Xbox 360 or Sony PS3?

as with many of you, I also asked myself whether the successor of my PS2 Xbox should be 360 ​​or PS3.
I pondered, searched for reviews and reviews of many hours.

Since yesterday I have a new "next generation" console: namely, the Xbox 360 Arcade.

What were the main reasons?

1. the price

A PS3 will cost 399, - more than twice. Even a PS2 memory card with no cost and without play as against 100, - (Including the memory card and a low budget game to one is also almost the same price as for the Xbox 360 and has only one predecessor console.)

2. I wanted to not play HD DVD or Blu-Ray discs and really just gamble.

Microsoft has set with its Xbox 360 to high definition DVD. HD DVD was the wrong horse and there are only sporadically HD-DVDs.
Since I want to play the new games, bothers me is not so much. In the new games you usually only a choice of Xbox 360, PS3 and sporadically the Nintendo Wii.
Here the choice was with the Xbox 360 certainly the best solution.
Apparently (I have not checked) were significantly more to Christmas 2008 XBox 360 consoles sold as from competitors PS3.
Therefore, the game market direction rather Xbox 360 seems to develop.
But do not worry: the PS3 is a sought-after system and shortages in the supply of new titles, there are also here the next few years certainly not.
We noticed, however, to me is that one 360 ​​as with most new games for the XBox against 10 - it's cheaper when buying per title.

3. I also have a PC and not necessarily with a game console to the Internet.

The Xbox 360 Arcade console is actually a pure play - nothing else! And that's what I was looking for - and found!
However, if the desire for Internet access comes as one can with the Xbox Live Starter anytime retrofitted (GNTB costs around 70, -.).

4. the backwards compatibility

As is well known in the PS3 a problem that PS2 games on the PS3 no longer funktioniern (except were the very first PS3 consoles, which had the chip for PS2 still installed - these consoles are today virtually impossible to get).
In the Xbox 360 can also play (hard disk required), the old top titles of the first Xbox console. A big plus! I love, for example, the SSX series from EA Games. I have all my PS2 games sold and now try all games which I really liked in person to get a version for the Xbox. The there are now as second-hand goods for almost nothing. And in a few months I do not begrudge my Xbox 360 then a hard drive.
So I can continue to play all the cherished classics. Too bad that Sony has found no solution for PS2 games. This is a major point of criticism.
Of course, many now say that it makes no sense to play old games on a new console.
Here, of course, everyone should have their own opinion, but let's face it: there are not enough classics and milestones in video game history, which you want to gamble every now and then? (Resident Evil, Silent Hill, SSX series, Halo 1 and Halo 2, etc.).
You do not - but if you want it, you can do it with the Xbox 360 in most games.

5. the wireless controller

Yes, new times to break player for us cable controller. And what a feeling - wow !!! - The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is in the hands of anything that has existed before.
With about 9 meters range - who hath so please already a large living room? - Almost too much of a good thing.
Although the PS3 controller is not bad, but the Xbox 360 controller seems a little better in the hand. (Tip: try it even commercially - who usually both consoles in direct comparison and want a course always equal to persuade the PS3 - which does not cost more than twice as much as the Xbox 360 Arcade - and commercially counts nunmal, - Unfortunately, only the coal and only then comes the customer).
Upon request, Microsoft provides the controller also as version with cable. (A summer and then ...)
He is also cheaper - and see but even to talk with other players such as Amazon.com rate this controller. Outstanding!
A small detail mentioned in passing: the Xbox controller for the second (or third or even fourth) members there is here again a lot cheaper than the PS3.
Again you come back it is a bit cheaper.

6. the tales of poor quality, not Touch This (called Ring of Death) and other false horror stories.

For a few months there is only the better Xbox 360 in trade with 65nm technology and 175 watts instead of the earlier 203 Watt version. This reduces the danger of the Ring of Death is (not Touch) almost as good as ruled out.
In addition, Microsoft offers here, should it unexpectedly, but to get 3 year (!!!) a free repair or replacement if necessary to.
Of course, one should use a game console (regardless of whether Xbox 360 or PS3) is not penning without sufficient distance on a shelf. Or someone glued the fan of his PC with insulation tape?
The quality of the console, the external power supply (can be easily replaced with a defect, - without the need to open the console) and the supplied wireless controller is pretty much the best thing I come across so far.

7. happens to be the criticism and the "first" experiences a PS2 Umsteigers in the new world of "next generation" consoles.

As spoiled owner a newer PS2 (small fanless) has me right once the shock hit, when I have my Xbox 360 first put into operation.
The fan is a shock! However I gamble after 5 minutes no longer perceived him. Owner of an old Xbox but can be reassured, it has not become worse - maybe even a bit better - it is slightly quieter than its predecessor.
I was just so far as PS2 owners accustomed nothing or only the rattle of the drive to hear. I was spoiled! Therefore, it has been a new experience for me.
However, you get used to it so quickly that one of the fans is no longer noticed after a short time.
The solution here is that the Xbox 360 a little further wegstellt (the controller provides about 9 meters) or the sound on the TV louder turning up or equal to the headset (headphones) plays.

Curious as I am, I have also visited the same a friend who owns a PS3 for a short time. And lo and behold, even this console is significantly louder than the old PS2 was. Although it is a little quieter than the Xbox 360, but much difference is there not really. The power consumption of the two consoles is approximately identical. The fast processor must be cooled sufficiently now wait a minute, regardless of whether Xbox 360 or PS3.

8. HDMI and the graphics in general

So unfortunately I have no great HDMI enabled TV - a further reason for me that I decided 360 Arcade for the Xbox.
Nevertheless, the Xbox 360 Arcade is equipped with an HDMI port - only the HDMI cable is not supplied. That's all. For a few euros you can get into any electronics store this but.
Should I therefore move to a new TV, so this is also not a problem.
But even the graphics with the normal composite (RCA) connection made me wonder.
It is incredible what the new generation consoles makes here!
The one must-see.
When graphics are nothing to complain about both the Xbox 360 and PS3 in.

9. Conclusion and considerations for buying a new "next generation" consoles:

I have regretted buying my XBox 360 Arcade in any way.
The following reasons were, in my case decisive for the XBox 360 Arcade and not for the PS3.

The cheap price (I want and nothing else play!)
The fine workmanship and the great controller.
The backward compatibility with old classic games on request.
The Xbox 360 is smaller and easier to transport (ideal for visiting friends).
Games are often to get a little cheaper.
Value for money is good !!!

only complaint:

Xbox 360 is a little louder in operation than the PS3.

Tips For Buyers:

In the 80s it was the question: Commodore or Atari?
In the 90s, there was the question: SEGA or Nintendo?
Today we say: Xbox 360 or PS3?

Of course there will always be followers of a particular camp, which is a good thing.
Finally, the increased competition and the company at more stringent than when it anyway just gives a product.
Also, I was so far clearly see the PS2 camp. Too bad that Sony did not continue the trend of the PS2 in terms of backward compatibility and price performance.
I think here is the Xbox 360 a clear advantage.
However the PS3 has a right to exist - eg. if someone innately Sony Fan is and will remain, or if someone emphasis on Blu-Ray, or Sony wants to play exclusive title, or ...

Buyers or buyers should consider the following for the two consoles:

What I want to do with my console? (Only playing or Blu-ray playback)

How much money do I want to spend?

I value for backward compatibility?

Do I want a console with hard drive or enough for me the possibility of later retrofitting?

But no matter whether it is now the Xbox 360 or the PS3 is:

We are all owners of a "next generation" console, we are a community, we often play the same title and can soon look forward to:

Resident Evil 5 and Silent Hill Homecoming.

Not to miss these new releases, - is reason enough for an Xbox 360 or a PS3.

Let us the new consoles for many years to provide fun and excitement.