How do you decide which console to play?

by Justin McElroy { Mar 26th 2008 at 9:05AM }

We all know that there's a deep, violent, senseless war being waged between fans of each of the platforms. But we've also heard rumor that there are those who (much like Blade or Bo Jackson) walk between both worlds: The multi-platform gamers. MTV Multiplayer blog asked them recently what makes them decide to play one console over another. The response it received might surprise you.

We're not going to tell you what compels us to pick up the remote and press the "INPUT" button (mainly because our answers are all different), but we do want to know what drives you there. (Oh, and a final word of warning: MTV posited the question only to PS3 and 360 owners, perhaps knowing that the only acceptable answer for Wii fans is "a Nintendo game is released.")

Tags: console-wars

Related From Joystiq

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

nerrrrrrd @ Mar 26th 2008 9:08AM

dependds what game i want to play

protos28 @ Mar 26th 2008 9:23AM

yep, this right here is the only answer

JS Beckerist @ Mar 26th 2008 10:49AM

I'd say games and what consoles the rest of my friends have (which is currently only the 360.) Multiplayer is fun but it's better with friends.

Lars @ Mar 26th 2008 4:15PM

I agree with everything above. Unfortunately all of my friends have kids and mortgages and such which prevent them from having a lot of spare cash. As a result I don't have any friends that own a PS3 or a 360 yet.

I usually don't buy consoles for a couple years when they have a healthy catalog of "greatest hits" for budget prices. But I decided to take the plunge early. I was dissapointed with the cost of the 360, but fairly pleased with the cost of the PS3. The PS3 being more up my alley game-wise (not into console shooters), plus superior graphics capabilities and multimedia offerings make it the one I prefer. Zero cost for online play is a major win, I don't really care about the bells and whistles that so many lament about since I don't do anything beyond playing with the people I meet in-game.

One of the big attractions to the 360 for me was achievements, it's not a new thing, but the 360 is the first console to require it on all games. However, many PS3 games have achievements as well, and after a while I realized that I'm glad not all games have them. I'm an achievement whore and try for every stinking achievement that exists which results in a less-than-enjoyable experience after investing many many hours beyond the normal scope of play for a game. I cried a little inside when Steam added achievements too... must get them all, yet they're wasting my life for no good reason.

Jouten @ Mar 26th 2008 11:46PM

Yep! This answer here is pretty much the summation of it all!

I usually buy and play PS3 exclusives. However, my curiosity of which COD4 was better got the best of me and I had to buy one for the 360 AND PS3. They are both good btw, but the controller for the 360 is definitely better imho. The PS3's analog controller sticks just feel like two boiled spaghetti noodles compared to the 360's better designed layout.

Lars @ Mar 28th 2008 4:04PM

It's really odd to me how many people say they like the 360's analog sticks better than Sony's. Personally I can't stand the fact that one control stick is in a different place than the other. Also I don't like the concave-ness and they don't stay gripped to my thumbs as good. I did notice that the SIXAXIS sticks have less resistance than the Dualshock and 360 --not sure if that's a good thing or not. I primarily use Dualshock because I don't want to mess with charging the controller.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Mar 26th 2008 9:08AM

Well, when I want to play Zack and Wiki, I fire up the wii.

When I want to play mass effect, I fire up the 360.

When I want to play heavenly sword... oh wait, I never want to play heavenly sword. Nevermind.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Mar 26th 2008 9:10AM

And if this blog post isn't flamebait, I don't know what is.

Nigeria: Cody ChesnuTT Defense Force @ Mar 26th 2008 9:26AM

This is so obviously flame bait. It's the easiest way to get page hits.

Posts like this will only bring the rage out of certain people.

riggs @ Mar 26th 2008 11:16AM

RAGEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!1!1!

Kuro @ Mar 26th 2008 12:56PM

*+ 1/2 heart to Joystiq for mocking the Wii*

Vcize @ Mar 26th 2008 9:12AM

For starters, that "survey" is entirely worthless. What did they poll, like 15 people?

I own all three systems, for me it's:

PS3: Fighting games and single player sports games because the d-pad on the 360 controller is god-awful. And of course any hot PS3 exclusives.

360: FPS games because of Live and because the PS3 controller is god-awful for them, and sports games that my friends pick up (again, for Live). And of course any hot 360 exclusives.

Wii: Nintendo games.

When all else is equal on a multi-plat release I usually go with the 360 version so that others will see me online and can fling me an invite if they start playing Gears or CoD4 or something.

Brucie B @ Mar 26th 2008 10:42AM

Got My Vote, That's how it's done here!!!
*but my 360 by far gets the MTP Award* (Most Time Played)

Poisoned Al @ Mar 26th 2008 10:51AM

Well personally for FPS I chose a PC, becuase anyone who says they would rather use a pad over a mouse is ether an idiot or a lier.

DangerMouse @ Mar 26th 2008 11:23AM

If i feel like sitting back and relax, play a casual single player game without a competitive nature, i'll use the 360 controller if i can. If it's a game that's dependent on aim to play like counter-strike, i'll use the mouse and keyboard. I use the keyboard 95% of the time anyway since most games still don't support them correctly anyway.

spartan 6453 @ Mar 26th 2008 11:38AM

Poisoned Al: What about those who prefer a couch/50" plasma/surround sound to a mouse?

When it comes to FPS games, the pc is where it originated and yes, the mouse is a better input. But thats like putting a comfortable steering wheel on a 1978 Pinto, the rest of it sucks. Console gaming is like having a "Cadillac" with a pinto steering wheel.

mundox @ Mar 26th 2008 1:14PM

"What about those who prefer a couch/50" plasma/surround sound to a mouse?"

Wireless keyboard and mouse FTW!

Vcize @ Mar 26th 2008 3:15PM

I used to be a PC FPS guy myself. Last gen I gave up on console FPS games entirely and constantly found myself on the Mouse/KB side of the controller bashing arguments.

Now, I've changed my tone though and given up on PC FPS games almost entirely. For starters, even though I have a PC hooked up to my bigscreen, keeping up with the hardware to run modern games at 1920x1080 to play on the bigscreen sucks. Further, the wireless mouse/KB option never worked out for me as then you have to deal with somehow getting a good surface for it near your couch, and you're still hunched over it rather than relaxing with the controller.

The biggest thing however was the 360 controller, which while still nowhere near the precision of a mouse/KB, is far superior to any other console controller I've ever used for FPS games. They're actually playable now, to the point where I've forgotten about my longing for the mouse/KB almost entirely.

Add in Live which completely eliminates the hassle of IM'ing and phonecalling 8 of my buddies and exchanging server IPs to try and play together, and then trying to somehow find a teamspeak server so we can talk to each other while we play, and that pretty much clinched things for me.

Carl Abrams @ Mar 26th 2008 9:10PM

The cost of upgrading continually is what did it for me. I used to be a strictly PC gamer. I was still there during the early PS2 / Xbox wars, which PS2 handily won.

Then games started getting really complex. Money started getting a little tighter as the kids needed more things (you want to eat?), and I started figuring that I could keep my computer to do - you know, computing stuff. Sure, I could buy a new video card for the cost of a console - but I'd be buying that new video card every year, and I ought to be able to keep a console for 3 years, I'd be money ahead.

That's where the first Xbox came into the house. Then I got an Xbox 360. I'm still using the same computer I had 4 years ago (just with upgraded RAM), and my launch 360 is hooked up to the 56" TV, and that's where the serious gaming takes place.

Burnt Meatloaf @ Mar 27th 2008 3:16AM

The PC market is all about false need. Well, if you can't see the paint peeling off the walls, you're not REALLY gaming! Please... I almost never spend more than $100 on a video card and I can run most new games just fine. I'd rather my PC be quiet than spend 4 times as much money for a graphics card about double the performance -- and that's before you find out you need a new power supply to boot.

But then, I'm not an HD whore. SD is just fine so long as everything is anti-aliased to the max.

n3rd @ Mar 31st 2008 12:31AM

seriously
you can build a pc for near or less than a cost of a xbox360 that plays games at the same if not better resolutions..
i have a 4 year old computer that cost me 600 that can still play any modern game at 1280x1024.. which is still better resolution than the best xbox or ps3 game... out there...
esp since i have a dvi to hdmi cable to link my computer to my television if i so wished...

im guessing the only people who think the pc is washed out are the people who are unable to plug in cables and anything above putting a cd in a drive is too hard to do...

drdre74 @ Mar 26th 2008 9:15AM

I play my PS3 the most since I play alot of COD4 on it and Uncharted. The main reason I play my PS3 the most is because I've had my 360 blank out on me more than once. From RROD to not reading disc anymore to just freezing up in the middle of a game. Its just gotten to the point I'm tired of having to call M$ to send me a coffin. Yeah it has great games but the system is cheap and they send you back cheap replacements.I've left my PS3 on for over a month straight and no issues what so ever. I leave my 360 on to go to the bathroom and its frozen up by the time I get back to it.

BIGGEN @ Mar 26th 2008 3:44PM

well stoopid, you're supposed to use the towel trick AFTER it RRoDs. not before. geeez

Kenofthedead @ Mar 26th 2008 9:15AM

I want to play games, not the system they are on,

Of course I don't give a damn about achievements.
If I want to listen to my own music, I turn on my computer with all my music on it.
I don't fear the Red Ring of Death due to slightly elevated and properly ventilated Xbox 360. I also don't Fear the Reaper.

Now I can see how controller would be an issue, and that might affect me depending on the game. Generaly this isn't an issue.

For games to buy for each system, I'll either buy and play the one that is cheaper when I choose to buy it, offers more features for the same price, or was given to me.
I'll never have the same game for two systems, that would be daft and thus I never have to choose which system to use.

Mike @ Mar 26th 2008 9:17AM

Well ATM I only play 360, when I got 3 friends and COD4, I'm getting tired of FPS' - I can't even pick up Orange Box anymore.

The comment about Nintendo games is funny b/c that is exactly what I do with PS3. I only play 1st Party titles or exclusive titles, currently Hot Shots Golf.

My Wii is getting the most diversity actually with Brawl, No More Heroes and Umbrella Chronicles.

voodoo_craig @ Mar 26th 2008 9:17AM

Play my 360 for everything I can, I must be a lucky one cos I've had it since launch ad it's never RROD'd on me. If it's multiplatform, XBOX Live is king and I have 10 times as many friends, besides, achievements are always a bonus.

ChooChooCharlie (Brawl: 1504-5357-9285) @ Mar 26th 2008 2:18PM

[+] for the comment.

Also have to say that I love your avatar. Paranoia Agent was the series that got me interested in anime.

darkandlong @ Mar 26th 2008 9:20AM

I usually go with the 360 simply because:

-Custom soundtracks
-I like the controller better
-Achievements (although this is a curse sometimes)
-Most multplatform releases work better on it due to developer laziness.
-Live is better then anything Sony has to offer as far as multiplayer/online is concerned. I don't care if it costs 40 bucks a year, its worth it.
-My best friend (and other friends) have a 360 and not a PS3.

I love the PSN games more though (the titles seem a lot more polished and higher quality, plus gamesharing rocks), too much retro crap on XBLA.

I will probably play Dark Sector on the PS3 simply because the MP sounds lame and I'm a gamerscore wh0re and this way I can just enjoy a game instead of scrounging for useless achievements like I always seem to get caught up in.

xFenixKnightx @ Mar 26th 2008 11:16AM

Wow what he said =)

Except for the XBLA comments. I love me some...

TMNT Arcade
Double Dragon
Sonic 1 and 2
Switchball
Streetfighter 2 Turbo
Omega 5
Ikaruga
Aegis Wing
Galaga
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3

Are you kidding me? Its not even close. Can you guys help me out here Im having a brain fart. Others love

Rez
N+
Uno
Pacman Championship
Tetris

Markez @ Mar 26th 2008 1:32PM

Agree that experiences vary, but amongst myself and others I know with a 360, we're at 100% failure.

I've replaced mine once, however the rest are at minimum 3 total replacements.

Love the thing tho.

*hugs 360, gets burned*

mko @ Mar 26th 2008 3:56PM

I cringe whenever I see people trying to say these RROD numbers are being inflated! I am glad people comment about their systems not failing because we need perspective, but don't call these multi-RROD stories bullshit. The 5 friends I have with 360s have all had them RROD, one guy is on his 4th but the rest of the replacements have held up so far.

Chris! @ Mar 26th 2008 9:26AM

I just got a Xbox360 because thats what my friends had. Easier to borrow games and play online that way.

Poisoned Al @ Mar 26th 2008 11:12AM

Yeah, that's more or less the reason I got a 360. Friends and family have 360's I can swap games with. I don't know anybody with a PS3.

SharpShooter @ Mar 26th 2008 6:22PM

@ Poisoned Al

Maybe you needs friends first?

Woodcabinet @ Mar 26th 2008 9:23AM

After having my 360 died on me for a 4th time (RROD). I made a promise to never again in my life buy a microsoft product, so thats why I only play my PS3. As far as nintendo goes I'm much older now than the super nintendo days so nintendo games no longer appeal to me.

Poisoned Al @ Mar 26th 2008 10:59AM

Have you noticed how high the numbers of red rings these dicks claim to have had before tossing themselves off about how great their PS3 is? The highest I've seen so far is 6, but I'm sure you've seen higher. There's bound to be SDF fuck-tard calming they've been though 20 of them or something retarded.

copa @ Mar 26th 2008 11:21AM

I'm on my fourth 360, so 6 does not sound implausible to me at all.

If you don't think RROD plays an important role in how people view their 360 experience, try giving your son a highly anticipated game for Christmas, and then tell him he can play it after New Year's when the system makes it back from Laredo. That was me in 2006.

why not the LS2/LS7? @ Mar 26th 2008 11:46AM

I'm on my 4th 360. One of my friends is on his 5th. He now owns two, and both have broken, including the new "reliable" Falcon one he bought because he was tired of his older one breaking. Most of my friends are on their at least 2nd unit, including one who had his break 7 weeks ago, sent it in, got it back two weeks ago and then it broke again a week later even though MS says they know how to fix them correctly now right?

Anyway it wasn't just my 360 breaking that led me to prefer PS3, it was most my friends' 360s breaking too. It's clear these things are very poorly made, and I can't really rely on it to be there when I want to play it.

BTW, my PS3 broke too (technically it didn't break, it was defective out of the box), but Sony got me a replacement in 4 days and it has been fine for the well over year I've had the replacement for, which is a stretch none of my 360s has been able to manage. This, combined with none of my other PS3 owning friends having theirs break has led me to believe the PS3 is reliable and I can count on it being there later.

Gewurztraminer (needs more umlaut) @ Mar 26th 2008 12:06PM

@ Poisoned Al: After 20 RROD I gave up and now stick with the Wii! (i kid)

I play whichever console has the games and features I like. For example, I've taken the following path:

NES -> Genesis -> SNES -> PlayStation -> Gamecube -> PS2 -> Wii,

all based on the types of games I want to play. I'll be good with Brawl/M-Kart/other wii games 'til at least the end of 2008. I think eventually I'll have a 360 or PS3 but my PS2 is serving just fine as my current Nintendo-alternative right now.

Knight Marquise @ Mar 26th 2008 12:36PM

I have to agree with you Al.

I have purchased a total of 7 360s, including a launch console. 5 are in my home, kids rooms, my room, living room, guest room (I also run a media server), and 2 were for kids that have already left home. Not a single RROD.

I'm not denying there is an issue, as MS extending their warrenty assures me that, but I also think it's too convenient for the SDF folks to throw BS against the wall and see how much of it sticks.

Delgado @ Mar 26th 2008 1:25PM

I have to agree with Knight Marquise. Out of myself and 7 of my RL friends, none of us has ever experienced any sort of hardware failure.

We may be rarities, but since this is the internets and forum talk VS ACTUAL real life experiences... I'm going to call bullshit on 75% of RRoD sobs.

C'mon PS3 fanboys, the PS3 is a good system and you shouldn't need to falsely drag down another console to make yours look better. It has its own merits, so stop talking about what you dislike about 360 (when you probably don't even own one) and start talking about whats good regarding the PS3.

OzGuy @ Mar 26th 2008 6:00PM

I purchased both a Japanese Xbox 360 and a PAL Xbox 360 when they launched. Both still running great. I pity you poor Americans with your RRoD issues.

Mick @ Mar 26th 2008 9:24AM

Like many, I rent games, not buy. So if I go to the local Lackluster and they only have it on PS3 I get that. My 360 is the first choice as I prefer the controller.
Remarking the obvious are exclusives, no choice there.
If I could find a stinkin' wii, I would get one.
But I do have a gamecube.

The Fuzz 53 @ Mar 26th 2008 9:25AM

After watching my brother play CoD4 on his PS3, I doubt I will EVER purchase one. It must be awesome owning a console that while you're aiming, the controller constantly drops the connection and your player is spinning in circles. That sounds like something I would want to drop $500 on. It wasn't just him either. I saw plenty of other players standing around and spinning in circles, getting lit up.

drdre74 @ Mar 26th 2008 10:00AM

HUH! you need to get your bros PS3 checked out. lol! I play cod4 every-night and I've never seen anything like that before.

Phranctoast @ Mar 26th 2008 9:53AM

that really isn't that common of an occurrence. It may have happened to me once in all my time playing COD4, and it only lated for two seconds. To be able to see other players having the problem as well tells me it was just a buggy or high ping server.

why not the LS2/LS7? @ Mar 26th 2008 11:34AM

If you get a PS3, you don't have to worry about that happening. I do recall going through that playing Resistance in the early days of PS3! In fact, a friend from SCEA invited me to play Resistance before the PS3 even came out and it happened to me twice in 5 hours with him!

Anyway, it seems to be a flaw with the early controllers, because I have two SIXAXIS from the early days that do it every 2-10 hours, but my DualShock 3 I purchased in January hasn't done it at all in about 40 hours of play. A friend also bought a DS3 on my recommendation as his early SIXAXIS was screwing him in Super Stardust HD, and he reports the same thing. So DS3's don't drop out (assuming you sit a reasonable distance from the PS3, like less than 20 feet) and presumably more recent SIXAXIS (which I don't have any of) don't do it either.

So yeah, it's pretty shameful that Sony shipped controllers that do this, but it isn't something you should let stop you from getting a PS3, as if you buy one now, you'll never have the problem (unless you get a 20G or 60G off eBay or something). And tell yourself to treat himself to a DS3 when it comes out, then he can put that stuff behind him too.

Slayer @ Mar 26th 2008 9:27AM

I'm going to end up getting all the systems sooner or later. Right now, I only have my ps3 at the moment. I picked the ps3 so I can play the of the exclusive titles coming out soon.

I don't have a 360 at the moment because of some of their best titles being released on pc sooner or later. There's also the issue of the system possibly failing and I don't want to go through all the trouble sending it out if it breaks down.

As for the wii, I can't even find one.

billychaos @ Mar 26th 2008 9:28AM

I agree with most replys. It's about what game you want to play not what system. For instance, If you want to play mario, your going to play nintendo wether you like it or not being you have no choice! Same goes for Halo, if you want to play Halo you wont be playing it on playstation.

It's about games not consoles!

Viridium @ Mar 26th 2008 9:32AM

I don't have time for more than one console. Xbox 360 has the majority of games I want to play, and a robust online system so that I can play them with my friends.

Once and I while I fire up the Gamecube.

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