360 or PS3 or Wii ??

[Tech72]

To all the video gamers out there, I need advice on which video game system to get for a 15 y/o nephew. I really don't know much about the good/bad of each particular system. As I understand it, the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 can range from $400 to $600, depending on the component options and hard drive size right? What about the Wii? I've heard that the 360 has problems with the hard drive failing - something about the "red LED" being on? Which system is regarded as the most problem-free? Which has the best games? Which can be upgraded over time for less?

Basically, the question is; which is the best system for $400? I'm sure there are the die-hard fans of each system but what is the general concensus of the best for $400?

Thanks in advance. I'm sure my nephew will appreciate your advice as well. Cheers.

 

[Kang]

The 360 has the highest failure rates of the three. The newer models have a better design, but you can't always know which version you are buying. Still, the biggest decision is what kind of games your nephew likes playing. If he is more of a casual gamer, the Wii might be the best choice. If he's into more hard core multiplayer type of games, then the 360 or the PS3 are the better choices. If he wants to play against online opponents, he can do it free on the PS3. He would have to pay a monthly or yearly premium to do that on the 360.

Does he want to play Halo 3 more than anything? - 360
Does he want to play Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid? - PS3
Mario kart/golf/galaxy/tennis/baseball/lacrosse/jai alai/rock-paper-scissors etc. - Wii

*edit* I own all three and am happy with each...

 

[Brownie69]

I agree with the above posts except for the claim that the wii is for kiddies.

I have one and some of my friends have it and we all love it. Yes the games aren't really all that mature, i.e. lots of violence and stuff, but its a fun system for the entire family.

I have a PS3 and its now starting to pick up in the games category.

I don't have an XBox 360 cause I just don't want to deal with hardware issues and most of the good exclusive titles on the system are all the same genre, mainly first person shooters.

Find out what games your nephew likes and then make your decision based on everything that has been said.

 

[Noir]

I would suggest the XBOX 360 - and that is saying alot from a Playstation Activist.As stated previously, there are a lot of hardware issues with the older models of the 360 you would probably just want to go ahead and pick up a newer model. Staff at EBgames should be able to assist you in that endeavour. In terms of the overheating, there are plenty of cooling packs/new fans that you can actually utelize to prevent your system from overheating - I have one that I purchased from Pacific Mall for my 360 -- but I don't know the name (it is a Korean knock-off! ^_^) A popular cooling device is by NYKO (I also saw it on Electric Playground and a few of my friends have it)

http://www.nyko.com/nyko/products/?i=71

You just snap it on! ^_- Easy as pie!

If you are looking for titles that were once exclusively designed for Playstation , doesn't necessarily mean that you have to go out and purchase a PS3. A lot of titles are migrating over to XBOX or already have (there are a few designers from SquareEnix that have migrated over to Xbox, Capcom's titles Devil May Cry and Onimusha have also migrated over to the XBOX, and Ubisoft are also making that transition as well!They are making their games open to all systems - or at least the 360 and PS3) PS3 is a powerful system; imho I think that it isn't really worth it for just a few good games that have come out on it.

Wii is a great system. Not as powerful as the other two mentioned above, but it's great for group gaming and younger titles. There aren't as many Mature rated games on the system -- but it doesn't mean that you still can't have fun with it. I don't really play my Wii, because I have a DS.

**My suggestion**
As mentioned above - find out what games your nephew likes. That will really determine what system to get for him. I would probably say a 360 is your best bet -- but I don't want to assume...Because that makes an @$$ out of... :d

 

[Ross Eyerie]

I got a Wii just for Super Mario Galaxy so I could relive my childhood. LOL!

But it is fun to play.... but I'd also like to get a 360 sometime soon for the more hardcore games.

 

[abstract]

Wii.

 

[cypherpunk]

My money would be on the PS3 long-term, but only if there's an HDTV involved. Otherwise, Wii.

 

[Brownie69]

I would suggest the XBOX 360 - and that is saying alot from a Playstation Activist.As stated previously, there are a lot of hardware issues with the older models of the 360 you would probably just want to go ahead and pick up a newer model. Staff at EBgames should be able to assist you in that endeavour. In terms of the overheating, there are plenty of cooling packs/new fans that you can actually utelize to prevent your system from overheating - I have one that I purchased from Pacific Mall for my 360 -- but I don't know the name (it is a Korean knock-off! ^_^) A popular cooling device is by NYKO (I also saw it on Electric Playground and a few of my friends have it)

http://www.nyko.com/nyko/products/?i=71

Hey Noir,

How do you find the cooler? I heard that its better not to get them because they don't work with the internal cooling devices of your system and they could do more harm than good, i.e. they work against the natural air flow in your system. This is what I've heard.

P.S. Sorry, to the OP, I don't mean to hijack your thread.

 

[Noir]

Cool dude...

Hey Noir,

How do you find the cooler? I heard that its better not to get them because they don't work with the internal cooling devices of your system and they could do more harm than good, i.e. they work against the natural air flow in your system. This is what I've heard.

P.S. Sorry, to the OP, I don't mean to hijack your thread.

The cooler works wonderfully for me - I haven't had any excessive heating as a result of using the cooler, and I don't hear any horrible squealing sounds from my fan anymore! I honestly believe that it is said that you shouldn't use the cooler, because it isn't an XBOX360 endorsed product. I figure that I may as well prevent my unit from overheating, and if this product isn't "Microsoft approved" but it still works -- I am going to use it.

Apparently there are also casing cooling packs (they resemble gel packs in a firmer package) that you can place around your 360 -- I haven't used those before, but apparently they work wonderfully. Has anyone used these?

 

[cypherpunk]

The cooler works wonderfully for me - I haven't had any excessive heating as a result of using the cooler, and I don't hear any horrible squealing sounds from my fan anymore! I honestly believe that it is said that you shouldn't use the cooler, because it isn't an XBOX360 endorsed product. I figure that I may as well prevent my unit from overheating, and if this product isn't "Microsoft approved" but it still works -- I am going to use it.

The thing about coolers in general is that a lot of the stuff on the market will at best do nothing. You'll mostly see them for laptops though. Apparently, the problem people say the Intercooler has is that it draws too much power. If Microsoft finds evidence of power overdraw, it means that non-licensed products caused the failure and they will not repair the console.

 

[onthebottom]

PS3, get the more expensive one and he can play almost all the PS2 titles (which are cheap) and own the future of video and gaming at the same time.

OTB

 

[porn_lover]

Bottom line:
Wii: for groups/party entertainment, very interactive
Xbox360: Single person, online games
PS3: Graphics and Blu-ray player

So it totally depends on what type gamer your nephew is. Xbox360 for sure is the most problem plagued system, but, if you keep the system in a open well ventilated area, should be fine.
As for upgrades, it is hard to tell at the moment.

Good Luck

 

[Liquid Snake]

Find out what games he plays, then pick the system based on that.

Right now, your best choice is the 360 because it has the greatest variety of games and the online interface is bulletproof.

The PS3 hopefully will catch up this quarter, but there aren't any must have titles out for the PS3 yet and there are still some flaws in the online system (although Sony seems to be fixing some of the issues). It's worth it though just for the BlueRay player.

The Wii I'm on the fence. It's nice for party games and the novelty of the controls but the hardware support for graphics is better on the other two consoles.

 

[Noir]

The thing about coolers in general is that a lot of the stuff on the market will at best do nothing. You'll mostly see them for laptops though. Apparently, the problem people say the Intercooler has is that it draws too much power. If Microsoft finds evidence of power overdraw, it means that non-licensed products caused the failure and they will not repair the console.

That is indeed true, however if I am having a problem with my system overheating - and there is a product that will help reduce the likelihood of that occuring then I'll use it. All of my game systems are modded, so there's already no chance of me sending in my systems with the manufacturer's warranty.

 

[spheroyds]

don't choose based on technology

choose based on platform of choice of closest friends who can then share games!!!!

 

[captainc]

it really depends on the type of games that ur nephew likes.

-Wii is a lot of fun but the graphic quality is inferior to PS3 and Xbox.
-Xbox is for dies hard Halo fans, overheat is a known issue. extra $299 for HD-DVD
-PS3 is superior in technology (cell processor, not intel) and blu-ray, GT is the greatest driving game ever.

 

[Kang]

Shoud be $199 for the HD-DVD add-on. Although that doesn't look like a good investment right now...

 

[Radio_Shack]

I have PS2 and Wii

The only game I like on Wii is the bowling. I find this simulates the real game about 80% with exception that you don't have to throw a 16 pound ball.

PS2 I don't play anymore. Never used an XBOX or PS3.

 

[xarir]

Wii: for groups/party entertainment, very interactive
Xbox360: Single person, online games
PS3: Graphics and Blu-ray player

Broadly speaking I agree with this. In addition, Wii is the most interactive (physical) of the systems. You don't really play Wii games sitting down.

Most hardcore gamers will greatly prefer the games on PS3 and XBox. Wii games are OK, but the graphics and sound are weak relative to the other two systems.

I have a Wii and I quite like it. But when I get my big screen HDTV, I'll probably get a PS3 just so I can have the blu-ray player as well. HD DVD (XBox) is more or less dead as a format (as it should be).

If I was buying a system for a 15 year old I'd go with PS3 for the games, the graphics, the sound and the blu-ray. But personally I still like my Wii.

 

[Tech72]

Thanks gents!

I'm the OP. Thanks for all the knowledgeable input gents. I decided to go with the Xbox 360 Elite with the 120GB HDD. Picked up some games with it too. It was over my planned budget but oh well....My nephew loves it though. Cheers.