The Playstation 3 is cheaper than the Xbox 360
Published Tuesday 23 Jun 2009 12:44am |
72
Tags: playstation 3, xbox 360, 360, ps3, cheap, expensive, rant
Playstation 3 - doesn't need a price cut.
I'll come out and say it: It is stupid (but understandable) to think that, for the vast majority of "hardcore" (I don't think that is an accurate term to use, but its the best I've got) gamers, the Xbox 360 is cheaper than a Playstation 3.
Here is my proof. Now, before I begin, I am working on certain assumptions;
1) I am working on the basis of buying everything new.
2) I am also working on the basis of buying everything on a non-sale price.
This is for two reasons;
1) It would be too difficult to factor in buying things second hand or on sale, because prices vary so much.
2) Whenever people say "LOL I'm going to buy a PS3 when it gets cheaper its too expensive LOL" they are working on the basis of brand new prices anyway.
Now, moving along. I am working with the cheapest bundle for each system available. They are the following bundles;
Xbox 360 Pro Console - $450; comes with a 60gb harddrive, system, one wireless controller, one power cable and one set of composite cables. I.e. a basic package.
Playstation 3 - $800; comes with a 80gb harddrive, system, one wireless controller, one USB connector cable for it, one power cable and one set of composite cables.
So currently, the Playstation 3 is the most expensive by far you're screaming at a price of $350 more. Owch. That is more expensive, isn't it? But lets start factoring in some more things.
Now, you might start complaining saying "Why didn't you use the Xbox 360 arcade bundle?! Thats only $350." Well yes it is. But lets be honest: its almost useless for a hardcore gamer. Why? It has a bloody 256mb onboard storage memory. Thats worse than a Nintendo Wii, which everyone has been struggling to be dealing with. The cheapest harddrive you can find around the place is a 60gb one which is $150. So now the console is $500. Well lovely. Thats $50 more expensive than the Pro system. So I am using the Pro system.
OK. So now the Xbox 360 is $350 cheaper. How is it therefore more expensive than the PS3? Well now you must factor in the cost of Xbox Live.
Xbox Live is very expensive. It costs $90 a year. But you say, thats only 25 cents a day. Thats cheap entertainment. Well, of course it is. But if you call the PS3 expensive, then you're being hypocritical.
I think it is perfectly reasonable to expect people that buy an Xbox 360 system today to expect to be playing it for the next 4 years. Especially considering the Xbox 360 is expected to have a 10 year cycle that is more than reasonable since the end is supposed to be another 6 years anyway.
Now, if you're a "hardcore" gamer, won't you be taking advantage of the Xbox 360 and playing it online? No? Because isn't that supposed to be one of the Xbox 360's greatest selling points? Gosh its online is so much better than the wimpy PS3's online system all those people say when they balk at the PS3's price. So I expect them to be playing online.
Bang, their console now just cost them $810 ($450 + $360)
Want to be a bit more cautious? Lets say 3 years. Is 3 years unreasonable? I don't think it is. 3 years seems fine. That would be $270 in Xbox Live Gold fee's. So now your console cost you $720 ($450 + $270)
AH-HA you say, jumping for joy. Its cheaper! Well congratulations your system has essentially cost you $80 less. Congratulations. Woop-de-do. I'm pretty sure you can spare $80.
But no it isn't $80. Because here is another hidden cost. Your Xbox 360 wireless controllers need batteries. Thats right. The PS3 has inbuilt batteries than you just plug into your PS3 to charge. In fact, you can forever use your PS3 controllers because you can connect them via USB to your console forever.
So OK, lets go out and find some rechargable batteries. I'm not sure how much they'll cost you brand new in store without taking into account sales. I know a Xbox 360 play n charge pack controller charger pack will cost you $40. So now your system will be costing you $40 less to play.
And if you played your system for 4 years (I'd be shocked that most gamers could afford to pay $720 to play the Xbox 360 for 3 years before buying something else to play online), you would by now be down $50 on the PS3. And if Microsoft go through with their 10 year cycle thing, you're down $230.
This doesn't end here though. There are still other factors to consider that make the PS3 cheaper still at this price;
1) The PS3 has a free blu-ray player while the 360 only offers a DVD player.
2) The PS3 has an extra 20gb of harddrive space.
3) The 360's harddrive can only be upgraded via buying its expensive exclusive harddrives. If 60 gigs fills up for you, expect to fork over $200 for a 120gb harddrive instead. The PS3's on the other hand can be upgraded to pretty much any notebook harddrive you can buy today, so go nuts. You can find for $200 a 250gb harddrive instead. Making the PS3 a much better multimedia powerhouse. I've heard the PS3's multimedia capabilities of storing/playing back movies, pictures and music is superior, but I wouldn't know. At the very least, it can store them far more cheaply and flexibly as evident.
4) The PS3 has free wireless internet. If you want wireless internet connection for the 360, expect to fork up $170 extra.
5) Your PS3 is a much more stable system. Lets face it, the failure rate of the PS3 less than one percent while the 360's is at least 1/3 of a failure rate. I'd argue its probably higher. Almost everyone I know has had to replace their 360 at least once within 2 years. So if you're buying a PS3, you don't have to deal with sending your system back, taking out the harddrive, waiting several weeks for your system, deal with making them take it back when it breaks after the 3 year warranty breaks (which I'd argue is highly likely) under the consumer guarrenties act, etc etc.
6) The Playstation 3 is region free. This means you can import games cheaply from sites like Playasia and lets you play them early. This can save you lots and lots of money.
E.g. currently, the game Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. The game is currently going to cost you $130 on both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360. Now, consider this. The Xbox 360's games do not have to be region free. And so this one is region locked, forcing you to buy it for the local price of $130.
If the game was region free you could've imported the US game from Playasia for about $110 including shipping HERE saving you $20. However, because the PS3 is region free, you can import the US game for $110 HERE. You could even import the Asian version of the game that is in English for $105 including shipping, saying you $25.
And if you get sick of our late release dates, with the PS3 you can import whatever game you like. Instead of waiting for Sacred 2 to be released for $120 on the 2nd of July on the 360, you could've imported it for $90 including shipping on the PS3 on the 15th of May. Taking then into account shipping times, you could've had it a month earlier, and for $30 cheaper on the PS3 than what you would pay on the 360. So yeah, it adds up.
Is this the end all? Of course not. In the end, the prices on the systems/online is small when you take into consideration how long you'll be playing it for. So you shouldn't let $50 get in the way of buying a 360 over a PS3 if you prefer the 360/have friends on the network. In the end, it really comes down to which systems exclusives do you prefer? IMHO. I think that should be your prime question, and then the next question of importance should be on which system are your friends playing their games.
And I also have not mention the 360's exclusive features, which I'm sure others in comments will mention. I have heard that its online system is better, like it has cross-voice-game-chat I think, stuff like that.
I am also arguing on the basis of people playing their consoles online. If you have no intention to play games online, then by all means, the 360 is your cheapest option. If you do, then the PS3 is your cheapest option. And of course if you want a blu-ray player, then the PS3 is by far your cheapest option!
Nor does it take into account that the PS3 is a flat down payment of $800. You gotta remember, its $800 up front. With the 360, you can just pay the initial $450 + $20-40 for batteries + $90 for your xbox live gold membership. Thats just $580-560. So the PS3 is more cash up-front, even if it arguably works out cheaper in the long run for you to play, or pretty much equal in cost.
So in the end, this doesn't at all settle the fanboy argument of which console is the best. Nor does it mean I think you should buy a PS3. I just think the PS3 gets undeserved bad rep for its price. The situation is even worse in the states, where 2 years of xbox live gold membership + a 360 equals the same price as a PS3! And people call for a price-cut saying the PS3's price is too high! Good grief.
I understand the argument that for casual consumers, the price is too high and off-putting for them to purchase it. But this is hardcore gamers saying the price is too high for them. Are you stupid? You plan to play online, but you still have this crazy notion the PS3 is hyper-priced compared to the 360? No way, the 360 is way overpriced compared to the PS3.
I understand if you don't like the exclusives, but the features that PS3 packs, especially in the states, make the PS3 worth so much more in basic value than a 360 and its cheaper to play/maintain a PS3 too. Its like saying a Wii is worth in parts more than a Xbox 360 Pro Console in terms of value (the pro console is sadly cheaper) and if you think that, well, you fail.
You might find the Wii is more fun hence worth more for you personally, but the parts that make it up are priced to be making Nintendo a profit. Sony lose 10% on each console they make. That shows you there, its worth more than you pay for it. Plus, the extra price is paying for things with most of you guys would have needed to pay for on the 360 anyway, again, making the "PS3 IS UBER EXPENSIVE" argument moot. To argue against the PS3 for price for the vast majority of hardcore gamers has no backing.
So yeah. The PS3 doesn't need a price-cut to be priced competitively. People just need to stop being stupid.
COMMENTS (72)
Wow dude, you OWNED. I love it! Lol.
You can also take into account the "lastability" of the console. You'll notice that PS2 still has a section for it on NZG. Does the Xbox? No. That's because the PS2 offered a vastly superior range of games, and innovative ones at that. So you can drop an extra few years of gaming worthiness to the PS3, I think.
Five stars.
You can also take into account the "lastability" of the console. You'll notice that PS2 still has a section for it on NZG. Does the Xbox? No. That's because the PS2 offered a vastly superior range of games, and innovative ones at that. So you can drop an extra few years of gaming worthiness to the PS3, I think.
Five stars.
Solid blog. All valid points and linked examples supporting your arguments. You could have provided some info on the fail rate for PS3's considering the YLOD affair, but yeah, damn good blog.
Long too. I got information overload towards the end :P
I do miss my 360 at times, but I'm glad I'm future-proofed with my black beast that is the PS3 !looks at Uncharted and considers playing it
Anyway, yeah, I commend you on a great blog. Let the flame war begin!
Where's Ralas and ChinaMan for the PS3 and the one's who support the 360...I haven't seen many of them :'D
Long too. I got information overload towards the end :P
I do miss my 360 at times, but I'm glad I'm future-proofed with my black beast that is the PS3 !looks at Uncharted and considers playing it
Anyway, yeah, I commend you on a great blog. Let the flame war begin!
Where's Ralas and ChinaMan for the PS3 and the one's who support the 360...I haven't seen many of them :'D
I dislike the idea of adding costs onto SKUs. And how do we define a hardcore gamer here?
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?
On the XBL vs PSN, I would say right now, XBL is the more cohesive service. Playing on XBL and PSN is the difference between playing at a high school court yard and the public basketball court: the latter might be more accessible and less restrictive, but the former is so much more user-friendly. Oh, and everyone should have mics. The PS3 userbase is nothing like the PC userbase, so playing by intuition because of lack of communication sucks.
Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player? Um, the reason the PS3 is $800 is simply *because* of a the blu-ray player, and if we are debating this topic concerning the hardcore base (who doesn't need Blu-ray for games, just ask the PC crowd), then it's definitely a drawback.
If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales? From what I can remember, JB Hi-Fi is doing a sale with the 360 that includes Halo 3 and Fable 2 for around the Pro SKU price alone. When EB Games has a sale, you can find 360 games which are $10-$20 cheaper than the PS3 counterparts, not to mention that in most of the multiplatform releases, the 360 has beaten the PS3 in comparison tests. So would the hardcore go for the better version of each game? Or would they rather the inferior version that you can play with wireless controllers, wireless internet, and mandatory installs on their uber 250gb harddrive?
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The fact of the matter is, the 360 is cheaper than the PS3 out of the box. Speculating about XBL service and wireless internet are weak excuses at best. Who knows if Microsoft upgrades the 360 with wireless internet and keeps the same price in a year's time? Or completely remove the paid subscription service to XBL in 3 years time? What if Sony decided to cut wireless modems, wireless controllers, and massive harddrives in an effort to curb their losses? I mean, they've cut down PS2 emulator chips from their SKUs already, right?
It's not that people are stupid, it's that people are wary. A $450 initial investment that tanks is better than an $800 initial investment that tanks.
And at the end of the day, being able to play the same game on a $450 console as opposed to an $800 one is just incredibly enticing.
So sorry, but I have to disagree.
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?
On the XBL vs PSN, I would say right now, XBL is the more cohesive service. Playing on XBL and PSN is the difference between playing at a high school court yard and the public basketball court: the latter might be more accessible and less restrictive, but the former is so much more user-friendly. Oh, and everyone should have mics. The PS3 userbase is nothing like the PC userbase, so playing by intuition because of lack of communication sucks.
Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player? Um, the reason the PS3 is $800 is simply *because* of a the blu-ray player, and if we are debating this topic concerning the hardcore base (who doesn't need Blu-ray for games, just ask the PC crowd), then it's definitely a drawback.
If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales? From what I can remember, JB Hi-Fi is doing a sale with the 360 that includes Halo 3 and Fable 2 for around the Pro SKU price alone. When EB Games has a sale, you can find 360 games which are $10-$20 cheaper than the PS3 counterparts, not to mention that in most of the multiplatform releases, the 360 has beaten the PS3 in comparison tests. So would the hardcore go for the better version of each game? Or would they rather the inferior version that you can play with wireless controllers, wireless internet, and mandatory installs on their uber 250gb harddrive?
-
The fact of the matter is, the 360 is cheaper than the PS3 out of the box. Speculating about XBL service and wireless internet are weak excuses at best. Who knows if Microsoft upgrades the 360 with wireless internet and keeps the same price in a year's time? Or completely remove the paid subscription service to XBL in 3 years time? What if Sony decided to cut wireless modems, wireless controllers, and massive harddrives in an effort to curb their losses? I mean, they've cut down PS2 emulator chips from their SKUs already, right?
It's not that people are stupid, it's that people are wary. A $450 initial investment that tanks is better than an $800 initial investment that tanks.
And at the end of the day, being able to play the same game on a $450 console as opposed to an $800 one is just incredibly enticing.
So sorry, but I have to disagree.
Good argument both have pros an cons. i like the PlayStation 3 for its sophistication of in game menu and design. But I'm a Xbox 360 owner. I find that its better suited to my style of gaming an its also good for (semi) socialising with people around the globe.
Also i'm not bragging but once Project Natal is out for the Xbox. Sony and Nintendo are finished. Unless they can come up with something equally as good or better.
Also i'm not bragging but once Project Natal is out for the Xbox. Sony and Nintendo are finished. Unless they can come up with something equally as good or better.
It's the entry point that bothers everyone. The Wii and Xbox 360 arcade have a low entry cost for casuals, kids who don't have a lot of money (or adults for that matter), and overall it helps sales/attach rates.
The 360 gives you options, you don't use wifi, you already have rechargable batteries, you don't want or care for bluray, you never play online, it's a cheap option to be able to play the latest games.
Sure, the PS3 is value for money if you do want those things, but really they do need the pricecut to stay competitive, the entry price is too high for uninformed casuals and it's harder for parents to fork that much out right away for a kids bday/xmas. Also with so many rumors going around about a pricecut/slim, a lot of people will hold off till that announcement, I know I'm not going near one because I know if I buy it now the following week the pricecut/slim will be announced.
Note: You have a few incorrect facts in your blog, the arcade has 512mb onboard storage, so it's not less than the Wii, the 60gb Pro also comes with a headset (the PS3 you have to fork out for an expensive bluetooth one), and you can install your own hdd upto 120gb without paying for an expensive official one.
@Barnicals: You can download Xbox originals on live, Sony removed bc on their consoles, with that support I'd save there's also an extra few years or gaming worthiness to the 360 also.
The 360 gives you options, you don't use wifi, you already have rechargable batteries, you don't want or care for bluray, you never play online, it's a cheap option to be able to play the latest games.
Sure, the PS3 is value for money if you do want those things, but really they do need the pricecut to stay competitive, the entry price is too high for uninformed casuals and it's harder for parents to fork that much out right away for a kids bday/xmas. Also with so many rumors going around about a pricecut/slim, a lot of people will hold off till that announcement, I know I'm not going near one because I know if I buy it now the following week the pricecut/slim will be announced.
Note: You have a few incorrect facts in your blog, the arcade has 512mb onboard storage, so it's not less than the Wii, the 60gb Pro also comes with a headset (the PS3 you have to fork out for an expensive bluetooth one), and you can install your own hdd upto 120gb without paying for an expensive official one.
@Barnicals: You can download Xbox originals on live, Sony removed bc on their consoles, with that support I'd save there's also an extra few years or gaming worthiness to the 360 also.
"So yeah. The PS3 doesn't need a price-cut to be priced competitively. People just need to stop being stupid."
Mate either way, Sony needs a price cut no matter what.
Most points you bring up are quite valid but your speaking from the perspective of a hardcore gamer, someone you is deeply interested and has done some very thorough research.
Now look at it from the "average consumer's" eyes.
When they walk into a store and see both products side by side, most will go for the cheaper option.
Mate either way, Sony needs a price cut no matter what.
Most points you bring up are quite valid but your speaking from the perspective of a hardcore gamer, someone you is deeply interested and has done some very thorough research.
Now look at it from the "average consumer's" eyes.
When they walk into a store and see both products side by side, most will go for the cheaper option.
"
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?"
Absolutely not. Thats why I said MOST. I said MOST people will require online gameplay if they are a hardcore gamer. Would you seriously argue against that? Do you not think most hardcore gamers that state "PS3 is expensive" aren't planning on playing games online? That is why my argument is aimed at :)
"Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player?""
It is free when you look at the features of the 360 and find that for the same price of what the features of the 360 will cost you, on top of those features the PS3 has a blu-ray player.
"If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales?"
I explained why I cut them out. I am using prices that are non-sale items. Those import prices are stable prices. The special deals are not.
If you want to argue on special prices, the PS3 gets far better deals in that regard than the 360 I'd argue. EB games has a sweet deal on the PS3 right now, 2 games + a PS3 for $730. Thats sweet. And its PS3 games tend to have better sales as I've found while browsing the current sale items. So I honestly think, in a fight of sales, the 360 would lose. Added to that the PS3 games retain their value 2nd hand better than 360 games. So really, I don't think the 360 has a leg to stand on in that regard to come out cheaper than the PS3 so for the 360's price sake it should be glad I didn't argue it.
People are wary but that misses the point of this :P I'd never argue that what Sony are doing is smart for their company, I don't think they handled this well at all. But I expect core gamers to know what they are talking about when they go around saying "PS3 is too expensive" when in the end that isn't true and they have the knowledge in front of them because they KNOW the features of both consoles. Its not a big deal its just, IMHO, kinda dumb, and its getting old that people neglect xbox live costs.
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?"
Absolutely not. Thats why I said MOST. I said MOST people will require online gameplay if they are a hardcore gamer. Would you seriously argue against that? Do you not think most hardcore gamers that state "PS3 is expensive" aren't planning on playing games online? That is why my argument is aimed at :)
"Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player?""
It is free when you look at the features of the 360 and find that for the same price of what the features of the 360 will cost you, on top of those features the PS3 has a blu-ray player.
"If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales?"
I explained why I cut them out. I am using prices that are non-sale items. Those import prices are stable prices. The special deals are not.
If you want to argue on special prices, the PS3 gets far better deals in that regard than the 360 I'd argue. EB games has a sweet deal on the PS3 right now, 2 games + a PS3 for $730. Thats sweet. And its PS3 games tend to have better sales as I've found while browsing the current sale items. So I honestly think, in a fight of sales, the 360 would lose. Added to that the PS3 games retain their value 2nd hand better than 360 games. So really, I don't think the 360 has a leg to stand on in that regard to come out cheaper than the PS3 so for the 360's price sake it should be glad I didn't argue it.
People are wary but that misses the point of this :P I'd never argue that what Sony are doing is smart for their company, I don't think they handled this well at all. But I expect core gamers to know what they are talking about when they go around saying "PS3 is too expensive" when in the end that isn't true and they have the knowledge in front of them because they KNOW the features of both consoles. Its not a big deal its just, IMHO, kinda dumb, and its getting old that people neglect xbox live costs.
Great blog mate and I can buy into most of the points you have made.
I own both consoles and I love my PS3 and x-box but it sucks that you have to pay for Gold for X-Box, I love PS3.
Also the fact that the controllers are chargable is a big win for the PS3, I mean taking into account a casual gamer over a period of time even if not investing in an X-box battery charger batteries for the controllers alone would set you back a few bucks.
Anyway great blog.
I own both consoles and I love my PS3 and x-box but it sucks that you have to pay for Gold for X-Box, I love PS3.
Also the fact that the controllers are chargable is a big win for the PS3, I mean taking into account a casual gamer over a period of time even if not investing in an X-box battery charger batteries for the controllers alone would set you back a few bucks.
Anyway great blog.
"Note: You have a few incorrect facts in your blog, the arcade has 512mb onboard storage, so it's not less than the Wii, the 60gb Pro also comes with a headset (the PS3 you have to fork out for an expensive bluetooth one), and you can install your own hdd upto 120gb without paying for an expensive official one."
Has the 512mb been added yet? I was unaware of that, I thought that the sku's in the shop were still 256mb :) on the EB games website, I could find nothing about a headset for the 360, I will check again.
On the harddrive thing, I'll definitely modify that, last I knew, you needed an offical one! My proof of this can be found here: http://kotaku.com/387864/why-360-hdds-are-so-ridiculously-expensive when did this change?
You also DON'T need to buy a bluetooth headset. You can use any headset you like, bluetooth or otherwise :)
Has the 512mb been added yet? I was unaware of that, I thought that the sku's in the shop were still 256mb :) on the EB games website, I could find nothing about a headset for the 360, I will check again.
On the harddrive thing, I'll definitely modify that, last I knew, you needed an offical one! My proof of this can be found here: http://kotaku.com/387864/why-360-hdds-are-so-ridiculously-expensive when did this change?
You also DON'T need to buy a bluetooth headset. You can use any headset you like, bluetooth or otherwise :)
"Now look at it from the "average consumer's" eyes.
When they walk into a store and see both products side by side, most will go for the cheaper option."
I understand, but this does miss the point of my blog =P the point is, for core gamers (not average consumers, I even pointed this out in my blog), they should be smart enough to not discount a PS3 because of its price just because its a lot up front. Sure, they need to have the money up front, and if they don't have that, thats a problem of course for them buying the PS3. But people don't even put two-and-two together and realise that their 360's will cost them MORE in the long run. They don't just argue about upfront cost: they think the PS3 is more expensive in general, and there they get that idea is beyond me, considering they're planning on using xbox live gold 99% of the time and they know they need to pay a subscription.
When they walk into a store and see both products side by side, most will go for the cheaper option."
I understand, but this does miss the point of my blog =P the point is, for core gamers (not average consumers, I even pointed this out in my blog), they should be smart enough to not discount a PS3 because of its price just because its a lot up front. Sure, they need to have the money up front, and if they don't have that, thats a problem of course for them buying the PS3. But people don't even put two-and-two together and realise that their 360's will cost them MORE in the long run. They don't just argue about upfront cost: they think the PS3 is more expensive in general, and there they get that idea is beyond me, considering they're planning on using xbox live gold 99% of the time and they know they need to pay a subscription.
I'm not exactly sure that the PS3 starting off at $800 is entirely true any more as I'm constantly seeing sales for the PS3 and inFamous for $735 (bargain!) or any other random game. Also considering that the PS3 does a great job at being a Blu-ray player and other Blu-ray players are darn expensive, I think that the PS3 is quite a good deal.
you made some good points here and just wanna say well done for taking the time putting this together
Brilliant blog!!! I still have my 360 (I'm about to add a PS3 to my collection), and I bought it because it is cheaper initially. I knew it would cost more over time with Gold, and this blog really points it out.
I still love my 360 for its fantastic games though :)
Good blog!
I still love my 360 for its fantastic games though :)
Good blog!
I think the main reason they don't take Xbox live into account is because it is in the long run so they should be able to scrounge up the nessesary money between purchase of and end of Xbox live subscription. Also you do not need wireless, I've got a 30-50 meter ethernet cord so it is kind of hard for the modem to be out of reach for that, plus it was cheaper then the Xbox wireless thingy.
5 star blog though as you do raise some good points.
5 star blog though as you do raise some good points.
23 June 2009, 07:37 PM
Reply to Windmill
"
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?"
Absolutely not. Thats why I said MOST. I said MOST people will require online gameplay if they are a hardcore gamer. Would you seriously argue against that? Do you not think most hardcore gamers that state "PS3 is expensive" aren't planning on playing games online? That is why my argument is aimed at :)
"Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player?""
It is free when you look at the features of the 360 and find that for the same price of what the features of the 360 will cost you, on top of those features the PS3 has a blu-ray player.
"If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales?"
I explained why I cut them out. I am using prices that are non-sale items. Those import prices are stable prices. The special deals are not.
If you want to argue on special prices, the PS3 gets far better deals in that regard than the 360 I'd argue. EB games has a sweet deal on the PS3 right now, 2 games + a PS3 for $730. Thats sweet. And its PS3 games tend to have better sales as I've found while browsing the current sale items. So I honestly think, in a fight of sales, the 360 would lose. Added to that the PS3 games retain their value 2nd hand better than 360 games. So really, I don't think the 360 has a leg to stand on in that regard to come out cheaper than the PS3 so for the 360's price sake it should be glad I didn't argue it.
People are wary but that misses the point of this :P I'd never argue that what Sony are doing is smart for their company, I don't think they handled this well at all. But I expect core gamers to know what they are talking about when they go around saying "PS3 is too expensive" when in the end that isn't true and they have the knowledge in front of them because they KNOW the features of both consoles. Its not a big deal its just, IMHO, kinda dumb, and its getting old that people neglect xbox live costs.
I'm sorry man but I'll seriously have to disagree. I've heard this argument time and again and I find it quite silly to be honest."
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?"
Absolutely not. Thats why I said MOST. I said MOST people will require online gameplay if they are a hardcore gamer. Would you seriously argue against that? Do you not think most hardcore gamers that state "PS3 is expensive" aren't planning on playing games online? That is why my argument is aimed at :)
"Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player?""
It is free when you look at the features of the 360 and find that for the same price of what the features of the 360 will cost you, on top of those features the PS3 has a blu-ray player.
"If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales?"
I explained why I cut them out. I am using prices that are non-sale items. Those import prices are stable prices. The special deals are not.
If you want to argue on special prices, the PS3 gets far better deals in that regard than the 360 I'd argue. EB games has a sweet deal on the PS3 right now, 2 games + a PS3 for $730. Thats sweet. And its PS3 games tend to have better sales as I've found while browsing the current sale items. So I honestly think, in a fight of sales, the 360 would lose. Added to that the PS3 games retain their value 2nd hand better than 360 games. So really, I don't think the 360 has a leg to stand on in that regard to come out cheaper than the PS3 so for the 360's price sake it should be glad I didn't argue it.
People are wary but that misses the point of this :P I'd never argue that what Sony are doing is smart for their company, I don't think they handled this well at all. But I expect core gamers to know what they are talking about when they go around saying "PS3 is too expensive" when in the end that isn't true and they have the knowledge in front of them because they KNOW the features of both consoles. Its not a big deal its just, IMHO, kinda dumb, and its getting old that people neglect xbox live costs.
What happens in this argument is that because the 360 lacks features a base PS3 would come with, you have to hike up the 360 with other "optional" requirements. So because the PS3 has a wireless modem and controllers, the comparison with the 360 MUST have wireless controllers and the wireless modem. And since the PS3 has a blu-ray player, we'll toss on the additional price for a 360 HD DVD drive.
Again, I find the argument silly, no offense to you. The "value" of the item is totally arbitrary, and the fact remains that the 360 *is* literally cheaper than the PS3. If we do want to argue "value" use in the vein of hardcore gamers, then not only are multiplatform titles generally better on the Xbox 360 (as proven time and again by various publications), all Xbox 360s are backwards compatible with original Xbox games on the compatibility list. As a hardcore gamer, why would I want a PS3 when I can't play Shadow of the Colossus, Ico, the GTA series, and just about every other PS2 game any hardcore gamer would be itching to play?
Am I a 360 fanboy? Hard to believe when I'm primarily a PC Gamer (though I own both the 360 and PS3), but the fact of the matter is I can be playing video games out of the box for $450 as opposed to investing in $800 that forces me to adopt a blu-ray drive, wireless controllers and modem connection.
Seriously, this argument of "equal features" which Sony themselves initiated is about as good as saying that a $2000 PC is actually cheaper than both the PS3 and 360. With a wealth of free games, free (dedicated) servers, dirt cheap retail prices, and a huge range of competing peripherals (you can even use 360 and PS3 gamepads), you get more out of it than either the PS3 and 360, not to mention state-of-the-art technology (whereas the PS3 and 360 are already 3-4 years old). Your PC will also be able to last longer than the 360 and PS3 which, if previous trends are taken into account, last 4-5 years, and if you just add dirt cheap RAM and a mid-range card near the end of its life, you'll extend that by another couple of years. So yeah, a $2000 gaming rig is cheaper than either the PS3 or 360. Agree? Neither do I.
The only thing I can say which includes "PS3" and "cheap" in the same sentence is that the PS3 is the cheapest blu-ray player, and here's a bonus adjective, it's also the best blu-ray player on the market for now. I can sympathize with Sony for not being able to lower the price of the PS3 just yet, but just as a future reference Sony, don't shove technology down a consumers throat so arrogantly. It'll back fire pretty badly, as you surely have noticed.
Oh my god. I think you may be the first person in history to actually not receive a flaming for something like this. You must be Jesus. A super creepy Jesus who can fart with her hands.
I agree with all of your points you have made. The only thing that I question is the Playstation fail rate. I believe that around the two year mark, they begin to drop like flies, because that's what they have been doing around here lately. PLUS, it costs a sh*t TON of money to repair a PS3 and free to repair a 360 as far as I remember.
Alas, you are only stating the buying price so I shall leave it at that.
I agree with all of your points you have made. The only thing that I question is the Playstation fail rate. I believe that around the two year mark, they begin to drop like flies, because that's what they have been doing around here lately. PLUS, it costs a sh*t TON of money to repair a PS3 and free to repair a 360 as far as I remember.
Alas, you are only stating the buying price so I shall leave it at that.
23 June 2009, 10:25 PM
Reply to tnzk
I'm sorry man but I'll seriously have to disagree. I've heard this argument time and again and I find it quite silly to be honest.
What happens in this argument is that because the 360 lacks features a base PS3 would come with, you have to hike up the 360 with other "optional" requirements. So because the PS3 has a wireless modem and controllers, the comparison with the 360 MUST have wireless controllers and the wireless modem. And since the PS3 has a blu-ray player, we'll toss on the additional price for a 360 HD DVD drive.
Again, I find the argument silly, no offense to you. The "value" of the item is totally arbitrary, and the fact remains that the 360 *is* literally cheaper than the PS3. If we do want to argue "value" use in the vein of hardcore gamers, then not only are multiplatform titles generally better on the Xbox 360 (as proven time and again by various publications), all Xbox 360s are backwards compatible with original Xbox games on the compatibility list. As a hardcore gamer, why would I want a PS3 when I can't play Shadow of the Colossus, Ico, the GTA series, and just about every other PS2 game any hardcore gamer would be itching to play?
Am I a 360 fanboy? Hard to believe when I'm primarily a PC Gamer (though I own both the 360 and PS3), but the fact of the matter is I can be playing video games out of the box for $450 as opposed to investing in $800 that forces me to adopt a blu-ray drive, wireless controllers and modem connection.
Seriously, this argument of "equal features" which Sony themselves initiated is about as good as saying that a $2000 PC is actually cheaper than both the PS3 and 360. With a wealth of free games, free (dedicated) servers, dirt cheap retail prices, and a huge range of competing peripherals (you can even use 360 and PS3 gamepads), you get more out of it than either the PS3 and 360, not to mention state-of-the-art technology (whereas the PS3 and 360 are already 3-4 years old). Your PC will also be able to last longer than the 360 and PS3 which, if previous trends are taken into account, last 4-5 years, and if you just add dirt cheap RAM and a mid-range card near the end of its life, you'll extend that by another couple of years. So yeah, a $2000 gaming rig is cheaper than either the PS3 or 360. Agree? Neither do I.
The only thing I can say which includes "PS3" and "cheap" in the same sentence is that the PS3 is the cheapest blu-ray player, and here's a bonus adjective, it's also the best blu-ray player on the market for now. I can sympathize with Sony for not being able to lower the price of the PS3 just yet, but just as a future reference Sony, don't shove technology down a consumers throat so arrogantly. It'll back fire pretty badly, as you surely have noticed.
Excuse me, but I disagree greatly with something you said there.I'm sorry man but I'll seriously have to disagree. I've heard this argument time and again and I find it quite silly to be honest.
What happens in this argument is that because the 360 lacks features a base PS3 would come with, you have to hike up the 360 with other "optional" requirements. So because the PS3 has a wireless modem and controllers, the comparison with the 360 MUST have wireless controllers and the wireless modem. And since the PS3 has a blu-ray player, we'll toss on the additional price for a 360 HD DVD drive.
Again, I find the argument silly, no offense to you. The "value" of the item is totally arbitrary, and the fact remains that the 360 *is* literally cheaper than the PS3. If we do want to argue "value" use in the vein of hardcore gamers, then not only are multiplatform titles generally better on the Xbox 360 (as proven time and again by various publications), all Xbox 360s are backwards compatible with original Xbox games on the compatibility list. As a hardcore gamer, why would I want a PS3 when I can't play Shadow of the Colossus, Ico, the GTA series, and just about every other PS2 game any hardcore gamer would be itching to play?
Am I a 360 fanboy? Hard to believe when I'm primarily a PC Gamer (though I own both the 360 and PS3), but the fact of the matter is I can be playing video games out of the box for $450 as opposed to investing in $800 that forces me to adopt a blu-ray drive, wireless controllers and modem connection.
Seriously, this argument of "equal features" which Sony themselves initiated is about as good as saying that a $2000 PC is actually cheaper than both the PS3 and 360. With a wealth of free games, free (dedicated) servers, dirt cheap retail prices, and a huge range of competing peripherals (you can even use 360 and PS3 gamepads), you get more out of it than either the PS3 and 360, not to mention state-of-the-art technology (whereas the PS3 and 360 are already 3-4 years old). Your PC will also be able to last longer than the 360 and PS3 which, if previous trends are taken into account, last 4-5 years, and if you just add dirt cheap RAM and a mid-range card near the end of its life, you'll extend that by another couple of years. So yeah, a $2000 gaming rig is cheaper than either the PS3 or 360. Agree? Neither do I.
The only thing I can say which includes "PS3" and "cheap" in the same sentence is that the PS3 is the cheapest blu-ray player, and here's a bonus adjective, it's also the best blu-ray player on the market for now. I can sympathize with Sony for not being able to lower the price of the PS3 just yet, but just as a future reference Sony, don't shove technology down a consumers throat so arrogantly. It'll back fire pretty badly, as you surely have noticed.
"then not only are multiplatform titles generally better on the Xbox 360"
I understand that you said Generally in that statement, but come on man. That is a little bit harsh. In some cases, yes, you can prove this. But in cases such as Grand Theft Auto IV, it's just not true. The reason for that being is that the PS3 uses a new coding language, making it a new experience for people to code for.
This is also caused by the fact that the Playstation 3's RAM has been split in half, giving 256 for the OS and 256 for gaming. And c'mon, you have to admit the PS3 is doing a great job at competing against a machine that has double the game power.
And REMEMBER, the reason the RAM is split is because the PS3 is a HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. Although labeled as a game console, Sony has stated many times that is a Home Entertainment system.
Mate that is an amazing blog. Solid arguments and well written, good on ya!
As a PS3 and 360 owner I have got to agree that it is a pain having to top up my Xbox Live membership whenever I want to meet up with a friend for a spot of Skate 2, but unfortunately I cannot really compare it to the PS3 online experience where my only online game is GTA4 - which is admittedly aging after less than one year, something that is an unfortunate reality in the gaming industry.
Though one point I do have to make is this. Even though I (along with my flatmates) have noticed when working hard, or even simply being left alone for a while, the 360 emits noises that makes you believe it's about RROD time. I have personally found that my PS3 freezes or suffers from strange glitches from time to time. Admittedly it does it so few and far in between that I forget about it, but it was a particular pain when I just bought Fallout 3 and found that I had to avoid the G.O.A.T. test - resulting in me missing out on some of the game's greatest charm!
However as a long-time PlayStation owner I invested in my PS3 prior to my 360 and bought titles that turned out to have Xbox-exclusive DLC (Fallout3, GTA4, etc). This has served as a bit of a pain as it reflected the third party preference to the money-abundent Microsoft.
All up while the PlayStation fanboy inside of me does agree with you that the calls for a PS3 pricecut do not deserve Sony's attention I have to agree with them as consumers are always going to choose the cheapest option - unless they have thoroughly researched the two...or read this blog.
Again bravo on the blog. Keep it up!
As a PS3 and 360 owner I have got to agree that it is a pain having to top up my Xbox Live membership whenever I want to meet up with a friend for a spot of Skate 2, but unfortunately I cannot really compare it to the PS3 online experience where my only online game is GTA4 - which is admittedly aging after less than one year, something that is an unfortunate reality in the gaming industry.
Though one point I do have to make is this. Even though I (along with my flatmates) have noticed when working hard, or even simply being left alone for a while, the 360 emits noises that makes you believe it's about RROD time. I have personally found that my PS3 freezes or suffers from strange glitches from time to time. Admittedly it does it so few and far in between that I forget about it, but it was a particular pain when I just bought Fallout 3 and found that I had to avoid the G.O.A.T. test - resulting in me missing out on some of the game's greatest charm!
However as a long-time PlayStation owner I invested in my PS3 prior to my 360 and bought titles that turned out to have Xbox-exclusive DLC (Fallout3, GTA4, etc). This has served as a bit of a pain as it reflected the third party preference to the money-abundent Microsoft.
All up while the PlayStation fanboy inside of me does agree with you that the calls for a PS3 pricecut do not deserve Sony's attention I have to agree with them as consumers are always going to choose the cheapest option - unless they have thoroughly researched the two...or read this blog.
Again bravo on the blog. Keep it up!
"What happens in this argument is that because the 360 lacks features a base PS3 would come with, you have to hike up the 360 with other "optional" requirements. So because the PS3 has a wireless modem and controllers, the comparison with the 360 MUST have wireless controllers and the wireless modem. And since the PS3 has a blu-ray player, we'll toss on the additional price for a 360 HD DVD drive."
No but you see, I didn't do this.
Other comparisons do do this. But I *didn't* do this. I instead looked at the Xbox 360's features, and compared how much the features that the majority of core gamers would use would cost them verses the amount of money one must pay to have those same features on a PS3. I then listed off extras, i.e. the blu-ray player, the wireless internet, region free etc. These are EXTRAS included in the HARDWARE (not necessarily the software but the hardware) that the 360 doesn't have is my point. But in terms of the 360's features if you count online and the battery, then you're looking at the same price tag or MORE most likely than what you pay for a PS3.
You can start playing games for $450 out of the box. In fact, you can start playing games for $350 out of the box (but your "on board memory" would fill VERY fast) but in the end, if you want to take advantage of the thing outside of exclusives that the 360 has going for it (and the feature which is most failed) which is xbox live, you're going to have to pay the cash. And if you want to play for more than 30 hours, you're going to have to pay the cash for batteries.
And by the time you pay for 3 years worth of those costs, you've spend $760. And a PS3 costs $800.
So the PS3 is not overpriced. I agree its a lot of money to gather at once. But in the end, it pays off. It is certainly not overpriced, its a long-term investment. With region free gaming, easy harddrive replacement, free online you could save yourself literally hundreds of dollars over what you'd be paying for with a 360 over the gaming generation.
And, quite frankly, people don't understand this.
No but you see, I didn't do this.
Other comparisons do do this. But I *didn't* do this. I instead looked at the Xbox 360's features, and compared how much the features that the majority of core gamers would use would cost them verses the amount of money one must pay to have those same features on a PS3. I then listed off extras, i.e. the blu-ray player, the wireless internet, region free etc. These are EXTRAS included in the HARDWARE (not necessarily the software but the hardware) that the 360 doesn't have is my point. But in terms of the 360's features if you count online and the battery, then you're looking at the same price tag or MORE most likely than what you pay for a PS3.
You can start playing games for $450 out of the box. In fact, you can start playing games for $350 out of the box (but your "on board memory" would fill VERY fast) but in the end, if you want to take advantage of the thing outside of exclusives that the 360 has going for it (and the feature which is most failed) which is xbox live, you're going to have to pay the cash. And if you want to play for more than 30 hours, you're going to have to pay the cash for batteries.
And by the time you pay for 3 years worth of those costs, you've spend $760. And a PS3 costs $800.
So the PS3 is not overpriced. I agree its a lot of money to gather at once. But in the end, it pays off. It is certainly not overpriced, its a long-term investment. With region free gaming, easy harddrive replacement, free online you could save yourself literally hundreds of dollars over what you'd be paying for with a 360 over the gaming generation.
And, quite frankly, people don't understand this.
Thank you all for your kind comments :) this is sort of a pet peeve of mine, hence the effort put into the blog post.
I am a PS3 owner and I haven't encountered any glitches I'll be honest. However when it gets hot, it can definitely make a whiney noise, I definitely know that. My boyfriend has had a launch PS3 and his one is fine, so we'll wait and see if it packs up, it hopefully shouldn't.
I am a PS3 owner and I haven't encountered any glitches I'll be honest. However when it gets hot, it can definitely make a whiney noise, I definitely know that. My boyfriend has had a launch PS3 and his one is fine, so we'll wait and see if it packs up, it hopefully shouldn't.
Oh and one more quick quick addition to my comment (sorry!) in relation to the PS3's wireless.
I have had issues with the console's wireless capabilities, even with the router and the console sharing the same room I have had the PS3 mysteriously cut-out midway through update downloads etc. I really hope that this is just my console, but I fear it may not be the case.
I have had issues with the console's wireless capabilities, even with the router and the console sharing the same room I have had the PS3 mysteriously cut-out midway through update downloads etc. I really hope that this is just my console, but I fear it may not be the case.
23 June 2009, 11:52 PM
Reply to maniaclemax
Oh and one more quick quick addition to my comment (sorry!) in relation to the PS3's wireless.
I have had issues with the console's wireless capabilities, even with the router and the console sharing the same room I have had the PS3 mysteriously cut-out midway through update downloads etc. I really hope that this is just my console, but I fear it may not be the case.
Hmmm, I haven't had any issue with this. My wireless and wired internet connection works like a charm. I am however using a later model of the PS3. It is an 80 gig version, the ones they're selling now in stores. I was able to get EB games to let me bring back my whinning 40 gig and add extra money to get the new 80 gig instead! It was sweet. Oh and one more quick quick addition to my comment (sorry!) in relation to the PS3's wireless.
I have had issues with the console's wireless capabilities, even with the router and the console sharing the same room I have had the PS3 mysteriously cut-out midway through update downloads etc. I really hope that this is just my console, but I fear it may not be the case.
*Also, before I said that the xbox live failed, I meant HAILED. Its its most HAILED feature.
Great blog. Obviously it's causing a few people to sh*t themselves like it's the end of the world, but the majority of what you've said is quite true. Some people will argue but they have to realise that they are more than likely only speaking for themselves and a minority. You have generalised, and in my opinion you've got it pretty well spot on. 5 stars.
Oh yeah and you need to write somewhere "I am a girl" cause you've been called "dude" a few times in this comments section alone. :)
Oh yeah and you need to write somewhere "I am a girl" cause you've been called "dude" a few times in this comments section alone. :)
Oh and I think the PS3 does still need a price cut, more just to stay competitive. People really do only look at the upfront price, and don't do the research as you have, which is pretty stupid, but it is the way of the consumer. You have looked at it from a hardcore perspective, and you've got that side right.
23 June 2009, 07:18 PM
Reply to zharn
Good argument both have pros an cons. i like the PlayStation 3 for its sophistication of in game menu and design. But I'm a Xbox 360 owner. I find that its better suited to my style of gaming an its also good for (semi) socialising with people around the globe.
Also i'm not bragging but once Project Natal is out for the Xbox. Sony and Nintendo are finished. Unless they can come up with something equally as good or better.
Lol, second time you've said that in a blog comment about natal. You must be semi-retarded if you don't know Sony is developing a rival system that looks just as good so far.
Good argument both have pros an cons. i like the PlayStation 3 for its sophistication of in game menu and design. But I'm a Xbox 360 owner. I find that its better suited to my style of gaming an its also good for (semi) socialising with people around the globe.
Also i'm not bragging but once Project Natal is out for the Xbox. Sony and Nintendo are finished. Unless they can come up with something equally as good or better.
24 June 2009, 12:08 AM
Reply to Oliver
Lol, second time you've said that in a blog comment about natal. You must be semi-retarded if you don't know Sony is developing a rival system that looks just as good so far.
Great Blog the only thing so far that has made the PS3 cheaper than the 360 to me.Lol, second time you've said that in a blog comment about natal. You must be semi-retarded if you don't know Sony is developing a rival system that looks just as good so far.
I must say though that the PS3 is definately cheaper for the hardcore gamer because everything that the hardcore gamer needs comes straight from the box which is where it's "hardcore price" gains greatly. But the 360 is cheaper in the sense of customability (it could be a word), because if you want you can play any current generation game you can for half the price of a PS3 and you have the option to be casual or purchase the upgrades and that is worth the extra money in my opinion just having the choice of being hardcore or not while the PS3 is for hardcores right out of the box. Although the PS3 is of course when you do the math cheaper for the guy that wants everything. I'm not sure if being hardcore means that though. So by your definition with things you can only be a hardcore gamer with a PS3 while you could be Casual or Hardcore or inbetween.
Really the main variable in how cheap they are by comparison is how you class a hardcore gamer. Also on paper a PS3 is cheaper in the long run but to be fair most people wont notice a $90 payment once a year or the odd purchase of a battery so the PS3 is cheaper but the 360 feels cheaper. But you cant get around the fact that the PS3 is cheaper for those who research and require what it has from the box.
Excellent blog.
Actually the PS3 is even cheaper than $800.
The bundle with Infamous included is I think either $745 or $775.
Actually the PS3 is even cheaper than $800.
The bundle with Infamous included is I think either $745 or $775.
24 June 2009, 10:02 AM
Reply to MatEPoon
Excellent blog.
Actually the PS3 is even cheaper than $800.
The bundle with Infamous included is I think either $745 or $775.
Just like to add.Excellent blog.
Actually the PS3 is even cheaper than $800.
The bundle with Infamous included is I think either $745 or $775.
I don't agree with the main point of your argument though.
It DOES in my opinion need a price cut.
All people see when they go to buy a console is the $800 price tag. Then they see the 360 for $450. So go for that. Particularly those less informed people like mum and dad.
The Wii could do with being cheaper. That's a frickin rip off.
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet but by this stage in the life cycle of the next-gen consoles most "hardcore gamers" as you have defined them should have already purchased their console of choice and unless Sony announce a price drop there is no reason for 360 owners to jump ship and purchase a PS3 too, as the 360 has a comparable library of games.
... A nice write up that I don't agree with by the way. Also the failure rate of the PS3 is much higher than what you stated. Ask around the forums plenty of people here have had YLOD also Microsoft are easier to deal with on that front.
HUGE amount of comments on this one, crazy stuff Windmill. Well done to everyone else who're refraining from the personal attacks etc. as well.
Re the Project Natal topic, it will be a big breakthrough for the xbox, and it has great potential to tap into the family/casual gamer market. However, I think it will cost a BOMB. So that will drag the price up somewhat, and I'm willing to bet HD will be needed, which counts out anyone with the old CRT, like me. :D
But I think that even if Natal does trump the Eyetoy outright, Sony will be hot on the heels of Natal.
Re the Project Natal topic, it will be a big breakthrough for the xbox, and it has great potential to tap into the family/casual gamer market. However, I think it will cost a BOMB. So that will drag the price up somewhat, and I'm willing to bet HD will be needed, which counts out anyone with the old CRT, like me. :D
But I think that even if Natal does trump the Eyetoy outright, Sony will be hot on the heels of Natal.
hahah thanks for intro Xenojay :P
Must say nice right up girl!!! alot better than mine hahaha. The X360 does have one huge advantage for non-hardcore/ poor people, whom dont need live, pircay *shifty eyes*. Must also stress some other advantages of the PS3, one being Linux. Easy to use and just like good old microsoft windows! (just usless for gaming) which also is a factor to take in for anyone a bit stretched for cash. Another draw back on X360 is 'random updates' were you have no idea of the size or what the hell its doing which is quite important. i also read somewhere it was dubbed a "Home entertainment system" this also includes the title "computer" as to aviod EU tax, which i also might stress (due to talk of imports) that the price difference is very small in other PAL regions (hence PS3 dominace in EU)if you wanted to buy a cheaper PS3. Another consideration is PlayTV and blue ray is a major, ITS GOING TO BE THE DOMINATE FORMAT!!!! ive seen alot of PC's (not just vaio's) with BD-Rom's also the DVD phase out starting to happen in the market. Next time you see a DVD ad do they mention blue ray? or at least a picture? i think so! bam reason enough right there.
Now my biggest annoyance (believe me theres many) at the X360 is the way they manage to strain people of money drip by drip like a smoking addiction so at the end people are like sh*t!!!! WERES MY DOSH!! clever on there part must have a crafty mexican running a divison...
oh also windmill you can upgrade your X360 hard drive you just 'void warranty' of the HDD ive got a 500GB atm in my pro.
Also Project Natal dont go yay untill we seen it in action or i might just laugh in your face.
proberly missed shed loads of other points but cant think right now :P
Must say nice right up girl!!! alot better than mine hahaha. The X360 does have one huge advantage for non-hardcore/ poor people, whom dont need live, pircay *shifty eyes*. Must also stress some other advantages of the PS3, one being Linux. Easy to use and just like good old microsoft windows! (just usless for gaming) which also is a factor to take in for anyone a bit stretched for cash. Another draw back on X360 is 'random updates' were you have no idea of the size or what the hell its doing which is quite important. i also read somewhere it was dubbed a "Home entertainment system" this also includes the title "computer" as to aviod EU tax, which i also might stress (due to talk of imports) that the price difference is very small in other PAL regions (hence PS3 dominace in EU)if you wanted to buy a cheaper PS3. Another consideration is PlayTV and blue ray is a major, ITS GOING TO BE THE DOMINATE FORMAT!!!! ive seen alot of PC's (not just vaio's) with BD-Rom's also the DVD phase out starting to happen in the market. Next time you see a DVD ad do they mention blue ray? or at least a picture? i think so! bam reason enough right there.
Now my biggest annoyance (believe me theres many) at the X360 is the way they manage to strain people of money drip by drip like a smoking addiction so at the end people are like sh*t!!!! WERES MY DOSH!! clever on there part must have a crafty mexican running a divison...
oh also windmill you can upgrade your X360 hard drive you just 'void warranty' of the HDD ive got a 500GB atm in my pro.
Also Project Natal dont go yay untill we seen it in action or i might just laugh in your face.
proberly missed shed loads of other points but cant think right now :P
Goddamn, Chinaman. That was a real good ol' fashioned rant. Nice!
I agree with you on probably every aspect you have mentioned, you've reinforced my theory that the ps3 is better (to me it is)Well done. 5 stars =]
thank you all hahha Geno and Rapidity you know you love me <3 hahaha
great blog
especially when your point is about the core gamer. when i was looking for what console to buy i researched and found most of the points you made in your blog
assuming any other hardcore gamer would actually research about what console to choose as appose to just walking into a store and picking the cheapest one. for me the PS3 came out on top
the best point i think you made was about the controllers. i cant count how many times ive had to go over to a mates house to play some 360. and had to steal batteries out of the remote or bite the batteries to get another 10mins of gameplay out of them. yeah some people will argue its not a big deal. but you have to admit, it is bloody annoying
especially when your point is about the core gamer. when i was looking for what console to buy i researched and found most of the points you made in your blog
assuming any other hardcore gamer would actually research about what console to choose as appose to just walking into a store and picking the cheapest one. for me the PS3 came out on top
the best point i think you made was about the controllers. i cant count how many times ive had to go over to a mates house to play some 360. and had to steal batteries out of the remote or bite the batteries to get another 10mins of gameplay out of them. yeah some people will argue its not a big deal. but you have to admit, it is bloody annoying
This entertained me for a bit, thanks and great blog 5/5
Great blog though a little one sided. I own both so don't particularly care. My main problem is that when buying DLC the price is generally higher on the PS3 because its cash not gamer points. Example Burnout paradise big surf $24.50 on PSN or 800 gamer points which is $16.50 on XBL sadly this means I tends to buy me games on xbox. And the PS3 should be more expensive based entirely on the fact that it's more complicated and not as old.
Pretty good blog. Not horribly biased, which is a nice change.
23 June 2009, 07:07 PM
Reply to tnzk
I dislike the idea of adding costs onto SKUs. And how do we define a hardcore gamer here?
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?
On the XBL vs PSN, I would say right now, XBL is the more cohesive service. Playing on XBL and PSN is the difference between playing at a high school court yard and the public basketball court: the latter might be more accessible and less restrictive, but the former is so much more user-friendly. Oh, and everyone should have mics. The PS3 userbase is nothing like the PC userbase, so playing by intuition because of lack of communication sucks.
Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player? Um, the reason the PS3 is $800 is simply *because* of a the blu-ray player, and if we are debating this topic concerning the hardcore base (who doesn't need Blu-ray for games, just ask the PC crowd), then it's definitely a drawback.
If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales? From what I can remember, JB Hi-Fi is doing a sale with the 360 that includes Halo 3 and Fable 2 for around the Pro SKU price alone. When EB Games has a sale, you can find 360 games which are $10-$20 cheaper than the PS3 counterparts, not to mention that in most of the multiplatform releases, the 360 has beaten the PS3 in comparison tests. So would the hardcore go for the better version of each game? Or would they rather the inferior version that you can play with wireless controllers, wireless internet, and mandatory installs on their uber 250gb harddrive?
-
The fact of the matter is, the 360 is cheaper than the PS3 out of the box. Speculating about XBL service and wireless internet are weak excuses at best. Who knows if Microsoft upgrades the 360 with wireless internet and keeps the same price in a year's time? Or completely remove the paid subscription service to XBL in 3 years time? What if Sony decided to cut wireless modems, wireless controllers, and massive harddrives in an effort to curb their losses? I mean, they've cut down PS2 emulator chips from their SKUs already, right?
It's not that people are stupid, it's that people are wary. A $450 initial investment that tanks is better than an $800 initial investment that tanks.
And at the end of the day, being able to play the same game on a $450 console as opposed to an $800 one is just incredibly enticing.
So sorry, but I have to disagree.
Wowwwwwwww!! I'm sorry to quote the whole thing but I would totally and utterly need to join you!! Fantastic job!! I would give your comment 5*s...I dislike the idea of adding costs onto SKUs. And how do we define a hardcore gamer here?
Am I a hardcore gamer unless I have wireless controllers, an 80gb harddrive, and wireless online? If I play single player games, restrict myself with a 4 foot gamepad cord, and buy a memory card, am I, by definition, a casual gamer?
On the XBL vs PSN, I would say right now, XBL is the more cohesive service. Playing on XBL and PSN is the difference between playing at a high school court yard and the public basketball court: the latter might be more accessible and less restrictive, but the former is so much more user-friendly. Oh, and everyone should have mics. The PS3 userbase is nothing like the PC userbase, so playing by intuition because of lack of communication sucks.
Most of the rest of your argument is just a battle of interpretation. For a $800 PS3 you get a "free" Blu-ray player? Um, the reason the PS3 is $800 is simply *because* of a the blu-ray player, and if we are debating this topic concerning the hardcore base (who doesn't need Blu-ray for games, just ask the PC crowd), then it's definitely a drawback.
If we're searching overseas imports for cheaper games, why did we cut out inland sales? From what I can remember, JB Hi-Fi is doing a sale with the 360 that includes Halo 3 and Fable 2 for around the Pro SKU price alone. When EB Games has a sale, you can find 360 games which are $10-$20 cheaper than the PS3 counterparts, not to mention that in most of the multiplatform releases, the 360 has beaten the PS3 in comparison tests. So would the hardcore go for the better version of each game? Or would they rather the inferior version that you can play with wireless controllers, wireless internet, and mandatory installs on their uber 250gb harddrive?
-
The fact of the matter is, the 360 is cheaper than the PS3 out of the box. Speculating about XBL service and wireless internet are weak excuses at best. Who knows if Microsoft upgrades the 360 with wireless internet and keeps the same price in a year's time? Or completely remove the paid subscription service to XBL in 3 years time? What if Sony decided to cut wireless modems, wireless controllers, and massive harddrives in an effort to curb their losses? I mean, they've cut down PS2 emulator chips from their SKUs already, right?
It's not that people are stupid, it's that people are wary. A $450 initial investment that tanks is better than an $800 initial investment that tanks.
And at the end of the day, being able to play the same game on a $450 console as opposed to an $800 one is just incredibly enticing.
So sorry, but I have to disagree.
But it won't let me...
I can tell just from your comments and your blog that all your opinions are unfortunately lop sided.
You turn positives for one console into a negative because you are one eyed.
Like by saying Xbox Live is the consoles "most HAILED feature" Could have just admitted that the online service provided by Xbox is just great.
I could probably assume that you do not or have never owned an Xbox 360.
Paying for online is fine by me BECAUSE Xbox can put so much back into the online service and that's why the connectivity for the online service is better then the PS3s.
AND because you are one eyed I have a feeling you will attack my attack with a VERY defensive comment. Looking forward to it. :)
You turn positives for one console into a negative because you are one eyed.
Like by saying Xbox Live is the consoles "most HAILED feature" Could have just admitted that the online service provided by Xbox is just great.
I could probably assume that you do not or have never owned an Xbox 360.
Paying for online is fine by me BECAUSE Xbox can put so much back into the online service and that's why the connectivity for the online service is better then the PS3s.
AND because you are one eyed I have a feeling you will attack my attack with a VERY defensive comment. Looking forward to it. :)
I've stopped replying to comments (too many..) but as this one is directly addressed at me I will.
It is unfortunate that I come off as lop-sided. In reality I am not. I have seriously sat down to do the math to see if I could afford a xbox 360 as well (answer: I am a university student, so NO) many many times. I keep a list of upcoming games for ALL systems I am excited for, including the xbox 360. So I have no fangirlism... I see no point in that.
The fact that I hold the opinion that the PS3 has more features and is cheaper overall for people wanting to play online to me doesn't make me lop-sided, rather realistic.
"Like by saying Xbox Live is the consoles "most HAILED feature" Could have just admitted that the online service provided by Xbox is just great."
- I say it is the most hailed not because I am in denial, but because I'm trying to emphasise how it is publically acknowledged by people NOT me how good/important xbox live gold is to the 360 for most people. It is the defining feature outside of its exclusive games. Hence, if people are picking the 360 over the PS3, this is probably a large reason, HENCE they WILL the vast majority of the time buy xbox live gold. Its not important what I think its important what other people think in that case.
"I could probably assume that you do not or have never owned an Xbox 360."
- No but my boyfriend owned 3 before he got sick of them breaking down.
I loved his 360.
"Paying for online is fine by me BECAUSE Xbox can put so much back into the online service and that's why the connectivity for the online service is better then the PS3s."
- Thats fine but that is a moot point for my argument.
My argument is which is more expensive. Not which is better. This is a blog on just the basic maths of the whole thing. If I prefered the xbox exclusives and, most importantly, if the console wasn't going to die on me, I'd have bought a 360. Originally I had plans to when I finally sold off my freaking Wii. I sat down and decided that I should consider the PS3 though because it was going to be a) cheaper and b) my boyfriend played games on it.
And so I systematically went through all of each consoles exclusives and upcoming exclusives and I found out, surprisingly for me, the PS3 came out on top, so I bought that.
So I have nothing against the 360 due to fanboyism. I don't have anything against people that buy it. I should think people should know that as I encourage people to buy whichever system has the games/friends that they want, NOT what is cheaper. :)
It is unfortunate that I come off as lop-sided. In reality I am not. I have seriously sat down to do the math to see if I could afford a xbox 360 as well (answer: I am a university student, so NO) many many times. I keep a list of upcoming games for ALL systems I am excited for, including the xbox 360. So I have no fangirlism... I see no point in that.
The fact that I hold the opinion that the PS3 has more features and is cheaper overall for people wanting to play online to me doesn't make me lop-sided, rather realistic.
"Like by saying Xbox Live is the consoles "most HAILED feature" Could have just admitted that the online service provided by Xbox is just great."
- I say it is the most hailed not because I am in denial, but because I'm trying to emphasise how it is publically acknowledged by people NOT me how good/important xbox live gold is to the 360 for most people. It is the defining feature outside of its exclusive games. Hence, if people are picking the 360 over the PS3, this is probably a large reason, HENCE they WILL the vast majority of the time buy xbox live gold. Its not important what I think its important what other people think in that case.
"I could probably assume that you do not or have never owned an Xbox 360."
- No but my boyfriend owned 3 before he got sick of them breaking down.
I loved his 360.
"Paying for online is fine by me BECAUSE Xbox can put so much back into the online service and that's why the connectivity for the online service is better then the PS3s."
- Thats fine but that is a moot point for my argument.
My argument is which is more expensive. Not which is better. This is a blog on just the basic maths of the whole thing. If I prefered the xbox exclusives and, most importantly, if the console wasn't going to die on me, I'd have bought a 360. Originally I had plans to when I finally sold off my freaking Wii. I sat down and decided that I should consider the PS3 though because it was going to be a) cheaper and b) my boyfriend played games on it.
And so I systematically went through all of each consoles exclusives and upcoming exclusives and I found out, surprisingly for me, the PS3 came out on top, so I bought that.
So I have nothing against the 360 due to fanboyism. I don't have anything against people that buy it. I should think people should know that as I encourage people to buy whichever system has the games/friends that they want, NOT what is cheaper. :)
Bear in mind that the Xbox360 comes with Component cables AND a composite cable whereas the PS3 comes with NO Hi-Def capable cables whatsoever (which is stupid beyond belief).
Also, not ALL games are region-free on the PS3, just the vast majority of them, there are also a few (e.g. Ghostbusters) region-free Xbox360 games, but you could probably count those on one hand.
Also, the PS3 can use pretty much any generic USB input device (mouse, camera, headset etc) whereas in most cases anything on the Xbox360 needs to be "Microsoft certified" and hence, more expensive.
Also, not ALL games are region-free on the PS3, just the vast majority of them, there are also a few (e.g. Ghostbusters) region-free Xbox360 games, but you could probably count those on one hand.
Also, the PS3 can use pretty much any generic USB input device (mouse, camera, headset etc) whereas in most cases anything on the Xbox360 needs to be "Microsoft certified" and hence, more expensive.
And me just pasting anything makes it 50 comments! HUZZAH!
25 June 2009, 11:26 AM
Reply to Windmill
I've stopped replying to comments (too many..) but as this one is directly addressed at me I will.
It is unfortunate that I come off as lop-sided. In reality I am not. I have seriously sat down to do the math to see if I could afford a xbox 360 as well (answer: I am a university student, so NO) many many times. I keep a list of upcoming games for ALL systems I am excited for, including the xbox 360. So I have no fangirlism... I see no point in that.
The fact that I hold the opinion that the PS3 has more features and is cheaper overall for people wanting to play online to me doesn't make me lop-sided, rather realistic.
"Like by saying Xbox Live is the consoles "most HAILED feature" Could have just admitted that the online service provided by Xbox is just great."
- I say it is the most hailed not because I am in denial, but because I'm trying to emphasise how it is publically acknowledged by people NOT me how good/important xbox live gold is to the 360 for most people. It is the defining feature outside of its exclusive games. Hence, if people are picking the 360 over the PS3, this is probably a large reason, HENCE they WILL the vast majority of the time buy xbox live gold. Its not important what I think its important what other people think in that case.
"I could probably assume that you do not or have never owned an Xbox 360."
- No but my boyfriend owned 3 before he got sick of them breaking down.
I loved his 360.
"Paying for online is fine by me BECAUSE Xbox can put so much back into the online service and that's why the connectivity for the online service is better then the PS3s."
- Thats fine but that is a moot point for my argument.
My argument is which is more expensive. Not which is better. This is a blog on just the basic maths of the whole thing. If I prefered the xbox exclusives and, most importantly, if the console wasn't going to die on me, I'd have bought a 360. Originally I had plans to when I finally sold off my freaking Wii. I sat down and decided that I should consider the PS3 though because it was going to be a) cheaper and b) my boyfriend played games on it.
And so I systematically went through all of each consoles exclusives and upcoming exclusives and I found out, surprisingly for me, the PS3 came out on top, so I bought that.
So I have nothing against the 360 due to fanboyism. I don't have anything against people that buy it. I should think people should know that as I encourage people to buy whichever system has the games/friends that they want, NOT what is cheaper. :)
I would just to apologise for my attack on you. I feel that I was ina rather bad mood yesterday and just felt like attacking everyone.I've stopped replying to comments (too many..) but as this one is directly addressed at me I will.
It is unfortunate that I come off as lop-sided. In reality I am not. I have seriously sat down to do the math to see if I could afford a xbox 360 as well (answer: I am a university student, so NO) many many times. I keep a list of upcoming games for ALL systems I am excited for, including the xbox 360. So I have no fangirlism... I see no point in that.
The fact that I hold the opinion that the PS3 has more features and is cheaper overall for people wanting to play online to me doesn't make me lop-sided, rather realistic.
"Like by saying Xbox Live is the consoles "most HAILED feature" Could have just admitted that the online service provided by Xbox is just great."
- I say it is the most hailed not because I am in denial, but because I'm trying to emphasise how it is publically acknowledged by people NOT me how good/important xbox live gold is to the 360 for most people. It is the defining feature outside of its exclusive games. Hence, if people are picking the 360 over the PS3, this is probably a large reason, HENCE they WILL the vast majority of the time buy xbox live gold. Its not important what I think its important what other people think in that case.
"I could probably assume that you do not or have never owned an Xbox 360."
- No but my boyfriend owned 3 before he got sick of them breaking down.
I loved his 360.
"Paying for online is fine by me BECAUSE Xbox can put so much back into the online service and that's why the connectivity for the online service is better then the PS3s."
- Thats fine but that is a moot point for my argument.
My argument is which is more expensive. Not which is better. This is a blog on just the basic maths of the whole thing. If I prefered the xbox exclusives and, most importantly, if the console wasn't going to die on me, I'd have bought a 360. Originally I had plans to when I finally sold off my freaking Wii. I sat down and decided that I should consider the PS3 though because it was going to be a) cheaper and b) my boyfriend played games on it.
And so I systematically went through all of each consoles exclusives and upcoming exclusives and I found out, surprisingly for me, the PS3 came out on top, so I bought that.
So I have nothing against the 360 due to fanboyism. I don't have anything against people that buy it. I should think people should know that as I encourage people to buy whichever system has the games/friends that they want, NOT what is cheaper. :)
I am in a much better mood today and am sorry to have accused you of anything. It's your blog and you have your opinions which must be respected as a gamer.
You go the way you're going and don't stop!
:) I feel better! :)
26 June 2009, 07:16 PM
Reply to simcharles
I would just to apologise for my attack on you. I feel that I was ina rather bad mood yesterday and just felt like attacking everyone.
I am in a much better mood today and am sorry to have accused you of anything. It's your blog and you have your opinions which must be respected as a gamer.
You go the way you're going and don't stop!
:) I feel better! :)
Awwww, I was looking forward to a fight!
I would just to apologise for my attack on you. I feel that I was ina rather bad mood yesterday and just felt like attacking everyone.
I am in a much better mood today and am sorry to have accused you of anything. It's your blog and you have your opinions which must be respected as a gamer.
You go the way you're going and don't stop!
:) I feel better! :)
26 June 2009, 07:16 PM
Reply to simcharles
I would just to apologise for my attack on you. I feel that I was ina rather bad mood yesterday and just felt like attacking everyone.
I am in a much better mood today and am sorry to have accused you of anything. It's your blog and you have your opinions which must be respected as a gamer.
You go the way you're going and don't stop!
:) I feel better! :)
^_^ no sweat :)
I would just to apologise for my attack on you. I feel that I was ina rather bad mood yesterday and just felt like attacking everyone.
I am in a much better mood today and am sorry to have accused you of anything. It's your blog and you have your opinions which must be respected as a gamer.
You go the way you're going and don't stop!
:) I feel better! :)
26 June 2009, 07:16 PM
Reply to simcharles
I would just to apologise for my attack on you. I feel that I was ina rather bad mood yesterday and just felt like attacking everyone.
I am in a much better mood today and am sorry to have accused you of anything. It's your blog and you have your opinions which must be respected as a gamer.
You go the way you're going and don't stop!
:) I feel better! :)
Aww how sweet.
I would just to apologise for my attack on you. I feel that I was ina rather bad mood yesterday and just felt like attacking everyone.
I am in a much better mood today and am sorry to have accused you of anything. It's your blog and you have your opinions which must be respected as a gamer.
You go the way you're going and don't stop!
:) I feel better! :)
By the way, quite some comments section you have here. Most I've seen on a blog round here. Signs of a good blog methinks.
27 June 2009, 01:28 AM
Reply to Oliver
By the way, quite some comments section you have here. Most I've seen on a blog round here. Signs of a good blog methinks.
Yes I think you're right.
By the way, quite some comments section you have here. Most I've seen on a blog round here. Signs of a good blog methinks.
57 comments and counting. Not a bad effort.
Some would even ponder the idea that the price of the two rival consoles is a touchy subject.
Who woulda thought huh?
Some would even ponder the idea that the price of the two rival consoles is a touchy subject.
Who woulda thought huh?
"Sony lose 10% on each console they make. That shows you there" Nah i'm pretty sure they don't anymore. Maybe on release they did but in tadays market where the cost price has come down for things such as blu-ray players would have made the PS3 much cheaper to make
good blog. could've been better though soley for the reason your tone came off rather pretentious at times.
Well written..found these on the top ten raw deal for gamers that backs you up.
Number ten-
Want a bigger PlayStation 3 hard drive? Buy an off-the-shelf laptop drive and slap that baby in. Need more room for all the WiiWare games you’ve downloaded? Hot-swap a generic SD card. Running out of space on your Xbox 360 hard drive? Bend over. The biggest hard disk you can buy for Xbox 360 is the 120-GB model, and it costs a whopping $140. For purposes of comparison, that’s the MSRP of Western Digital’s terabyte drive. Need 512 MB of portable memory for your Xbox? Only $40, which would buy an 8-GB SD card.
2. Region Locks
Releasing games only in certain regions wouldn’t be so bad, if not for the region locks that restrict game machines to playing software from a single territory. Concerns about language barriers and international shipping already keep the vast majority of gamers from buying titles from other regions, so arbitrary regional lockouts only serve to annoy those who want to experience games from all over the world. Nintendo DS, PSP and PS3 have the right idea — the vast majority of games for those machines aren’t region-coded. If only Wii and Xbox 360 would follow suit.
1. Funny Money
The biggest rip-off of all is when game publishers take your money and give you nothing in return. Want to buy a $2 app on the Nintendo DSi? Sorry, you’ll have to pony up the $10 minimum charge for 1,000 Wii Points. Why should we give Nintendo $8 to sit in escrow while we wait for it to release something else we want on the download service?
At least Nintendo uses a comprehensible exchange rate. Xbox players aren’t so lucky: Ten bucks gets you 800 Microsoft points, a ridiculous exchange rate that makes it more complicated than necessary to figure out how much you’re really paying for the digital doodads you’re piling into your virtual cart. Thanks, Sony, for using real-dollar transactions in the PlayStation Store — even though you can only add funds to your “wallet” in $5 increments.
http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/06/gaming-ripoffs/
Number ten-
Want a bigger PlayStation 3 hard drive? Buy an off-the-shelf laptop drive and slap that baby in. Need more room for all the WiiWare games you’ve downloaded? Hot-swap a generic SD card. Running out of space on your Xbox 360 hard drive? Bend over. The biggest hard disk you can buy for Xbox 360 is the 120-GB model, and it costs a whopping $140. For purposes of comparison, that’s the MSRP of Western Digital’s terabyte drive. Need 512 MB of portable memory for your Xbox? Only $40, which would buy an 8-GB SD card.
2. Region Locks
Releasing games only in certain regions wouldn’t be so bad, if not for the region locks that restrict game machines to playing software from a single territory. Concerns about language barriers and international shipping already keep the vast majority of gamers from buying titles from other regions, so arbitrary regional lockouts only serve to annoy those who want to experience games from all over the world. Nintendo DS, PSP and PS3 have the right idea — the vast majority of games for those machines aren’t region-coded. If only Wii and Xbox 360 would follow suit.
1. Funny Money
The biggest rip-off of all is when game publishers take your money and give you nothing in return. Want to buy a $2 app on the Nintendo DSi? Sorry, you’ll have to pony up the $10 minimum charge for 1,000 Wii Points. Why should we give Nintendo $8 to sit in escrow while we wait for it to release something else we want on the download service?
At least Nintendo uses a comprehensible exchange rate. Xbox players aren’t so lucky: Ten bucks gets you 800 Microsoft points, a ridiculous exchange rate that makes it more complicated than necessary to figure out how much you’re really paying for the digital doodads you’re piling into your virtual cart. Thanks, Sony, for using real-dollar transactions in the PlayStation Store — even though you can only add funds to your “wallet” in $5 increments.
http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/06/gaming-ripoffs/
SOLID blog. Very good points. I hope it makes people think about it a bit more than usual A++
I gotta say, you make good points, but at the end of the day it's all about that shelf price. At the moment it's sitting at $750 for PS3 and $450 for 360. That $300 difference is awfully attractive for prospective console owners.
I only own a PS3 and I'm completely happy with the purchase, but the difference is substantial when talking about entrance cost.
I only own a PS3 and I'm completely happy with the purchase, but the difference is substantial when talking about entrance cost.
28 June 2009, 03:20 PM
Reply to Ruptunex
"Sony lose 10% on each console they make. That shows you there" Nah i'm pretty sure they don't anymore. Maybe on release they did but in tadays market where the cost price has come down for things such as blu-ray players would have made the PS3 much cheaper to make
Sony is still losing money on every PS3 they sell. Which is part of the reason that they're running at a massive loss for this generation still. They're really dependent on turning a profit near the end of the generation.
"Sony lose 10% on each console they make. That shows you there" Nah i'm pretty sure they don't anymore. Maybe on release they did but in tadays market where the cost price has come down for things such as blu-ray players would have made the PS3 much cheaper to make
DAMN best Blog ive read in ages that was great 1000000/5 pure awesomeness.
Since Mac users keep trying to tell me about the apparent "Hidden Cost" of my PC, like steaming lie turds coming out of their mouths, I pretty much instantly distrust that argument when it comes up for anything now ):
Your blog gets 5/5 though
Your blog gets 5/5 though
What you've said about their games costing the same locally is simply not true. I work at the warehouse (yes i know stop laughing), when a PS3 game is first released, its non-sale price is usually $118 (sometimes they start at $128), while x-box 360 games usually start at no higher than $108. Thats a saving of 10 bucks per game. Buy 10 games a year and it cancels out the extra cost of x-box live.
Good Blog... and some really good discussions by a number of people both for and against.
I agree with most. I sit on the fence on this one.
I own a 360 and a PS3. They both have good and bad points. Lets just play some games now! Discussion over... :)
I agree with most. I sit on the fence on this one.
I own a 360 and a PS3. They both have good and bad points. Lets just play some games now! Discussion over... :)
Brilliant blog, you've wrapped it up quite nicely and I'm very very glad you have lots of evidence in there.
You better not be copying Kris.
BTW 72nd comment woot!
BTW 72nd comment woot!
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