Thoughts on jumping back to the 360

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:31 pm

Long story short, a fellow employee here at work made an offer of $440 for my PS3, not including the one game I own (MLB The Show). It came out of nowhere, as I never really considered selling it. I haven't told him yes or no. I just told him it as an intriguing offer.

However as I got to think about it, I definitely do miss the community that is XBL. The excess of demos and arcades is just so plentiful compared to the PSN store. Home definitely intrigues me, but at age 34 I'm not so certain I'm ready to walk around as a virtual "sportdan30". Still, there is just so much possibilities with this kind of interface, but how many years are they from really putting it all together?

I originally thought I was more of a single player gamer, and that was just one of my decisions in making my leap to the PS3. However, all my fond memories of gaming over the past two to three years has been via the multi-player experience with many of you guys. Now, I'm not as involved with the online experience like a lot of you, but when I do get online, it's a blast. The PS3 certainly has potential, but when you don't include a headset with the console it kind of makes me wonder.

One of the hardest decisions would be not having the ability to play The Show. It is my opinion the single greatest baseball video game experience. Still, I can't commit to playing this game daily as much as I want to (family, work, tv, etc.). I like to keep up with the schedule as much as possible, but that never works out. Miss a week gaming, and I'm that much futher behind. Plus, I just don't know if I'll burn out or not eventually from the series. It's possible I suppose. There's always hope 2K8 will deliver a better gaming experience next season.

Next, are the games. I'm not overly excited about the upcoming MS games (Halo 3, Bioshock - though I haven't played the demo, Mass Effect, etc.) Unchartered is a game that excites me, but there's a chance it could not deliver. I like the Heavenly Sword demo, but I think I might just be beyond these kind of games. Same with Lair. The other games that are intriguing is MGS4 and Killzone 2. However, I've never played the originals or the sequels. So, it's all speculation that I'll enjoy these games.

Lastly, is the blu ray player. It definitely outshines what I currently have in a DVD player. However, right now I'm watching movies on a 32" LCD hdtv so I'm not getting the full movie experience. With time, I gotta think the blu ray or hd-dvd (whoever wins) will continue to drop in price. I'm not beyond watching movies still on dvd in the interim.

I feel as though the future is bright for the PS3, and I have commented on this endlessly (to the point of annoying many of you). I'm irked that Madden plays and looks poorly on the system right now. I have to believe it'll be a much different experience next year. Still, other multi-platmorm games don't look as nice on the PS3, although Dirt is supposed to look phenomenal.

If I do decide to sell, I think I'd probably wait for the premium with the extra heatsink just to give me a little bit more peace of mind.

In the end, if you wish to comment that'd be great. Snide comments are always welcome as they tend to add humor.

Thanks.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:39 pm

Just do what I'm doing...play MLB on the PSP or a PS2 for cheap...wait till next year to get back on the PS3 ship. The 360 is far superior when it comes to sports games outside of MLB right now...so it's really and easy decision if you're a sports gamer.

Hell, even MLB 2k7 is pretty damn good since they patched it and added the higher fielding camera.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:39 pm

There's absolutely no room in your life for both? I love the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player that plays the occasional game (for now at least). I still primarily play my 360 but I really am in gaming nirvana having both systems. As a $500 blu-ray player the PS3 can't be beat. When the games really start hitting the PS3 will be a more tempting choice for some. I think if you go back and forth between the consoles you'll just be chasing happiness.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:45 pm

MLB The Show is the only game on PS3 I consider next gen. The others you could probably argue are as good or better on the 360.

Maybe wait until they come out with those new 360's with the new hardware that's suppose to bring down the hardware issues. But XBL is the biggest thing for me right now in keeping the 360 instead of replacing it with PS3.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:48 pm

Keep the PS3. Get a 360. Bioshock, Bioshock, Bioshock.

I do agree that MLB 2K7 it pretty good post-patch.

In any case I don't think it's ever a good idea to get rid of hardware. Whenever I have, I just end up re-purchasing it down the road.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:56 pm

I agree with Scoop. I enjoy both. I love Blu-ray and can't imagine going back. I also really enjoy the Show, F1, and I'm playing God of War on the PS3. The X360 (in working condition) is my favorite gaming console ever considering the entire package. I wouldn't sell your PS3. IMO Madden is not worth jumping ship. Buy the PS2 version or get NCAA (it can be had *real* cheap on ebay) if you need a football fix. Things will be fine next year and you never know how good The Show is going to become on PS3. It's certainly off to a good start. And you're probably not going to just have that 32 inch TV for the next 5 or 6 years, are you? At your age I had a 27 inch standard definition TV and 5 years later I have the TV you have plus a new 52 inch Sony.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:11 pm

Keep the PS3. If you want to get a 360, get a 360, but don't sell your PS3. You'll regret it.

I have decided to be a one-console guy this generation. I had the PS2, GameCube, and XBox last time, and it was too much. I just don't play enough now to own more than one console. I wish I could play The Show and have a Blu Ray player, but that's not $600 worth of reasons for me.

wpw721 · Post by **wpw721** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:10 pm

Slumberland wrote:In any case I don't think it's ever a good idea to get rid of hardware. Whenever I have, I just end up re-purchasing it down the road.

I strongly agree with Slumberland. My 360 is great but there are times I miss my ps2 and Toca 3.

fanatic · Post by **fanatic** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:46 pm

It's a tough call....One minute you're thinking "The Show makes the PS3 a no-brainer" and then next you're worrying about not being able to play Bioshock or some games at 60FPS. One thing is for certain though, if you end up going back to the 360 now, something will come along, like Gran Turismo's graphics, etc...that will make you start thinking how much you miss the PS3.

I think the way to go is either to stick with whatever you have now (because really, they are both great systems) or if you can afford it, have both systems. I just don't think it's wise to get into the selling, re-buying, re-selling cycle. Also, considering you don't have all the time in the world to play, I would stick with one system (current PS3), stop reading any threads about 360 games (this is where the danger begins) and just enjoy the great games you have and that are coming.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:49 pm

Thanks for all your input. At this time, I'll most likely stay with the PS3 as the thought of selling and rebuying at this point doesn't make much sense in terms of how much I'll lose out on in the end.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:08 pm

Interesting timing on this thread as I was JUST thinking about selling my PS3 because I want to get a new iMac. I like my PS3 and am very eager about it's future, but I currently have zero games for it other than two downloaded ones. And I only very occasionally use it for Blu-Ray.

I could use the $450 I could probably sell it for toward my iMac upgrade.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:14 pm

Spooky wrote:Interesting timing on this thread as I was JUST thinking about selling my PS3 because I want to get a new iMac. I like my PS3 and am very eager about it's future, but I currently have zero games for it other than two downloaded ones. And I only very occasionally use it for Blu-Ray.

I could use the $450 I could probably sell it for toward my iMac upgrade.

I'll sell you my IMac G5 if interested.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:17 pm

Good call Dan on keeping the PS3. As it stands right now the 360 is the total package online and offline but reliability really brings the system down several notches. Hopefully when the new chips show up the system will not suffer from all the problems currently plaguing it.

The five PS3 games I have are already justifies why I bought it, especially MLB 07. Plus SCEA put my name in the game so I have even more reason to keep it.

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:44 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:There's absolutely no room in your life for both? I love the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player that plays the occasional game (for now at least). I still primarily play my 360 but I really am in gaming nirvana having both systems. As a $500 blu-ray player the PS3 can't be beat. When the games really start hitting the PS3 will be a more tempting choice for some. I think if you go back and forth between the consoles you'll just be chasing happiness.

I'm with you Scoop. I also switch back and forth, with more gaming currently going on with my 360. I wouldn't give up my PS3 though. I love the blu-ray player, and my kids love being able to play the old PS2 games. I'm also willing to wait on the games coming down the road.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:18 am

I also say keep the PS3 and get a 360 as well, although i'm guessing owning both might be out of your budget. If you like single player gaming then Bioshock might worth it.

EDIT: Check out Slickdeals.net

Sports Authority has a 25% off sale and apparently they sell video games and systems. A 360 can be had for $328. Games for $45. Maybe it's the right time to just bite the bullet and get a 360.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:02 pm

I think I'll eventually own a 360 again, but I might just wait a bit longer than anticipated. Perhaps, until around the holiday season. That way, hopefully the new cooler chips will be included in all the 360s along with the added heatsink. Hopefully enough reviews will be out to gauge whether or not the fixes have really diminished the break downs.

Blublub · Post by **Blublub** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:05 pm

I'm staying with both, but if I had my druthers I'd go all in on the PS3 in a second if there was nothing left on 360 only that I could live without. (Really only Catan and Carcassonne are the only things left I'd have a hard time parting with).

The PS3 is just so much more elegant and substantial-feeling, IMHO. Ironically with a Sony product, I really love the open-source nature of the technology (SD and CF support), the fact 'net play is free (yet obviously horribly flawed right now), all PS2 titles play without updates, integration with the PSP, etc. Since getting a PS3 I haven't even considered selling it, and if asked it would be a very tough decision.

The software library on the 360 obviously leaves the PS3 in the dust, but I really hate having to constantly worry whether my hardware will live to see another day (particularly when games like NCAA sound like a jet taking off). It's even more of a concern when I likely will again find myself living without access to a service center at any cost.

Plus, there is just no way I could live without The Show. Sorry DB, but MLB 2k even post-patch doesn't come close in my book. With WE coming out on both I should be happy with the PS3 for a while even if the whole platform goes belly-up tomorrow (which might not be so unreasonable given all of Sony's current problems). I just wish companies like EA would take the time to program for it rather than porting 360 versions.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:11 pm

Blublub wrote:I just wish companies like EA would take the time to program for it rather than porting 360 versions.

They aren't going to for the forseeable future. The 360 is the base platform this gen as the PS2 was for last gen. The 360 and PS3 are VERY equal in terms of overal system capabilities and output, but the PS3 is much more challenging to program for at THIS point in time. However, with another year under their belt programming along with updated PS3 development tools, the PS3 framerate issues of this years products will be a thing of the past.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:21 pm

I think some people have gotten Premiums with HDMI ports already, meaning the Falcon chips are out there already.

Sony will integrate 65 nanometer chips too, although I'm hearing that more recently manufactured PS3s seem to have louder fans and/or drives?

Of course, any newer PS3 designs will be missing the EE chip for PS2 compatibility.

I've not bought a console of the same generation more than once. My PS1 stuttered a lot but never replaced it. Same with Genesis. My PS2 held up all the way, almost 6 years without ever failing to load a game and I sold it to clear space (probably could have gotten more than I sold it for because there were a lot of interested buyers, probably because it was a mod-able design).

So I can't imagine selling and buying again, unless the thing breaks down completely. It appears some people can work on a 6-month or 1-year horizon for their buying decisions. But that's more like a PC gamer mindset.

I'm sure the X360 games will sell very well, this fall/winter. But Halo3 and Bioshock appears to me to be just another pair of FPS games, which I never play -- I will write off Killzone2 for the same reason. Nor do I play RPGs or Action RPGs so Mass Effect doesn't hold any appeal (as FF series doesn't either).

PS3 lineup this year is risky for Sony in a strategic sense. Several of the PS3 showcased games are brand new, unproven IP -- Lair, Heavenly Sword, Uncharted. Ratchet and Clank and Warhawk are known games but they're not huge blockbusters. Not sure GT5 Prologue is even coming out for US this year -- you wouldn't think it would need a lot of time for localization like MGS4 or FF would.

But most of these games look more appealing to me than FPS and RPG games so we'll see if they hold up.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:38 pm

Blu and Wco both make very good points. And as I said, I'm more excited about the upcoming PS3 games than I am the MS games. I know I would certainly regret not being able to play MLB The Show 07 and the upcoming 08 game.

I just find myself missing XBL, and having those every so often fun online sessions. I haven't yet tried playing online with the PS3, but I imagine I will soon. Especially with the hockey and basketball games on the horizon.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:40 pm

What the hell are Catan and Carcassonne?

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:44 pm

I would get a 360, but I like the current lineup of games compared to the ps3 right now.

cootdog · Post by **cootdog** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:48 pm

wco81 wrote:I think some people have gotten Premiums with HDMI ports already, meaning the Falcon chips are out there already.

Yeah, that was a confusing situation. Early word said that they'd have the 65nm Falcons by now, but then the leak's tune changed and he began talking about how Microsoft was having problems with them, so their introduction is being delayed.

So, the Premiums with HDMI still have the 90nm chipset. However, they *do* have the new heatsink, which is supposed to have much more to do with eliminating the RROD issue. And they've got the quieter BenQ DVD drives, too. Linkage:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/birds-of-pre ... 289202.php

The original long-ass post on the new, improved Premiums:

http://forums.xbox.com/13882627/ShowPost.aspx

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 3:19 pm

I guess if you can play BIOSHOCK on your pc, you're fine.. but if not, I would buy a 360 for this game and NHL 08 alone. (although I guess the ps3 gets the EA version as well this year)

I FULLY believe MLB 2k8 will finally be the baseball game we've been wanting on the 360.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 3:32 pm

wco81 wrote:Not sure GT5 Prologue is even coming out for US this year -- you wouldn't think it would need a lot of time for localization like MGS4 or FF would.

GT5 Prologue this Fall and GT5 in 08...