ccann702's Avatar
ccann702
55 Posts
18 years ago
All that most people can say about the PS3 is how expensive it is compared to other next gen consoles but no one ever seems to look at the true value your 600 dollars is getting you. Microsoft just released the Xbox 360 "Elite" and I put Elite in parenthesis because it is anything but. I would like to break it down so you can see what each console is offering for it's price.

Sony Playstation 3

What you get:

BluRay Player - $800 average price for standalone player
Upconverting DVD Player (as of 1.80 firmware update) - $120
PS1- $20 (depends where, average for one in great condition)
PS2- $129
It also plays next gen games(obviously), has a web browser, accepts any usb keyboard and mouse for input, comes with standard 60 gb hard drive which can be swapped out for a larger one (any standard drive will do) can install Linux and be used as a high powered desktop computer.


Xbox 360 Elite - $479

What you get:

Standard DVD player (no upconverting) - $30 (trust me, the picture quality is on par for 30 dollar player.

The only new addition to this "Elite machine" is a larger proprietary hard drive (120 Gb) and an HDMI port. HD-DVD and Wireless Networking are still annoying add-ons and way overpriced in the case of the network adapter.

Wireless Network Adapter - $99
HD-DVD Drive - $199

Bottom Line:
I own an Xbox 360 Premium and just recently a PS3. I love my 360 but I feel that the PS3 get my attention more simply because it does so much. I think Microsoft is ripping people off by making so many different versions with minor enhancements and leaving the enhancements people really want as pricey add-ons($100 for a wireless adapter that should have been built-in in the first place, shame on you Microsoft). 360 is clearly the better platform for games right now but if you're looking for a true multimedia machine to accompany your shiny new HDTV, the PS3 is the best deal in town.

Honorable Mention: The Nintendo Wii is still in a league of it's own, and it's mandatory that you accompany either console above with this little gem or just bottom line get one.
    mr-funky's Avatar
    mr-funky
    1620 Posts
    18 years ago
    Well, in a way its Xbox way of saying we should have done that!

    yet, it depends on what you want, and if your gonna use it, and more importantly the games

    still, i somewhat agree with ya...
      akiraman26's Avatar
      akiraman26
      234 Posts
      18 years ago
      who cares what systems you get or buy, it's your choice.
        Effedup
        80 Posts
        18 years ago
        I agree that the 360 is an expensive piece of hardware, but I'm gonna be getting one. As much as I'd like to see the PS3 win this round, the fact is that Sony really screwed the pooch by pricing their system at $600. I agree, the addition of a blu-ray player has made that price less ridiculous, but the fact of the matter is that $600 for something that's substantially LESS featured than any off the shelf computer for the same price is gonna have problems moving units.

        Yes, I know that Sony is trying to push gaming forward by embracing blu-ray technology in it's infancy, but unfortunately, when a technology is in it's infancy it's expensive, and people aren't going to drop big bucks on something that, for all they know, will be obsolete in a year. I agree in that I think that Blu-Ray will eventually win the format war, but I sincerely doubt the PS3 is going to be a factor in that victory. Added to this is that Microsoft had a year's head-start on capturing the next-gen market, and has the developers on thier side, and you can see why, while 360's are still selling out in some places, there's always 50 PS3's sitting at my local BestBuy with a good layer of dust on them.

        It's a shame actually...the PS3 has the more powerful and more functional piece of hardware, and by right's should win out...but that $600 price tag is hard to get around. Guess we'll just have to see...

        PS - The Wii is rapidly approaching the 360's total units sold, despite the fact that the 360 had a years head start on it, and honestly, the only thing slowing down wii sales are the fact that they can't be found anywhere. Wouldn't it be odd if the Wii wins this generation? Maybe it ain't all about the power of the system anymore and we might actually get some genuinely FUN games?
        Load Universe Into Canon. Aim At Brain. Fire.

        -Professor Alan Watts
          System
          79987 Posts
          18 years ago
          Effedup
          PS - The Wii is rapidly approaching the 360's total units sold, despite the fact that the 360 had a years head start on it, and honestly, the only thing slowing down wii sales are the fact that they can't be found anywhere. Wouldn't it be odd if the Wii wins this generation? Maybe it ain't all about the power of the system anymore and we might actually get some genuinely FUN games?


          Oh you're high on crack! People owning a system because it has fun games and is good time to be had by all? No way! Its all about the social status of owning the most 'powerful' or the system with the most features. Thats what people care about. Lets not forget that you need to have an HD-TV to really use the Blu-Ray player to its best ability. I mean, everyone has those right? Its that pesky social status that people want.

          (Oh yeah, this was all sarcasm. Kinda. I don't think Effedup is on crack, but he is right about actually having fun with a game. Its not about the graphics, its about the good time.)
            CenturyNEXT's Avatar
            CenturyNEXT
            118 Posts
            18 years ago
            Game consoles are way over rated and are honestly a big waste of money.
            I like video games, but not enough to blow that much money on them. When the PS2 went on the market, I had a choice to get that or a better computer for me and my fiancee. I opted for the computer and got more than my moneys worth. I only own a PS1 with plenty of games, and I only touch the thing on very rare occassions. Games systems are cool and all, but if you have to spend an amount of money on a "toy" that equals the cost of rent, then you really have to get your priorities in check.
            But who am I to talk, I'm addicted to computer games. ;)
              Effedup
              80 Posts
              18 years ago
              Same here. I think my reluctance to jump into this current console generation has a lot to do with the fact that I have a PC that has pretty much the same performance. Granted, PC's aren't cheap either (especially when starting from scratch), but it's more of an investment over time than an instant gratification type thing.

              Didn't used to always be this way though. I've had dozens of consoles over the years (since the coleco) but after the PS2/Xbos/Gamecube generation, I pretty much gave up on it. Way too much money and games have lately been crap. It's been quite a while since I picked up a game and was just sucked into it...God, I miss my youth :)
              Load Universe Into Canon. Aim At Brain. Fire.

              -Professor Alan Watts
                toonwatcher's Avatar
                toonwatcher
                431 Posts
                18 years ago
                I'll wait for a price drop before I get anything. I want a system for games. Isn't that the most important thing? I'm happy with my last gen system to even worry about it right now. There's still plenty of games I haven't played yet (like the entire Xenosaga series) so I'll be busy for a long while.:)
                Wanna fight?
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                Wanna race?
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                Wii code 2157-1037-5084-0140
                  Oldschoolgamer83's Avatar
                  18 years ago
                  Well, I've had a 360 since launch and I don't think it's a rip off at all. It's got a bunch of great games out now, a bunch of great comes coming out and it can hold its own with PS3 graphically. I do agree 3 different versions is a bit much though. They should've dropped the "core" all together, lowered the price of the "premium" to $350 and released the "elite" at $450.

                  Oh and I agree with you about the Wii, if somebody can afford two consoles, this one should definitely be the one you get to go with the PS3 or 360. I just hope it can remain a viable console for more than 2-3 years down the line, I mean the hardware is a little outdated.
                    WARLORD1863's Avatar
                    WARLORD1863
                    517 Posts
                    18 years ago
                    I've got all 3 next-gen systems and I have to agree that you get a lot in your PS3. But I'm not sure that X-Box 360 is devoid of HD ability without an add-on. I certainly do not have anything added to the machine, but it runs HD.

                    What I didn't like about the PS3 is that you needed a separate cord that you have to purchase to play on an HD TV or projector system. 360 has both regular and HD hook-ups on the same cord.

                    Graphic-wise, I can see a noticeable advantage to the 360, but not so much as to make-or-break a deal for either one.

                    Free internet access is great (although I have the same kind of thing on my Wii).

                    To make a long story short, I'm happy to have all 3 of the next gen consoles. Especially when Sony kicks things up for the holidays with the big franchise releases.
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                      Predaking's Avatar
                      Predaking
                      920 Posts
                      18 years ago
                      I chose the console I bought strictly for the games, since my tastes lean towards xbox 360's lineup I bought that. I've always liked the Xbox live service, even though you had to pay, it's a step ahead of the others and having a mic has really helped with gameplay, socially speaking. PS3 will have theirs free but not many people have a PS3 and there's already a huge community for Xbox Live. All the games I tend to like are PC or Xbox oriented and the Xbox version is cheaper so it works out for me in the end. I also love Nintendo but holding off on the Wii until the games I want are available.

                      On a side note, the PS3 is one bada** machine, I think of it as the supercar of consoles, thing is there's only 2 games that interest me and the others are coming out for the Xb360, same game but slightly better graphics does not appeal to me. Bluray is nice but I'm waiting a year or two before I decide which format to stick with.
                        Snuffkin
                        41 Posts
                        18 years ago
                        Meh, I don't really care about a console's specs. The only thing that matter's is the games and, right now, Xbox 360 is head and shoulders above the pack, including my beloved Nintendo... :( Oblivion, Blue Dragon, Trusty Bell and Banjo-Threeie all look sooo good!

                        Though the Wii is set to gain a crap-load of quality titles by the end of the year (Mario Galaxy (!) Metroid Prime 3, Smash Bros. Brawl, Dragon Quest Swords ect.),so I'm happy.

                        PS3 even has a few - Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, Tiny Big Planet and, the biggest draw for me, Team ICO's third game.

                        I want them all damn it! xD
                          sikkbones's Avatar
                          sikkbones
                          1262 Posts
                          18 years ago
                          i'm happy with ps2 and xbox thanks..

                          esp with xbox games new at walmart for 6.97
                            diskoboy's Avatar
                            diskoboy
                            212 Posts
                            18 years ago
                            Actually, the DVD player on the 360 does upscale.

                            The catch - it only does it through the VGA cables. Not sure about the HDMI. I don't own an Eliete.

                            And a wireless adapter isn't a necessity. I use a wired connection on my 360. I don't have to worry about losing a signal. Ever.
                              akiraman26's Avatar
                              akiraman26
                              234 Posts
                              18 years ago
                              mine works like a charm.
                                voltron82's Avatar
                                voltron82
                                1003 Posts
                                18 years ago
                                akiraman26
                                who cares what systems you get or buy, it's your choice.


                                thanks man... they all have pros and cons... so everyone just shut up and have fun!! if you don't like the price, don't buy one.. it's that simple
                                "In heaven all the interesting people are missing."
                                Friedrich Nietzsche
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