XBox 360-Need Opinions
 

My SO has been making noise about getting a new console. PS3 is out as all Sony products have been banned from this house due to installing their third party bullshit on my computer which lead to me spending a number of hours messing the computers registry. Sony can piss off as can EA for not telling me about this crap...

Anyway, while I dont have much faith in Microsoft either, we agreed that if he really wanted to unload and replace his PS2 it was either going to be a Wii or a XBox. Since Wii doesnt cater to the types of games he likes to play, we just got back from looking into the XBox 360.

We we told about the ring of fire problem and that Microsoft has extended its waranty to fix atleast that problem. We were also told how to find out how to gain access to error codes if he should have a problem with it should we buy one.

He doesnt play online so thats not a issue. He likes the idea of having access to demos, but Im not going to allow demos to be a deciding factor.

Personally I think the system is still too buggy and not worth what stores want for it, but for those that have them, will you please let me know what you think.

hmmm, I'd love to read what others have to say

My husband and I are in the same situation. WE are either going to get a Wii or Xbox 360. Based off of the games out so far we are thinking of getting the Xbox, but I'm worried about the issues it might have.

Although as long as the warranty covers it, we might give it a try.

IMHO I would say get a 360 over a Wii. That's not because I own one either. The RRoD issue seems to be getting taken care of with extra heatsinks and the new chip that reduces the overheating issue. Also the warranty is 3 years and M$ pays for everything, though it does take about 4 weeks to get your box back.

Even if he doesn't play online, it's always there if he wants to. Xbox Live is superb for online gaming, movies, demos, etc. The Wii's online is pretty much non-existent. There are a ton of games coming this Winter for the 360 and it has my head spinning.

If you're really really worried about the RRoD issue you can always get a replacement plan from the retail store.

Xbox 360 is the best system out right now. It has multiple must-have titles and has a bright future ahead of it (even this holiday season has must-buy titles coming out). Bioshock, The Orange Box, Halo 3, Gears of War, etc. just too many games to not get a 360. The Wii and PS3 are good consoles but don't offer the same amount of quality games that the 360 does. I can't image any gamer not being satisfied with a 360 and Gears of War, Bioshock, Halo 3, and The Orange Box. The red ring of death is a non-issue now since most 360s on store shelves will be alleviated of the problem, and even if it does happen Microsoft has put a 10 year warranty on all 360s in case you do get one with the RROD.

Ditto to what the others said - 360 is the clear choice for now. I have all three systems and I play the 360 about 10 times more than the other 2. It's all about the library of games - and the sweet graphics to back it up help as well.

I just got my xbox back from microsoft (it took 2 1/2 weeks) after ring of death. I must say M$FT customer service surprised me.

Yes this problem is real, but with the latest version (the one with HDMI) the problem is getting less of a problem.

It all come down to what you want: Familly type game where graphic is not important (Wii) or Hi-Def graphic realism (360, PS3)

But I am pretty sure Wii type game will appear for the other console in a near future, the other two won't let Nintendo steal the market.

As a final comment, I was a PS2 owner and was oppose to have a XBOX, until my SO bought one last Christmas, now I would not change it for a PS3.

BTW, I was not an on-line gamer and still not for big games, but there is some of those arcade game that are fun to play over the net and don't requires the "chatting" that some other games need.

I've owned a 360 for a while, and randomly got the red ring of death, took them around 2-3 weeks for them to get it all back. They gave a free extended wartany which is really nice, and also a free month of xbox live.

My brother owns a Wii, it's fun and unique. But there's not many games for it yet, and playing with the controlers bother me some. Like you'll motion for a certain move and it won't do it. Proabley best game is the Wii sports, which comes with it.


The PS3s just took a big price cut, and also have a few good games, I believe the 360 has better games though. Most of the games they're releaseing for the PS3 are coming to PC and 360, so go figure.

I think in a bit all the systems will take another price cut, maybe at around christmas, but they might not. I don't think the Wii has went down in price at all. The PS3 has, and the 360 has, both for the better. The Wii is the best selling product right now and then the 360 and then PS3, but don't quote me.

360 for sure!

The RRoD, which I had recently, is a nuisance, but most newer Xbox systems will not likely have this issue. If you get a new lot of the Premium, or the Elite, you will get HDMI support, which is nice if you have or plan to get a 1080p HDTV.

Even if neither of you play online games, Xbox Live can change that. Even casual games have matchmaking services, and arcade/casual/puzzle/card games that you download via XBL Arcade. Playing Poker or Uno or Catan online can be fun if you just feel lazy (or sick). Having the demos and videos (of both games and movies) is handy as well.

The 360 controller is probably the best console controller ever to exist (IMO at least). It feels great in hands of varying sizes, has excellent button placement, is wireless and rather light.

The 360 has great developer support and a selection of amazing games that the Wii (and the PS3) don't.

Lastly, as a fellow Sony hater, I would not steer you wrong! ;-)

You complain of SONY stealing information and installing crap...
Yet you use Windows? *blink*
Logic failure there then?
I'm a Nintendo supporter so I recommend the Wii, Great for when you have guests over too!
The 360 is like a Microsoft PC, unreliable, breaks down often, and Microsoft often don't give a shit.
That and it can get viruses on-line, if on-line, Microsoft can browse your gaming records, shut down the console if playing illegal games.
Oh, and the Rings of Fire... That happens the day AFTER the warranty runs out.

Whoa now Chiya... when has MS recently been accused or shown to have created an environment of info leaking from your computer or Xbox? The Sony issue is well noted, and actually a problem on several levels (not only installing a rootkit on your PC, something far worse than any MS bug has offered) but also unlawfully using opensource software to create a DRM solution. Hmm, illegally copying portions of software to prevent people from illegally copying your songs? That's some karmic shit right there...

Also, please site references about the 360? Right now in my platoon alone we have 11 360s, they deal with heat and an extraordinary amount of dust and abuse. They work just fine. In fact, I don't know anyone who has had a 360 "break down" except for the documented and well-known RRoD issue. The RRoD is taken care of by MS with a simple phone call. They even send you a postage paid box (the casket) to send it back to them in, and turn around is only a couple of weeks.

They "don't give a shit" so much that they extended the warranty on 360s to three years BECAUSE of the RRoD issue? They estimate losing US$1.15B for the warranty extension and repairs. Yeah, that sounds like they don't give a shit.

Your gaming record can be "browsed" by any human with an internet connection, if you have a Live! account. Most people consider that a feature, not a detriment.

And you're actually counting it against them that your console can be banned from Live for running while modified? First, they don't kill your console, just your Live account. Second, many gaming services do the same thing if you are caught cheating or using illegal software. Third, modding your Xbox is a known risk. If you choose to do so, you also know that you may lose privileges. How is this a problem?

Wow, I'm not even an MS fanboy (not at all), but I can't believe the blatant disregard for facts people have regarding MS these days. I can surely make a list as long as yours, anti-Sony, that actually have facts to back them up. *shrug*

Did you just make this up??

The 360 doesn't "break down often." It breaks down once, if ever, and when it does, you get a another one for free with a huge extended warranty. Microsoft doesn't give a shit?? How can a company take a $1,000,000,000 loss by extending the warranties on every single 360 ever sold and not give a shit?

I've never heard of a 360 getting a virus. How is that even possible? And yes they can disable your Live account if you're playing illegal games, but...uhh, you're playing illegal games, what do you expect?

And all 360s are covered from the Ring of Fire. Happening after the warranty expires? Read above where Microsoft gave every 360 owner an extended warranty if the Ring of Fire happens.

I've only had my 360 for a couple of months, but I love the thing. I play it just about everyday and have never had any issues with it. I was worried about the RROD but figured since the warranty extension it wasn't gonna be a huge issue. Everyone who gets one automatically gets 3 years on top of the existing warranty just in case. It's free, and they even pay for shipping. The game library is awesome, xbox live is just brilliant, and the live arcade is sweet for playing old and unique stuff. Plus it has Halo 3, Dead Rising, Bioshock, and the best of the multi-console games like Skate. Get it, you'll love it.

LOL, I can understand M$ft haters, and the complete anti-fanboys, but wow that is amazing. I have yet to see or hear of a 360 getting a virus. For one, XBox Live is an EXTREMELY closed network, not to mention very closely monitored (and thus they know when you're playing illegal games). The only development anyone, aside from actual game development companies, goes through a separate Game Developers network (which costs $50 just to even be able to upload any games you develop), AND all dev uses dotNet (for this network) and Msft Game Studio.....which they've taken great pains to reduce the probability of virus authoring through the hoodoo magic that Msft does. (I'll cite all of this drivel as I find the info....but for now I'm lazy)

Anyway, had my first 360 for a year and some with no problems. When it did die, it was probably partially my fault as I had it in a semi-confined entertainment center for a while. Yep, no airflow, no processor cooling. But regardless, Msft sent me my "casket", I sent it in, and 3 weeks later they sent me a NEW Xbox, a nice letter saying that rather than fix my old one, here's a new one, and a free month of XBox live gold to make up for my downtime.

Now, on the Wii, I do not own one, and while there are several games that just sound awesome (the new Metroid for one), and the talk of actually getting to use the controllers as a light saber in a theoretical upcoming Star Wars game (I'm a little out of touch on the Wii release / upcoming schedule....Damn you Bioshock, Halo 3, and soon to be Mass Effect and Assassins Creed), everyone that I now that has one says they play it solid for 2 week to a couple months.......and then it sits idle.

BUT I will give it this, it's a great party console....but then again I've had just as much fun 4-playering Doom and TMNT on XBox Live Arcade when we have people over..........

And finally, just to sum up the entire post......A COMIC.

Good Luck on your decision, my vote is for the XBox, but then again I'm a fanboy.

~Drego.

If he's not going to play online then the 360 loses some of its appeal. Live is the strongest factor in supporting the 360 (second is the expansive game library due to its longer release time).

I bought a 360 about a month ago, and I couldn't be happier with it... Halo pretty much clinched it for me. I've never been into the xbox live thing, but since you can get a year sub card off the internet for like $30, I decided to give it a shot. I think the access to free demos alone make it worth 2 or 3 dollars a month.

I think you hit a big one there, as the 360's been out longest, the title selection is pretty top notch...aside from a few Sony exclusives which still make me cry a little when no one is looking.....

~Drego.

Yes, but despite them being slightly dirty practices, MS' money has bought them a lot of cross-platform games that would've been PS only and even some exclusives. Support now from Namco Bandai and Square Enix? That's not something anyone would've guessed a year ago or so. First run GTA4 plus exclusive 360 ONLY content? Nice! Mass Effect? Bioshock? Yum!

All I own right now is a Wii, but I wouldn't suggest getting one unless you have a household full of people the play games. If you mostly play games by yourself, you'd be more satisfied with a 360 or a PS3.

Judging by what's out right now, I would say to go with a 360, but the PS3 has a lot going for it. Since the price is dropping pretty rapidly, I'm sure a lot more people will own PS3's in the next year. Many of the great 360 games are also being released on the PS3. I think the PS3 will catch up and be a worthy competitor for the 360 once it gets better online functionality (HOME anyone?) and some more exclusives.

You shouldn't rule out the PS3 just because of Sony's corporate practices, though. It's fairly common knowledge that most corporations take part in some pretty shady stuff.

I keep reading about the RROD, I understand what it is and all, but my roommate has had a 360 since launch, and it has never seen this problem. The system runs as smooth as it ever has, even when dealing with graphically stunning environments, e.g. Bioshock.

But if you're worried about the RROD, I wouldn't see why Microsoft would still put XBox's with that problem on shelves. I'm sure you're safe from it at this point (correct me if I'm wrong).

As far as games go, Bioshock and Halo 3, to me, make the 360 worth it. Then you have other great titles like Gears of War, Burnout, or Eternal Sonata (if you're into RPG's). Of course there are plenty more out there that I can't think of, but I'm sure they've already been listed.

I would go with the 360. My wife and I have the Wii and the 360 and it definately gets played more. Plus there are alot of games we play together. Also the Marketplace with Demos and the Arcade games is really really cool

The xbox 360 is about to be blitzed with so many good games. Assassin's Creed (yes, it's coming out on ps3, too), Mass Effect (xbox exclusive), Call of Duty 4 (cross platform). As much as I hate to say it, Microsoft really did well with the xbox 360. The only reason I'd not get a 360 is if you are a hard-core PC gamer. Many 360 games are co-developed for the PC as well, since they are basically the same. The ps3 really shot itself in the foot with how difficult/weird it is to develop for.

The wii is a great party machine with some great games as well. Mario is coming, zelda, metroid, resident evil.

CyCo PL, what 360 games are coming out soon on PS3? The only one I know of that will be 360-first is GTA4. Most of the 360-exclusive games that are out right now will continue to be 360-exclusive.

Also Home? Seriously? Comparing Home to Live is a pretty decent stretch. It's more like the Wii's Miiville or wtf it's called. It's slightly social and you have access to some content, but XBL has had an AMAZING amount of progress, and it'll be quite difficult for Sony to catch up to them in utility and fun.

I'll chime in on this one.

I am a happy PS3 owner, and have had one since launch, here is the funny part, I do not, nor have I ever owned any Microsoft gaming console. Yep, that's right I have been strictly Sony or Nintendo in the past. I have played all of the systems though on a pretty regular basis through friends, in store demo units, etc etc.

If you are looking for flat out killer games, then the 360 is the must have system, it has been out longer than the other 2, and has more games out for it due simply to the longer system timeline. Each system has it's exclusives that are for that system only, and they each offer a nice variety of titles to choose from, but with the 360 having been out longer it just simply has more games to choose from.

Graphics wise you are getting about the same thing from either a PS3, or a 360, don't get all wrapped up in the hype of what a system's hardware can push, if the developing studios don't know how to use the system then the graphics will suck. Case in point, look at God of War 2 for the PS2, those images rival any of the HD systems out there now and that console has been out almost 10+ years. Personally I think that with what is inside the PS3, we will be able to see better graphics over time and for a longer time period, but as it stands right now the PS3 and 360 are about equal.

Fun factor always plays into it, and the Wii has this one pretty much down as a "party" or family friendly console, they have the games that are a lot of fun with a group of people sitting around, or a family game night. While the other two systems have more of the lone gamer stuff, or multiplayer/online offerings.

Edit: Someone made mention of the HOME service above, and I don't want to break my TOS agreement, so I cannot get too much into detail on it, but I am a beta tester for it. I don't know what people are thinking this service is, but it is more of a 2nd life thing than an online gaming haven. You have this "home space" where you can place furniture, decorations, wallpaper etc. You can then walk around the areas such as a movie theater (surrently playing trailers for Sony studio movies) a game room where you can bowl, play pool, or some simple push and click video games with the other avatars. More or less, the Home service is like an avatar based Myspace or Facebook, you create a toon or avatar, dress them up and go interact with others on the service.

If that's the case then Home sounds pretty weak. Also, I believe Home will have trophies you can get for games kinda like achievements.

I didn't say 360 exclusive games. They're called exclusive for a reason. I meant that most of the big name games coming out now are being released on both 360 and PS3. Assassin's Creed. Call of Duty 4. Kane and Lynch. Guitar Hero 3, Rock Band, Unreal Tournament 3, Brutal Legend, Turok, Bionic Commando, Devil May Cry 4. You could argue that PS3 isn't getting a lot of the 360 exclusive games like Mass Effect and Halo, but the 360 is also not getting a lot of the PS3 exclusives, like Final Fantasy XIII and Metal Gear Solid 4. But I bet Mass Effect and Halo 3 will come to PC eventually, and guess what I'm typing on right now!

Yeah, I misunderstood the utility of HOME, I was under the impression that it would patch up the shortcomings of PS3's online system. But, the PS3's online system isn't that terrible to begin with. If they implemented a better matchmaking system, it would be just as good as Live in terms of usefulness. I can do without the gamerscore/stats/achievements schtick, as when I'm playing online, I let my skill speak for itself, not my achievements.

I agree regarding letting skill speak for itself. When the GamerScore idea first crossed my screen I thought it was lame, but honestly... I'm hooked! Acheivements allow you to showcase single-player accomplishments, casual game accomplishments... it gives someone else a clue as to whether you are primarily an FPS gamer or sports or if you are more well-rounded.

Also, there are levels of exclusivity. Often a game will be platform exclusive for x months after it's release, then sold on other systems. GTA is good about that. Yes, there are PS3 exclusives, but even a lot of typically Sony developers are makig 360-exclusive games these days, or making games for the 360 that are typically in the Playstation segment (like anime-based games). Two great examples are the new Square Enix game (Infinite Undiscovery, I believe) which is 360-only, and the new Naruto game for the 360 (may be cross-platform, but I don't think so) which, while not my cup of tea, looks AWESOME and is not a typical Xbox game offering.

An interesting aside: link

Sure, it's not much, but apparently it's the first time 360 consoles have outsold PS3s in Japan. Nice!