Thinking of Buying a PS3....

[Pop Culture Portal]

Thoughts? Encouragements?  Smacks on the back of my head?

I just know the prices are likely to drop after Christmas.  They always do....I may have some extra money coming to me soon...I'd love to buy a 360 or a Wii, but they're no where to be found right now...plenty of PS3s around, which kinda makes me a little hesitant to buy one.  Am I being impatient?

[Tondog]

I encourage you to do it. I got mine back in September and I love it and use it every single day.

However, it MIGHT in your best interest to wait until spring to get one. Remember, right now the systems come with the regular Sixaxis controller, but in Japan, Sony (finally) rolled out the Dual Shock 3 controller, which has vibration. So, if you want to have a vibrating controller for your PS3 that you buy now, you'll have to buy a Dual Shock 3 when that is released here in the States next year or import one from Japan.

And also, it depends on which console's exclusives you like the most. Do you like Halo, Gears of War, Forza Motorsport, Mass Effect, and Viva Pinata? Then go for the 360. If you like Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid 4, Littlebigplanet, Gran Turismo, and Ratchet and Clank? Then go for PS3. Take a look at what the exclusive games are and see which ones pique your interest more. For me that choice was easy as I've always been a fan of Naughty Dog, Insomniac, and Sony's first party games, and I've never cared much for Microsoft's first party games.

Another consideration you might want to take into effect is multiplatform games on PS3, especially those by EA. EA is known by PS3 fans for making shoddy ports of their games for the system. Just look at Madden 08, which runs at 30 FPS on PS3 vs 60 on the 360. Or slowdowns in Skate, Orange Box, and almost every other game they have ported. However, other multiplatform games on PS3 are not as bad. Call of Duty 4, Assassins Creed, The Darkness, Dirt, are all just as good as, if not better than the 360 version.

Another thing you may want to consider is the online play. Sony does not charge anything to play against your friends online, while Microsoft does. However, Sony doesn't have as many online features as Microsoft. For example, you can't read messages your friends send you in games, get invites to play other games when you're in a game, not every game has voice chat, and a few other things I can't think of at the moment. Don't take that to mean that Sony's online service isn't good though, because it is very good, especially considering how you don't have to pay to access it.

One of the nicest things about the PS3 is that it is a very open and flexible system. The games are region-free, you can install Linux on it right from the system's main menu, you can use USB devices on it, you can upgrade the hard drive with any standard 2.5" hard drive (and it doesn't void your warranty), and it uses Bluetooth for wireless instead of proprietary technology. I also like how it comes quite loaded with features, such as built in WiFi, rechargable controllers, a Blu-ray Disc player, and SACD playback (doesn't mean much for most people, but it means DARK SIDE OF THE MOON IN 5.1 SURROUND for me).

Also, do you want to play PS1 and PS2 games on the PS3? If you do, then you need to get either the 20GB model, the 60GB, or the 80GB because the new 40GB model (the one that comes with the Spider-Man 3 movie on Blu-ray) does not include backwards compatibility. In addition, the 80GB model (the one that includes Motorstorm) has limited backwards compatibility as they removed the PS2's hardware from the system, and it is working on software emulation. The 20GB model and the 60GB model (the launch models) have perfect backwards compatibility since all the emulation is done using the actual PS2 hardware.

If you do decide to make the jump, here's some PS3 exclusive games I highly recommend getting: Resistance: Fall of Man, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Motorstorm, Folklore, Heavenly Sword, Folklore, Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Warhawk (available as a $40 download, a $40 Blu-ray disc or a $60 bundle with the Blu-ray disc version and a Bluetooth headset). Yes, the PS3's lineup right now isn't anything extraordinary, but next year looks amazing with Haze, Infamous, Hot Shots Golf 5, Gran Turismo 5, Metal Gear Solid 4, Metal Gear Online, Littlebigplanet, Killzone 2, Motorstorm 2, Heavy Rain, Eight Days, Resistance Fall of Man 2, God of War 3 (), White Knight Story, Afrika, Aqua, Chain Limit, Brave Arms, and others. Some of those may not be in 08, but I hope they are.

Anyways, I know this is a long post, but eh, I figured I'm probably the most knowledgable person to answer this since I actually own a PS3 and can tell you stuff about it.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me.

[OatBob]

you missed Final Fantasy XIII and Kingdom Hearts III,

actually, Tondog covered all the bases.  If you do go for one, get the 60Gb for reasons stated above.  The extra hard disc space is needed if you download videos, and the extra media card readers may be of interest to you.

[Tondog]

you missed Final Fantasy XIII and Kingdom Hearts III

I missed them because I really don't care about either one. Plus, KH3 is coming to Wii.

[phoenix1967]

Thoughts? Encouragements?  Smacks on the back of my head?

I just know the prices are likely to drop after Christmas.  They always do....I may have some extra money coming to me soon...I'd love to buy a 360 or a Wii, but they're no where to be found right now...plenty of PS3s around, which kinda makes me a little hesitant to buy one.  Am I being impatient?

Be patient. Look at all the consoles and their best games and decide which games you think you'd enjoy playing most.

Of course, if you're on a budget, that may play a factor as well. Do you want a console plus 1 or 2 games or do you want a console plus 3, 4 or more games?

[shaggy]

And it is Sony of course.... Don't listen to that Sony fanboy!

[Tondog]

And it is Sony of course.... Don't listen to that Sony fanboy!

Oh quiet, you.

[Alabama-Shrimp]

well i own one too, its not that bad the games that i have played on it are generally graphically good and all that but really i think it come down to what games or which version [as in multi platform] you want too play.

[Pop Culture Portal]

Excellent feedback guys...I'm getting educated!

The Dual Shock isn't a huge concern for me and figure if I really want one, I'll get the controller by itself one day.

The exclusives aren't a big factor for me either.  I figure I'm going to own all the game systems one day anyway and I'll just play those exclusives when I buy that system. 

Backwards compatability isn't a huge deal for me just because I'd rather play something I haven't before...it's kind of secondary, but it's a nice option to have.  I've seen tons of those Spider-Man 3 PS3s around.  I knew one of these many PS3 versions had backwards compatability issues and I wasn't sure which one, but now I know. 

The games that most interest me for the PS3 are Resistance, Heavenly Sword, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance (I'm a comic book geek, so sue me).  I saw a bit of jumpiness when the PS3 played the Marvel game, but it was beautiful to look at.  I bought Fight Night for the PS3 the other night because it was $20...heard it was a decent game.

Back to backwards compatability...I haven't seen any of the launch models in any of the stores here, although right now I've just been checking the stores to see what they DO have...just PS3s.  Figured Sony has discontinued their launch models by now with the Spiderman 3 and 80GB models floating around everywhere.

Did I read somewhere that you can store your MP3s on a PS3?  What if my music files are in iTunes format?  I didn't know you could put Linux on a PS3 or that it was compatible with Linux...maybe something I could teach myself.  I don't think iTunes works with Linux, does it?

As silly as it sounds, the fact that I can go practically anywhere right now and get a PS3 worrys me a bit...just me being paranoid er something.  I mean, when I was in Best Buy the other day, there was a stack of PS3s 5 feet tall and easily just as wide and PS3s could be seen lined up and down every game aisle...just kinda made me feel sorry for the things and wanted to take one home. 

And no 360s or Wiis to be seen anywhere in any store here...not even the 360 Arcade, although I don't think I want that version of the 360...lots of Platinum Gamecubes though, which is kinda weird to see...

[Tan]

.....and Marvel Ultimate Alliance (I'm a comic book geek, so sue me).  I saw a bit of jumpiness when the PS3 played the Marvel game, but it was beautiful to look at.

Awesome game. I have the Gold Edition for the X360, way better than the Xmen Legends series.

[Tondog]

Did I read somewhere that you can store your MP3s on a PS3?  What if my music files are in iTunes format?

What format does iTunes use again? You can store (or play off of CD/DVD, a USB drive, or over a network) audio files in ATRAC, AAC, MP3, WAV, and MP4.

I didn't know you could put Linux on a PS3 or that it was compatible with Linux...maybe something I could teach myself.  I don't think iTunes works with Linux, does it?

iTunes does not work with Linux, however there are other alternative programs available.

As silly as it sounds, the fact that I can go practically anywhere right now and get a PS3 worrys me a bit

I know that feeling. It's just that PS3 hasn't taken off yet since it's still realtively early in its lifespan. PS2 was the same way for the first year or so of its life and look where it is. Just give it time, things will pick up.

Platinum Gamecubes though, which is kinda weird to see...

Yeah, I notice those as well. It's kind of odd to see Gamecubes still on sale even though games aren't being made for it anymore (outside of the EA sports yearly affairs...I think).

So, I didn't want to double post, but I wanted to post this for you. It's a comparison of the PS3 models in venn diagram form, because I love venn diagrams.

[img width=661 height=478]http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/22/venn_copy.jpg[/img]

[The Metamorphosing Leon]

Excellent feedback guys...I'm getting educated!

The Dual Shock isn't a huge concern for me and figure if I really want one, I'll get the controller by itself one day.

The exclusives aren't a big factor for me either.  I figure I'm going to own all the game systems one day anyway and I'll just play those exclusives when I buy that system. 

Backwards compatability isn't a huge deal for me just because I'd rather play something I haven't before...it's kind of secondary, but it's a nice option to have.  I've seen tons of those Spider-Man 3 PS3s around.  I knew one of these many PS3 versions had backwards compatability issues and I wasn't sure which one, but now I know. 

The games that most interest me for the PS3 are Resistance, Heavenly Sword, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance (I'm a comic book geek, so sue me).  I saw a bit of jumpiness when the PS3 played the Marvel game, but it was beautiful to look at.  I bought Fight Night for the PS3 the other night because it was $20...heard it was a decent game.

Back to backwards compatability...I haven't seen any of the launch models in any of the stores here, although right now I've just been checking the stores to see what they DO have...just PS3s.  Figured Sony has discontinued their launch models by now with the Spiderman 3 and 80GB models floating around everywhere.

Did I read somewhere that you can store your MP3s on a PS3?  What if my music files are in iTunes format?  I didn't know you could put Linux on a PS3 or that it was compatible with Linux...maybe something I could teach myself.  I don't think iTunes works with Linux, does it?

As silly as it sounds, the fact that I can go practically anywhere right now and get a PS3 worrys me a bit...just me being paranoid er something.  I mean, when I was in Best Buy the other day, there was a stack of PS3s 5 feet tall and easily just as wide and PS3s could be seen lined up and down every game aisle...just kinda made me feel sorry for the things and wanted to take one home. 

And no 360s or Wiis to be seen anywhere in any store here...not even the 360 Arcade, although I don't think I want that version of the 360...lots of Platinum Gamecubes though, which is kinda weird to see...

Itunes format is whatever type of file it was when you got it. It keeps mp3s mp3s.

[phoenix1967]

As silly as it sounds, the fact that I can go practically anywhere right now and get a PS3 worrys me a bit

I know that feeling. It's just that PS3 hasn't taken off yet since it's still realtively early in its lifespan. PS2 was the same way for the first year or so of its life and look where it is. Just give it time, things will pick up.

To be fair, the PS2 had a year head start on it's competition last generation. Whereas the PS3 was released a year after the 360 and at the same time as the Wii.

If you "give it time", the console prices will drop even further. Therefore, why buy the hardware now @ the current prices if they don't have the games that you'd like to play?

You're probably better off waiting. It can only be to your benefit to do so.

[OatBob]

Did I read somewhere that you can store your MP3s on a PS3?  What if my music files are in iTunes format?  I didn't know you could put Linux on a PS3 or that it was compatible with Linux...maybe something I could teach myself.  I don't think iTunes works with Linux, does it?

Alternatively, the Wii is ditching MP3 support in the Photo Channel in favor of the AAC format, as most commonly seen with Apple's iTunes service.

Also, Linux on the PS3 is one of the safer console "mods" you can do.  The layer the Linux part operates on is separated entirely from the console part; therefore protecting gamesaves and other media stored on your PS3 from any mistakes you might make.

[Mezmoron]

I bought my 20gb PS3 used at the Gamestop that I work for.  I did this because of the backwards compatability.  It doesn't have WiFi, but my house is wired for Ethernet.  It didn't matter to me.

I freaking love the system. 

Also, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is a great freaking game.  Tondog told me to try it out and I did.  Wonderful graphics and great story in a game that combines Tomb Raider and Gears of War.

Ken