Ask Engadget: What's the best console for a new gamer?
By Paul Miller 
posted February 22nd 2008 5:07PM
posted February 22nd 2008 5:07PM
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.
I would recommend a Playstation 3 over the Xbox 360 for a number of reasons:
-The PS3 includes built-in Wifi, along with subscription-free online capabilities
-The PS3 plays nice with your PSP
-The PS3 has Blu-ray, which has become the current High-Definition Standard
-The Xbox has a very high fail rate, perhaps at 16%
-The PS3's Home feature coming soon will be a very nice thing to a casual gamer, as opposed to the costly MS Arcade
-The PS3 streams media
-The PS3 offers loads of capabilities out-of-the-box, such as wifi, Blu-ray, Bluetooth, etc.
As an Xbox 360 owner, I would recommend a PS3 to a new gamer. The only reason I purchased an Xbox was because its ownership of Halo, which many of my friends played. If I were to do it over again, I would but a PS3, and would recommend you to do the same.
MARVEL Vs CAPCOM2
on ps2. everyone else can blow me!
I've read all these comments and, surprisingly, almost everyone seems to have a valid point. While I'm an avid PC gamer, I believe the question at hand was which "console" is the best for a new gamer and I would not consider the PC a console or recommend one for someone new to gaming regardless of the (IMHO) better play/graphical experience or the wide library. Simply put, to a new gamer, trying to understand the nuances of setting advanced graphics settings is quite difficult; try explaining how antialiasing or anisotrophic filtering will make it look better without a detailed look at your own hardware! I own neither 360, nor ps3, nor wii but from my own experience and observations, I think that a 360 is currently the best console for a new/casual gamer. It has a large library, Live seems to work fairly well (though I hate the thought of paying for online play), comfortable controllers and in spite of the high failure rate, Microsoft stands behind its console and will support it for awhile to come. PS3 is going to become a much larger contender in the next year though the online experience is not yet on par with 360. I burned out quickly on the wii and am pretty disappointed with developer's lack of innovation with a fantastic control scheme...you can only play Wii bowling so much before you start wanted a bit more depth.
I like my 360 just fine but nothing can hold a candle to the Super Nintendo. That is the system to own.
Duh... An atari 2600! How can you suck like a noob if you only have one button!?
A PC
If you're a new gamer just go to your friends' houses and play their consoles to see which kind of games you like the most. Rent some games for their systems and then buy the one with the most games of your liking.
I would say forsake all three new consoles and get a PS2. Larger range of games, and they're so cheap now. Otherwise, it really does depend what kind of games you like to play.
@ rock99rock
Since when was the PS3 'loud'? Sure, it's louder than the Wii, but it's not on the same scale as the Xbox 360.
Easy... none of the above. :)
If you are comfortable using a computer, get a PC for gaming. And here's why:
1) Wii controller fully works with a PC over bluetooth now. HalfLife2 mod is a load of fun, and it works on other games as well.
2) Almost all 360 games are also available for the PC. Some aren't, but there are just as many titles that are PC only and not available on 360.
3) PC can use the 360 controller, but it can also work w/ TrackIR, FFback stick, yolk pedals, wheels, mouse/keyboard, etc.
4) Lots of GOOD micro-ATX boards out now w/ compact cases fitting amazing graphics cards.
5) A gaming rig is just a fast computer w/ a good graphics card, and a graphics card that exceeds any current console is cheaper than any current console.
6) Same video outputs are on PCs now, so just as easy to hookup to the TV, and you gain a full HTPC in the process.
Bingo!!!
keeping in mind that a *real* FPS is MEANT to be played with a mouse...
Nvidia 8800GTS & a PS2+PSP owner
best console i ever played was the NES. :P
wii
I only own the Wii so I can't tell you reasons why or why not to go with the Xbox or PS3. But, what I can tell you is I absolutely love my Wii. While many Wii releases do indeed suck there are enough amazing games out now, or coming out in the future to keep you happy. The control design, which many may find uncovential grows on you and feels much more comfortable, to me, then any other controler I've ever touched. And, honestly Super Smash Bros Brawl....What else do I need to say.
To quote a great man, "You see Peggy, this is what I like to call a loaded question, where every answer is a bullet in the cartridge designed to blow my brains out."
I had the same problem like a year ago.
Solution:
I bought them all.
Thing is that I used them all in different times, Wii I used it with friends and for fun, PS3 for movies and better quality games. and the most I used wich for me is the happy medium is the Xbox 360.
Since most comments are either way off or got the facts wrong, I just simply chime in with Matt who came pretty close and gave a good overview of the systems. I have a PS3 but would probably recommend a 360 for now for a casual gamer, or if the person is a more social casual gamer - a Wii.
i own all these systems.....
1. wii- its loads of fun but if your into real gaming then this isnt for you.
2. 360- not a fan of this system, hd dvd sucks if your going to get that, no wifi, everything is seperate and not too fast either
3. ps3- this is my favorite system as it is amazingly fast, blu ray is outstanding, xmb is very user friendly, wifi and everything integrated.
i reccomend the ps3 all the way!
ahem, PS2. DVDs futahwah. I rest my case.
Oh, I forgot something more in favor of the PS3. I'm sure people will correct me if I'm wrong but does the XBox have a option directly on thier menu system to allow the installation of another operating system? The PS3 does.
Settings/System Settings/Install Other OS
Dreamcast, its the way of the future.
you can't compare the wii's graphics to either of the other two unless you play all three in standard definition. Otherwise the only argument you hear is that the wii doesn't do HD...
My kids and parents love the Wii, and while I have a lot of fun playing it with them, it's hard to consider it a serious gaming system. Still, I would recommend it in conjunction with another system.
You should buy a PS3.....LIKE NOW!!!!!!!!!!
Since you have a PSP, you could use remote play to have a wireless connection to a PS3, so you don't have to carry and take up all the the memory with movies for your PSP; and also you can download all of the old fun PS1 games to your PSP as well as many other cool things such as accessing your PS3 anywhere. ITS SO SICk...I wish I had a PSP...itd go so great with my PS3(which im going to buy when the new SKU comes out)
GIZMONDO FTW!!!
http://www.engadget.com/search/?q=gizmondo
GIZMONDO FTW!!!
http://www.engadget.com/search/?q=gizmondo
Very easy answer. Get a PS3 because you can emulate a 360 and wii. So you buy one and have all three
X360 of course I would say PS3 but I dont think its worth the buy until Q3 of this year or Q1 next year wii umm you got kids or have drinking parties then maybe yes, other than that 360 is "ready on day one"
I would get the PS3 for a more casual gamer that still wants that console feel. It has blu-ray built in and the controller can be easily used on any PC. The PS3 also has a great line up of games in 2008. With the PS3 you can also expect a full 10 year lifespan whiel other consoles will probably not last long enough and come out with another one before then. You also get backwards compatibility with all the PS games(depending on which version you buy). But moslty it comes down to which games you like best.
Xbox 360 all the way...
Reasons:
Xbox Live is simply unbeatable. Full Stop.
Graphs are GREAT!!!
You can connect your zune or other MP3 (except iPods) nd play d music stored on them
Most importantly....Superior Game Selection.
Hope to c u on an Xbox!
Wow I still can't believe kids are saying "360 has more games than the PS3"... Every game that comes out on the 360 other than Halo 3 and Mass Effect (Both coming to the PC) comes out on the PS3. Nobody cares that the 360 still has NBA Live 06 and games from two years ago, face it, the PS3 has an extremely bright future and the 360 is on its downfall. Every real gamer knows that the PS3 has the real franchises. Tekken, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, just wait and see everyone is going to be blown away by the real next-gen graphics. The Xbox 360 is an excuse for a next-gen system, it is inferior to the PS3 in every way.
hmmmm. psp's are looking pretty good from the comments on everybody elses posts.
i'd say psp. it does pretty much everything, and will pretty much do everything, until sont decides to kill it. witch wont be anytime soon, because they are releaseing the camera, gps, and keyboard for it this year. as well as the new god of war game on the psp, coming soon, so i think the psp would be a best choice for new gamers.
well, i wouldn't choose a console, because im portable. its how i roll.
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I have a question on a sort of related issue to the main question here. I too am looking for a new gaming console between the 360 and the PS3. There is a catch in my criteria though. I am not really into sports, racing or FPS games. I enjoy all of the other genres though. With that being said, on games alone would you reccomend the PS3 or the 360?
Games alone? The 360. There's a lot of great games on the Live Arcade and you can take them for a test run first.
Rez HD alone is worth the price of admission. Most awesome port ever.
My question is....
Why the hell ask a bunch of techies on engadget what is good for a NEW gamer?
Just buy gizmodo...it rocks :D
I Loved my Gamecube. It got tons of use from me.
For the very first time gaming, I'd prolly go with a gamecube, with it bein dirt cheap and the games being even cheaper now.
If I wanted to start current gen, I might go with the 360. I really have to say I Love mine, and I've never had a problem with it. I'm sure those burned by RRoD and other failure issues are scorned, which nobody can blame them for, but all in all, the nerd in me comes out and says "how long am I willing to wait for a game to load?". The answer: Not very long at all. The 360 can really get you anywhere from Nostalgic (TMNT Arcade) to Bloody (Halo, Gears of War) to Family (Spongebob) to puzzling/card (Carrascone, Uno, Texas Hold'em).
XBLA totally has it going on with their choice of titles. I recommend it to all the first time gamers I meet, and 9/10 times, they enjoy themselves.
Boy, would I love Sony to come out with a Blu-Ray that reads 16x in the PS3. I might change my entire arguement. But for now, as funny as this is gonna sound, X-Box is more reliable (Hyuck Hyuck)for fun, period.
BTW, Totally love my Wii too..... but it just seems to sit there most of the time. ;-x
Commodore 64 Browski
IMHO:
If you don't plan to spend too much time playing games or watching HD video, go for Wii.
If you do plan to spend a lot of time playing, plan again! There are better ways to spend time, like reading
Dearest Engadget
news, articles, stories, watching their small funny vids and reading endless comments, or just "have a life!" ;)
Listen,
honest non-biased opinion right here!
i own ALL 3 systems
the Wii, is fun, its innovative, and most of all, small, the system is the same size as 3 dvd cases side by side. but it does have some down falls. the graphics are at par with a ps2 and is NOT HD! the most you can get out of it is ed-tv (enhanced def). the game selection is big, but mostly meant for little kids or parties. if you have alot of parties, this is YOUR system. if your a loner and your best friend is your hand, this ain't for you. you'll get bored in 10 min.
the ps3, or as i like to call it, the 400$ paper weight. the system is cool, it has alot of functionality and when used as a bluray player, even without playing games, it pays off for itself as the standalone bluray players are like 400$ canadian. unless you purchase the 80 gig, you cant get the hd cables in the box. which to me, is the dumbest thing ever, why buy a hd system that DOESN't come with hook ups? the game selection is horrendous. but as everyone who owns one is hoping, better games will come out. its quiet, i dont know what buddy over there is talking about, but its quiet, i sometimes forgot i left it on. the interface is that of the psp, it looks the exact same, just bigger scale so if you like the psp setup, youll like the ps3. built in wi-fi is a plus. controllers have no rumble feature, which is kinda stupid on sony's part. and the accelerometers in the controllers arent even used in most games. oh yea.....the system weighs like 20 pounds.
Xbox 360, weighs like 7 pounds so isint as hefty as the ps3. comes with hd cables in box. operates at 1080p just like ps3. has dvd playback built in. hd-dvd add on as well as rumored blu-ray add on available. quick to load. the games are what sell this thing. i dont care if it doesnt have wifi or a card reader or what, the games dont even come close to any competition.
with the release of fable 2 and gears of war 2 and a bunch of other crap, the system is getting better and better. but it is loud, the power supply is freakin' huge, its like one third of the system lol. you have to pay for online, but it is one of the best online communities ever made, period. the graphics are awesometastic. equal or better than those of ps3.
so take your pick.
and make sure your happy
For variety, you can do no better than the Xbox 360. With Live Arcade, there's an endless array of offerings.
Plus, it has the best support for online gaming, if you're into that.
I'd say the Wii, add a classic Gamecube controller you can get on eBay or at game store (2nd hand) and you can:
- Play Wii games (Mario Galaxy, Zelda, awesome games)
- Play Gamecube games (backwards compatible)
- Play classic Nintendo games via the Wii download store
- Browse the web
- Media Center: Wii can stream music, videos, photos from your PC(Setup Orb (orb.com) on your PC)
- Wii also has a decent news and weather channel
Otherwise, the Nintendo DS is a great handheld game machine. Play it anywhere you have spare time, on the metro, on the bus, waiting for someone, on the toilet, etc.
atari 2600- where else can you play custer's revenge?
I know this kind of comment draw serious fanboy fire but think about it, the ps3 has wireless, hdmi, high def player and harddrive OUT OF THE BOX, the 360 in it's basic form needs more addons than my Firefox browser in order to raise it's game to the PS3's level, (and even then it backed the wrong horse with HDDVD)
That said I think there's alot of improvements that could be made to all of them, the Wii is going to lose market share soon if it doesn't widen from the simplistic/kids games it currently has and get some serious titles/ports for other gamers.
The 360 needs to have all the stuff fanboys crow about being the same as the PS3 (HDD, HDMI, BDD) as standard and move away from the aging DVD for games. Also needs to be more carefully made, this RRoD shenanigans is ridiculous. But fair play for the 3 year warranty after thought.
The PS3 has too much potential that isn't being let loose, get some sort of itunes rentals like content for the psstore as old PS games and demos do not a succussful online store make.
Forgot to say, if you're mega rich and can finance it, the PC is always going to win over the PS3 and 360...just it's too darn expensive keeping up
When all my friends are hanging out we still play N64 and game cube.
When I'm alone or playing online I use the 360. The online play is seamless and "just works". I have a gen1 360 and it works fine, no RROD or even freezing. Guess I'm a lucky one!
May sound weird but I've done voice chat over xbox live with friends to save on cell phone minutes (lol)
PS3? Not much experience but from what I've heard from friends is that the games aren't all that great. It would make a fine blu ray player, which I plan on doing around summer time.
I have both 360 and ps3. I prefer the ps3 more, i just like not having to worry about paying 50 dollars a year to play a game that i already paid 60 dollars to play. Plus 360 you gotta buy all this extra crap, a rechargeable battery pack for ur wireless controller, a charger for the battery pack and if you plan on buying a extra controller you gotta buy another battery pack or just buy AA batteries over and over again. Marketplace is overrated in my opinion, i bought the system to play next gen games not to buy old arcade games, or tv shows. So called exclusives like Gears of War and Bioshock are actually not since they are out for PC. Customer service is terrible, my 360 got the RROD and it took 2 months til i got it back, so i went the entire summer without my 360. the first 360s that came out dont have hdmi hook ups, which happens to be one of mine.
ps3 online is free which is a big plus for me. i dont care about the marketplace, i just want to be able to play the game online. Has a blu ray player and you get 5 free dvds because of it. People complain about the lack of titles but forget that it hasnt been out that long, 360 has been out for awhile now so if it didnt have a ton of titles that would be pretty sad. wireless controllers that charge with usb, blu tooth headsets are pretty cool in my opinion and also charge with usb. i bought warhawk w/ blu tooth headset for 40 bucks. Works great, better than my 360 headset. Cooler design, very quiet, more reliable, better customer service
it didnt say latest gen console. PS2 its cheap and there are tons of great games out for it