The Reasons I Chose The X360

[+Cobra Kai]

Bear with me and please read my story, I wonder if others have the same feelings.

 

I knew I wanted one of the next gen machines. Like many people, I was on the early bandwagon for the Wii all summer long and through most of this fall, I thought it would bring something exciting and new to gaming. I was willing to overlook some of it's big flaws such as the low-powered processer, and the lack of High Definition support. Nintendo was playing a delicate balancing act with consumers, basically saying that their product doesn't have to be state of the art, as long as their prices were considerably less than the competition.

 

Sounded fair to me, a few months ago. The first whammy against the Wii was the announcement of the $250 launch price, with a crummy pack-in game, harkening back to the days of NES Super Mario/Duck Hunt. Don't get me wrong, obviously SMB is a great game, but now we have to look forward to a Billion copies of Wii Sports in the coming years...that's just annoying. If it isn't obvious enough, that just screams that Wii Sports isn't a good enough game to sell on it's own merit. I've always liked the idea of giving the consumer a choice of pack-in, not ANY game, but choose from 3 different games or something, like the Neo Geo did, or I'm sure some of you remember the awesome 3-game 'Virtua' pack that you got with a Saturn purchase.

 

But yeah, the suprise $250 launch price was something that first started to upset that balancing act Nintendo is going for between technology/value. All of a sudden the X360 started to become an option to me.

 

Next, the worst possible scenario for Nintendo happened. I, the consumer was able to compare all 3 consoles, the X360, PS3 and Wii, side by side in full HD at the local Best Buy. I saw Wii Sports in all it's low-definition glory, right alongside Gears of War on X360 in full 1080i. I was quite impressed with the PS3 I must say, but since you can't even get one, and since the X360 has a pretty well established list of games to choose from, I was able to easily ignore the thought of getting a PS3.

 

I'm also interested in getting an HD-DVD player. I am actually choosing HD-DVD because I have read a considerably larger amount of positive reviews of the film transfers, as opposed to Blu-Ray, plus overall I've seen more movies available for HD-DVD that I like than the other. This was the final point that convinced me to buy the X360. I can kill two birds with one stone, as you can now get the HD-DVD add-on for only $200. A standalone player will still cost me $400, so I figure ultimately when it comes time to buy the add-on, I'm saving $200.

 

Nintendo ultimately pissed me off with their lack of HD support this generation, it really is that big of a deal to me. I have a nice HDTV and I want to utilize it, and the X360 will give me that, plus it actually has games that are truly next-generation with Gears of War. Nintendo just didn't make a big enough leap to justify $250. X360 justified its price point IMHO.

 

Unfortunately I can't invest in all 3 platforms, so I chose the middle. I can now enjoy gaming in high definition, along with X-box live arcade if I so choose.

[+remowilliams]

Prepare yourself for the barrage of 'good fun games and good graphics are mutually exclusive' and the 'I don't want to replace my twenty year old TV to play games' people

 

Wii sports doesn't really stand alone as a game, it's more of a "light" version of full games.

 

As neat as the control mechanics are, truth be told - if I wasn't in a position to buy all the consoles the Wii would not have made the cut.

Edited November 24, 2006 by remowilliams

[NE146]

The last time I 'chose' was during the 5200 vs. Colecovision wars since my mom would only let me choose one. Now I work so I don't have to

[Gregory DG]

Prepare yourself for the barrage of 'good fun games and good graphics are mutually exclusive'

I wouldn't say that exactly. But when it came down to getting a PSP or a DS... The DS had more games I wanted to play than the PSP. It'll be the same thing with the Wii/360/PS3 when I do finally get one of them. I'll look at the games and pick the system that has the ones I want to play. So far, none of them are enticing me very much.

[slip81]

I did pretty much the same thing you did, only I got my 360 in August wit hthe plan to get a Wii at launch.

 

Now that it's out I really want to try it, but the lack of any games I want will prevent me from buying it untill June at the earliest when the games I want come out like MP3, Super Smash Bros, Mario Glaxy.

 

Let us all know how the HD-DVD drive fares as well. I've read some pretty bad things about the sound.

[jbanes]

But yeah, the suprise $250 launch price was something that first started to upset that balancing act Nintendo is going for between technology/value.

I do have to say, this was something that rather upset me as well. Its higher initial price combined with the high price of extra controllers cooled my excitement a bit. I don't think I'm going to be able to afford it in time for Christmas, but at least my wife has been positive about getting it later. (Perhaps Nintendo will lower the price between now and then? ) There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Nintendo was originally going to sell the console for $199, then raised the price when they saw consumer reactions. It kind of sucks, and may hurt them some in the future. More likely, the price will stay high as long as the demand is high and the supply is low, then drop when the supply begins to outstrip the demand.

 

One suggestion I will make, however, is to actually try the Wii if you haven't had a chance to yet. Wii Sports may seem overly simplistic, but the gameplay (at least what I tried of it) really did make show off the innovation of the new controller. You may gain a new appreciation for Wii Sports after you try it for yourself.

 

BTW, congrats on getting a 360! I hope it provides many hours of entertainment for you.

[Lord Helmet]

Sounds to me like you did your homework and chose wiseley. The 360 is a great system. You won't be dissapointed.

[Atari Master]

I'm getting a Wii first, but I'll probably get a 360 down the line.

 

I wouldn't phase out the Wii just yet. Wii Sports is a very fun game from what I've gathered, and is the perfect game to grab your family's attention. I can understand being upset about the HD thing, but that would have increased the price even further. I guess Nintendo figured HD isn't worth it yet, since very few people own HD TVs.

 

NOTE: According to Miyamoto, the Wii was originally going to cost around $100. But because of newer technology like Wi-Fi, etc, the price went up quite a bit.

 

I wouldn't get to angry with Nintendo. They've done a lot right so far. I really do hope they succeed.

 

As for the 360. I think it's an excellent system. The only thing I worry about is if MS takes over the market. I'm not sure I want MS taking it over.

[King_Salamon]

I hear you on some of the points you raised. I do have to say that the HD DVD/Blu Ray stuff is pointless to me. I don't plan on making the step from DVD to another format for a long time... until the mainstream market embraces it at least (or perhaps when Star Wars is released on one of the formats ).

 

One thing I'd like to point out... it's Wii Sports. I think I understand why Nintendo packed it in with the system. Sure it may be a great introduction but there's other info that seems to be flying under the radar. Apparently, you Mii's gain experience points and as you play against the CPU in games, the difficulty ramps up accordingly. These Mii's I think are a rather large future for playing on the wii. Not sure how big, but it is interesting.

 

BAck to the 360.... I like some of the games on it (Saint's Row, Dead Rising and Oblivion are some must buys for me, should I get a system!) and the future is really looking great for the system. The live arcade is kind of interesting with the added features.

 

I'll pass on the systems for now and stick with my old gen consoles and handhelds. Maybe Santa has a new toy for me this Christmas... I can dream I suppose.

 

Enjoy the 360 and perhaps we can play online one day if I get one as well!

[Atari Master]

I hear you on some of the points you raised. I do have to say that the HD DVD/Blu Ray stuff is pointless to me. I don't plan on making the step from DVD to another format for a long time... until the mainstream market embraces it at least (or perhaps when Star Wars is released on one of the formats ).

 

One thing I'd like to point out... it's Wii Sports. I think I understand why Nintendo packed it in with the system. Sure it may be a great introduction but there's other info that seems to be flying under the radar. Apparently, you Mii's gain experience points and as you play against the CPU in games, the difficulty ramps up accordingly. These Mii's I think are a rather large future for playing on the wii. Not sure how big, but it is interesting.

 

BAck to the 360.... I like some of the games on it (Saint's Row, Dead Rising and Oblivion are some must buys for me, should I get a system!) and the future is really looking great for the system. The live arcade is kind of interesting with the added features.

 

I'll pass on the systems for now and stick with my old gen consoles and handhelds. Maybe Santa has a new toy for me this Christmas... I can dream I suppose.

 

Enjoy the 360 and perhaps we can play online one day if I get one as well!

 

I agree on the HD-DVD/Blu Ray thing. I saw a comparison at Wal-Mart on the PS3 kiosk, and while it was a good quality image, it wasn't good enough to warrent a PS3. Same with the 360.

 

I hear now that MS is making money on every system sold, they may drop the price soon. Here's to hoping!

 

Again, though! Don't give up on the Wii just yet! It's going to be an interesting little machine.

[sega saturn x]

and is the perfect game to grab your family's attention

 

And you would want this because?

 

Anyway that's pretty much a carbon copy of my own dealings with nintendo. I got a 360 and have no regrets at all. So far it's been fantastic, and now I have about 7 games for it. But be warned some of the early 360 titles have dismal load times, such as quake 4. Seriously they last like 2 minutes, but newer games liked gears or COD3 last 5 seconds.

[Starscream]

The 360 was a no-brainer for me. I loved the original Xbox, I loved how Live expanded games and added a great new dimension to gameplay, and I loved how MS was the only company who stayed true to their word. They said I could play online with ease, have downloadable content, great games, great graphics, HD games, true Dolby Digital, need nothing after I bought the intitial system, and a fully functioning online service from day one, not some tacked on after thought. And they were the only company last generation to not talk bullshit and not deliver. Mad props for that. So how could I not give them my money again?

 

The 360 has easily provided everything MS said it would again. Still the only system, besides the original Xbox, with a fully functioning online service. And, with how much Live has expanded with movies, music, Arcade, etc, etc, I would pay $100 a year for it. So far, from what I have seen from the free online offerings from Sony and Nintendo, I'd much rather pay.

 

I also like games with depth and that challenge. For me, the PS3 and 360 will be the only 2 I feel can provide that. HD was very important to me and I feel in this day and age, I should not be expected to sacrafice great graphics displayed at the highest possible level at all. In fact, I haven't had any issues with gameplay suffering because of it either. And GOW has immersed me in the game like I haven't been for a year or so playing other stuff. With a conventional controller. Go figure. Oh and it has online multiplayer, right now today, and come to think of it, it did the day it was released. Of course, on Live, I could do that 4 years ago too. Until anyone else can provide me with this level of service, there is no reason to look elsewhere. And honestly, I know what to expect from MS by now, and trust them way more than the other 2.

 

The system is so simple to use and navigate, contains just about anything you could ask for, from on/off from the controller, to voice chat across games, to a perfect messaging service. I have become so used to using the 360 as a means to talk to friends from all over the world. I think the controller is great. Just about the perfect size and weight. And it seems that since the original Xbox to the 360, developers really take their time to optimize the controls, and to make sure that every game, simple or difficult, never has a control issue.

 

Rankings, achievements, leaderboards, friend's lists, online video or voice chat, easy messaging systems, so many free demos, free multiplayer demos, developer videos, strategy guides, tv shows, music, original Arcade games, retro games with multiplayer and HD graphics,, in addition to a great library of HD games.

 

And Major Nelson.

[Atari Master]

and is the perfect game to grab your family's attention

 

And you would want this because?

 

Anyway that's pretty much a carbon copy of my own dealings with nintendo. I got a 360 and have no regrets at all. So far it's been fantastic, and now I have about 7 games for it. But be warned some of the early 360 titles have dismal load times, such as quake 4. Seriously they last like 2 minutes, but newer games liked gears or COD3 last 5 seconds.

 

Because some of us don't want to sit in a corner, ignoring our families?...

[sega saturn x]

and is the perfect game to grab your family's attention

 

And you would want this because?

 

Anyway that's pretty much a carbon copy of my own dealings with nintendo. I got a 360 and have no regrets at all. So far it's been fantastic, and now I have about 7 games for it. But be warned some of the early 360 titles have dismal load times, such as quake 4. Seriously they last like 2 minutes, but newer games liked gears or COD3 last 5 seconds.

 

Because some of us don't want to sit in a corner, ignoring our families?...

And some of us are comfortable enough to not need to go "look at what I got, look at me!"

[Atari Master]

and is the perfect game to grab your family's attention

 

And you would want this because?

 

Anyway that's pretty much a carbon copy of my own dealings with nintendo. I got a 360 and have no regrets at all. So far it's been fantastic, and now I have about 7 games for it. But be warned some of the early 360 titles have dismal load times, such as quake 4. Seriously they last like 2 minutes, but newer games liked gears or COD3 last 5 seconds.

 

Because some of us don't want to sit in a corner, ignoring our families?...

And some of us are comfortable enough to not need to go "look at what I got, look at me!"

 

Wow, nice come back!

 

Not.

 

Anyway, any new info on Fable 2?

[+kisrael]

I might get a 360 someday, but I landed a Wii and I'm pretty happy.

 

I disagree with your opinion on standardized pack-ins... or that Wii Sports is bad in general. I think it's a great introduction the new controllers. (Maybe "Wii Play" would have been better?) Anyway, I prefer a pack-in to the retailers "select 3 launch titles"... usually a good packin is better than all but 1 or 2 of the launch titles.

 

We had a bunch of friends over for Thanksgiving, and so many of them are now planning to get a Wii (with Wii Sports being the only heavily played title, I don't think Excite Truck or Zelda got a lot of action) that I just can't agree with your opinion on it... they joked it was almost a "Tupperwii Party", that just playing it is practically a sales pitch.

 

Re: HDTV... not a factor for me right now, but I am irritated that it only comes with standard RCA, not even S-Video.

 

but with all the exciting controller stuff (makes an awesome flightstick, I found out via monkeyball) and FULL backwards compatability, giving it a very nice chunk of games from the get-go, and the way its captivated all my friends, the Wii was as right for me as the 360 is for you.

 

Actually, I'd say right now it comes down to this: the 360 is the best choice for hardcore-ish, solo or online gamers, but the Wii opens up whole new worlds of casual, social gaming. People in the former group aren't (neccesarily) anti-social A/V trolls, people in the latter group aren't (neccesarily) wusses who can't do "real" gaming.

Edited November 26, 2006 by kisrael

[NE146]

I chose the 360 because it looks nice and familiar like all those free crap Dells I get from work

 

But seriously, choosing a single console is for the birds. Personally I can't see how any 360 or PS3 owner wouldn't want a Wii as well. for example. I mean, it's certainly cheap enough! Not to mention it's a different experience and niche that anyone would want to try. If you 'choose' one over the other you're just missing out in my opinion.

 

p.s. I didnt choose the 360 for that reason above.. it was a joke. The 360 rocks enough on it's own. ;-P

[+kisrael]

Allright, Mr Moneybags...

 

Anyway, Wii isn't quite the budget item people like to think it is if you gear up for 4 player play...

[NE146]

Allright, Mr Moneybags...

 

Anyway, Wii isn't quite the budget item people like to think it is if you gear up for 4 player play...

 

True enough.. although personally I only have 1 extra controller/nunchuck. That seems to be enough for now. By the way, if you're into something (like videogames, or cars, or whatever) it isn't about moneybags. If you really like something you find a way to make it happen I couldn't afford that Genesis & Turbografx-16 at the same time in college with the food money my mom was giving me.. but I figured out a way because there was no way I was getting only one or the other.

 

If you want something, you'll find a way to get it. And I know I'm speaking to the choir here (This isn't exactly a forum of casual gamers.. I mean we still play 2600/8-bits so we're obviously sick somewhat)

[Starscream]

But seriously, choosing a single console is for the birds.

 

Not really. I love cars yet if I had the ability to own an example of every car ever made, I still don't have the desire. I like music, no desire to own every recoding ever. Same with games. I have no desire for a wii. The experience I have with the 360 does not leave me wanting for more, there are no voids to fill, therefore a wii would not complete anything for me. I do have the desire for a PS3 but for different reasons. Not wanting a wii doesn't make me feel like less of a gamer or person and by no means does it mean I have not been interested in it, it just simply means that it doesn't excite me enough to want one.

Edited November 26, 2006 by Starscream

[Atari Master]

Video games systems =/= cars...

 

There are only three, and each have their pirks. I could see someone not liking a particular system's pirks, though.

[+kisrael]

Video games systems =/= cars...

 

There are only three, and each have their pirks. I could see someone not liking a particular system's pirks, though.

Other than some of the motion sensing, what perks does PS3 offer over X360? Just the selection of games?

[+Cobra Kai]

Video games systems =/= cars...

 

There are only three, and each have their pirks. I could see someone not liking a particular system's pirks, though.

Other than some of the motion sensing, what perks does PS3 offer over X360? Just the selection of games?

 

1080p

[sega saturn x]

Wow, nice come back!

 

Not.

Your mom is a nice come back, ha take that!

[CGQuarterly]

Blah blah blah...

 

This guy makes a very good point. I have always been a PlayStation person (until now), but I will be the first to admit that Sony is a treasure-trove of broken promises. All of the promises about what the PS3 is going to be were the same promises made about the PS2. Entertainment hub of the living room, amazing interactive online experience, downloadable content, blah blah blah. The XBox is what the PS2 was supposed to be. And there really is no excuse. The HDD and NIC card for the PS2 came out (eventually), but both were almost totally worthless. Te PS2 was a great gaming system, but it didn't live up to the hype that Sony created for it. Now that being the case, why would I once again give Sony my money, as I did with the PSX, PS2, and PSP? Even with the PSP, which I think is a cool system, where are the damned games??? It has been out for a year and a half!

 

So this generation, I have decided to go with the XBox 360. I have been wanting one for awhile, and the Amazon sale made it possible for me to get in on the 360 without spending too much dough. I think I am already going to go pre-order GTA IV!!!

 

Chris