Playstation 3 or XBox 360?

Hi guys,

Need a little advise here for my Christmas wish list.

I'm planning to get either the Playstation 3 or the Xbox 360 just to play Batman: Arkham Asylum and the soon to be released Batman: Arkham City.

Which console do you think is better or it doesn't really matter?

What it really comes down to Andrew, is personal preference. I'm going to start with the 360, so as not to seem biased towards the one I own.

The XBox 360 is the superior console when it comes to the "gaming" experience, and by that I mean online multi-player video games. Because it came out almost a year prior to the Playstation 3, it has a big leg up on the multi-player market (even though it charges you a subscription fee for the ability to play online, but I am told if you are really into online play it is worthwhile). Also, if you love the "Halo" video game franchise, then the XBox is a must for you since it is a console exclusive.

The Playstation 3, on the otherhand, is pretty much better in everything else. Unless the newer Xboxes have improved and I didn't hear about it, the PS3 has a superior processor, better graphics, free integrated wi-fi (which I heard the most recent "Slim" models may have fixed, but if you get the cheaper original xbox it was not included). Plus, you don't have to pay to play online, which is a plus. Also, the Playstation 3 has an included Blu-Ray player, which the Xbox will never support.

Basically, the Xbox is more of a "gaming" device which can do multimedia stuff, and the PS3 is more of a full multimedia system that can also play awesome games. Games and movies you watch on the xbox will look better on the PS3. Plus, the PS3 will exclusively feature DC Universe Online. I know you said you'll probably not be able to afford it, which I understand, but still. If you want it at some point, or decide to get it for the free month of play and try to work out the money later, you can ONLY play it on the PS3.

A couple other things that might be interesting to consider; the exclusive games that are only for one console. You can find a list of many of them here, and can surely find a more complete list with a couple minutes of searching on google, if that matters to you.

Also, what is also an important difference for many gamers, the controller. I prefer the Playstation controller myself (top right) as it is symmetrical with the joysticks, making it a bit more instinctual and easy to remember/handle. The Xbox controller (bottom) is a bit bigger, in my opinion harder to handle, and more tricky to use. However, again, I've heard that "hardcore" gamers find it to be better somehow - don't know how/why. The top left controller is a wii controller, don't worry about that one.


Hope this helps, Andrew. I believe the new "slim" consoles of both the PS3 and Xbox are about the same price (299 USD), so again, it's really up to you. If you're getting it mainly for Arkham Asylum, the "Play as the Joker" exclusive content on the PS3 might be interesting to you, but I'm going to tell you right now, it doesn't make or break the game - it's just a fun selection of challenges as the Joker. But if you're a huge fan and/or completest, you might find it necessary.

-Gary

I just realized I didn't actually endorse one...now that I got the semi-objective presentation of them both out of the way, of course I suggest the PS3. Better graphics, Full High-definition, bluray player; it's just all around better for me. But then again I'm not a huge Halo or online-gaming fan, so it's kinda perfect for me.

-Gary

Thanks for the detailed tech tip Gary. Looks like the PS3 is the console to get!

Now, the only question remains...will my boss give me any bonus this year?

Any update on getting a console, Andrew?

-Gary

gallegra wrote:

Any update on getting a console, Andrew?

-Gary

Yup! I plan to get the PlayStation 3 sometime early next year. It all depends on my boss now and how much bonus he decides to give.

If everything goes well, there are 2 games I will definitely get - Batman: Arkham Asylum (Game of the Year Edition) and Batman: Arkham City. I'll probably get Ratchet and Clank for my wife, just to keep her happy.

Awesome! Let us know when you get it, I'll add you on the Playstation network. Also, as a Batman fan, if you feel like you need something else to play after Arkham Asylum while waiting for Arkham City, there's always Lego Batman and Mortal Kombat vs DC for a little something different.

-Gary

Go Gary - PS3 all the way...

Haha you know it, Bob. I tried really hard to present the Xbox side objectively, and I think I did, but it was really hard for me haha.

-Gary

Hey Gary,

I finally got my PS3!

Unfortunately, I do not have a wireless internet router. Got to get me one of those to go online. Will keep you PS3 gamers updated.

Btw, I started playing Batman: Arkham Asylum. Managed to beat Scarecrow and Bane last night.

Nice job on Arkham Asylum! But yeah, you're really gonna want that internet...

-Gary