do mean rootkits). Enjoy it
Marty @ Nov 15th 2006 11:39AM
Psychotron, people are generally fed-up with Sony, at least on the net... Most sites like this, that allow user comments, do not reflect a very pro-Sony sentiment. How does that affect you? Well... at least you'll be able to pick up a PS3 easier. :P
Marty @ Nov 15th 2006 11:42AM
Why does it surprise you that so many people have 360's... it's the only one of the "next-gen" consoles out right now. It's not very incomprehensible, but what is is the fact that you somehow think that just by owning a 360 makes people into MS-fanboys.
D.Lo @ Nov 15th 2006 12:13PM
Suck that >, everyone hates Sony. You're just going to have to deal with it.
psychotron @ Nov 15th 2006 11:47AM
@23 - You know one thing I hate about trying to have a discussion on the internet about anything? Is that you cannot state an opinion without being labeled a fanboy or a hater. I could really care less what people say about Sony or if Sony is getting it's feelings hurt. I make my decisions with my wallet on a case by case basis. I currently don't have any video game machines as I mostly do PC gaming. Will I get a PS3 or anything else? I really don't know. When I feel the itch to play their games I'll look into one of the many machines. Sometimes I just want to get news. Just plain news. Print the news, print the facts, and let me make my choice.
Johnny Hundo @ Nov 15th 2006 11:54AM
What's funny to me is this is not scientific - as stated in the intro - and it's also a slice of "Joystiq readership"...
I want a PS3, but even making 6-fig, I can't justify it to my wife...yet. The Wii... she's going to wait in line with me on Saturday night (and not let me have it until x-mas)... But just shows the mentality and situation for a lot of people.
In her eyes:
PS3 means no Coach purse for xmas
Wii means Coach purse for xmas and gets to see Zelda.
Easy as that. If I wasn't married -- yeah, I'd probably charge it and pay it off in a month or two...
I don't think these polls are lying - it's what the Joystiq readership thinks... and I think we're some of the hardest hardcore of gamers... 6 bones is a lot - unless your sitting at a blackjack table in Vegas at 4AM...
-Hundo
gman @ Nov 15th 2006 11:56AM
@ 17. Moderate
"Blind Sony hate, mob-mentality (little or no ability to think on one's own), zero intelligence, and extreme Nintendo/Xbox fanaticism (more like Xbox 360 fanboys that will also purchase a Wii)..."
Dude the sony hate is FAR FAR from blind. Sony's fucked up so many times its going to start becoming hard to remember the individual times Harrison and the gang collectively raped us...right through our pants. I loved my ps2... until it stopped reading game discs. And I loved my minidisc...until flash storage MP3 players came out.
With cd piracy detection costing millions, defeated by a black marker....rootkit fiascos causing PC security panic, trying to repeatedly cram UMD and BluRay down our throats and up our asses..because they're going to succeed for SURE! just like BETAMAX and MINIDISCS. We'll trust you this time sony! Then using tactics such as...oh i dont know...straight up lies ["100 bluray movies currently available" -Harrison])to try and sweeten the deal.
Cutting back ps3 launch numbers again and again...and again, and delaying the whole thing half a year MOSTLY due to the bluray manufacturing problems...showing us CG and pre-rendered trailers and screens for games and claiming that it is realtime ingame graphics allllll the way since the PS2 launch hype (madden anyone?)...shutting down lik-sang for selling PSP's illegally (yeah, you're right sony, it's not like you need the help...PSP sells itself! it's KILLING the DS!!...oh riiight, reality)
Does anyone "really" have a reason to hate sony? Yeah..you know...i'm just not sure. But you have a good point...this site is full of completely BLIND and UNFOUNDED hatred for sony. And this has to stop. Sony is great!!! all hail mein playstaion lord and master!
ugh..
Karmakin @ Nov 15th 2006 12:01PM
A few things.
#1. It's difficult to vote more than once, and the fact that of the three polls, there is less than 10% difference in the number of votes for each of the three polls, means that more than likely the results are a pretty good indication of the readership of this site.
#2. That the readership is much more excited about the Wii, a machine that's designed for everybody, and not so excited about the "hardcore" PS3 is a bad sign for Sony.
While they more than likely sell a good number of machines over the life of the PS3, without the almost exclusive support of well..us, the people who buy a game a month or so, the attach rates will be awful.
And if the attach rates are awful, then the PS3 won't get the same library that the PS2 had. If you're buying the PS3 just to play a few big name exclusives, then that might be fine for you. But if you're buying the PS3, because you expect the PS2-style library, my honest suggestion is to hold off and see how it plays out, otherwise you might be stuck with something you paid 6 c's for and not get what you thought you were getting.
gok @ Nov 15th 2006 12:17PM
Hahah no ones buying ps3, haha well i guess thats because it so crappy? Let the polls speak.
J.Goodwin @ Nov 15th 2006 12:02PM
I have bought a 360, I won't buy a PS3, and I haven't decided on the Wii.
Of the launch games, I'm mostly interested in Raving Rabbids (sad but true). I can wait for Zelda until December, and still have a game that will play on the Wii, so it's not an incentive to buy.
As a result, I'm going to at least wait on Wii until there's something to buy. All the heartwarming stories about 3 year olds having fun with Wii tennis [ http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/11/playing_with_th.html ] aren't really helping me make up my mind about it's merits as a game console for me.
whosmav @ Nov 15th 2006 12:10PM
i've been poled....
so basically the polls are indicative of all the comments made so far on said subject....and then come the whiners.
I do k i n d a feel bad for those genuine Sony supporters. Thats like loving your lying abusive alcoholic step dad no matter what. Someone help the kids.
But yeah, Sony can't move any software apparently.
That amazes me. BUT as long FF is on something exclusively that something WILL BLOW UP in Japan, although I do think the FF craze has gone down here in the states.
Sony's done in the US for a WHILE. Its gonna be a long road. I can't make myself want a ps3.
porkepik @ Nov 15th 2006 12:14PM
To 8: Expensive blu ray player--->I see it as a cheap 100$ blu-ray player(for the US)(in fact even less than that as the 360 is 499$ for premium in canada and the 20gig PS3(same spec as x360 premium) is 549$ so it makes about a 50$ blu ray player (yes I have HDTV) it depends the use for the PS3.
For the rest I don't make 6 figure (even if it is close to that) and have no problem justifying a 50$ difference with a 360 to the wife , don't drink , don't smoke, I exercise, I think it is ok for me to spend 600$ of console hardware every 6 years(in the end it is a fraction of the game software costs (have about 80 PS2 games). Even If I wait 3 years for it to come back to 300$ It will be a big difference of 50$ a year during the system life(about 6 years till ps4 )(unless it breaks) an about the price of xbox live every year renewal. So why do we wait or don't buy(i mean people with decent income and interested in gaming or even watching HD-movies(PS3 is as cheap as a base HD-DVD player HD-A1 and a has lot more functions) when I see people buying cell phone for 300$ (godamn it it is a cellphone it should be used to phone not play mp3, take picture or make coffee)or ipods for 400$(canadian always) i think 549$ or 659$ is not a big deal. Sorry for the grammar but I'm french speaking
TopaZ @ Nov 15th 2006 12:15PM
Funny how this poll shows absolutely nothing about the general public, which will buy PS3's as fast as they can make them.
Zoot Suit Jedi @ Nov 15th 2006 12:17PM
Joystiq readers and writers are not haters. Most of us are merely frustrated gamers. Frustrated, mostly by Sony, because of there ridiculous pricepoint; (and justify it as much as you want to, i.e. what you get, $600 is alot of dough) constant short comings; (sorry europe) and available alternatives. (Yeah, I have a 360, does that ruin my credibility simply because it was released first?)
Psychotron and > need to look at this realistically. Take a deep breath and look at the situation with an un-biased opinion. (You can do this...) 360 or Wii will be obvious choices for those who lack the funds, are late to the lines, or prefer the first party software of the aforementioned consoles. All three consoles are going to be awesome in some respect, but SONY fails to live up to its promises. I waited on line for PS1 and PS2, but I'm keeping the cash this time around.
One more thing...
>, You're an idiot.
Squeek @ Nov 15th 2006 1:53PM
Why do people hate Sony? They brought it on themselves. Expensive products, delays, broken promises, broken products, lawsuits, horrible PR, you name it!
Why do people think Joystiq is anti-Sony? Because they report the news. It's the same thing as any local news station. They report what is news. And you know, in this world, almost all news is bad news.
Why are the Xbox 360 numbers winning? Gee, now that's a tough one.
According to my statistics website for the console sales thus far, the 360 is approaching seven million sold consoles so far. PS3 has sold 81,000, and Wii has sold 0.
Wow, unpredictable data! A console intended for gamers + a website intended for gamers = gamers who have the console and visit the website!
This is amazing. I'm so glad I took Calculus for this.
porkepik @ Nov 15th 2006 12:23PM
WHy do everyone always makes it seems the the 20gig 499$ PS3 does not exist. It has all the features and some more(hdmi, free online play albeit maybe only for the moment when can never be sure about this with sony) than the premium 399$ xb360
zero2dash @ Nov 15th 2006 12:27PM
Most people own a 360 because it offers the most features right now at a price that fits nicely in the middle, a good balance of "comes with a lot for a decent price".
All these morons crying "Joystiq is pro-this" need to get a clue. This isn't bias, it's common f'n sense.
Ps3 is too f'n expensive and offers nothing over the 360 except BluRay (which IMO isn't worth paying an extra $200 for), and the Wii isn't an HD gamers console and will probably end up being a good idea that people get bored with quickly. Seriously, how long can you control games with the Wiimote before it becomes a novelty instead of a groundbreaking achievement? I'm not anti-Wii, I'll get one eventually, but for me - the 360 offers the most right now (and apparently many other people echo that sentiment).
Go crawl back into your Sony hole, >. Take your fanboy BS with you.
socrates @ Nov 15th 2006 12:27PM
whosmav - "I do k i n d a feel bad for those genuine Sony supporters. Thats like loving your lying abusive alcoholic step dad no matter what. Someone help the kids."
What the hell are you talking about? I don't support any single corporate entity - they're all seeking to get as much of your money as possible. But how has Sony, specifically, "abused" me?
I feel pretty gracious that the PS2 is the only console from the 6th generation that actually has quality games still being made for it (far superior to anything coming out this fall for any of the 7th gen systems). In fact, as far as offering long lasting value for their consoles is concerned, both Nintendo and Microsoft have an "abusive" track record. And from the way Nintendo's is outdated and will require a new console in a shorter number of years, and Microsoft is trying to make up for its library shortcomings by being first out the door...looks like this generation will be the same. Sony has designed the PS3 to hold up for the demands of games in 2010, even though that makes it harder for them to move systems right now.
So no system is "abusive" - mostly because you don't HAVE TO BUY ANYTHING - but least of all the PS3. No one would get SOOOOOO worked up as to try and dance on the PS3's (imaginary and non-existent) grave if they didn't secretly wish they had the newest and flashiest. And in 2 years down the road, that desire will turn a whole lot of you "Nevers" into "Buyers".
truth @ Nov 15th 2006 12:30PM
I'd probably want a PS3 if it had any good games on it. Resistance is the closest thing to a great game that it might have, and I already have Gears of War which is seriously awesome.
Comparatively Resistance is kinda...meh.
truth @ Nov 15th 2006 12:34PM
"Funny how this poll shows absolutely nothing about the general public, which will buy PS3's as fast as they can make them.
Posted at 12:15PM on Nov 15th 2006 by TopaZ "
Well..... that's true if you consider that Sony isn't making them very fast. So yeah, people are going to buy them as fast as Sony can make them for a while. But, once the early adopters all have theirs, how fast will they sell? Can the target market even afford it? I guess we'll find out.. but these polls seem to say more about what is to come in Sony's future, than the current sales of people lined up around the corner.