Games Console Help
Discussion
Chaps, Christmas is coming and my son (11) would like a games console. He originally mentioned a PS3, but I have noticed the PS4 is due soon. He then mentioned an X-Box. I am a complete dunderhead with these things, so I could really do with some help please.
First up, if we go for a PS3, will we find in 12 months time that we can't get any new games for it as everything will be developed for the PS4?
What is the main difference between a PS3 and an X-Box? Can you buy the same (similar) games, or do they cater for different audiences?
Last thing(!) some consoles have much bigger memory than others. What do you use the memory for?
Please be gentle...
First up, if we go for a PS3, will we find in 12 months time that we can't get any new games for it as everything will be developed for the PS4?
What is the main difference between a PS3 and an X-Box? Can you buy the same (similar) games, or do they cater for different audiences?
Last thing(!) some consoles have much bigger memory than others. What do you use the memory for?
Please be gentle...
RicksAlfas said:
Chaps, Christmas is coming and my son (11) would like a games console. He originally mentioned a PS3, but I have noticed the PS4 is due soon. He then mentioned an X-Box. I am a complete dunderhead with these things, so I could really do with some help please.
First up, if we go for a PS3, will we find in 12 months time that we can't get any new games for it as everything will be developed for the PS4?
What is the main difference between a PS3 and an X-Box? Can you buy the same (similar) games, or do they cater for different audiences?
Last thing(!) some consoles have much bigger memory than others. What do you use the memory for?
Please be gentle...
I'm not sure when production for PS3 games will stop, with the PS4 coming out this month, it's likely PS3 game production will slow down.First up, if we go for a PS3, will we find in 12 months time that we can't get any new games for it as everything will be developed for the PS4?
What is the main difference between a PS3 and an X-Box? Can you buy the same (similar) games, or do they cater for different audiences?
Last thing(!) some consoles have much bigger memory than others. What do you use the memory for?
Please be gentle...
Main difference between the 2 are to get online with the Xbox, you need to pay an annual subscription but with PS3 you don't.
The memory is used for saving game data, photo's etc. The good thing with the PS3 is you can change the hard drive and keep the warranty intact, there are even instructions on how to do it supplied with the PS3 whereas with the xbox, you have to buy an xbox memory which will be a lot more than a laptop hard drive for the PS3 so you could for example buy a 12gb PS3 and a 500gb laptop hard drive and have a 500gb PS3 for much less than it would cost to buy a 500GB PS3.
The Xbox 360 is the current competitor to the playstation 3, it will soon be replaced by the Xbox one.
Commonly referred to as generations - "current gen" refers to the PS3 and Xbox 360, "next gen" will be the PS4/Xbox One. I don't know when the Xbox one is due for release but it's probably pretty close to the Playstation 4.
Many games are released for both consoles - so it's often the exclusives that can be the deal breaker when choosing a console. For example with the current generation consoles, many people are attracted to the Playstation 3 because it has Gran Turismo 5, a racing simulator.
Apart from mostly un-noticeable hardware differences, the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 have completely different online networks, the former being paid subscription.
I don't know when Sony will withdraw releases for the Playstation 3, the previous gen Playstation 2 had games released right up til a few years ago!
The main attraction for the "next gen" consoles are hardware gimmicks such as motion sensors and voice controls and things like that, as well as the usual improved processing and graphical capabilities. I don't know much about them to be honest.
Perhaps find out if your son has specific games that he wants to play or upcoming releases (Gran Turismo 6 on the PS4, for example) that he is interested in which might help you (and us) narrow down which console to buy.
Commonly referred to as generations - "current gen" refers to the PS3 and Xbox 360, "next gen" will be the PS4/Xbox One. I don't know when the Xbox one is due for release but it's probably pretty close to the Playstation 4.
Many games are released for both consoles - so it's often the exclusives that can be the deal breaker when choosing a console. For example with the current generation consoles, many people are attracted to the Playstation 3 because it has Gran Turismo 5, a racing simulator.
Apart from mostly un-noticeable hardware differences, the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 have completely different online networks, the former being paid subscription.
I don't know when Sony will withdraw releases for the Playstation 3, the previous gen Playstation 2 had games released right up til a few years ago!
The main attraction for the "next gen" consoles are hardware gimmicks such as motion sensors and voice controls and things like that, as well as the usual improved processing and graphical capabilities. I don't know much about them to be honest.
Perhaps find out if your son has specific games that he wants to play or upcoming releases (Gran Turismo 6 on the PS4, for example) that he is interested in which might help you (and us) narrow down which console to buy.
Thanks for the replies. It's becoming a bit clearer now!
It was all so much easier with catridges you plugged into a walnut veneered Atari you know.
He likes driving games and FIFA games. I wouldn't mind having a go at Call of Duty types when I get chance.
The PS3 looked like a good bet until I saw the PS4 was due and I was worried we could be spending a couple of hundred quid on something that was obsolete. If there's a good chance that games will still be launched for it for a while it would probably be OK. I'm only cautious as we have fallen foul of this with his Nintendo DSi - it's done good service, but no new games are available. It's a few years old now so it's not a complaint, just something I'm mindful of buying a PS3 at the end of it's life.
It was all so much easier with catridges you plugged into a walnut veneered Atari you know.
He likes driving games and FIFA games. I wouldn't mind having a go at Call of Duty types when I get chance.
The PS3 looked like a good bet until I saw the PS4 was due and I was worried we could be spending a couple of hundred quid on something that was obsolete. If there's a good chance that games will still be launched for it for a while it would probably be OK. I'm only cautious as we have fallen foul of this with his Nintendo DSi - it's done good service, but no new games are available. It's a few years old now so it's not a complaint, just something I'm mindful of buying a PS3 at the end of it's life.
If you can afford a PS4 I'd buy it to be honest. If it's going to push the budget I'd wait till the last minute and buy a PS3 deal as the price will continue to drop.
We have both XBOX360 and PS3, I will be buying a PS4 next (and then an XBOX one when price has dropped a lot) as I prefer the PS experience to the XBOX experience, I really don't like being gouged for the online side of the console, having experienced both I can't see a real benefit to the XBOX online to PS3 online, it's something I've felt since launch and even now having bought an XBOX purely to play Forza and as a new gadget after the free month of XBOX live expired we haven't renewed it.
We have both XBOX360 and PS3, I will be buying a PS4 next (and then an XBOX one when price has dropped a lot) as I prefer the PS experience to the XBOX experience, I really don't like being gouged for the online side of the console, having experienced both I can't see a real benefit to the XBOX online to PS3 online, it's something I've felt since launch and even now having bought an XBOX purely to play Forza and as a new gadget after the free month of XBOX live expired we haven't renewed it.
Don't forget though, whilst the PS3 may be supported by new games for a while yet, when your son returns to school after Christmas and all of his mates are raving about their new PS4/Xbox One, he may end up wanting one of those instead.
It might be worth taking the plunge to avoid buying another machine later on.
It might be worth taking the plunge to avoid buying another machine later on.
RicksAlfas said:
He likes driving games and FIFA games. I wouldn't mind having a go at Call of Duty types when I get chance.
You'll do fine with the PS4 then, if it is in budget. FIFA and Call of Duty are generally released cross-platform (both consoles), and as I mentioned Gran Turismo 6 will be released for the PS4 (soon?).storminnorman said:
RicksAlfas said:
He likes driving games and FIFA games. I wouldn't mind having a go at Call of Duty types when I get chance.
You'll do fine with the PS4 then, if it is in budget. FIFA and Call of Duty are generally released cross-platform (both consoles), and as I mentioned Gran Turismo 6 will be released for the PS4 (soon?).sherbert90 said:
storminnorman said:
RicksAlfas said:
He likes driving games and FIFA games. I wouldn't mind having a go at Call of Duty types when I get chance.
You'll do fine with the PS4 then, if it is in budget. FIFA and Call of Duty are generally released cross-platform (both consoles), and as I mentioned Gran Turismo 6 will be released for the PS4 (soon?).storminnorman said:
sherbert90 said:
storminnorman said:
RicksAlfas said:
He likes driving games and FIFA games. I wouldn't mind having a go at Call of Duty types when I get chance.
You'll do fine with the PS4 then, if it is in budget. FIFA and Call of Duty are generally released cross-platform (both consoles), and as I mentioned Gran Turismo 6 will be released for the PS4 (soon?).There's a new xbox too, OP.
Football games are cross console and will be released for a few years to come on the current consoles I'd have thought (same with Call of Duty and Battlefield for yourself).
If he is looking to play online with mates, it's worth asking him which console most of his friends have. Of coarse online potentially brings idiots into the frame - don't know about the PlayStation, but the Xbox has excellent parental security settings to avoid them.
Racing game wise, if he likes arcade racers, I guess need for speed games would cover it which are also available on both. If he (and you) would rather simulation you have the option of Gran Turismo on the PlayStation or Forza Motorsport on the XBox. Differences here though - the new Forza game is ONLY on the new console and I believe the upcoming new Gran Turismo game is ONLY on the current PlayStation. Both consoles have decent racing wheels available.
With the new consoles, the price is pretty eye watering, by the time you add in a couple of games and accessories you could be looking at £600 - but I guess you'd get the 'worlds best dad' feeling on Christmas morning.
Of the new consoles, the new xbox probably has the more child friendly options and kids tend to love the 'Kinect' - 3d body mapping camera that's included with the new xbox.
Here's a clip of what the new Xbox is capable of...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCevlrxZTd4
Football games are cross console and will be released for a few years to come on the current consoles I'd have thought (same with Call of Duty and Battlefield for yourself).
If he is looking to play online with mates, it's worth asking him which console most of his friends have. Of coarse online potentially brings idiots into the frame - don't know about the PlayStation, but the Xbox has excellent parental security settings to avoid them.
Racing game wise, if he likes arcade racers, I guess need for speed games would cover it which are also available on both. If he (and you) would rather simulation you have the option of Gran Turismo on the PlayStation or Forza Motorsport on the XBox. Differences here though - the new Forza game is ONLY on the new console and I believe the upcoming new Gran Turismo game is ONLY on the current PlayStation. Both consoles have decent racing wheels available.
With the new consoles, the price is pretty eye watering, by the time you add in a couple of games and accessories you could be looking at £600 - but I guess you'd get the 'worlds best dad' feeling on Christmas morning.
Of the new consoles, the new xbox probably has the more child friendly options and kids tend to love the 'Kinect' - 3d body mapping camera that's included with the new xbox.
Here's a clip of what the new Xbox is capable of...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCevlrxZTd4
If he's never had a console before, current gen will blow him away with the game play (playground bragging rights put to one side of course !)
Another thing to consider is the price of games....There are hundreds (if not 1000s) of PS3/Xbox360 games, many of which you can get at reasonable prices.
The new gen games will have new gen prices for the games with no back catalogue (think £40-£50 per game v back catalogue games for PS3 of £10-£20 ... the newer PS3 games are still around the £40 mark)
Another thing to consider is the price of games....There are hundreds (if not 1000s) of PS3/Xbox360 games, many of which you can get at reasonable prices.
The new gen games will have new gen prices for the games with no back catalogue (think £40-£50 per game v back catalogue games for PS3 of £10-£20 ... the newer PS3 games are still around the £40 mark)
These consoles have a long life span so it's definitely worth buying either a PS4 or the XBOne (the PS3 / 360 have been out for 7/8 years and are only just being replaced so it's not like they change every year). For non-gamers some of the entertainment features that come with these consoles may be useful (TV, 1080p Skype video calls, etc)
Well you really have 4 options.
PS3:
Price, £150-200
Pros:
Free Online Gaming
Slightly better graphics than Xbox360
Cons:
Online gaming experience not as good as that provided by Microsoft, e.g. no across game chat system (to talk to other friends with the same console on other games).
Soon obsolete, although support will continue for 2 more years minimum
Xbox 360:
Price, £125-175
Pros:
Better online gaming experience with cross game chat.
Cons:
Xbox online (Xbox Live) comes at the cost of around £30-35 per year but is generally perceived as worth it due to a more stable and better experience.
Soon obsolete, although support will continue for 2 more years minimum
PS4:
Price, £350+
Pros:
Next gen console (better graphics, more powerful, future proof)
Cheaper than Xbox One
On paper more powerful than Xbox One
Cons:
Playstaion Vision Cam not included
Subscription service required for online play (Same cost as Xbox Live)
Games are currently around £10 more expensive compared to PS3 games.
Cannot play CDs or play MP3 music, only music purchased through PS Store.
Xbox One:
Price, £430
Pros:
Next gen console (better graphics, more powerful, future proof)
Xbox Kinect Camera included to allow voice and motion control as well as the use of interactive games.
Ability to play CDs and be used as a media centre.
Better online service than current Sony equivalent.
Cons:
More expensive than all other consoles.
Needs to be connected to internet for Day One update prior to use.
Games are currently around £10 more expensive compared to Xbox 360 games.
As with the PS4 the online service requires a £30-35 per year membership.
In general if you can afford a next generation console I would go for one of those as although it costs more now it means you wont have to replace it in 18 months to 2 years time whereas I think current generation consoles will rapidly fade away over the next 2 years.
If you wait until after both consoles are released I'm sure GAME and other retailers will have "bundles" which will include the console, some other goodies and a game or 2 for a pretty good price, this would be a good way to get started.
PS3:
Price, £150-200
Pros:
Free Online Gaming
Slightly better graphics than Xbox360
Cons:
Online gaming experience not as good as that provided by Microsoft, e.g. no across game chat system (to talk to other friends with the same console on other games).
Soon obsolete, although support will continue for 2 more years minimum
Xbox 360:
Price, £125-175
Pros:
Better online gaming experience with cross game chat.
Cons:
Xbox online (Xbox Live) comes at the cost of around £30-35 per year but is generally perceived as worth it due to a more stable and better experience.
Soon obsolete, although support will continue for 2 more years minimum
PS4:
Price, £350+
Pros:
Next gen console (better graphics, more powerful, future proof)
Cheaper than Xbox One
On paper more powerful than Xbox One
Cons:
Playstaion Vision Cam not included
Subscription service required for online play (Same cost as Xbox Live)
Games are currently around £10 more expensive compared to PS3 games.
Cannot play CDs or play MP3 music, only music purchased through PS Store.
Xbox One:
Price, £430
Pros:
Next gen console (better graphics, more powerful, future proof)
Xbox Kinect Camera included to allow voice and motion control as well as the use of interactive games.
Ability to play CDs and be used as a media centre.
Better online service than current Sony equivalent.
Cons:
More expensive than all other consoles.
Needs to be connected to internet for Day One update prior to use.
Games are currently around £10 more expensive compared to Xbox 360 games.
As with the PS4 the online service requires a £30-35 per year membership.
In general if you can afford a next generation console I would go for one of those as although it costs more now it means you wont have to replace it in 18 months to 2 years time whereas I think current generation consoles will rapidly fade away over the next 2 years.
If you wait until after both consoles are released I'm sure GAME and other retailers will have "bundles" which will include the console, some other goodies and a game or 2 for a pretty good price, this would be a good way to get started.
You will require PS+ for multiplayer online gaming on the PS4 so that puts it in the same boat as the XBOX.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2305393/s...
The XBox One comes with Kinect which will give Wii type games for your lad whilst he's young but then also be powerful enough to play more challenging games as he gets older. Plus there'll be the whole voice commands stuff built in.
I have PS3 and a XBOX 360 and my PS3 only gets used for blu-ray. As this functionality will be in the Xbox One I will probably replace both consoles with just that (just working on SWMBO who seems to think the fact I rarely use my consoles is a fair reason for me not to upgrade!)
Ultimately though, it'll come down to what his mates have. Xbox One is out 22nd November, PS4 a week later.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2305393/s...
The XBox One comes with Kinect which will give Wii type games for your lad whilst he's young but then also be powerful enough to play more challenging games as he gets older. Plus there'll be the whole voice commands stuff built in.
I have PS3 and a XBOX 360 and my PS3 only gets used for blu-ray. As this functionality will be in the Xbox One I will probably replace both consoles with just that (just working on SWMBO who seems to think the fact I rarely use my consoles is a fair reason for me not to upgrade!)
Ultimately though, it'll come down to what his mates have. Xbox One is out 22nd November, PS4 a week later.
I'd just like to point out that the last game to come out for the PS2 was Fifa 14, which came out this year. The PS3 arrived in 2006, so that's 7 years later and games were still being made for the supposedly obsolete system.
I think this generation, i.e. the 360 and PS3 will continue to be supported for a long old time to come, especially as there's so much uncertainty around these new consoles.
Given the price of the current boxes, I'd suggest one of them and taking advantage of the huge back catalogue of cheap games, then perhaps upgrade to a newer system in a couple of years time.
I think this generation, i.e. the 360 and PS3 will continue to be supported for a long old time to come, especially as there's so much uncertainty around these new consoles.
Given the price of the current boxes, I'd suggest one of them and taking advantage of the huge back catalogue of cheap games, then perhaps upgrade to a newer system in a couple of years time.
Also consider how well he is likely to look after the unit, and where it will be...(bedroom/living room etc)
My 7 year old is after one, and he is getting a £100 xbox 360 - as he cannot respect the difference between a £3 second hand disk and a £50 disk, let alone a £400 system.
Let him 'prove' he can look after the cheaper one first, then next year get a newer one would be my ploy.
My 7 year old is after one, and he is getting a £100 xbox 360 - as he cannot respect the difference between a £3 second hand disk and a £50 disk, let alone a £400 system.
Let him 'prove' he can look after the cheaper one first, then next year get a newer one would be my ploy.
Thanks for all the help. It's very much appreciated!
I'm feeling more comfortable with the PS3 now - it sounds like it won't be obsolete the moment we open the box, his mates have them, and it's half the price of a PS4. I probably won't get the coolest Dad at Christmas award now, but the PS4 with games and extra controller starts getting a bit pricey.
Thanks again.
I'm feeling more comfortable with the PS3 now - it sounds like it won't be obsolete the moment we open the box, his mates have them, and it's half the price of a PS4. I probably won't get the coolest Dad at Christmas award now, but the PS4 with games and extra controller starts getting a bit pricey.
Thanks again.
RicksAlfas said:
Thanks for all the help. It's very much appreciated!
I'm feeling more comfortable with the PS3 now - it sounds like it won't be obsolete the moment we open the box, his mates have them, and it's half the price of a PS4. I probably won't get the coolest Dad at Christmas award now, but the PS4 with games and extra controller starts getting a bit pricey.
Thanks again.
I'd definitely go with this. The back catalogue is very impressive & there will still be games released for this machine for quite some time yet. I still think a PS3 would see you pretty high up in the "cool" statusI'm feeling more comfortable with the PS3 now - it sounds like it won't be obsolete the moment we open the box, his mates have them, and it's half the price of a PS4. I probably won't get the coolest Dad at Christmas award now, but the PS4 with games and extra controller starts getting a bit pricey.
Thanks again.
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