« Need an Open Source project? Buy one! | Main | Wacky dream #423 - OpenSourceInvestors.com »
December 06, 2005
Which console?
The boys are bugging us for a new console for Christmas. We've had a Gamecube for quite a while - but now they moan that there aren't any "cool" games available for it. So I've been checking the scene. Here's my thinking:
- XBox 360 - way expensive (399€) and probably not even available in the shops before Xmas. Also: loud, hot and the games already out don't yet do the platform justice. No nice-price games yet available
- XBox - around 150€ - plenty of "cool" games available. Nearing EOL with more and more games obviously coming out for the XBox 360. Nice price games available
- PlayStation 2 - around 150€ - plenty of "cool" games available. PlayStation 3 is scheduled for Spring next year, so EOL is further out than the XBox. Nice price games available.
My only parameters are that the console should also play DVDs (so we don't need an additional DVD player in that room) and the odd "adult" action game should be "way cool". Oh yes - online gaming could eventually become be an additional plus, although the boys haven't "discovered" that yet.
So - what have I missed or what would you suggest? And yes I know the PSP is cool too - but hey - then I'd need to get 2. Or 3 :-).
Posted by Matthew at December 6, 2005 07:39 AM
Comments
We have an XBox and somehow regret it. But your kids are a bit older so maybe they'll appreciate the XBox games more. But really: why don't they want a proper gaming PC?
Posted by: Steven Noels at December 6, 2005 10:36 AM
Hi Matthew,
well, we have a XBox at home and well it works and games are fine, but has some drawbacks:
1) You need a kind of dongle to play dvds (or hack it :-) )
2) There are nice price games but not as much as for PS2
3) No "SingStar", "Buzz" or "EyeToy" :-)
But why did I bought it (and that's maybe a reason for you too):
As I bought my beamer last year there was a sport-edition available for only 50€ more and I thought "What is a beamer sport-edition?". Well, the answer was easy: Beamer + XBox + 2 Sportgames :-)
So, if you are looking for a beamer...
Cheers
Michael
Posted by: Michael Kloss at December 6, 2005 12:15 PM
PS2 would be my choice, we've got one and the games range is pretty good (it'll play most PS1 games too, all we've tried have been good).
DVD playing is ok, I haven't tried anything too odd or non-UK region coded though, but with cheapo (and more versatile) dvd players down to 20 quid that's not that big an issue.
Ok, it's got the downside of being Sony, but Microsoft are no more ethical...
The XBox seems to have more going for using it as a media console.
Posted by: Jim Hughes at December 6, 2005 01:00 PM
I'd get a PS2, but I'm biased (disclaimer -- I work for Sony). The PS2 is cheap and there are a ton of inexpensive but really good games.
Posted by: J Aaron Farr at December 6, 2005 04:29 PM
Get the ps2
really get it!
It has lots of great games (more vaariety than xbox)
And it plays all the old games
Plus: It is a really great DVD player with parental restrictions on it :)
It will make everyone happy
And it is a very simple system to use, even a kid could browse through it with ease
You will not regret it!
Loads of Fun
And you don't have to get it new you could buy it used
save a few bucks
and dont forget the memory card! and extra controller!
Both around 20 dollors!
Posted by: Alex at December 6, 2005 06:43 PM
As the new owner of a 360, I'd say go get a PlayStation 2. :-) The 360 is neat, but you're not kidding about the noise, and the games aren't there yet.
The new PS2 thinline model is pretty slick and there's lots of good games for it that are much less expensive than XBox titles.
If eBay in Germany is as good as it is here, you can get some amazing deals: People are selling huge collections of games, controllers, etc. for really decent prices. I've seen deals for like 4 controllers, 24 games, etc. etc. for $250. So you should seriously try that route.
-Russ
Posted by: Russ at December 6, 2005 11:06 PM