XBOX-360 OR PS3?
PS3...don't have to pay for online access, wifi included, blu-ray - overall much better deal
I'm pretty sure the new xbox they came out with has built in WiFi. The paying for online is a difference, but when you break it down per month it's about $3-$4 for the xbox service; which does give you better connections than PS3.
PS3 has the blu ray, which is what many people have already pointed out. If you want that, then get the PS3.
I know this was true a few years ago - but most sports games actually ran significantly faster on the xbox because of the complicated coding that the PS3 uses. It might have been corrected by now, but for 2009, I think it was, the FPS were at least 10 below xbox on a PS3.
PS3. I went through 4 different xboxes while under warranty, just ridiculous.
I would get a PS3, too.
Although if you want to play versus your friends online make sure you get the same system.
PS3, much better for sports games IMO.
PS3 IMO as well. Blu Ray domination. And IMO, the controller is better for PS3.
There seem to be some different versions of PS3 out there at $300-$400 respectively. Does it matter which PS3 if I am only playing a few sports games? Also is going somewhere like GameStop a good idea and buying this used or is this different then say a used car where the depreciation is beyond negligiable to gauge?
I've never purchased a used system. And there's no way to track hours used, which i think would matter. Personally I wouldn't buy a used system, but I have cousins who have and have had good experiences doing so.
I went with the smaller PS3 (Size and Space.) You don't need all that extra storage space in most instances, especially if you're just playing sports games.
I'd look into if tigerdirect.com or someone else happens to have refurb PS3s. I bought a new PS3 about a year ago, with gift cards to bring down the cost.
EDIT: Maybe this would help?
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=PS3+refurbished&rls=com.microsoft:*&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=16096527096915171451&ei=6cVITMixDorGsAPs593sCw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCwQ8wIwAA#
If you're trying to save money... I just bought a Used 120 gig PS3 Slim with 3 controllers, Transformers on Bluray, and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 1 and 2 for 220 bucks on eBay. There are far better deals out their then used stuff at GameStop.
He has 100% positive feedback from 17 listings, however 15 of his transactions were when he was the buyer, and both positive transactions from him as the seller were from people that barely have a rating. I'd call shenanigans.
There are two PS3's, differentiated in price because of different hard drive space. The 120 GB is retailed at $299. The 250 GB is retailed at $349
If you are only playing sports games on it, I'm guessing the 120 GB is beyond more than enough space.
If you end up waiting another six or seven months to buy, PS3 is going to upgrade to 160 GB and 320 GB at the same respective price points, so you'll get a bit more for your money.
The used consoles at Gamestop are usually the older PS3 models (ie, not the updated Slim) with less drive space. And they only end up being around $20-$50 cheaper. Don't even bother with that.
You're better off trying e-bay for the reduced price angle, with an option to return the unit, if it's not what you expected.
PS3 because of the free online play.
Sports games don't really matter. Unless you're into FPS games, specifically Halo, it doesn't matter. I've never had a problem with my XBOX in 3 years. Now that I say that, it will probably die tonight.
...the Red Ring of Death upon you.
PS3...
ill buck the trend so far and say 360, esp considering the new xbox.
the new xbox has fixed a lot of the rrod/hardware issues. it also comes with free integrated wifi. and as far as online gaming communities goes, xbox live blows ps3's community of the water. you get what you pay for.
xbox has pretty much the same sports games as ps3. racing games are very close (forza 3 vs GT5). and if you ever decide to diversify to an fps, the halo series and gears of war are pretty much unmatched. and with fps games, the better (bigger) online community makes even more sense.
After 5 hardware failures (all covered for free by MS), I traded in my old 360 for the new 360 Slim. It runs ALOT quieter (can't even hear it), has built-in WiFi, looks nicer, has HDMI, supposively is more reliable, etc.
So, I'd say either get a PS3 or the new 360.
you mentioned "supposedly more reliable" and xbox in the same post...
plus graphically sports games are the same on either system.
I have to agree with these other guys PS3 is the best and most versatile. Although, I did have one issue where the hard drive went out on me but it was a snap to replace and now I have an extra 120 gbs of space..
I don't do much gaming, but I did buy this MLB the Show baseball game for the PS3 that is by far the best baseball game (I think the other is some bug-filled game by 2K sports). MLB the Show is only available for the PS3.
Aside from that, you should consider what will be most compatible with current and future reproduction and media standards. PS3 plays blu-rays. PS3 is also going to get a firmware upgrade in the coming months so that it will be able to output 3D content according to the new 3D standard (including 3D games currently being developed by Sony, and 3D Blu-Rays).
XBOX 360 because Kinect (controller free gaming) is coming in November
He wants it for sports games in particular.
I've gotta go with PS3 as well. I mostly play sports games as well and made the mistake of picking up a 360 a few years back. It's not that 360 is bad or anything, but PS3 is definitely a better option.
If you like asinine left thumbstick location, go with PS3.
The original PS controller would have looked like this if your thumb naturally rests where the current analog stick is:
I don't have either but if I was going to purchase a console system, I'd probably get an xbox because Halo is my joint
Im a video game fanatic, I have both and if you play sports games ther is a big difference in quality between 360 and ps3.. Must be a bunch of fan boys on this board because its well known ps3 has fps issues with alot of sports games. And theres a reason xbox live costs money..because its actually worth money. You dont think sony would charge for their online service if it was worth a dam..My ps3 has become a 600$ blu ray player...
Actually Sony does charge for the premium version of their online service.
kills the PSN network - so if you like online gaming you go XBOX.
The Blu ray aspect of the PS is nice, but I think Xbox has better exclusives.
If you're gung-ho about Blu Ray, I guess PS3 is your deal. That said, XBox Live is far and away the best feature on any system. It's the trump card.
It's not even close. Plus the Blu-Ray compatibility makes it the answer you seek!
Go for a PS3. It is much more versatile than a Xbox 360. This point is even more stronger given the future release of PS Move (aka Playstation wii, which is getting awesome reviews, while the Kinect is getting ripped apart by the critics), 3d gaming and movie support is being added the next couple months, and of course blu-ray support. Sports gaming quality is equal between the two systems (I have played both systems and neither is better than the other for sports). X box live gold is a better online network. If you are just going to use the PSN for online gaming with EA sports games/MLB the show, it is just as good as x box live. IMHO, Halo and Mass Effect are the only cool Xbox exclusives.
Although I have an Xbox 360 that I am always playing NCAA Football on, I would say to get a PS3. The graphics soon in the future are going to be so incredible on the PS3, and plus I love baseball, got mlb 2k9, and can't stand it. I have had my Xbox for about 4 years and had no problems and I love it, but I like the PS3 controller better for football(Growing up with the original PS).
Also, Pretty sure I am getting a new HDTV and PS3 at the summer. That is if I can afford it after working all summer to pay for my classes... Hopefully! I really want the TV just to watch the Michigan games, I feel it's a necessity for this underdog season our haters are about to experience. I want to see their faces in High-Def
Disclaimer: I have a PS3
Get an XBox. You say you are into sports games. Both systems get the same sports games. Exclusive sports games are exceedingly rare. Performance issues between the two systems is pretty negligible at this point. In the early cycle of the systems it was a no brainer that the 360 was much better. Now it really doesn't matter. That said if you plan to play sports games online it's all academic at this point. XBox live is light years ahead of PSN. There's your choice.
People normally choose PS3 over Xbox because of the extras such as blu ray and some of the exclusive games PS3 offers. I got mine to have MLB.TV on my PS3 which is absolutely stunning BTW. These don't seem to matter to you so go with the Xbox.
Edit: Meant this as a reply to the OP, sorry.
MLB: The Show is exclusive and gets rave reviews every year. Here is this years:
Didn't realize that one was exclusive.
Huh?
The graphics soon in the future are going to be so incredible on the PS3
PS3's online is definitely not as cool as 360, but unless you're big on online play its totally fine, especially for free. And you don't need to waste money on a bigger hard drive unless you plan on using it for storing gigs upon gigs of movies and music. Bottomline is, if you're a hardass gamer who plays hours each day and can't live without Halo, get a 360. If you're like any other normal person, the blu-ray makes the ps3 worth having.
XBOX also has Netflix, ESPN, and Hulu all signing on to deliver straight to the XBOX. Just something to keep in mind. Although, I'm pretty sure the PS3 can do almost all internet applications with the right patch. I'll let someone else specify that.
PS3 has had Netflix and MLB.tv for a long time. Hulu was added this month to beta testers for playstation platinum.
PS3 all the way. You get a lot more, and online is free. Even when PS3 cost $500, it was still cheaper than 360 when you took into account all the separate components of 360 that you have to buy.
PS3. I don't have to pay for shit, and my online connection is excellent.
Well if you want many features buy the ps3, if you want great online play get the xbox. I've owned both and unless playstation network was updated a lot, xbox live is much better. If only they could combine both consoles to make the perfect super console? X-station?
PS3 is just all around a better product its not a contest. The only thing I have played recently on my xbox 360 is mass effect 2 and you can play that on PC now anyway. Going beyond that the controller is night and day better, all the little extras make ps3 the bomb. My current favorite part is that when I 'find' movies and tv shows on the net, I dont have to convert them to a dvd format to watch them on the ps3 the thing plays everything, avi, mpegs, divx you name it. Also the standard dvd player on the PS3 just works better, old discs that my kids use that get scratched up play fine on the PS3 but skip like crazy on the xbox...overall just a better product...
Aug
I have both I play both games side by side on the system to see what I prefer. Sports games are better on PS3. However, I am running this years Mgoblog NCAA 11 dynasty for xbox. Now why did I buy the xbox version? I have more gamer friends on xbox. Xbox live is better than PS3 and thats where it ends. But, if you play a lot online then this is a huge deal. The menus and organization I prefer PS3. Blu-Ray is ridic and i have a 50" with HDMI with 7.1 surround people come over just to enjoy the movies. It comes with built in wireless as does the new Xbox but only the new one. You can use any blue tooth headset for ps3 or a lot of other blue tooth devices. One of the most underrated things about PS3 is that it has a full internet browser. Xbox has nothing like this. PS3 has more tools in the shed just no one has been able to fully take advantage of this yet. Long term I think the PS3 is going to catch up to the xbox. This is all however of my opnion, people are going to disagree with me which is fine but from someone who plays games a lot they both are great systems and you will be happy with either one.
get an xbox360 arcade. I picked up one last week at walmart for 150 + a $50 gift card, so it was basically 100 bucks.
For that reason alone...I never have bought one...but you may love it...for the same reasons every one said PS3 I stay with Sony....Make yourself happy though....go over friends house and check them out....and then make the purchase.
Both!
But if you had to select only one, I'd go with Sony. Both systems will get all the typical sports games, but PS3 has Grand Tourismo and MLB Baseball. If you have never played MLB, it is by far the best sports game on the market. Even better than my beloved NCAA 2011.
Online is free right now, but PS3 is planning to begin charging for features, so we'll see how much that impacts all in the future. Another big plus is having a blueray that is updateable. For example if you have a standard blueray and the new 3D format comes out you would have to buy a new blueray player. However if you have a PS3 you will just be able to download the new drivers and away you go.