PS3 or XBox 360 or Wii or Wii U
 

Hey all,

I've been out of the video game circuit for a while. Thinking about getting a system. Any recommendations?

I bought a PS3 in '09 and have been very happy with it.
I've slowly learned to use a lot of the functions with it.

Obviously, I use it for gaming (God of War, Final Fantasy, Modern Warfare... just started playing Skyrim yesterday!). But I also use it as my DVD player and I stream Netflix Instant through the PS3 (you can do that on most gaming consoles, Vizio TVs, probably some others) - which is amazing stuff.

I have a wired connection to my PC and use the PS3 to pull photos, videos, and music through to our living room TV when we have family & friends over. I believe you can do this with a wireless connection too... though I'm not savvy enough to know how to do that. I've also used Amazon.com to view some videos instantly when we want to pay for something. And, I just got the YouTube app onto my PS3 so we watched a bunch of Muppets videos & Christmas videos & (don't laugh) Taylor Swift videos over the Christmas break.

I've heard that XBox is the better system for pure graphics of gaming... although I did read about some "red circle of death" thing when I was researching back in the day.

Wii is a cartoon-y system. Wii is for girls & kids. (Sorry, I'm sure this will offend somebody). I've heard Wii-U is a graphical upgrade.


I give my PS3 a 10/10... love, love it.
If you consider using your PS3 for more than just gaming, I think it'll be the winner for you.

But I'd love to hear what other people think about their systems too.

Thanks Pengwin7.

I had a PS3 two years ago, but sold it as I was moving towards home theatre PC system. I don't really need the side benefits (Blu Ray, Netflix, Photos, etc) as I can do all that and more on my HTPC, but I do miss the gaming aspects.

So this would strictly be for gaming purposes. I'd also like something that'd be suitable for my son when gets a little older.

I guess it depends on what type of games you play. If you are into Mario Kart and games like that, then any of the systems will do you fine but if you are looking for sports games, 1st person shooters and anything that requires quality graphics, you will want the PS3 or XBox.

For most its a personally opinion what one is better. Both are excellent systems, graphics wise. I own the PS3 and am quite happy with it. My son also has an XBox and he plays both. If you go with one of these two systems, you wont go wrong.

Thanks. I know how good the PS3 is. Price being equal, I'd probably go with that. But the PS3 160GB system is $194 while the 360 console with Skyrim/Forza is $199. So the best bang for the buck seems to be the 360.

Any drawback with the 360 (aside from the extras)?

The Wii is dangerous... just plain dangerous.
Proof!

Seriously, watch the video!

PS3 is easily the best console out there IMO. Pretty much is everything the Xbox is except you don't have to pay $60 a year for online play and you have Blu Ray capabilities.

That being said if you're a huge halo fiend like I am you'll unfortunately get sucked into getting the xbox.

Over the past year though I've had both and if I only had to pick one console, halo aside...my answer would easily be the PS3.

You can't play Uncharted on 360!!!

(probably my favourite series)

Like bondon said the biggest drawback to the 360 is that you have to pay for your online gameplay. I'm not sure exactly how much xbox live costs since I don't bother with it, but bondon said 60 bucks so assume that. Playing online is free with the PS3 which is a nice bonus. Also some of the Playstation-only titles are awesome.....Gran Turismo and Uncharted come to mind.

I played Playstations for the first two gens, and always loved them. I went with a 360 over the PS3 for whatever reason a couple years ago. I enjoy my xbox, and really I don't think you'll find much difference between the two systems gameplay-wise.

That being said, if your son is still young, and you enjoy games like Mario or Zelda.....maybe the Wii or Wii-U is the best choice. Personally I'm not a huge fan of Nintendo (since the 64 at least), but maybe it works for you.

But if you're looking to play sports, shooters, or big RPGs you have to go with the xbox or PS3.

Thanks all! A friend just recommended steam as an alternative. I have the HTPC so that could be an alternative. Any thoughts?

My little guy isn't quite two yet, and is a little away from playing games. I think the Wii would be the best choice for him, just not sure if its best for me. Game wise, I'd be really interested in RPGs like skyrim. I'm not sure how much I'd play online,so the 60 bucks a year may not be a factor. Hmmmm... Need to do some more thinking!