nothingx

Fellow gamers,

So, I got a bunch of money for Christmas and I'm considering getting a console system. I game almost exclusively on the PC, but lately I've noticed a trend where games are being released solely, or in advance, on console systems. I've done some research and I've decided whatever I get will be "modded" and it will either be an XBOX or a PS2. The only problem is, which is "better"? To date, I have noticed the following...

PS2 Advantages:

• Games, games, games... far more titles available than XBOX.
• Sleek controllers, XBOX has chunky odd ones.
• Nifty gadgets like eye-toy, DDR pads, nothing available on XBOX.

XBOX Advantages:

• Superior graphics, games look better than PS2.
• Built in harddrive, no messing around with memory cards.
• XBOX Live!

Both systems have awesome "exclusive" titles like Halo 2 and GTA (for the moment), so they're pretty much tied there. Is that it? Have I considered everything? Is something I've considered not really as big of a deal as I think it is?

Everytime I start thinking about it, I decide on one, but then next second I want the other. What do you say guys? Help me out here.

Mr.Deflok

And so, the fanboy rampage begins.

CityOfAngels

It all depends on what you want.

PS2: More RPG's, backwards compatibility with PS1 games, generally more Japanese-oriented games than the XBOX.

XBOX: Pre-installed HDD, (supposively) better graphics, more American-oriented games produced by Microsoft.

Since you're getting a modded system, here are a few suggestions:
1) If you get a modded PS2 -
Invest in a large HDD and the HD Loader. That way you can store games on and access them from your HDD.
2) If you get a modded XBOX -
Make sure you get an Xecuter brand chip, preferrably Xecuter3. Also, invest on a 200 Gig HDD so you can store all your games on it.

XBOX doesn't need an HD Loader program, but it does need an illegal BIOS and Dashboard installed on the modchip (which I can not link you to on this site, sorry). Check out http://www.xbox-scene.com for more info on everything XBOX. The HD Loader costs a pretty penny (last I saw it was at $60?), but it doesn't require you to search the internet to find an illegal BIOS and dashboard to flash your chip with.

If all else fails in your decision-making: Get both. They're both very amazing systems.

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Rdr4evr

Why isn't gamecube on your list?

Frosstbyte

I'd pick largely based on what kinds of games you like to play. If FPS is your genre, get an xbox. Halo/Halo 2 and a slew of others. If you like RPGs or platformers, get a PS2. The FF games, Xenosaga, the Jak and Dexter trilogy, Rachet and Clank series, the list goes on and on.

I can't stand to play FPS on a console, so I reserve that for computer time and I like RPGs, so I bought a PS2 when I made the same decision about a month ago. The new PS2s are pretty fucking hot, too. Hope that helps.

japhyryder

I agree with Frossbyte, it depends on your gaming choices, alot of the games will come out on both but you will have to pick you battles with some.

PS FF series, GT series, and any of the other amazing Sony games that come out

XBox next to the PC the best choice for FPS, also they have Jade Empire coming out and Kotor II (if you can't wait for the PC which I will)

Good luck

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animal909

i would get a PS2 if you are looking for more variety in gaming. If you like FPS, then X-Box. The hard drive, i must admit, is awesome for making back up of the games you played.

I played both but i have more fun on PS2 but thats just me... im just waiting for granturismo 4 and that will be it for me.

pixelbend

Maybe it's because I'm a big guy (6' 4"), but the PS2 controller doesn't feel right in my hands for some reason. I like the new style XBox controller a lot more. It just seems to fit ergonomically. But if you get an XBox just make sure to get the 2nd gen controllers. My brother bought a refurb and got the old style controller and it is much too big.

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Jesus Pimp

I have both but I have to say the Xbox. Both systems have a lot of shit games i.e. shovelware with PS2 having the most, but both systems have equal amount of good games(approximately 10-15 must owns). Depends on what kind of games you like. XBox has better versions of GTA also and will get GTA: SA next year.

Both systems have sleek controllers. Microsoft discontinued those huge controllers a while ago. Sony makes you buy expensive memory cards to save games and and multi-taps if you want more than 2 players. Xbox doesn't. The hard drive included with the Xbox is a godsend. You can save games and rip cds for custom soundtracks for games that support it. The PS2 hard drive is pretty useless. Only like 3 games use it. They could easily utilize it to save games but they don't which is really lame. Graphically Xbox is ahead. PS2 is starting to show its age.

Oh did I mention if you get your Xbox modded it opens up a new world. You can swap out the hard drive for a larger hard drive up to 200+ gigs. Back up your games onto the hard drive for faster loading. Use your Xbox as a media center to play video files and other media files. Also use it as a emulator box to play classic console and arcade games.

So it's obvious what the better value is, but if you're a gaming buff like me, get both.

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nothingx

Fortunately, not yet... almost everything said so far has been very helpful. I know you've got more opinion than this... so what is it?

Because I havent seen much support from the modding community on this system. I understand its a cool console (and a inexpesive one too), but it's just not what I'm interested in.

I would love to have both, but unfortunately that's not financially possible at the moment. The other thing is, I haven't been a console gammer for so long now, I'm not even sure if I'll actually play the damn thing. This is more or less an experiment for me, giving consoles a chance again, and value is very importaint.

Thus far, it looks like I'm leaning toward the XBOX. It just seems like there's so much more to do with it, and while I like RPGs, I'm a bigger fan of FPS. Thanks for all the advice, keep it coming....

lpj8

I have an Xbox and a Gamecube, and my good friend has a PS2. As people have already mentioned, all three systems have awesome games. As far as the PS2 and Xbox go, there is a ton of quality software to purchase for both systems. Here is my list of pros and cons and recommendations

PS2
Pros
Lots of exclusive games
Nice controller
Small
DVD capable out of box
LAN now built in

Cons
Need to buy memory card
Need to buy a hard drive
Need to buy accessery for four controller ports


Xbox
Pros
Better graphics (Read all of the reviews of cross-platform games)
Hard Drive (No Memory Cards)
Great selection of exclusive games
Dolby 5.1
Xbox Live
Optional mouse and keyboard available for gaming

Cons
Big
Need to buy DVD controller for DVD to work
Fewer overall games then PS2
Newer controllers are fine, but the PS2 controller is better in my opinion

As many people have already stated, it comes down to what types of games you like to play. I think the PS2 has a clear advantage when it comes to platforming games, but the Xbox has more selection at FPS, and more multiplayer options.
I think no matter which system you buy, you've made a good decision.

Slavakion

As far as I understand it, there's no real mod chip for the GC because there's no writer for the type of discs that it uses. *waits to be corrected with a link to newegg*

There is, however, a quote-unquote way to mod it. You use some sort of exploit in some online game (Phantasy Star I believe) and transmit the game data from a PC across a network cable to the GC. Very slow transfer, but you "modded" it.

EDIT: Oh, by the way, my personal opinion is that XBOX is better to mod because you drop in a mammoth hard drive and use it for <fill in the blank>. It's a computer, so you can do almost anything with it. Plus, you can run linux and feel really proud (geeky) of yourself. Um, yeah. That's all.

pixelbend

I just read an article that gave Doom3's release date for XBox - Feburary 1st

And it will have the full versions of Doom II and Doom Ultimate included on the disc. That's enough reason to get an XBox right there!

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CityOfAngels

Just so you know, with the proper modchip, BIOS, and dashboard, you don't need a DVD kit to play DVD movies.

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The words "love" and "life" go together. It is almost as if they are one. You must love to live, and you must live to love, or you have never lived nor loved at all.

Spritebox

I own an Xbox and a Gamecube. Nothing ever made me want a PS2, although recently, I've been dying to play Katamari Damacy.

No system has anything close to the fanbase and playability of xbox live. Nothing is more fun than playing Halo 2 with some friends locally against opponents from all over the world. Same goes for Mechassault 2 and Ghost Recon 2, both amazing games (and mechassault 2 is xbox only^^).

As for gamecube, it has by far the best games in terms of quality. Metroid Prime 1 and 2, Super Smash Brothers Melee, Mario Power Tennis, Pikmin 2, and Paper Mario to name a few. I feel like a child again whenever I turn on my gamecube. I get lost in the universe and experience of the games - something I've never experienced while playing any other console. Also, some of my favorite game franchises are on gamecube: Metroid, Mario, Starfox (soon) and Zelda (by the way, has anyone seen the video for the new Zelda? If that doesn't make you want a gamecube, then you have no soul).

Overall, Xbox is great because of live! and live capable games. Gamecube is great because of game quality. PS2...I guess it's great because of Katamari Damacy. <3

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Mr.Deflok

You've stated the primary advantages of each console quite well, it all really boils down to what games you want to play. Take a look at each's catalogue and see which games suit you best personally.

Were I in your shoes I'd be going for the Xbox as I find it quite hard to play the PS2 anymore because the graphics hurt my eyes, though a game like Jak 3 or MGS3 are exceptions. If the GameCube were on the cards I'd be choosing that over any other system, it's catalogue is relatively small but it's great titles are quality titles, and quite frankly are some of the best games ever made (ie. Metroid Prime 1 + 2, Zelda: Windwaker, Paper Mario 2...[co-incidentally these are first party titles too]).

mandal

Doom III is supposed to be insane on xbox live. Two player co-op through xbox live. The cool thing is that they really considered the co-op mode. There'll be scenes where one player can only hold the flashlight where the other holds the gun and you have to work together and everything.

Let's see, I have two xboxes and two PS2's, my ps2's get no play time whatsoever, besides karoke revolution.

and for all those who say the big controller sucks trade them with me. They are the best IMO.

georges

i have the slim ps2..no hard drive support, but so small! it's about the size of 2 dvd cases on top of each other..i love it. Would recommend just because of the size, and i just like playstations. If you have a problem with the size, slimps2 is a godsend. Also, it has 2usb's (instead of 1 on the other ps2), built in in network adapter and a built in dvd remote reciever so if you buy a remote to play dvd's with(not neccessary, but its easier than the controller) then you dont need to stick a reciever into the controller port. It's also silent apart from the cd seeking.

Spartak

Bingo, that's what did it for me.

I knew XBOX had better graphics (on the account it came out some 12 months after the PS2), and a lot of multi-platform titles, like the EA games. But any step up from my 633mhz PC in terms of graphics is a welcome one

But then I thought, GTA:SA right here right now, and the prospect of MGS3 and GT4 in the near future... that tipped the balance in PS2's favour.

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Wingless

georges, the now-old PS2 has 2 USB ports... although you really don't need more than 1 at a time. The only (official) USB stuffs for the PS2 is the EyeToy, Headset/mic, and the Logitech Keyboard.

If you wanna mod and experiment, go for the X-Box (this is coming from a PS2 fanboy). People have done countless things with the X-Box hardware and if that's your thing, go for it!

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McG

Single playered games are fun for a while but I get most of my enjoyment out of games through online play. And you can't beat Xbox Live.

japhyryder

Don't forget the light guns for the PS2 you need a USB port for each gun.

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