Should I buy an Xbox 360 or a PlayStation 3?

May 9, 2008 · Filed Under Science and Technology

With the release of Grand Theft Auto 4, and its overwhelmingly positive response by critics, I’ve been thinking about getting an Xbox 360 or a PlayStation 3. The Xbox 360 is a RRP of AU$579.95 versus AU$699.95 for the PlayStation 3 so it might seem like the better deal out of the two, but with the Xbox 360 I need to add a AU$34.95 Play & Charge Kit and a AU$169.95 Wireless Networking Adapter (both functions are already incorporated into the PlayStation 3). So its actually AU$784.85 for the Xbox 360 versus AU$699.95 for the PlayStation 3! And the PlayStation 3 has a bigger hard drive, and Blu-ray player included. The PlayStation 3 hard drive is user upgradeable and takes a standard 2.5″ drive whereas the Xbox360 has a more expensive and proprietary unit. So the PlayStation 3 is far better value in hardware terms. Still, there’s a few reasons why the Xbox 360 might win out.

The Xbox 360 has Xbox Live on its side (which unfortunately does cost more money), plus a whole bunch of games I want. There’s Halo 3, Gears of War and BioShock. Plus, the Xbox 360 can be hooked up to a monitor (using an optional AU$49.95 “VGA HD AV Cable” of course), which means I can get full resolution wide-screen without having to save up for a HD TV. Then again, the Wireless Networking Adapter for the Xbox 360 has no WPA2.

Decisions, decisions.

I think based purely on games, the Xbox 360 wins out. I love shooters so I’m very tempted to get the Xbox 360. There is of course Metal Gear Solid 4 on the PlayStation 3, but I’m more into shooters than I am into “tactical combat” games. Damn. If the Xbox 360 weren’t such crappy value I’d easily grab one.

GAME has a special pack with Grand Theft Auto 4 and an Xbox 360 for AU$499. Maybe that might just tip me over the edge. I’ll keep you informed.