Xbox Live has more players, better community features, etc.

I have a PS3 (no Xbox), mainly because of my taste in games (I'm big on JRPGs and fighters when it comes to console games, not to mention I have a huge PS2 backlog of games), but I don't find it's online to be quite as streamlined or easy to use.

I'm mainly a PC gamer, but IMHO, Xbox has a better community and a better list of exclusives, PS3 has better hardware (in terms of reliability, not just processing power).  PS3 also works a little better as a general entertainment device (I use it to stream movies from my PC, and to play Blu-Ray movies).

Suffice it to say if it weren't for the hardware failure issues, I would've shelled out for an Xbox a long time ago.

Quote from: Peregrin;421030Suffice it to say if it weren't for the hardware failure issues, I would've shelled out for an Xbox a long time ago.

And how common are those?

If you really don't have a preference game wise, then go into a store and get your mittens on the controllers for the consoles. One will lie better in your hands.

failures are pretty much solved(minus a few morons making stupid claims that have no  basis in truth) with the newer consoles so dont worry about them.

Quote from: Broken-Serenity;421040failures are pretty much solved(minus a few morons making stupid claims that have no  basis in truth) with the newer consoles so dont worry about them.

Well, maybe they've solved them with the new version of the 360, but every single one of my friends has had their original design console fail, a few 2-3 times.  Upon speaking with their friends, I find more and more people who've had the failures.  

Granted, MS has done a good job with the way they handle the repairs, but after the fiasco with the original 360 design, I'm not sure.  The only thing I heard about the revamped casing is that it "has a bigger fan."

Any links with information regarding any significant redesign of the casing or airflow modifications with the new boxes?

just look the console up online and you'll see its pretty much a complete redesign inside with better airflow, will try to find you a link though if you have no look finding that stuff yourself.

Quote from: DominikSchwager;421036If you really don't have a preference game wise, then go into a store and get your mittens on the controllers for the consoles. One will lie better in your hands.

You know, this is pretty good advice. Notwithstanding the availability of 3rd party controllers, I like the feel of the XBox controller better than the DualShock. Basing that on what I think is the 2nd generation original XBox vs. DualShock 2 for PS2. And also notwithstanding the fact that PS2 has more buttons, which could be a necessity for some games. E.g. I think the controls for Super Dimension Fortress Macross (PS2 import) are well laid out and and all the buttons are essential.

If you go third party, of course, you can not only get different regular controllers but also stuff like racing wheels/pedals or stick/throttle or even this monster.

Quote from: Peregrin;421041Well, maybe they've solved them with the new version of the 360, but every single one of my friends has had their original design console fail, a few 2-3 times.  

I have two different XBoxes with the old design (I had to get a second one when I got an HD TV) and I haven't have problems with either.

Seanchai

Quote from: The Butcher;421033And how common are those?

They don't warrant any more mention now than does the "yellow light of death" of the PS3.  Pretty much anything with Jasper or later architecture on the 360 and you should be good to go.  My 360 dates to early '07 now with only one issue; a failed power supply (I didn't realize the brick needed some airflow around it too and cramped it up in the back of my entertainment center.

Quote from: JongWK;420951Some things to consider:

• In addition to its console refresh, Microsoft has recently released an improved controller.
• Both companies have (and will continue to have) first-party exclusives.
• Both companies want to integrate your gaming experience with mobile gadgets (Windows Phone 7 for Xbox, and Android for PS3).
• The PS3 is now a 3D Blu-ray player.
  

IME the ps3 was better able to play media files. The 360 is rubbish for streaming and couldn't play any of my DCAU avi files. The ps3 could not only rip musical discs, i was able to store those avi files permanently on the HD which the 360 also couldn't do.

The online functinality was just as robust, IME, on either platform (or just as crap, depending on the game). The 360s new dashboard still hasn't been patched to work properly and is increasingly filled with fucking adverts and commercial shit (maybe the ps3 is just as bad IDK).

Quote from: Seanchai;421056I have two different XBoxes with the old design (I had to get a second one when I got an HD TV) and I haven't have problems with either.

Seanchai

For the old models, you have a 30-some-odd percent chance of getting a "non-defective" model, so it's reasonable.

I was skeptical of the hype, too, until 6 friends within my immediate group of close friends had their boxes fail, 4 of them having to get the unit replaced at least a second time.  Then talking to old high-school friends on summer breaks and finding out nearly every person who owned an Xbox had a failure.

as of right now, I think Sony is the more economic choice and the X-Box is the more full featured choice:

With Sony you have no real hidden fees: $300 gets you the ability to play games (fully, with online multiplayer), Blu-Rays and watch Netflix. You can also use it as a media hub and a PSP pairs really well with it. Most of the cross-platform games are a little worse off on the PS3, but not horribly marred or unfit by any standard (just a couple lost FPS or a less crisp presentation). It has more geeky exclusives(in a good way IMHO) then the X-Box: Demon's Souls, Gran Tourismo, The Last Guardian and  etc. Also it has the best version of FFXIII. There's also the $400 bundle that comes with the Move motion controller.

The X-Box has a lot of different models varying from $200 to $400 with varying levels of performance. With a Hard Disk, without, With a Kinect...without etc. Most of the cross platform games end up a bit better on the Xbox and Microsoft secures a TON of exclusive 3rd party deals: Exclusive expansions for Fallout: New Vegas and Dead Rising 2 come to mind. You WILL however pay $60 a year for Xbox LIVE Gold. Without it you can't play Multiplayer, can't watch NetFlix/ESPN, you get demos late and pay more for Arcade games. Their network is way faster then PSN and the Voice chat is better, but you pay an annual fee for what you mostly get for free from Sony.

I own both, so I hope this information helps you decide.

I thought of something else. The PS3's batteries are built into the controllers. To charge them, you have to plug them into the PS3, which has to be on. I don't know if you have charge them while you're using them.

The Xbox's controllers use normal AA batteries that you replace or recharge as needed.

Seanchai

Quote from: Seanchai;422657I thought of something else. The PS3's batteries are built into the controllers. To charge them, you have to plug them into the PS3, which has to be on. I don't know if you have charge them while you're using them.

The Xbox's controllers use normal AA batteries that you replace or recharge as needed.

Seanchai

Actually the Xbox has multiple options there as well. Wireless controllers come standard with the AA battery pack you mentioned, but you can replace the battery pack with Play&Charge kits which have a rechargeable lithium ion and a (proprietary) USB charging cable.

Or you can even buy the old school wired controllers for it.

Quote from: KrakaJak;422669Actually the Xbox has multiple options there as well. Wireless controllers come standard with the AA battery pack you mentioned, but you can replace the battery pack with Play&Charge kits which have a rechargeable lithium ion and a (proprietary) USB charging cable.

Or you can even buy the old school wired controllers for it.

What's your experience with the life of the PS3 batteries? I don't play mine often enough to require them to be charged more than one or twice. Do they eventually start to lose their ability to hold a charge? I know you can open them up and put in replacements.

Seanchai