PS2 or XBOX

[cos]

Hi everyone..

ps2 or xbox ?? and why?

can anyone help. was told there was a thread here already but i cant find it

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

[dvdude]

Okay, let's weigh up the pros and cons, and then you need to decide which are more important to YOU. Not what your neighbour thinks, or the bloke you work with

Considering that prices for the systems, controllers etc are pretty much the same, initial cost shouldn't factor into the choice. However, depending on what you want to do, it might....read on

Pros for PS2
- lots of games, more than XBOX has
- can play PS1 games as well
- can play DVDs without needing to buy an extra remote
- has exclusive Sony games like Gran Turismo 3 and Grand Theft Auto
- has built in Digital Sound output via optical sp/dif

Pros for XBOX
- superior graphics capability (though not ALL games look better than PS2)
- can save games without needing to buy memory cards
- has exclusive Microsoft titles such as Project Gotham Racing and Halo
- controllers come in two sizes and feature analogue triggers
- supports 4 controllers plugged into the system
- has built in network port for online gaming and network play

Cons for PS2
- inferior graphics chip compared to XBOX, but then it's been around longer
- controllers do not have analogue triggers
- requires you to buy memory cards in order to save games. These cards get quite expensive when you start saving lots of games
- needs extra multitap extender if you want to use more than 2 controllers
- needs extra hardware bought in order to game online

Cons for XBOX
- less games available and no backwards capability (nothing to be compatible with!)
- needs a DVD Remote to be bought if you want to play DVDs on it
- needs Advanced AV Pack to be bought if you want Svideo, and Dolby Digital Sound output (standard cables are composite, and stereo only)

I'm sure some guys can add extra, but my brain hurts now, so I'm off to bed

[linton]

I know I'm picking, and you did a great job of covering both systems, but just a few things.

The PS2 GTA series (well, GTA3 and Vice city) arn't an exclusive anymore.
They do have Manhunt from rockstar coming in a month as an exclusive though. I'm really hanging out for this game. Like you pointed out, each system has it's exclusives, but they often end up on both anyway, and if your like me, whichever your console dosn't have a game in question, just play it on the PC anyway.
Final Fantasy series is a big one for Sony, if your son is into the RPG (role playing Game) games.

The PS2 controllers have analogue triggers. The R1, R2, L1, and L2 triggers are all pressure sensitive. I didn't know they were until playing Grandia 2 the other night.

PS2 requires a diffrent AV cord for S-video as well. I had to buy one last year. Not sure if there is a componant option though. Optical is the only way to get dolby out of the games, annoying if your amp only has digital coax input.

Damn, I'm making the Xbox sounding more tempting, and being a PS2 boy, that isn't what I wanted.

One of the big things is what console his mates have, or what the local video store has. $100 is a lot for another game if he can't borrow or hire them.

Either way you go, they are both well supported. and your free from being asked for a new console for at least another year, Nintendo arn't bringing out their new console (the first of the next generation) until christmas period 2004.

[dvdude]

Thanks Linton,

I forgot that GTA and Vice City are out on PC as well, so much for 'exclusive'

FWIW, XBOX only has optical digital sounds output as well. I bought a converter box, but can't get the bloody thing to work with my speakers

The PS2 are analogue, but seriously, they have such a small movement range compared to XBOX, I know which I'd rather use for a driving game

[linton]

Originally Posted by dvdude

Thanks Linton,

I forgot that GTA and Vice City are out on PC as well, so much for 'exclusive'

The PS2 are analogue, but seriously, they have such a small movement range compared to XBOX, I know which I'd rather use for a driving game

All of the buttons are analogue, x, square, o, and triangle, I think even the directional pad is now too (compared to the ps1 controller) was just the top triggers I didn't realise where.
I agree though, there just isn't enough play in the buttons to race with. Analogue sticks are as good as ever though.
For any racing game you can't go past the thrustmaster 2 (I still laugh at the dubious name ) was quite an investment though that doesn't get used enough to warrent the price I paid


it wasn't the PC version of the GTA series I was refering too, but the boxset of GTA3 and Vice City that the Xbox is getting in november.

Yeah, the word exclusive is refering to the console base only, PC gets pretty much any game that's worth porting. Even Halo and midtown madness series (originally PC anyway) are all on PC.

[cos]

Thanks to both of you guys for all your help and advice... I really do appreciate all comments and advice.

What a lucky 12 year old I have got. If it was up to me he certainly wouldnt be getting either of those consoles as he has his own PSOne and a P4 computer with every game he could possibly ask for, but his father whats to get him something to play with at his home so "Dan the Man" becomes a lucky little boy this Christmas.

Once again... Thankyou again!!!

[redbears]

For what its worth, EB have the Xbox for $295 and Big W have it for $294. Kmart has a 15% off sale soon so classic games can be had for $41.50 (Kmart have these for $48.84 normally). Also eBay is a great place to get older games, I picked up Amped and Total Immersion Racing for $15 each (plus postage). Also there are some good sales around so you could pick up $100 games for half price if your lucky too!

Obviously the above applies to the PS2 as well, but I have an Xbox, so I thought I'd give my perspective.

Your son certainly sounds lucky, when I was 12 had had to earn my own money to buy stuff!

[cos]

Originally Posted by redbears

Your son certainly sounds lucky, when I was 12 had had to earn my own money to buy stuff!

You right Redbears, my Son is a very lucky boy.

I have passed all this information on to my ex-husband and on behalf of him I would like to pass on his big thankyou. He is going shopping this week for the present (yeah early)

I had to earn every cent when I was growing up. Bob a job type thing also trading in empty drink bottles to the local Milk Bar that I had scrounged from all the neighbourhood houses..lol. Gosh when I think of it, we made a lot of money for kids and boy did we have fun!!!!!

[redbears]

FYI, Kmart have 20% off Classic Xbox and Platinum PS2 games. So for example an Xbox game that Kmart would normally have for $48.84 is now $39.07 BARGAIN!