Ask Engadget: What's the best console for a new gamer?

Most of us are so firmly entrenched in supporting our next-gen console of choice that it's hard to remember why we chose it in the first place. Or is it? Alex would like to know:

"I am interested in buying a gaming console but am stuck at which one. I've never gamed much before, so I want a consle that is well-rounded, with a good mix of games, and I do prefer a regular controller over other designs. I already have a PSP, which I use for movies, and I think it would be nice to use an Xbox 360 controller with my computer, as a replacement for my aging Flight Simulator joystick. Ability to play media over my home network would be neat, but not necessary. Price is not a major issue, but I'm not looking to invest a lot in accessories and add-ons. All the consoles have different features that appeal to me, but I am not sure which one to buy. Hope I can get some help."

Obviously the format war aftermath has a bit of weight in this decision, and the PS3's been picking up steam in other metrics as well, but he's looking for a games machine so Blu-ray alone isn't going to make the winner here, and the Xbox 360 has been on top for a while. Got any opinions? Come on, don't be shy. Oh, and if you have a question of your own for Ask Engadget, send it on in to ask at engadget dawt com. Messages that begin with "Dearest Engadget" will receive extra consideration.

[coolbho3000 @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:10PM]

No matter what I answer, I will be rated down here.

The Internet is that full of steaming fanboys.

[makishima @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:14PM]

Yep.
If you answer...

Wii - Psht! its so gimmiky and the games all suck. The graphics are so awful!

PS3 - Blu Suck is more like it! There are no good games for this! have fun with your $400 paperweight!

360 - Microsoft fanboy! Those things break so much I wont touch them! Microsoft is the DEVIL I tells ya!

Anything not the 360 (from Halo 3 fanboys) - Man screw that wii and the ps crap. XBox owns! Pass me another brew bro!

[rock99rock @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:59PM]

I have to agree, i landed on the 360. I have owned all of them at one time or another. Ended up coming back to the 360. I originally left if for the ps3, because i just wanted to see the difference. (Dell free returns within 2 weeks FTW)

1. Ps3 is slick:
Its loud.

Costs more than a decent unlocked phone, and you'll end up using it less.

Bluray is only a bonus unless youre an avid collector. Chances are you already have a dvd player at least, and that should hold you over until prices of the discs and players drop to something reasonable.

The games arent NEARLY as abundant as the 360, so your selection is limited.

The online gaming is free, but you can also see why-so. Once you go Live (not during the holidays of course) you never go back.

2.Wii is small.
Its quiet.

Its cartoony. I get the general feeling that it is strictly marketed for Japan and children. Please take no offense to that, you know exactly what im talkin 'bout.

Its gimmicky. It is enjoyable to actually have to sport some sort of athletic skill to get a bowling ball to knock down 10 pins, or shoot some mad crazy bunnies. But i never really felt the immersion you get when you sit totally still and your complete focus is strictly on the television and not my aesthetics.

Graphics suck ass. Keep your ass away from the wii, it will start to suck on it.

3.60 (heh)

It is also loud.

It has a HORRIBLE failure rate. (now usually covered by 3 year (from new purchase) warranty for the RROD (red ring of death).

Largest selection of games (aside from the PC).

Media center extender actully works pretty decent. (the ps3 media center front is not half bad either, i prefer the Media center integration though)

Graphics are on par or better than the ps3. Load times are faster than the ps3.

Its white. (unless you want to pay a hefty premium or stick on a crappy faceplate) So thats unfortunate.

Its still the best gaming machine out there, due to Xbox live, HD graphics, load time, game selection.

Your results may vary ;)

[wootman @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:59PM]

(sarcasm)
DUH,PC's are the only real answer.

[luckycharms711 @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:17PM]

@ rock99rock
the 360 load times are not faster then the ps3's. Did you read the review for DMC? Because Sony allows Dev's to cache games to the hardrive it allows for faster load times. Microsoft could do this and then just give a warning about slow load times for people without hardrives, but they do not want to alienate the people dumb enough to buy an arcade system.

[Nabil @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:23PM]

PC...definitely PC, because:

1) Good luck playing FPS without a mouse. using a controller for FPS SUCKS.
2) You don't have to piss off your wife/girl/roomate by hogging the TV
3) $0.00 a game from the bittorrent store, and you won't have to pay for a mod chip

[John @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:29PM]

Well, since the asker owns a PSP, it seems that it would be logical to get a PS3. He seems to be a casual gamer, so paying a yearly fee for something he'll hardly use doesn't seem very appropriate. Both XBox and PS3 have decent media capability, but also note that with the XBox, you'll have to purchase a wireless adapter if you're not near a network cable, whereas you won't have to worry about that with the PS3.

Don't write off the Wii, though. I own one and it's perfect for how often I play games. The good games are really fun; yes, a lot of them are crap, but just be sure to read reviews and make sure you know what you're buying.

[Drew @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:11PM]

@Nabil
I'm hoping there was some sarcasm there (it doesn't translate well through the intertubes)
The PC is probably the absolute worse decision for someone who doesn't play video games.
1. Good luck playing your sports games that anyone who doesn't already own a next gen system is going to be playing a lot of.
2. If you're girlfriend cares that much then you shouldn't be with them, or you should just get another TV.
3. You just told someone that probably doesn't know much about the internet to do something they won't know how to do, and is illegal.

For a first system, I would go hand held, either a DS or a PSP, after they look at the current game selections.

[Superduperm @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:46PM]

I would definitely go 360. It's selection of games is far superior to PS3's. Looking back at '07, just about all of the Game of the Year candidates from each site were on 360. There are tons of great shooters, such as Halo 3, Gears of War, Bioshock, etc. as well as many other types of games that arent as apparent on PS3. Those include RPGs like Mass Effect and TES: Oblivion, racers like Forza Motorsport 2 and Burnout Paradise, and also some more casual games like Viva Pinata (not a kids game, it is actually a deep sim).

There are many other benefits to the 360, suchas the Windows Media Center Extender. It allows you to access all of your media on your computer from your 360. Plus, you can rent full HD-quality movies, as well as a wide selection of TV shows over Xbox Live Marketplace.

Also, if you are looking for Blu-ray, an add-on is rumored to be coming around the summer, though it has not been confirmed.

Xbox Live is also a great service. For a few dollars a month (

[nosleep @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:57PM]

@Drew

the bittorrent store is only illegal in America.

[Hero @ Feb 22nd 2008 8:08PM]

Pc, for a complete n00b.
Ds for an any time, any where gamer.
360 for the gamer who likes comfort, reliability, a huge warranty (yes, a warranty for the faults - it's better than the ps3 and wii's warranty so STFU), and tons of selection.
Wii for the occasional or child gamer.

The END.

[Tiptup300 @ Feb 22nd 2008 10:57PM]

If you truly need non-biased tips on what to buy I would reccommend the sites,

http://sonydefenseforce.com // Great news on the industry that is totally untainted
http://majornelson.com/ // Has updates on xbox live stuff and always talks about great every console is evenly

[JLTate @ Feb 22nd 2008 11:40PM]

You people have it all wrong! N-Gage is the best -- side talkin' FTW!

[mattclarkie @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:20AM]

The loudest part of the PS3 is that beep noise it makes when you turn it on/off.

My 360 is so loud I can't hear the aeroplanes flying over my house.

[vic bishop @ Feb 23rd 2008 7:24AM]

what we need is a vote then it can be anonymous and it will be easy to see the results!

[i.c. weiner @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:39PM]

Nintendo 64!

[Andy Anonymous @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:18PM]

They're all great, but for a first time gamer, I'd say the Xbox 360 has the best mix of masterful new titles and simpler (downloadable) games to cut one's teeth on. Although if you ever played games years ago, the Wii's a good choice too with its enormous catalog of downloadable classics along with Super Mario Galaxy (last year's GOTY in many circles).

Although, um, Engadget...the 360 is on top? Not since last year...

[maveric101 @ Feb 24th 2008 11:50AM]

i would say 360. the huge library of titles and especially Xbox Live makes for an amazing system. Xbox Live is lightyears ahead of current Sony and Nintendo offerings. Also the media center integration works well. i don't know that this guy is gonna want to get involved with loading Ubuntu on a PS3 if he's just a casual gamer. because of this i might have recommended the Wii, but he said he'd rather have a normal controller. also like he said, he can use a 360 controller w/ computer games.

[fanman @ Feb 24th 2008 12:44PM]

@coolbho3000

Enter apple:

[Sharma @ Feb 24th 2008 12:46PM]

I have both Xbox360 and PS3. I ended up buying Xbox360 Elite last October and have loved every second of my gametime since day1 for all the reasons already described by various fellow engadget-ers. Xbox 360 is one of the best gaming consoles out there right now despite its problems... RROD, no built-in wireless, etc.

Just last month, I decided to pick up a PS3 as well and I have to admit I haven't really been using it as much for gaming as much as blu-ray player. Don't get me wrong, PS3 is a slick console but it has to catch up with Xbox360 at many levels.... the online marketplace, choice of good games, etc. So I am going to use my Xbox as a full-time gaming machine and PS3 as a blu-ray player and PS3-exclusive titles.

Both machines have their own pros and cons but my recommendation for Alex would be to go with Xbox360 to start with, play with it for 3 weeks or so, and if he doesn't "feel it", return it (watch out-- you'll probably end up stuck with open games and some accessories but it's worth it to try the console out) and bring home the PS3 to experience that machine. You'll have a first-hand comparison yourself. Good luck!

[idiot @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:11PM]

what a loaded question

[John T @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:31PM]

I have the Xbox 360 (Premium), 2 infact, and my friend has the PS3. Although the PS3 is not bad, and is pretty good - I'd definitely go for the Xbox 360, just for Xbox LIVE alone :)

My Answer: Xbox 360

Reason:
1. Great online gaming capabilites
2. Easy interface
3. Ability to do some nice mods to, should you wish
4. 3 years warranty from the RRoD
5. Fun & wide variety of games
6. Digital downloads from the Marketplace
7. Game Content available to download from the Marketplace
8. Downloadable Arcade games
9. Higher storage compatibilty than PS3, should you get the Elite or a 120gb hard drive add-on
10. All versions are backward compatible
11. Xbox [Original] games available to download (Pretty cheap too!)
12. Ability to stream media from your computer

... I'm sure theres plenty more, their just the 1st ones that I thought of!

I'm also sure some PS3 fan is going to go out of their way to prove me wrong or in some way contradict me! None-the-less, this is how I feel, hope I helped.

:)

[Jimbo @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:59PM]

That makes sense. XBOX's are way ahead in the online category, and I think most new gamers can appreciate the benefit. But I think the PS3's online experience with Home is about to get quite good, and MS has had some difficulties with reliability of the console and the service, and though MS has promised these are fixed, they probably never will be fully fixed. MS is an enterprise company, after all.

And don't forget that the PS3 is probably cheaper than the 360 once you're done buying everything, and will probably get most of the same games.

Still it makes sense to lean towards a 360 (with a killer warranty), though the PS3 has a nice versatility of games that I don't think the 360 has. With High Velocity Bowling and the Eyecreate studio, you have fun for new gamers and kids and the creative. I see far more and better FPSs ont he 360, but the best on is on both consoles. Warhawk or Halo? Resistance or Bioshock? the 360 has the advantage, but it's narrow and isolated to FPSs. Tack on Ubuntu and folding and blu-ray, and even if you are solely interested in games, your console is ready to entertain you in fascinating ways if you get tired of games on evening.

And my final point: It's trivially easy to stream tens of thousands of NES ,SNES, Genesis, MAME and N64 Roms to your PS3 over ubuntu. Sadly, I spend more time playing on my PS3 this way that I do playing PS3 games. The PS3 is a much more versatile system and Sony seems to be finally getting into the upswing while my impression of the 360 is they are winding down.

Still, my advice is based on speculation and yours is based on the current facts, so take that for what it's worth.

[Matt @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:55PM]

It's hard to answer the question given the details he gave us. Specifically, why kinds of games does he like and how often does he plan on buying/playing games?

The 360 is a pretty well rounded choice. In the pros category, it's got a large library, easily the best online system, it easily syncs up with Windows PC's and home networks, and has the best traditional controller of the 3 systems. In the cons category you have to pay a yearly fee for online play (although not if you just want to download demos/movies/etc), there's about a 15% chance you'll have to get MS to replace a broken system, certain accessories are ridiculously expensive, and games skew towards the "hardcore" audience (which could also be a pro depending on what you like).

The PS3 is the up-and-comer. On the pros side the success of Bluray over HD-DVD is a huge win for the PS3, it probably has the best lineup for 2008, online play is free, and it probably has the most diverse lineup. On the con side, the online content is not as robust as the 360 or Wii, it's the most expensive of the 3 systems, and the controller has been pretty maligned by the community (although Sony has plans to replace it sometime this year).

The Wii is a bit more complicated than the other two. I would not recommend it for someone who plans on buying/playing more than about 4 games a year. The Wii does get more titles than any other system, but a large majority of them just flat out suck. However, if all you want is a couple games a year then Nintendo has you pretty well covered with their 1st party games. Additionally a lot of Wii games skew younger and away from the traditional concept of what a game is (Nintendo fans will vehemently debate this point, but it's true). The controller is unconventional, but it works perfectly well in traditional games like Zelda and Metroid if that's what he's worried about. The Wii's online system is pretty poor compared to the other two. It has the largest library of games, but currently they're all retro titles. Online multiplayer is practically non-existent and Nintendo has announced that they're going to start charging for online play in some games. The PS3 and 360 both offer downloadable content for games, something the Wii does not have.

My recommendation would be to go with the PS3 if he's interested in Bluray, or the 360 if he's not. I would only recommend the Wii as a primary platform to someone who doesn't really plan on playing many games. Given that he said he wants a conventional controller, I don't think the Wii is for hime. He might want to wait a few months however, as it's possible that we'll start seeing some price drops over the next several months here.

[Mr. S. @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:24PM]

Despite a massive hate for Microsoft at work and in my personal life, and an apparent love for Sony I will have to agree with the 360. I still down own either, but i have spent a lot of time with both. the PS3 is a much better platform for the future, but were not in the future yet and the 360 has it all going for it right now. So unless you aren't satsfied with advanced wars on the toilet like i am for 8 years staight, then get yourself a 360 and wait for the new PS3 next xmas!

[Rafer @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:11PM]

Sorry to say it but its gotta be game cube. So many classic games and variation. From Great Shooters to Mario and Smashbrother.

[Kamokazi @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:16PM]

Gamecube actually is a decent choice....good variety of easy to play games, standard controller, and it's VERY cheap (saw some used ones at gamestop for like $30-40) so you aren't out much if you don't like it. If you feel you want a current-gen console, I would go with a Wii if you can find one or a Xbox 360...better choice of games on the 360 currently than the PS3, and an Arcade model is cheaper.

If you are going to play games on your PC, you generally do not want to use a gamepad. Most PC games play much better with a mouse and keyboard (especially shooters and real-time strategy) than they do with gamepad. Some exceptions would be racing games and console-ported 3rd person games, and of course flight sims you'll want joysticks.

[Liam @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:19PM]

Yeah, why not go for an old, second hand machine? Less risk, if you're not sure you'll take to games. The Dreamcast had plenty of great games, and is very, very cheap. A PS2 would probably be even better, you could probably get the console and 10 or so decent games for about £50 (~$100).

I'd reccomend a DS, though, ever

[Liam @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:22PM]

Forgot to finish my post. Silly me.

I'd reccomend a Nintendo DS out of the new machines; portable games tend to be more forgiving, easier to dip in and out of, not to mention cheaper. I consider the DS to be the natural successor to the PS2 as the new massmarket console. Especially in Japan.

[Rafer @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:39PM]

Gamecube is an excellent choice for starting gamers it doesnt have to be a new last gen machine.

[duffman @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:09PM]

Why would you bother with GameCube when Wii has full backward-compatibility with GC games and controllers?

[duffman @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:10PM]

Why would you bother with GameCube when Wii has full backward-compatibility with GC games and controllers?

[Zach @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:53PM]

because spending 250+ (including games etc.) only to find out it's not interesting isn't a happy thing.
instead, spending 40 and finding out you LOVE it, spending an extra 250 to get even MORE, might be worth it, money not being an object of course.
anyways 290 is still less then a 360, which the original xbox is not really comparable to (IMO, having owned both.)
did that make sense? sorry in the middle of COD4 :) :)

[msm @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:02PM]

@duffman,

because you can't mod a wii to look like wall-e...

[Carl Vitullo @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:53PM]

i got a gamecube when they were current gen, and i regretted it. all the third party could-be great games were crap because nobody cared about it. (splinter cell)
it had graphics that were pretty much the same as the ps2 (i could never tell the difference) but nobody tried to make them good because... i don't know, actually.
same reason Wii games look like crap. *cough* *cough* call of duty.

[Blake Bowen @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:11PM]

Well, for a person brand new to gaming, I'm gonna have to go with the Wii, even though I don't own one. In order from best to worst for newbies, Wii, 360, PS3, PC.

[Kamokazi @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:21PM]

I don't know if I would necessarily rank PC as last...it's kind of an oddball, because there are many games that are extremely newbie friendly...you know what I mean, the cheapo puzzle flash games and OS-bundled stuff like solitaire. But we're probably talking more serious games.

And really, the games themselves for the most part aren't any more complex than consoles (MMOs excluded). It's just installing them and making sure your hardware/drivers are up to snuff that adds the complexity. So if you're pretty good with computers in general, PC gaming won't be any more prohibitive than a console (in fact you may be more familiar with aspects of it). But if you're not very computer savvy, then you will probably want to stick with the consoles.

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:05PM]

ps2 would actually pretty nice. It's on the cheaper side because of the ps3 and it has a lot of fun games for it. It is also very, very easy to use. Gamecube is also a good idea. It's a bit old but it has a lot of fun titles also and is way more easier than the ps2

[Nabil @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:32PM]

FPS for a newbie is better on a PC than on a console.

[e_grz(Zune 80 originals owner) @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:12PM]

Xbox 360 Elite
Tons of accesories
Big hard Drive
Easy to use internet services and especially all the best in old school arcade games.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:40PM]

I am a 360/ PS3 and Wii owner as I've purchase the first systems myself and the 3rd for my girlfriend.

In my opinion, the Xbox 360 is hands down the better gaming system wherein the PS3 is the better multimedia system at the moment - with more good games in the coming soon status.

Ports of games make you a winner with either system. CoD4, Rainbow 6 Vegas and the upcoming GTA4 to name a few.

360 has better IP's right now: Halo, Gears of War (GoW2 coming soon) and a more gamer oriented online system in XBL.

I was dissapointed in PS3 because the controller doesn't have force feedback yet, WARHAWK wasn't what I remember from the PS days and MEtal Gear solid took longer to be released than anyone imagined. The only solid game on PS3 only is Resistance but FPS games are a dollar a dozen.

Wii is a fun family system that's kid friendly. Neither the 360 or Ps3 offer that and therefore Wii serves an interesting niche.

If I was buying a single system right now, it would be the 360. Blu Ray disk hasn't become important enough to warrant buying a PS3.

[John McPoop @ Feb 23rd 2008 2:04AM]

I am also a PsWii60 owner for that matter I also own a DS & PSP. I will just throw out my thoughts and experiences with all of the consoles to this point.

360-
PROS
Solid selection of Shooters and best for most multiplatform games (like madden).
XBOX Live is a good service usually dependable.
Good selection of XBL Arcade and new Community arcade games.
Great exclusives from 2007 (Bioshock, Gears Of War & Halo 3)
Built in HDMi.
Better controller for First Person Shooters.
FUlly upgrdeable and customizable (skins & faceplates)
Fairly Priced.
3 year warranty (you will ned it most likely)
Stream Content from PC or Mac to 360
Free Headset
Built in Rumble in controller
XNA game studious & Community Arcade

CONS 360
Very Loud
X-Box Live cost $50.00/YR
You have to buy a wireless adapter ($99.99)
Proprietary Hard drive (20 Gb or 120 Gb Only)
360 SKUs with no hard drive (limits devs ability to use HDD)
Lots of immature people on XBL constantly cursing
33% Failure rate with console (I have had 5 RROD on me, all fixed for free though!)
No next gen movie player built in (HD DVD drive $119.99 Blu Ray Not available yet)
Games are on DVD-9 (Lost Odyssey = 5 disc)
No Built in web browser
Limited backwards compatibility (50% of original x-box titles work)
Web Cam is useless and has no games as promised

PS3
PROs
Built in Blu-Ray Drive
Built in Web Browser
6-Axis Controller (Rumble soon in USA)
You can install Linux
Stream movies from PC or Mac to PS3
Remote Play with PSP (watch movies, play games and view content on PS3 from PSP through internet anywhere)
Full Backwards Compatibility (60 GB Version and 20 Gb Version, 80 GB Version will play most 40 GB version only PS1)
Bigger storage capacity on Discs
Built in Memory card reader's (works with multiple types of cards for cameras etc)
Play TV (in Europe now PS3 can be used as a DVR)
4 USB Ports on console
Fully upgradable Hard drive to any size & easy to change (non-proprietary)
Free online play
Eye Toy actually has games
supposed 10 year lifespan
best exclusive lineup in 2008 by far

CONs PS3
Not as many games as 360
Online services are weak compared to XBL (no in game inviting, custom soundtracks and XMB)
Multiplayer chatting is non existent over PSN
Multiplatform games have to this point be worse more on the avg on a PS3 (Phrye Engine will help future releases)
You are forced to buy into Next Generation technology that is unproven (Blu-Ray has won the format battle but not the war)
No HDMi included or Component cables (just the R,Y,W)
Only wireless blue tooth mics (not those crappy Datel or Natek wired USB ones)
Web Browser is pretty weak. Pretty much only good for youtube and a fw other sites.
Jack Of All Trades master Of None
Most important thing is its not a fantastic gaming console yet.
Multi platform & Exclusive release dates continually pushed back
Tough learning curve for new users and game developers
No gift cards are available in stores for pre purchasing content over PSN
System runs super hot
collects a lot of dust

WII
PROSs
Intuitive Control mechanic
Simple to learn and anyone can play
classic characters in new adventures
Wii Ware download service coming soon similar to XBLA and PSN
Runs Silent
Create a Mii (virtual avatar)
Fantastic first party support
built in Wi-Fi
Built in web browser (cheap maybe around $5.00)
Wii channels offer lots of potential content
Old consoles games are available to download and play on virtual console
Backwards compatible with all Game cube games
only 1 SKU so no confusion to consumers
Family control with Wii Codes
Fun for anyone at any ages
easily portable
Free online play

CONS WII
No Multimedia functions (DVD???)
No built in hard drive or external hard drive is available from Nintendo
must buy new controller ($19.99) to use virtual console
Most of the game are not great and are minigames or old ps2 ports (other than Nintendo first party titles)
Is not true High Definition
Not capable of running advanced Software like 360 & PS3
Usually misses out on the full version of multiplatform releases. Typically a stripped down version is made
for Wii and PS2
Runs quiet and not to hot
Games are not known to be particuarly adult oriented (barring a few)
Has the stigma of a little kids console
Has about 2X the technical specs of Gamecube
As far as Specs the wii is actually in between last gen and current gen
3rd party developers do not like developing for Nintendo in general (never have)
The Wii sometimes feels like a gimmick
Tons of crappy periphials that are not needed and try to cash in on the awesome motion controls
Other than Capcom games and Nintendo first party titles the game selection is very weak




Thats just stuff off the top of my head...synopsis...360=better online, more $ to bring it up to PS3 spec, its going to RROD eventually and has by far the best library of games.....PS3 has all the bells and whistles including Blu-Ray but mostly just good games not GREAT games. Seems to suffer from an identity crisis and is a jack of all trades master of non at this point. But, with blu-ray beating HD DVD and the best value out of the box the PS3 is looking better and better with each impending 2008 release (FFXIII, R:FOM2,KZ2,LBP,GT5P & MGS4)....The wii is perfect if you are new to gaming or have a hard core fondness for Mario universe characters and innovative controls. While it has no media functions like its 2 opponents it still #1 and in a league of its own due to mass appeal and innovativ gameplay mechanics and control scheme.

I SAY FOR YOU (already having PSP) GO WITH THE PS3. No add ons needed and lots of quality out of the box. Honestly, you cant go wrong with any of them but as a pswii60 owner I do us my PS3 the most overall. I would pick 360 but I have had such bad luck (tons of RROD, waiting on my coffin now). So I say PS3.

By the way be a fan of games not consoles.
Look at features, games and price and figure out which is truly best or you (=(in your case PSP + PS3 = Remote Play!!! You can even play Blu-Ray PS3 games on it. Currently Lair is enabled to work with remote play)

[snazz @ Feb 26th 2008 3:41PM]

I'd have to agree with John. If you have a PSP already, a PS3 would be a good choice for you. I myself own a 360, Wii, and all the last gen systems, as well as a PSP.

I'm actually saving up for a PS3 atm. It looks to be a great media center (supports tons of video formats, pictures, music, etc.), remote play is a great feature, and 2008 should have a ton of really good games coming out for the system.. as well as the Home system (think second life, except on the PS3).

So, if you're looking for a next-gen system that also has really great media center features, check out the PS3.

[maveric101 @ Feb 26th 2008 11:14PM]

i guess i'm lucky. i got a first wave 360, and over 2 years later i've never had a single problem with it.

and the failure rate for 360 is 16%, not 33%. that's not to say 16% isn't bad, though. at least MS is handling the problem well.

[Sylvanus @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:12PM]

let's vote coolbho 3000 down. I just did.

[coolbho3000 @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:17PM]

Touché.

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:36PM]

you used the word touche wrong. Your supposed to use it when someone makes a good counterpoint to a point you or someone else you are having a conversation with has made.

[coolbho3000 @ Feb 24th 2008 2:32PM]

You spelled it wrong. That makes us even.

[Senor_Tom @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:32AM]

And you SPELT spelled wrong. So much for getting back at him/her.

[Senor_Tom @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:35AM]

And then he (me) realises that spelled is correct and that spelt is the irregular form of the verb...oops. I take it all back, sorry.