I'm Jumping Ship... Need Help From Xbox 360 Users

[bjordan42]

UPDATE: I've thought about it, took all of your opinions to heart, and decided to get the Xbox. I bought the Xbox version of the game and the Xbox Elite, and it is amazing. The graphics, the DLC, everything. It was much better than the Wii version by a long shot. I want to thank everybody who have helped me, from across the board, you have all been an enormous amount of help. :D

I'm getting rid of my Wii version for an Xbox 360 version of the game. Now, I'd like to point out that I'm not bitter or angry like some Wii users, I'm just disappointed that as a huge Beatles fan, I can't have as great of an experience of the game as others have. So, I'm going to sell my Wii LE bundle and guitars to a friend of mine, and get the LE bundle, guitars, and an Xbox 360 in the beginning of November (hopefully the first, since Gamestop only has one LE bundle left). Since I'm only getting the Xbox 360 for The Beatles: Rock Band, I'm not planning on spending $400 on the system. However, I want to be able to play the game with all the features (including online play, downloading DLC, etc.). So, I'd like some help on what would be the cheapest Xbox to buy, but will have all the features I need to enjoy The Beatles: Rock Band.

There seems to be three main systems:


Xbox 360 Pro
Xbox 360 Arcade
Xbox 360 Elite


Now, I'm kind of confused, because the official site only lists the Arcade and Elite available, with the only differences between the systems being storage (arcade: 256mb, elite: 120gb), and the headset and Ethernet cable being sold separately for the arcade. However, Gamestop only has the Elite and a refurbished Pro (which I learned is out of production) available. This is all really confusing, and so I'd like to get your opinions on the matter. What would be the cheapest and best system for The Beatles: Rock Band? I don't plan on playing anything else on it, and so if it would be better to go with the cheaper one for that reason than I will.

One of the reasons I ask, is because I'm confused about Xbox Live. Does it come with the Xbox 360 (it says it comes with silver membership and a 30-day trial of gold)? If it doesn't come with the system, do I need to pay for Xbox Live in order to download the DLC?

Also, would it be better to store DLC on the Xbox 360 since it has more storage space or the 8GB SDHC card I bought? If the former then should I get the elite rather than the pro or arcade? Would the pro hold all the DLC that comes out (I think it said it has 20GB hard drive)?

As a side question, what type of Xbox 360 do you own? What do you think of it compared to the others? Is there any limitations? Do you experience any of those technical problems I keep hearing about like the Red Ring of Death? Sorry for all the questions, but there's a lot of decision making involved in such a short amount of time (production on the LE bundle stopped for those who didn't know). So, thanks for your all your help. :)

[elitemastersam]

The Xbox 360 Elite is $299. That really is your best option. You'll have 120 gb of memory to store any downloadable songs you purchase. The memory card that comes with the Arcade version won't cut it.

When you plug your Xbox to an internet source, you can register a free Xbox Live Silver account, which will enable you to access the Xbox Live Marketplace to purchase DLC. If you want to play multiplayer, you'll have to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold, which will cost you.

I have an Xbox 360 Pro, an older one, with a puny 20 gb hard drive. It cost me $399. I will eventually have to buy a bigger hard drive, which will cost $100.

[whypick1]

Cheapest would be that refurbished Pro, but it's a bit of a roll of the dice as to whether or not it's a unit that's susceptible to the Red Ring of Death or not. The Elite is the safe bet. Arcade? Don't bother. Storage is weak and upgrading it will put the total cost at the price of a new Elite.

An Xbox Live account is required to download content. You only need a Gold account ($50/year) if you wish to do online multiplayer, use Netflix, and a few other things. Signing up for either is pretty simple and done through the console.

You can't use your SD card for storage, only the 360 Hard Drive or Memory Unit can be used for game storage.

I had the old-school Pro (20GB, HDMI back when the Arcade didn't have it), but it got the RRoD. My new one was built back in July, so I'm assuming it's one of the RRoD-"immune" units. I have a 120GB HD (which I did the "unofficial" way) and a 512MB MU for using my profile and RB2/TB:RB data on other consoles.

[master2uall]

Why not go with the new ps3? Free wifi and online, and never any rrod. Just saying. Also, bluray is free. Easier to install new hard drive too.

[dinga6969]

The Xbox 360 Elite is $299. That really is your best option. You'll have 120 gb of memory to store any downloadable songs you purchase. The memory card that comes with the Arcade version won't cut it.

I have an Xbox 360 Pro, an older one, with a puny 20 gb hard drive. It cost me $399. I will eventually have to buy a bigger hard drive, which will cost $100.

I concur with this opinion. I too had the 20 gb hard drive and had to upgrade. Your best option is to get the newly priced elite at 299. I don't know if you have an HD tv with HDMI but if you do the Elite has that as well and it will definitely take care of future song downloads like it is stated above. Plus, I know you say that is all you plan on getting for the 360 but if you happen to change your mind your all set to without extra costs. Your other bet might be to find somewhere that has a discontinued pro model simply because they may be selling it at a discount. Just a thought.

[Daytrip]

Go with the Pro or the Elite, the DLC will take up 256mb in one album. I'd store DLC on the x-box for quicker load times.

You don't need a gold account to get DLC, if all you want to do is download the songs silver is fine.

Any of the newer X-box's should be ok as far as RROD is concerned but for $20 I picked up a dual fan that plugs into the back of the X-Box that keeps it cooler. I've had no problems with it however I'm about to update from Pro to Elite because with RB2 and TB:RB DLC I'm getting low on space.

[cmenear]

I have both the pro and the elite. Get the elite. The price point has been driven down thanks to Sony's price cuts. The hardware is more solid (no disc read errors or Red Ring of Deaths in the 18 months I've owned it). The 120GB HD will be more than enough to support your DLC needs.

I have never even owned an SDHC for my xbox. Don't see the need / reason.

Bottom line, go elite. You may find that refurbished pro, even at the slightly discounted cost, in the end will cause more headaches than it's worth.

[RockBandoleer]

Why not go with the new ps3? Free wifi and online, and never any rrod. Just saying. Also, bluray is free. Easier to install new hard drive too.


We're a Wii family, and looking for a newer system. PS3 has the features we want (wifi, BluRay player, etc.) while 360 has the games (Fable, etc.)

In your case? PS3 seems the way to go.

[Jankee]

I upgraded from the Wii to the Xbox Pro earlier this year. If you want Xbox, get the Elite. It is selling for what the 60GB pro was selling for earlier this year.

There is a limited edition console coming out on Nov 10 for Call of Duty: Modern Warrior 2. It is the same price as the Elite ($399.99). It has a second controller ($50) the game ($60) and a 250GB hard drive that can't be purchased anywhere else. You can even sell the game back to a store to help lower the price, if you dont want a shooter game.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2009/0915-mw2.htm

[NoThru22]

If you play Rock Band 2 then the 360 would be the best way to go because of the Rock Band Network and probably further exclusives in the future.

[bjordan42]

It appears like the general consensus on here so far is that I should get the elite, and that even if I did get the pro, I'd eventually have to upgrade to elite and pay just as much or more. That's what I was afraid of, because $299.99 is a big difference than $199.99, for a 100gb difference in hard drive space. Maybe I can work something out.


You can't use your SD card for storage, only the 360 Hard Drive or Memory Unit can be used for game storage.

Really? Is that why on all the youtube videos I see, none of them have that flashing SD card icon or long loading screens for DLC? That sounds like another reason on my long list to switch. haha


Why not go with the new ps3? Free wifi and online, and never any rrod. Just saying. Also, bluray is free. Easier to install new hard drive too.

I was thinking about buying a PS3 over the Xbox 360 because of the free online services (I don't care too much about blueray, since I'm not switching to blueray DVDs until they're the norm). But, then the GameStop employee said he only had a Wii and Xbox 360 version left, and I've been hearing lately how PS3 users have been having problems with The Beatles: Rock Band. I've yet to hear any problems for Xbox 360 users, but then again, the night is young. haha


I don't know if you have an HD tv with HDMI but if you do the Elite has that as well and it will definitely take care of future song downloads like it is stated above.

Yeah, I do have an HD tv with HDMI, but what would the Xbox Elite do? Would it make the picture HD? I thought I've been seeing the game in HD all this time. Man, I guess you really can hardly see the difference (I guess I lost that bet with my friend haha).

Thanks for all your input, the advice has been great so far. Keep it up! :D

[Jankee]

Are you using a composite or a component cable for the Wii? The Xbox supports 720p (I'm not 100% while here at work. The Wii is 480.

I have RB and RB2 on both and the Xbox screen is a lot clearer and easier to read. You'll also be able to use the Xbox as a DVD player.

[whypick1]

Yeah, I do have an HD tv with HDMI, but what would the Xbox Elite do? Would it make the picture HD? I thought I've been seeing the game in HD all this time. Man, I guess you really can hardly see the difference (I guess I lost that bet with my friend haha).

The Wii is not an HD console, the best it can do is 480p. 360 can do 1080i (maybe 1080p, can't remember), but the games might "only" go up to 720p. PS3 specs are similar (but can definitely do 1080p, but again, games might not).

[bjordan42]

Are you using a composite or a component cable for the Wii? The Xbox supports 720p (I'm not 100% while here at work. The Wii is 480.

I have RB and RB2 on both and the Xbox screen is a lot clearer and easier to read. You'll also be able to use the Xbox as a DVD player.

Nope, I have no cables for the wii, other than AV cords. I guess it was stupid of me to think that just because I have an HDTV that everything's in HD. haha It's neat how it's also a DVD player, since the wii isn't. I find it odd that the 3 competing platforms play different media... wii (CD), xbox (DVD), and PS3 (Bluray). haha


The Wii is not an HD console, the best it can do is 480p. 360 can do 1080i (maybe 1080p, can't remember), but the games might "only" go up to 720p. PS3 specs are similar (but can definitely do 1080p, but again, games might not).

I see. So all I do is plug the Xbox HDMI cable in my HDMI port, instead of screwing around with messy AV cords? If so, sweet.

[TheBeatleHead]

eBay is your friend. You can get great deals on a refurbished 60 GB 360. It's not expensive and the storage is good enough.

[bjordan42]

eBay is your friend. You can get great deals on a refurbished 60 GB 360. It's not expensive and the storage is good enough.

Yeah, but credit cards aren't my friend. haha I don't buy anything off the internet, with the one incredible exception of the Beatles remasters, from Amazon. Really wish I snagged it when it was $190, but $220 isn't bad, given no store sells it around here. haha

By the way, is the only reason not to get the pro because of the 20gb disk space? If so, shouldn't that be enough to store all the DLC? I was planning on putting all the DLC for my wii version on a 8GB SDHC card, but if 20GB isn't enough for all of the DLC... haha

[Jankee]

I see. So all I do is plug the Xbox HDMI cable in my HDMI port, instead of screwing around with messy AV cords? If so, sweet.

The HDMI cord is an add-on. The system comes with component/composite cables. There is even a cable (add-on) for VGA to use a computer monitor for the display.

[mywhitenoise]

Get a PS3 instead. Free wi-fi (add on for 360 is almost $100!), free online, no RROD, blu-ray, you can share your account and downloads onto 4 other PS3s, plust (in my opinion) better games. I'll take Uncharted, Ratchet, Warhawk, MGS4, Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet, and God of War over Viva Pinata, Gears of War, Halo, Forza, and Fable.

[bjordan42]

The HDMI cord is an add-on. The system comes with component/composite cables. There is even a cable (add-on) for VGA to use a computer monitor for the display.

Wow, that went over my head. I looked it up and found out that component/composite cables are actually what I've been calling AV cords. haha Learning something knew everyday. :D


Get a PS3 instead. Free wi-fi (add on for 360 is almost $100!), free online, no RROD, blu-ray, you can share your account and downloads onto 4 other PS3s, plust (in my opinion) better games. I'll take Uncharted, Ratchet, Warhawk, MGS4, Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet, and God of War over Viva Pinata, Gears of War, Halo, Forza, and Fable.

Like I said above, I was thinking of getting the PS3 version, until the Gamestop guy said he didn't have any left. I'll call back to make sure, though. I've also heard PS3 users have been having problems lately with the game. Have there been any limitations that you know of? DLC, online play, etc.? Or are the Xbox and PS3 versions pretty much the same?

[ChuckandDave]

I would suggest you go with PS3 as well. The blu-ray drive will play your DVD discs and give better picture quality on your TV with HDMI connection.

[Ehfahq]

I would spend 300 bucks on the new pro that comes with a 60 gig harddrive.

Its the cheapest way. And you will get a really new xbox model. Which of course lasts longer (sometimes)

[elitemastersam]

It appears like the general consensus on here so far is that I should get the elite, and that even if I did get the pro, I'd eventually have to upgrade to elite and pay just as much or more. That's what I was afraid of, because $299.99 is a big difference than $199.99, for a 100gb difference in hard drive space. Maybe I can work something out.
The latest Pro model comes with a 60 gb hard drive, which would provide plenty of space for DLC, so you really wouldn't have to upgrade to the Elite. But as others have pointed out, the Elite is more dependable, and has double the storage.

[mywhitenoise]

The latest Pro model comes with a 60 gb hard drive, which would provide plenty of space for DLC, so you really wouldn't have to upgrade to the Elite. But as others have pointed out, the Elite is more dependable, and has double the memory.

It doesn't have "double the memory", it has double the STORAGE. Memory is the RAM, not the HDD.

[bjordan42]

The latest Pro model comes with a 60 gb hard drive, which would provide plenty of space for DLC, so you really wouldn't have to upgrade to the Elite. But as others have pointed out, the Elite is more dependable, and has double the memory.

$50-$100 more for 30gb more hard drive space? I still think 20gb should be enough for DLC, but everyone still says I should go for the 60gb pro or elite. I never thought buying a new console would be so confusing. haha

[mywhitenoise]

$50-$100 more for 30gb more hard drive space? I still think 20gb should be enough for DLC, but everyone still says I should go for the 60gb pro or elite. I never thought buying a new console would be so confusing. haha

It's not confusing, get the one that uses up less energy, wont RROD on you, and wont sound like a jet engine taking off. Buy a $300 PS3 that comes standard with a 120GB HDD, and has all the extra bonuses like blu-ray, easy and cheap HDD upgrades, sharable accounts and DLC, free wi-fi/online.

[JimF51]

Sure seems to be a lot of you know what just to change to a different system.

Don't know what people think they are missing using one system over another, it's just a bloody game (albeit a excellent one).

[elitemastersam]

$50-$100 more for 30gb more hard drive space? I still think 20gb should be enough for DLC, but everyone still says I should go for the 60gb pro or elite. I never thought buying a new console would be so confusing. haha
The 20 gb Pro has long been replaced by the 60 gb Pro, which is now discontinued. You'll find whatever's left of the Pros in the stores, along with the Elites, which are now basically the standard model in production.

The 360's software takes up about 8 gb, leaving my 20 gb Pro with only about 12 gb right when I first had it. Now, after a few years with content for Halo 3, Call of Duty, GTA IV, Oblivion, and Rock Band, I only have about 3 gb free. I'm going to need a bigger hard drive now. The 60 gb hard drive will be enough, which separately is about $100, but I may buy a refurbished 120 gb hard drive for the same price. Luckily for you, you won't have to worry about this problem, because not only is the Pro much cheaper than when I bought it, but it also has much more storage space; so you won't have to upgrade to a larger capacity hard drive for additional cost.

[mywhitenoise]

Sure seems to be a lot of you know what just to change to a different system.

Don't know what people think they are missing using one system over another, it's just a bloody game (albeit a excellent one).

Well it's not just about the game, it's about the value. If money wasn't an option, and if he was buying it ONLY for The Beatles...then he really cant go wrong with the other consoles. Now if he wants to buy a console for other games, and has other uses for it, then it's better to go with PS3.

If it's strictly a RB machine, it's wiser to go with 360...only for the fact that they get songs and patches earlier.

[Rockymin]

Bjordan,
Both the XBox and PS3 are good choices. Storagewise, the PS3 wins because the hard drive can be upgraded cheaply and easily. I have both a PS3 60GB (with BC ;)) and an Xbox 360 Pro 60GB. While PS3 online is free, the 360s online seems to be better, getting things first and all.
Bottom line is if you think you want to upgrade to a larger hard drive later on go with PS3, otherwise go with the 360.
One huge word of warning though, definitely do NOT buy a refurb 360. Not just because of the increased chance of RROD but because I have been hearing a lot about people selling their consoles because its been banned from Xbox Live. And console bans are irreversible, so if you are unlucky enough to buy a console that has been banned, you wouldn't be able to get any DLC or play online at all. Always go with a brand new 360.

[bjordan42]

It's not confusing, get the one that uses up less energy, wont RROD on you, and wont sound like a jet engine taking off. Buy a $300 PS3 that comes standard with a 120GB HDD, and has all the extra bonuses like blu-ray, easy and cheap HDD upgrades, sharable accounts and DLC, free wi-fi/online.

Again, I'll call Gamestop back later and ask them if they have a PS3 version of the game. I won't call back today, though, because the first time I called the guy sounded ticked off that I would even ask if it was possible to exchange my Wii version for an Xbox version this late. My dad always said it never hurts to ask, but he sure tongue-lashed me for asking him. And the second time I called, he sounded annoyed that I called back (It was just to see how long the LE bundles would last). So, hopefully tomorrow I get a new guy.


Sure seems to be a lot of you know what just to change to a different system.

Don't know what people think they are missing using one system over another, it's just a bloody game (albeit a excellent one).

It's not just a game, it's THE BEATLES. I am, how you say, obsessed. I already spent $500 on the wii version (LE bundle, two guitars, DLC, etc.) and $220 on the remasters. I just want the whole Beatles experience, and so if I have to spend more money switching systems, so be it. I need to soothe my fandom. haha


The 20 gb Pro has long been replaced by the 60 gb Pro, which is now discontinued. You'll find whatever's left of the Pros in the stores, along with the Elites, which are now basically the standard model in production.

The 360's software takes up about 8 gb, leaving my 20 gb Pro with only about 12 gb right when I first had it. Now, after a few years with content for Halo 3, Call of Duty, GTA IV, Oblivion, and Rock Band, I only have about 3 gb free. I'm going to need a bigger hard drive now. The 60 gb hard drive will be enough, which separately is about $100, but I may buy a refurbished 120 gb hard drive for the same price. Luckily for you, you won't have to worry about this problem, because not only is the Pro much cheaper than when I bought it, but it also has much more storage space; so you won't have to upgrade to a larger capacity hard drive for additional cost.

I didn't know how much that hard drive gets eaten up. I guess a 60gb Pro or 120gb Elite would be the better Xbox.


Well it's not just about the game, it's about the value. If money wasn't an option, and if he was buying it ONLY for The Beatles...then he really cant go wrong with the other consoles. Now if he wants to buy a console for other games, and has other uses for it, then it's better to go with PS3.

If it's strictly a RB machine, it's wiser to go with 360...only for the fact that they get songs and patches earlier.

Yeah, one of the reasons I picked the Xbox 360 version was "All You Need Is Love" (although, I know wii and ps3 users are getting it eventually). But, that was one of the many reasons I chose the Xbox. It was the only version available, PS3 users have been complaining recentally, and Xbox appears to be voted time and again as the best system for The Beatles: Rock Band.


Bjordan,
Both the XBox and PS3 are good choices. Storagewise, the PS3 wins because the hard drive can be upgraded cheaply and easily. I have both a PS3 60GB (with BC ;)) and an Xbox 360 Pro 60GB. While PS3 online is free, the 360s online seems to be better, getting things first and all.
Bottom line is if you think you want to upgrade to a larger hard drive later on go with PS3, otherwise go with the 360.
One huge word of warning though, definitely do NOT buy a refurb 360. Not just because of the increased chance of RROD but because I have been hearing a lot about people selling their consoles because its been banned from Xbox Live. And console bans are irreversible, so if you are unlucky enough to buy a console that has been banned, you wouldn't be able to get any DLC or play online at all. Always go with a brand new 360.

Wow, that sounds awful. You would think Gamestop or the other places would check for something like that beforehand. huh And yeah, one of the selling points for the PS3 was the free online and wi-fi (my routers in the other room, so the only way to connect is through wi-fi). So is the only disadvantage of the PS3 version of the game is that DLC and patches take longer? I would think there would be other disadvantages as well. Hmm...

[Rockymin]

Wow, that sounds awful. You would think Gamestop or the other places would check for something like that beforehand. huh And yeah, one of the selling points for the PS3 was the free online and wi-fi (my routers in the other room, so the only way to connect is through wi-fi). So is the only disadvantage of the PS3 version of the game is that DLC and patches take longer? I would think there would be other disadvantages as well. Hmm...

Well if you need a wifi connection then PS3 would probably be better due to having it built-in. The Official MS wifi add on was $100 but it will be coming down in price a little bit once they release their new one which is Wireless-N compatible.
Yeah, DLC and patches seem to come to the 360 first, just look at the DLC for this game hehe. But another advantage is that games that are released on both systems seem to turn out better on 360, even though the PS3 is lot more powerful. The PS3 has some great exclusives though.

[mywhitenoise]

Wow, that sounds awful. You would think Gamestop or the other places would check for something like that beforehand. huh And yeah, one of the selling points for the PS3 was the free online and wi-fi (my routers in the other room, so the only way to connect is through wi-fi). So is the only disadvantage of the PS3 version of the game is that DLC and patches take longer? I would think there would be other disadvantages as well. Hmm...

PS3 gets DLC 2 days later...which really isnt a big deal to me. We get one massive store update every Thursday, where 360 gets them on Tuesdays. Patches take days, sometimes weeks later on PS3, but they rarely add anything that great.

The Wi-Fi add on is $100 for the 360, but it's going to come down to around $75 once they release the new version (the new one will stay at $100).

Don't bother going with gamestop, whichever console you decide to go with...shop at amazon.com, they still have the LE Bundles.
They offer free shipping, and you don't have to pay tax. Dont bother selling your Wii to GS either, go to ebay or craigslist.

[whypick1]

Don't bother going with gamestop, whichever console you decide to go with...shop at amazon.com, they still have the LE Bundles.
They offer free shipping, and you don't have to pay tax. Dont bother selling your Wii to GS either, go to ebay or craigslist.


Yeah, but credit cards aren't my friend. haha I don't buy anything off the internet, with the one incredible exception of the Beatles remasters, from Amazon.

Although I do think the OP could stand to be a little less afraid of online shopping.

[bjordan42]

Although I do think the OP could stand to be a little less afraid of online shopping.

haha I'm not so much afraid of online shopping, as I find it more convenient to get it from the stores than to wait weeks for an order (I'm still waiting until November 10th for the Beatles remasters). And since I don't own any credit cards myself, I give the money to my parents to put on there debit cards to buy anything online. I might make another exception, though, given it is a lot cheaper on Amazon than in the stores. Although, if I do order online I better make it fast, since the LE bundles are going and isn't "All You Need Is Love" only on Xbox Live until December 10th?

[mywhitenoise]

haha I'm not so much afraid of online shopping, as I find it more convenient to get it from the stores than to wait weeks for an order (I'm still waiting until November 10th for the Beatles remasters). And since I don't own any credit cards myself, I give the money to my parents to put on there debit cards to buy anything online. I might make another exception, though, given it is a lot cheaper on Amazon than in the stores. Although, if I do order online I better make it fast, since the LE bundles are going and isn't "All You Need Is Love" only on Xbox Live until December 10th?

Im not exactly sure when the other 2 platforms are getting "All You Need Is Love", but Wii and PS3 will get them (supposedly with the Magical Mystery Tour album). I love the song, but I can wait it out.

[Emalythe]

I own an Xbox 360, a PS3 and a Wii, but I mostly play Rock Band on the 360. If you're concerned about costs, a new PS3 thin is probably your better bet. Even though the Xbox Elite is advertised as being the same price as the PS3, if you're looking for a WiFi connection and live play, it's effectively $150 more ($100 for the Wireless adapter and $50 for an Xbox Live subscription). As mentioned several times above, the PS3 has WiFi built in and PSN is free.

However, with the online service, you get what you pay for. Xbox Live is far superior, from game and video downloads to online chat, both party and private.

The Red Ring of Death issue shouldn't be a big factor with the new models. Sure, hardware failures still occur, but not nearly as often.

[bjordan42]

Im not exactly sure when the other 2 platforms are getting "All You Need Is Love", but Wii and PS3 will get them (supposedly with the Magical Mystery Tour album). I love the song, but I can wait it out.

Actually, I was wondering if Xbox users can even download it after December 10th. But, now that I went back to the website, I guess I was wrong. The website said, "Downloading this song registers you for "The Beatles™: Rock Band™ Download & Win" sweepstakes and allows Microsoft to contact you only about this Sweepstakes. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States or DC who are 18+. Sweepstakes closes at 11:59 PM ET on Dec. 9, 2009." I guess only the sweepstakes ends on December 10th. haha


I own an Xbox 360, a PS3 and a Wii, but I mostly play Rock Band on the 360. If you're concerned about costs, a new PS3 thin is probably your better bet. Even though the Xbox Elite is advertised as being the same price as the PS3, if you're looking for a WiFi connection and live play, it's effectively $150 more ($100 for the Wireless adapter and $50 for an Xbox Live subscription). As mentioned several times above, the PS3 has WiFi built in and PSN is free.

However, with the online service, you get what you pay for. Xbox Live is far superior, from game and video downloads to online chat, both party and private.

The Red Ring of Death issue shouldn't be a big factor with the new models. Sure, hardware failures still occur, but not nearly as often.

Yeah, that's why I'm going back and forth between the two. What's the limitations with PS3 when it comes with TB:RB online play? How's the Xbox better? And doesn't the Xbox come with a free Xbox Live silver membership? You can still download DLC with that right, you just can't play multiplayer online? If so, then, if I get the Xbox, I'll just stick with the silver membership until I get enough money to go gold.

[mywhitenoise]

Yeah, that's why I'm going back and forth between the two. What's the limitations with PS3 when it comes with TB:RB online play? How's the Xbox better? And doesn't the Xbox come with a free Xbox Live silver membership? You can still download DLC with that right, you just can't play multiplayer online? If so, then, if I get the Xbox, I'll just stick with the silver membership until I get enough money to go gold.


There's really no difference between The Beatles when it comes to online play, it's with Rock Band 2 that there's a difference (they're getting the Rock Band network earlier, and their latest patch has already arrived...where as PS3 users are still waiting, there's also a daily message on 360, nothing really importatnt).
The difference between Xbox Live and PSN is that you can set up parties and voice chats a lot easier on XBL (you can still do this on PS3, its just way more convenient on 360).

[adoraz]

To be completely honest, I've played both the Wii and Xbox 360 versions, and there really isn't that much of a difference. In some cases, the Wii version is just as good if not better than the PS3 and 360 versions depending on your situation.

If you own an HDTV (if you don't there is no real reason to spend the money upgrading consoles), the image is a lot nicer on the Xbox and PS3 versions, but there isn't too much more to it than that.

Wii has free online with built in WiFi. It has a very good online community as well, just as good as on xbox.

Xbox 360 requires a wifi plug if you don't have Ethernet, which is $100. On top of that, you need to pay $50 a year if you want to play multiplayer online (DLC requires no subscription).

For new 360 models, you also need to buy HD cables to play it in HD. You'll need a controller for vocals, but that should come with it.

Personally I own both systems and I love 360, but I wouldn't recommend buying a 360 for this one game.


If you really want a new platform for this one game, I would recommend PLAYSTATION 3 instead.

Reasons? The WiFi is built in, and the online is free. You'll still need to buy HD cables though... overall with tax and everything it will probably come out to be around $400.

Still though, from all accounts I've heard PS3 has a very poor amount of online users in comparison to Wii and 360, it takes forever to find people (if it ever happens). You'll also have to wait a few extra days for DLC. I don't think the experience would be that much better to warrant a $400 purchase. If you were using the PS3 for other stuff that would be fine, but you're not.

I'd strongly recommend against it, but it's completely up to you. Just my personal opinion. I think my post covered most of the issues you have.

Please feel free to ask me anything else you need to know. Hopefully your decision works out for you!

[BYC]

If you want the absolute best Beatles Rock Band experience, it's going to be on the 360. If you love the Beatles that much, and must have the single best version, get the 360. If you want to play Rock Band 2 and future Rock Band games, get the 360.

If you want blu-ray and free online play, get the PS3.

[bjordan42]

There's really no difference between The Beatles when it comes to online play, it's with Rock Band 2 that there's a difference (they're getting the Rock Band network earlier, and their latest patch has already arrived...where as PS3 users are still waiting, there's also a daily message on 360, nothing really importatnt).
The difference between Xbox Live and PSN is that you can set up parties and voice chats a lot easier on XBL (you can still do this on PS3, its just way more convenient on 360).

Oh, I see. Then, I guess it's really a toss up really.


To be completely honest, I've played both the Wii and Xbox 360 versions, and there really isn't that much of a difference. In some cases, the Wii version is just as good if not better than the PS3 and 360 versions depending on your situation.

If you own an HDTV (if you don't there is no real reason to spend the money upgrading consoles), the image is a lot nicer on the Xbox and PS3 versions, but there isn't too much more to it than that.

Wii has free online with built in WiFi. It has a very good online community as well, just as good as on xbox.

Xbox 360 requires a wifi plug if you don't have Ethernet, which is $100. On top of that, you need to pay $50 a year if you want to play multiplayer online (DLC requires no subscription).

For new 360 models, you also need to buy HD cables to play it in HD. You'll need a controller for vocals, but that should come with it.

Personally I own both systems and I love 360, but I wouldn't recommend buying a 360 for this one game.


If you really want a new platform for this one game, I would recommend PLAYSTATION 3 instead.

Reasons? The WiFi is built in, and the online is free. You'll still need to buy HD cables though... overall with tax and everything it will probably come out to be around $400.

Still though, from all accounts I've heard PS3 has a very poor amount of online users in comparison to Wii and 360, it takes forever to find people (if it ever happens). You'll also have to wait a few extra days for DLC. I don't think the experience would be that much better to warrant a $400 purchase. If you were using the PS3 for other stuff that would be fine, but you're not.

I'd strongly recommend against it, but it's completely up to you. Just my personal opinion. I think my post covered most of the issues you have.

Please feel free to ask me anything else you need to know. Hopefully your decision works out for you!

Well, I know there's very little differences on the surface area, but those little moments where Wii users didn't get the "full experience" really disappointed me, being a huge Beatles fan. So, I thought, what if in ten years what would I do if I regreted my decision to not switch when I had the chance (since LE bundles are going fast, and DLC won't last forever). So, I decided I'll switch. Who knows, maybe I'll find Xbox games I might like and I'll just have a new system. Only time will tell.


If you want the absolute best Beatles Rock Band experience, it's going to be on the 360. If you love the Beatles that much, and must have the single best version, get the 360. If you want to play Rock Band 2 and future Rock Band games, get the 360.

If you want blu-ray and free online play, get the PS3.

Yeah, I think I'll go with this Xbox 360 60gb Pro (http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Pro-60GB-Console/dp/B001BZ3PY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1256256536&sr=1-1) because it's the cheapest (adding the game and the guitar, it comes out to be $600, compared to $700) and because Xbox appears to be the preferred system (I'm referring to a thread a while back which asked which one out of the three systems was the best, and the Xbox 360 won by a long shot). Which is good, I'll just need to chip in $75 for a wi-fi adapter if the ethernet connection doesn't work out. I still haven't 100% decided, though, since I won't be able to get anything until November 1st. I let you guys know what I decided. Thanks for all your support, you all have been very helpful. :D

[BYC]

Oh, I see. Then, I guess it's really a toss up really. I think I'll go with this Xbox 360 60gb Pro (http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Pro-60GB-Console/dp/B001BZ3PY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1256256536&sr=1-1) because it's the cheapest (adding the game and the guitar, it comes out to be $600, compared to $700) and because Xbox appears to be the preferred system (I'm referring to a thread a while back which asked which one out of the three systems was the best, and the Xbox 360 won by a long shot). Which is good, I'll just need to chip in $75 for a wi-fi adapter if the ethernet connection doesn't work out. I still haven't 100% decided, though, since I won't be able to get anything until November 1st. I let you guys know what I decided. Thanks for all your support, you all have been very helpful. :D
As long as you are not getting majority of DLC for RB/RB2, this should be fine. Beatles DLC on it's own will take only about 10 gb at most I'd imagine.

[JimF51]

...It's not just a game, it's THE BEATLES. I am, how you say, obsessed. I already spent $500 on the wii version (LE bundle, two guitars, DLC, etc.) and $220 on the remasters. I just want the whole Beatles experience, and so if I have to spend more money switching systems, so be it. I need to soothe my fandom. haha...

Ok, if that's the main reason, have at it. I went through Beatlemania once, so this time is a bit more relaxed. Have the LE set, all the re-masters and the Rickenbacker. The Gretch is next, then that's it, except for the DLC. But, with all the time you're spending getting info, and buying and setting up new gear, I'm just playing away. :D

Have fun, and good luck.

[bjordan42]

As long as you are not getting majority of DLC for RB/RB2, this should be fine. Beatles DLC on it's own will take only about 10 gb at most I'd imagine.

Yeah, I don't play any of the other Rock Band or Guitar Hero games, my friend does. haha I have played my friend's Rock Band 2 on my PS2, and it was pretty fun. But, yeah the only music game I own is The Beatles: Rock Band, and it's probably gonna stay that way (unless they come out with a John Lennon: Rock Band, as someone on these boards suggested haha).


Ok, if that's the main reason, have at it. I went through Beatlemania once, so this time is a bit more relaxed. Have the LE set, all the re-masters and the Rickenbacker. The Gretch is next, then that's it, except for the DLC. But, with all the time you're spending getting info, and buying and setting up new gear, I'm just playing away. :D

Have fun, and good luck.

haha I just got done playing "Because" (First song I 100% on expert guitar... with the Gretch haha). :D And yeah, I guess I'm making up for the Beatlemania I never went through being born in the 90s instead of the 60s.

[dabrry0523]

Id say go with the Elite

I have the X box 360 Premium 20GB Console But over the summer i got a 120gb hard drive for $70 bucks. Its going to last me a long time. The 20gb drive held about 80 rock band 2 songs

[dark_quota]

I think the PS3 would be a better deal in your situation.

[bjordan42]

Id say go with the Elite

I have the X box 360 Premium 20GB Console But over the summer i got a 120gb hard drive for $70 bucks. Its going to last me a long time. The 20gb drive held about 80 rock band 2 songs

I'd go with the Elite, but it's just too expensive. It's the 120gb Elite's $300 compared to the 60Gb Pro's $250 (which is just how much the game costs). And since I'm pretty much buying this game twice (it must add up to over $1000) price makes a huge difference. I'm still thinking about it, though. Amazon doesn't list any new ones, though, and the ones it does list have horrible customer reviews.


I think the PS3 would be a better deal in your situation.

Well, I'm thinking of choosing the Xbox because of price and quality. The Xbox 60gb Pro is $250, while the cheapest PS3 I found was $300, and people seem to prefer playing TB:RB on the Xbox than on the other systems. However, there's still a lot of time left between now and Nov. 1 for me to change my mind if something comes up.

[Emalythe]

I would take those reviews with a grain of salt - as you may have noticed on these boards, there's a lot of fanboyism at play.

[elitemastersam]

Good call going with the 60 gb Pro. The 120 gb is excessive, unless you're a person who buys a ****load of games and downloadable content. I'm guessing you're not, and neither am I. I think I'll just upgrade to a 60 gb hard drive.

[Tzepish]

I'll also toss my opinion in and say get a PS3. I don't know anything about these "issues" people are having with the game on PS3 - I know I haven't had any. I've got a PS3 with a 500g HD (since it's easily upgradeable).

As for "switching" to Blueray, there's no reason to look at it that way. My DVD collection is mostly regular DVDs, but when something comes out that I don't yet have, I can buy the Blueray version. There's no need or concept ot "switching" en masse or anything. Also, the PS3 upscales regular DVDs better than the Xbox360 (does the xbox even upscale at all?). Last time I watched a DVD on my xbox360 (because my PS3 was downloading), I was like "WTF. Screw this, the download can wait".

[adoraz]

Well it seems you don't really mind the money, so I'd say get the 360 version.

360 has DLC a few days earlier, and it also has a much bigger online community for this game. Other than that, I honestly can't think of any differences at all.

If money isn't an issue, go for the 360 version. Who knows, it might be cheaper when you put all the expenses together.

[Avatar_Ko]

Unless you can get an unopened 360 Pro, or you get the factory warranty with it, I'd recommend against it. The RROD is too prevalent. If it goes, and since you're getting a used one it could go any time, you're flat out screwed. I'd recommend the Elite.

Didn't read the whole thread, but about HDMI cables being a selling point for the Elite, they're not. You can get them for less than ten bucks at www.monoprice.com. And yes, they are just as good as $100 cables. The slight differences between the cables only matter at the super-professional level.

[VT_Brian]

I think it depends what you're getting the system for in particular. If it is essentially just to play The Beatles Rock Band, then both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.
The Xbox 360 will allow you to download the new albums two days before the Playstation 3 (Tuesdays vs Thursdays) and is definitely better for playing Rock Band 2 due to the addition of the Rock Band Network.
However, taking your situation into account, you will have to buy a wireless network adapter (probably at least $50 for an ethernet bridge, $75-80 for the official adapter) plus you will have to upgrade to an Xbox Live Gold Account (~$50 per year)
On the other hand, the Playstation 3 does have free online play and wifi, but the Playstation Store does update on Thursdays as mentioned before.
I would not use All You Need is Love as a factor since that will be coming to the PS3 and Wii in December (probably) I would also think that GameStop would be getting new shipments of limited edition bundles through at least the middle of November.
So, if you care about Rock Band 2, I would definitely get an Xbox 360, but if you are planning to only play The Beatles Rock Band, I don't think one console really stands out over the other. The price ends up about even (after buying Live + wireless adapter) or slightly in the PS3's favor. After adding everything up, I don't think I would use price as the number one reason to buy a 360.

[VT_Brian]

Unless you can get an unopened 360 Pro, or you get the factory warranty with it, I'd recommend against it. The RROD is too prevalent. If it goes, and since you're getting a used one it could go any time, you're flat out screwed. I'd recommend the Elite.

Didn't read the whole thread, but about HDMI cables being a selling point for the Elite, they're not. You can get them for less than ten bucks at www.monoprice.com. And yes, they are just as good as $100 cables. The slight differences between the cables only matter at the super-professional level.
the Elite model does not come with HDMI cables anymore. so that point is not valid anyways.

[bjordan42]

I'll also toss my opinion in and say get a PS3. I don't know anything about these "issues" people are having with the game on PS3 - I know I haven't had any. I've got a PS3 with a 500g HD (since it's easily upgradeable).

As for "switching" to Blueray, there's no reason to look at it that way. My DVD collection is mostly regular DVDs, but when something comes out that I don't yet have, I can buy the Blueray version. There's no need or concept ot "switching" en masse or anything. Also, the PS3 upscales regular DVDs better than the Xbox360 (does the xbox even upscale at all?). Last time I watched a DVD on my xbox360 (because my PS3 was downloading), I was like "WTF. Screw this, the download can wait".

I don't know of any huge issues with PS3, but I've just seen a lot of threads recently of people complaining about PS3 and Sony. And I don't really plan on playing DVDs on the the game console I chose since I already have a DVD player (and I have no Bluray DVDs, so buying a PS3 only for a blueray player wouldn't be worth it).


Well it seems you don't really mind the money, so I'd say get the 360 version.

360 has DLC a few days earlier, and it also has a much bigger online community for this game. Other than that, I honestly can't think of any differences at all.

If money isn't an issue, go for the 360 version. Who knows, it might be cheaper when you put all the expenses together.

Actually, I do mind the money, which is why I think the Xbox Pro is best in the long run. If I don't need to connect to wi-fi, then it only comes out to $250 compared to the PS3's $300. If I do need wi-fi, and I get the xbox, I'm pretty much screwed.


Unless you can get an unopened 360 Pro, or you get the factory warranty with it, I'd recommend against it. The RROD is too prevalent. If it goes, and since you're getting a used one it could go any time, you're flat out screwed. I'd recommend the Elite.

Didn't read the whole thread, but about HDMI cables being a selling point for the Elite, they're not. You can get them for less than ten bucks at www.monoprice.com. And yes, they are just as good as $100 cables. The slight differences between the cables only matter at the super-professional level.

I thought the one i got from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Pro-60GB-Console/dp/B001BZ3PY6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1256264520&sr=1-3) was new. Is that a good one, or is it susceptible to RROD?


I think it depends what you're getting the system for in particular. If it is essentially just to play The Beatles Rock Band, then both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.
The Xbox 360 will allow you to download the new albums two days before the Playstation 3 (Tuesdays vs Thursdays) and is definitely better for playing Rock Band 2 due to the addition of the Rock Band Network.
However, taking your situation into account, you will have to buy a wireless network adapter (probably at least $50 for an ethernet bridge, $75-80 for the official adapter) plus you will have to upgrade to an Xbox Live Gold Account (~$50 per year)
On the other hand, the Playstation 3 does have free online play and wifi, but the Playstation Store does update on Thursdays as mentioned before.
I would not use All You Need is Love as a factor since that will be coming to the PS3 and Wii in December (probably) I would also think that GameStop would be getting new shipments of limited edition bundles through at least the middle of November.
So, if you care about Rock Band 2, I would definitely get an Xbox 360, but if you are planning to only play The Beatles Rock Band, I don't think one console really stands out over the other. The price ends up about even (after buying Live + wireless adapter) or slightly in the PS3's favor. After adding everything up, I don't think I would use price as the number one reason to buy a 360.

Wow, you make a lot of valid points. I don't know, I guess because they're so similar, it makes it hard to decide between them. I guess I picked the Xbox because people considered it the best platform (better graphics, better online capabilities), and the only negative aspect was how much it would cost for online play (although I think I can live without online multiplayer for a couple weeks, until I get enough money for gold membership, if I chose the xbox). And "All You Need Is Love" was not one of the reasons, it was just a perk, to be able to play it immediately (albeit, only a month before the others haha).

[dark_quota]

I don't know of any huge issues with PS3, but I've just seen a lot of threads recently of people complaining about PS3 and Sony. And I don't really plan on playing DVDs on the the game console I chose since I already have a DVD player (and I have no Bluray DVDs, so buying a PS3 only for a blueray player wouldn't be worth it).
Most of those threads are just people who are mad since Sony releases dlc two days later. Nothing to worry about really. I have a PS3 and all the DLC for TBRB and RB 2 works great as do the online and offline gameplay modes.


Actually, I do mind the money, which is why I think the Xbox Pro is best in the long run. If I don't need to connect to wi-fi, then it only comes out to $250 compared to the PS3's $300. If I do need wi-fi, and I get the xbox, I'm pretty much screwed.

I thought you said earlier in the thread you needed Wifi, right?



I thought the one i got from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Pro-60GB-Console/dp/B001BZ3PY6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1256264520&sr=1-3) was new. Is that a good one, or is it susceptible to RROD?
Yes, that is a new 360. It most likely will RRoD on you later on down the road, but you'll have a warranty to get it fixed for free. A minor annoyance, but nothing that can't be fixed for free.

Wow, you make a lot of valid points. I don't know, I guess because they're so similar, it makes it hard to decide between them. I guess I picked the Xbox because people considered it the best platform (better graphics, better online capabilities), and the only negative aspect was how much it would cost for online play (although I think I can live without online multiplayer for a couple weeks, until I get enough money for gold membership, if I chose the xbox). And "All You Need Is Love" was not one of the reasons, it was just a perk, to be able to play it immediately (albeit, only a month before the others haha).

The 360 sometimes has better graphics on some games(vice-versa as well, but not as often lol), but they are virtually the same on both systems for TBRB. FWIW, I think the PS3 has some of the best looking games of this console generation exclusive wise, but all the exclusive games, be it 360 or PS3 still look great. Besides, you're not planning on playing any other games, so it shouldn't really matter to you lol.

As for Xbox Live, I think for your needs, PSN will do it's job. Unless you really care about cross game voice chat or netflix streaming, last.fm, etc..., you'll be fine with PSN. I'll admit that Xbox Live is a lot more intuitive with it's integrated invite system, but invites still work great with games on PS3 with no problems at all.


Hope that helps with your decision. Also, I may add that if you don't need wifi, it's basically a tossup between the two imo.

[pelemerengue]

Honestly, the actual performance of the game on the two systems is near indistinguishable. The game looks and plays beautifully on either console.

Here are some legitimate, quantifiable differences relating directly to the experience of playing The Beatles: Rock Band. I won't bother bringing non-essential feature sets like Blu-ray or any other available games into the comparison.

Xbox 360
pros
- earliest support (DLC two days earlier, earlier patches)
- slick online functionality (if you plan on playing often with friends)
- more populated online community (if you plan on playing often with strangers)
cons
- requires a monthly subscription to take full advantage of online service
- if you need wi-fi, an official adapter will run you another 70 to 90 dollars.
- the console has a notoriously high failure rate (http://gizmodo.com/5344302/microsoft-responds-to-542-xbox-360-failure-rate-claim-doesnt-dispute-it)

price: for a 120 GB Xbox 360 Elite and a wi-fi adapter, about $375; (about $425 with a one-year Xbox Live subscription)


PlayStation 3
pros
- free online service
- built-in wifi
cons
- less timely support (DLC arrives two days later, patches may take weeks later)
- less populated online community means fewer available online games with strangers

price: for a 120 GB PlayStation 3 Slim, about $300


Both consoles require an HDMI cable which, luckily, can be found incredibly cheap (http://www.amazon.com/Super-Resolution-Cable-DVI-Gear/dp/B0002L5R78/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204150160&sr=8-1) online.


If you already have friends on 360, plan on playing online often, and don't mind paying $50 a year, then go 360. If you're strapped for cash and don't mind having access to a smaller online community, then get a PS3.

Either way, you'll be getting the same basic experience and it'll be an upgrade to the functionality of the Wii version.

[screwtop]

Since you're dead set on getting a 360, find a newish, used system off of Craigslist; that's what I did and it worked out great. I don't necessarily buy your argument that the 360 has better games for the kids than the PS3, though. The LEGO games are on both, PS3 has LittleBigPlanet, etc. At this point in the game, I think the PS3 is the better value.

[bjordan42]

I thought you said earlier in the thread you needed Wifi, right?

I'm not sure if I need wi-fi with the xbox. I didn't have any ethernet cables with the wii, and so I tried using the wi-fi and it worked. I may just need the ethernet cable for an internet connection, but I'll have to wait and see. Sorry if I gave you a different impression.


Yes, that is a new 360. It most likely will RRoD on you later on down the road, but you'll have a warranty to get it fixed for free. A minor annoyance, but nothing that can't be fixed for free.

That's neat that it comes with a warranty (I always thought that only happens when you buy it in the store, and only if you ask for a warranty). I don't know, I'd really hate it if I bought an Xbox and in a couple weeks/months it died and I had to exchange it for a new one. Does the new elite RROD, or at least as bad as the one I picked out on Amazon? Because if it would be more fiscally responsible to spend an extra $50 for an new Elite bought in a store, I'll keep that in mind.


The 360 sometimes has better graphics on some games(vice-versa as well, but not as often lol), but they are virtually the same on both systems for TBRB. FWIW, I think the PS3 has some of the best looking games of this console generation exclusive wise, but all the exclusive games, be it 360 or PS3 still look great. Besides, you're not planning on playing any other games, so it shouldn't really matter to you lol.

As for Xbox Live, I think for your needs, PSN will do it's job. Unless you really care about cross game voice chat or netflix streaming, last.fm, etc..., you'll be fine with PSN. I'll admit that Xbox Live is a lot more intuitive with it's integrated invite system, but invites still work great with games on PS3 with no problems at all.

Yeah, I really don't plan on playing any other games on it. I never can find any game that suits my tastes (although that new Batman game does look a little interesting). And yeah, I'm not so much into online play (my friend is, though, and whenever he plays the game he has to play somebody online haha). It would be nice to talk to the other person, because when I'm on the wii you have no idea what the other person's up to and then they immediately, out of nowhere disconnect; but I could live without voice chat.


Hope that helps with your decision. Also, I may add that if you don't need wifi, it's basically a tossup between the two imo.

You've been more than helpful. It's just a really hard decision, because even if I'm able to sell my old wii version of the game, I'm still paying $300 extra on a new system... and if I'm not, then that's $700-$800. I'll make my decision, though, when the time comes. I'll be calling GameStop today to see if they have a PS3 version. But, I may very well just buy it off of Amazon like a lot of people have been saying.


Honestly, the actual performance of the game on the two systems is near indistinguishable. The game looks and plays beautifully on either console.

Here are some legitimate, quantifiable differences relating directly to the experience of playing The Beatles: Rock Band. I won't bother bringing non-essential feature sets like Blu-ray or any other available games into the comparison.

Xbox 360
pros
- earliest support (DLC two days earlier, earlier patches)
- slick online functionality (if you plan on playing often with friends)
- more populated online community (if you plan on playing often with strangers)
cons
- requires a monthly subscription to take full advantage of online service
- if you need wi-fi, an official adapter will run you another 70 to 90 dollars.
- the console has a notoriously high failure rate (http://gizmodo.com/5344302/microsoft-responds-to-542-xbox-360-failure-rate-claim-doesnt-dispute-it)

price: for a 120 GB Xbox 360 Elite and a wi-fi adapter, about $375; (about $425 with a one-year Xbox Live subscription)


PlayStation 3
pros
- free online service
- built-in wifi
cons
- less timely support (DLC arrives two days later, patches may take weeks later)
- less populated online community means fewer available online games with strangers

price: for a 120 GB PlayStation 3 Slim, about $300


Both consoles require an HDMI cable which, luckily, can be found incredibly cheap (http://www.amazon.com/Super-Resolution-Cable-DVI-Gear/dp/B0002L5R78/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204150160&sr=8-1) online.


If you already have friends on 360, plan on playing online often, and don't mind paying $50 a year, then go 360. If you're strapped for cash and don't mind having access to a smaller online community, then get a PS3.

Either way, you'll be getting the same basic experience and it'll be an upgrade to the functionality of the Wii version.

Thanks, it's great to see a side-by-side comparison between the two. And yeah, I have a friend who plays The Beatles: Rock Band on the Xbox, so that was in the back of my mind when I was choosing systems. I still haven't decided yet, though.


Since you're dead set on getting a 360, find a newish, used system off of Craigslist; that's what I did and it worked out great. I don't necessarily buy your argument that the 360 has better games for the kids than the PS3, though. The LEGO games are on both, PS3 has LittleBigPlanet, etc. At this point in the game, I think the PS3 is the better value.

I'm not dead set on getting a 360, I'm still going back and forth between the two, and still can't decide what I'm going with (and I'm not making the decision final until the check comes in Nov. 1st). It's hard deciding, since I'm getting essecially the same experience for TB:RB, give or take a few minor differences. And I don't remember when I argued that the 360 has better games for kids, so I'm kind of confused.

[beatlesfan1987]

Go for a PS3 slim it costs 299 I have nothing against the 360 I just know that it has some problems I've had 2 freinds that had to replace them (red ring) and personally for me I chose PS3 because I knew I wanted to play online but I also knew I would never play online enough to make it worth paying for.

[bjordan42]

Go for a PS3 slim it costs 299 I have nothing against the 360 I just know that it has some problems I've had 2 friends that had to replace them (red ring) and personally for me I chose PS3 because I knew I wanted to play online but I also knew I would never play online enough to make it worth paying for.

Yeah that's what I'm thinking. I'm going back and forth between the two, and while they say Xbox is better for TB:RB (although, not by much), the Xbox is very costly and defective. It's kind of a balancing act. Is RROD really that common? How many Xbox users on here have experienced RROD? I would think that they would have fixed that in the newer models, but...

So, I haven't asked this yet, since I began thinking I was getting an Xbox, but how is the PS3 as a system? I know TB:RB is essentially the same between the two, but how is the system as a whole? I have an old PS2, so I guess by getting a PS3 it would be an upgrade, instead of getting a completely new system. I ask because a lot more people are recommending the PS3 lately.

[RockBandoleer]

Yeah that's what I'm thinking. I'm going back and forth between the two, and while they say Xbox is better for TB:RB (although, not by much), the Xbox is very costly and defective. It's kind of a balancing act. Is RROD really that common? How many Xbox users on here have experienced RROD? I would think that they would have fixed that in the newer models, but...

RROD isn't nearly as common and the newer models don't experience it nearly as much.

You seem still to be a bit balanced. I would recommend you do this: go to a Gamestop or other major game retailer, and walk through the gaming section. Look at all the titles that really appeal to you. Then cross reference, because some are going to be exclusives. If there's something you can't do without...

We were NOT going to buy an XBOX back in 2002. We already had a NGC and a PS2. But then... Knights of the Old Republic came out... and we bought one. Pretty expensive purchase to buy one game, came to about $250. But I played that game through 3-4 times after purchase, and more during the year until the sequel, which also got 5-6 runthroughs, and then also many XBOX exclusive titles got a lot of game play.

I've always found it's best to buy with games in mind, rather than the console. Most of the consoles do what one another do (esp. 360 vs PS3) just with different costs (free versus paid online, HDD sizes, etc.)

But you're making a well-considered purchase, so good luck to you!

[Beatles Beatnik]

This might have been brought up before, but on the subject of buying a system, the xbox is a pretty good way to go. Now if you buy it, it is a great system, and you don't have to pay for internet...as long as you have an ethernet cable and a laptop, as well as a good wireless connection. There is a guide on Instructibles.com that will tell you how to do it. So with the great games in general, the exclusive material, and the general availabliliy of all the games...360 is a very good system to buy.

PS.
I am sorry if you already made a decision, but I was reading most of the posts, and it was annoyign me that people always attack the 360 by saying you have to pay the 100 for the adapter. $50 a year for a well supported online is not bad actually, if you love playing online. If you don't, you always have the silver membership that puts you online, you just cannot verse people

[pelemerengue]

So, I haven't asked this yet, since I began thinking I was getting an Xbox, but how is the PS3 as a system? I know TB:RB is essentially the same between the two, but how is the system as a whole? I have an old PS2, so I guess by getting a PS3 it would be an upgrade, instead of getting a completely new system. I ask because a lot more people are recommending the PS3 lately.
What do you want to know?

Personally, I'm pretty happy with my PS3. It's what I own Rock Band 2 for and I play that a ton.

It is a slightly less social experience than the 360. There's in-game voice chat for titles that choose to implement it, but no cross-game voice chat. Not yet, anyway; apparently there's a rumor that it's supposed to be implemented soon.

As for the games library, it's not drastically different from the 360's library. Most of the retail games I've enjoyed the most on PS3 are cross-platform (Batman: Arkham Asylum, BioShock, Burnout Paradise). But some of my favorite PS3 games are actually exclusive downloadable titles; games like Wipeout HD and the PixelJunk series -- fun and cheap.

Though I love movies, I don't consider Blu-ray a strong selling point. I own only one Blu-ray title and I've watched it twice. It's not comparable to the huge jump in quality everyone saw when media moved from VHS to DVD, so it's nothing to brag about.

I know you mentioned PS2, but you should be aware that the new PS3 Slim models are not backwards compatible with PS2 games. They'll play PS3 discs and PS1 discs, but not PS2 discs. Older versions of the PS3 are backwards compatible with PS2 games, but these are no longer in production. So unless you look to buy a used, older model, don't expect to be able to play your PS2 games on your PS3.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[bjordan42]

RROD isn't nearly as common and the newer models don't experience it nearly as much.

You seem still to be a bit balanced. I would recommend you do this: go to a Gamestop or other major game retailer, and walk through the gaming section. Look at all the titles that really appeal to you. Then cross reference, because some are going to be exclusives. If there's something you can't do without...

We were NOT going to buy an XBOX back in 2002. We already had a NGC and a PS2. But then... Knights of the Old Republic came out... and we bought one. Pretty expensive purchase to buy one game, came to about $250. But I played that game through 3-4 times after purchase, and more during the year until the sequel, which also got 5-6 runthroughs, and then also many XBOX exclusive titles got a lot of game play.

I've always found it's best to buy with games in mind, rather than the console. Most of the consoles do what one another do (esp. 360 vs PS3) just with different costs (free versus paid online, HDD sizes, etc.)

But you're making a well-considered purchase, so good luck to you!

Yeah, I've mostly been looking at this with the consoles in mind, only because it's like you and Knights of the Old Republic, I'm planning on getting a system for the game, and not the other way around. Which I guess is a little stupid, given that it's such an expensive purchase (the total has to be around a $1000 if you include the game and accessories I already bought) for just one game. I'll scroll on the internet to see if I find any PS3 or Xbox games that might interest me, and cross-reference them, and do the same if I go to GameStop Nov. 1st. And thanks for the luck, I'm gonna need it (especially if I get the Xbox :D)


This might have been brought up before, but on the subject of buying a system, the xbox is a pretty good way to go. Now if you buy it, it is a great system, and you don't have to pay for internet...as long as you have an ethernet cable and a laptop, as well as a good wireless connection. There is a guide on Instructibles.com that will tell you how to do it. So with the great games in general, the exclusive material, and the general availabliliy of all the games...360 is a very good system to buy.

PS.
I am sorry if you already made a decision, but I was reading most of the posts, and it was annoyign me that people always attack the 360 by saying you have to pay the 100 for the adapter. $50 a year for a well supported online is not bad actually, if you love playing online. If you don't, you always have the silver membership that puts you online, you just cannot verse people

I haven't made the decision quite yet, but I have been tilting slightly in the Xbox's favor (but people are making a really strong case for the PS3 as well... it's very confusing haha). All of the input is welcomed since this is a big decision for me, and I'm actually surprised at how many responses I have received. :) And I've seen videos and websites about how to connect an Xbox, but it was all very confusing. I have a laptop and a great wireless connection, so maybe I don't need the wi-fi adapter after all. And I plan to mostly use the Xbox for DLC purchases, rather than playing multiplayer, so if I get the Xbox I'll make use of the Gold trial and then see what goes on from there.


What do you want to know?

Personally, I'm pretty happy with my PS3. It's what I own Rock Band 2 for and I play that a ton.

It is a slightly less social experience than the 360. There's in-game voice chat for titles that choose to implement it, but no cross-game voice chat. Not yet, anyway; apparently there's a rumor that it's supposed to be implemented soon.

As for the games library, it's not drastically different from the 360's library. Most of the retail games I've enjoyed the most on PS3 are cross-platform (Batman: Arkham Asylum, BioShock, Burnout Paradise). But some of my favorite PS3 games are actually exclusive downloadable titles; games like Wipeout HD and the PixelJunk series -- fun and cheap.

Though I love movies, I don't consider Blu-ray a strong selling point. I own only one Blu-ray title and I've watched it twice. It's not comparable to the huge jump in quality everyone saw when media moved from VHS to DVD, so it's nothing to brag about.

I know you mentioned PS2, but you should be aware that the new PS3 Slim models are not backwards compatible with PS2 games. They'll play PS3 discs and PS1 discs, but not PS2 discs. Older versions of the PS3 are backwards compatible with PS2 games, but these are no longer in production. So unless you look to buy a used, older model, don't expect to be able to play your PS2 games on your PS3.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed; a clear and concise overview of the system. :) It's just that everybody was talking about the Xbox and it's features, that I never gave the PS3 owners a chance to make their case. That's weird, I would think the older one's wouldn't be backward compatible but the newer one's would be, at least at a progressive standpoint. Then again, I never play my PS2 games anyways (I couldn't even tell you where in my room they are haha). Is there anything that the PS3 offers besides free online services that the Xbox 360 doesn't? I'm guessing they have pretty much the same features, just different games and only minor differences.

[JamesD1957]

I'm also thinking of getting an XBox or PS3 sytem. Are the instruments that came with the WII LE bundle compatible with the other platforms?

[whypick1]

Just the mic.

[bjordan42]

Just the mic.

Wait, the mics are cross-platform compatible? That's sweet, because once I get the LE bundle (again haha) I'll have two mics for harmonies. :D I guess the person who I'm giving my wii version to is gonna have to suffer without a mic. haha

[pelemerengue]

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed; a clear and concise overview of the system. :) It's just that everybody was talking about the Xbox and it's features, that I never gave the PS3 owners a chance to make their case. That's weird, I would think the older one's wouldn't be backward compatible but the newer one's would be, at least at a progressive standpoint. Then again, I never play my PS2 games anyways (I couldn't even tell you where in my room they are haha). Is there anything that the PS3 offers besides free online services that the Xbox 360 doesn't? I'm guessing they have pretty much the same features, just different games and only minor differences.
Yeah, aside from price, online services, and a few exclusive games, they might as well be the same system.

I was in the same position as you last year and was strongly considering buying a 360 because of the games library, BioShock in particular. But when it comes down to it, the PS3 offers most of the same functionality and a similar games library for a cheaper price -- built-in wi-fi was an important factor to me. And I play online often enough; I'm just not willing to pay a yearly subscription fee for it.

Also, with "exclusives" being mostly timed nowadays, once-exclusive games like BioShock can now be found on PS3 (and vice versa).

It might be worth nothing that I didn't have many friends on either console before I bought a PS3, so I'm not sure how big a factor it is to you to play with your friend online. Actually, a few months after I bought my PS3, a few of my friends ended up getting one as well, so I was lucky in that sense. It's also easy enough just to meet people in-game and add them if they're cool to play with. As it is now, maybe half of the people on my friends list are just random people I've met online playing Rock Band 2.

But again, for either console you end up getting, The Beatles: Rock Band will play great on it. It's not like the Wii version of the Rock Band games where the online components are clearly a little gimped.

For a cheapskate like myself, however, PS3 ended up being the right choice.

[RockBandoleer]

The absolute best thing about this thread, apart from the OP getting good advice, is the lack of fanboy-console-bashing going on. Well done, TBRB Fans!

[BorderBrother]

Why not go with the new ps3? Free wifi and online, and never any rrod. Just saying. Also, bluray is free. Easier to install new hard drive too.
Even thought I have The Beatles: Rock Band on the XBOX360, I would recommend you getting the PS3 (I also have a PS3). the PS3 features the Blue-Ray player (AMAZING!!!), a FREE membership to play online games, the quality of the graphics/sound are more amazing/better than the XBOX360 (it really is, haters). dont get me wrong.... the XBOX360 is a good machine to play some games but why not get more machine and features for the same price? there a lot of XBOX360 users here, so I know the hate mail will start pouring soon. but I OWN BOTH and I can tell you that you will get more enjoyment and features out of the PS3.
.
Not to mention, haven't you heard of the XBOX360's RED RING OF DEATH? many XBOX's simply die a painful and expensive death compared to any other gaming system, then you are forced to be without a XBOX console for a few weeks while it is being "fixed" and who pays for that? basically..... YOU.

[bjordan42]

Yeah, aside from price, online services, and a few exclusive games, they might as well be the same system.

I was in the same position as you last year and was strongly considering buying a 360 because of the games library, BioShock in particular. But when it comes down to it, the PS3 offers most of the same functionality and a similar games library for a cheaper price -- built-in wi-fi was an important factor to me. And I play online often enough; I'm just not willing to pay a yearly subscription fee for it.

Also, with "exclusives" being mostly timed nowadays, once-exclusive games like BioShock can now be found on PS3 (and vice versa).

It might be worth nothing that I didn't have many friends on either console before I bought a PS3, so I'm not sure how big a factor it is to you to play with your friend online. Actually, a few months after I bought my PS3, a few of my friends ended up getting one as well, so I was lucky in that sense. It's also easy enough just to meet people in-game and add them if they're cool to play with. As it is now, maybe half of the people on my friends list are just random people I've met online playing Rock Band 2.

But again, for either console you end up getting, The Beatles: Rock Band will play great on it. It's not like the Wii version of the Rock Band games where the online components are clearly a little gimped.

For a cheapskate like myself, however, PS3 ended up being the right choice.

Yeah, playing with friends would be sweet, but only one of my friends owns TB:RB on the Xbox, and even him I don't know as well as my closer friends. If only my friends were more interested in the Beatles instead of Metallica (although my friends have actually liked playing the Beatles, surprisingly). The friend that owns it, though, he's a real Beatles buff (not as big as me though :D). He'll randomly quote "I Saw Her Standing There" in a conversation. haha But what I would love to do is hook up with people on the forums, like you guys. The only problem is that, on the wii, you can never talk to the person and they'll randomly disconnect (can you even chat with people on the PS3 version of the game, or is that only on the Xbox version?). I haven't even figured out how to add people as friends, even though I know it should be possible on the Wii. Which is why I think getting the Xbox or PS3 version would be better for online play. It would be sweet to play "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" or "A Hard Day's Night" with any of you.:D


The absolute best thing about this thread, apart from the OP getting good advice, is the lack of fanboy-console-bashing going on. Well done, TBRB Fans!

haha Yeah I'm getting great advice and no fan-boyism ruining the fun! I'd make a sappy plea about how this thread made Xbox and PS3 users come together in peace, but you all know the drill. :D

ETA: I didn't realize the unintentional "come together" in that last sentence. haha How I love Lennonian Slips.

[jwebb1970]

The absolute best thing about this thread, apart from the OP getting good advice, is the lack of fanboy-console-bashing going on. Well done, TBRB Fans!


Agreed - even our lowly Wiis have been spared the normal Internet bile tossed their way.

And "Lennonian slips"? Brilliant, bjordan42!!

I'm not planning on jumping ship - all my music game stuff is on Wii. 225+ total DLC tunes btwn 3 franchises (RB2, GHWT/5, TB:RB) and counting, plus the fact that the actual GOOD Wii games kick ass, keep me a Wii-only console guy (although "next gen" games generally ocur on my PC or Mac).

But had I not bought a BD player last year, I would have so grabbed a PS3 Slim the day they went on sale.

[Jamstruth]

Agreed - even our lowly Wiis have been spared the normal Internet bile tossed their way.

Bah, Wii? That's not a console anymore, its a small plaything for budget developers to make $$$$$$ by pumping out crappy game after crappy mini game collection.

Sorry, upon seeing that I really couldn't resist, I apologise sincerely.

[adoraz]

Not to mention, haven't you heard of the XBOX360's RED RING OF DEATH? many XBOX's simply die a painful and expensive death compared to any other gaming system, then you are forced to be without a XBOX console for a few weeks while it is being "fixed" and who pays for that? basically..... YOU.

Not true.

1. Newer models rarely get the RROD
2. Microsoft has a new three year policy. If your Xbox breaks within the first 3 years after you buy it, you don't pay a penny.

[jwebb1970]

Not true.

1. Newer models rarely get the RROD
2. Microsoft has a new three year policy. If your Xbox breaks within the first 3 years after you buy it, you don't pay a penny.


Very true - RROD sounds like a major pisser, but MS has pretty much bent over backwards (and set it's massive wallet on fire) to cover those who get the "ring" 1 or more times. Plus, if you keep it well ventilated & upright, are you not relatively safe from this form of failure?

[bjordan42]

Agreed - even our lowly Wiis have been spared the normal Internet bile tossed their way.

And "Lennonian slips"? Brilliant, bjordan42!!

I'm not planning on jumping ship - all my music game stuff is on Wii. 225+ total DLC tunes btwn 3 franchises (RB2, GHWT/5, TB:RB) and counting, plus the fact that the actual GOOD Wii games kick ass, keep me a Wii-only console guy (although "next gen" games generally ocur on my PC or Mac).

But had I not bought a BD player last year, I would have so grabbed a PS3 Slim the day they went on sale.

Yeah, and I'm not really jumping ship, per se, because I'm still keeping my wii and the awesome games I have for it. I've even pre-ordered The New Super Mario Bros. Wii... it's gonna be sweet. And yeah, if I don't find anybody to give/sell my old wii version of the game to, I can still play it to play wii users like you online. By the way, I must add, anybody who's a fan of House is a friend of mine. :D


Very true - RROD sounds like a major pisser, but MS has pretty much bent over backwards (and set it's massive wallet on fire) to cover those who get the "ring" 1 or more times. Plus, if you keep it well ventilated & upright, are you not relatively safe from this form of failure?

Yeah that's good of them. Although, I've heard of people getting an Xbox, getting the RROD, getting there's back months after they sent it in, and two years later having it RROD on them again, but since the 3-year policy only applies from when it was manufactured, they couldn't get there's repaired. So Microsoft's not completely bending over backwards, if anything, it's some of the customers. :D

[pelemerengue]

But what I would love to do is hook up with people on the forums, like you guys. The only problem is that, on the wii, you can never talk to the person and they'll randomly disconnect (can you even chat with people on the PS3 version of the game, or is that only on the Xbox version?). I haven't even figured out how to add people as friends, even though I know it should be possible on the Wii. Which is why I think getting the Xbox or PS3 version would be better for online play. It would be sweet to play "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" or "A Hard Day's Night" with any of you.:D
You can definitely voice chat with other people while you play the game on PS3. The console doesn't come with a headset, but using the USB mic that comes with the game works fine.

What the PS3 doesn't currently have is "cross-game" voice chat, which means you won't be able to stay in touch with other players via voice chat if they, say, quit out of TB:RB and start playing something else. You can still send them text messages, of course.

I have a Wii myself and the process you have to go through to add friends is beyond irritating. It's simply a better single-player/local multiplayer gaming machine than an online one. I guess Nintendo's always been like that. :\

[jwebb1970]

I have a Wii myself and the process you have to go through to add friends is beyond irritating. It's simply a better single-player/local multiplayer gaming machine than an online one. I guess Nintendo's always been like that. :\

I hope the next RB Wii title does what GH5 did & ditch in-game Friend Codes. YOu still must swap Wii console codes w/ others, but anyone you are "console friends" with automatically are connected to you in GH5 (given that they also own the same game).

Or a better move - but probably too pricey - would be to see EA utilize their online modes used in sports titles (Madden, Tiger Woods, etc) and ditch ALL CODES for online Wii play.

EA Sports titles for Wii do not even use Nintendo's servers - they run on EA's own system. No Friend or Console codes at all - your onscreen account name is your "code". Search any other users online or off by screen name, instant adding of online opponents you encounter, use say..your Madden account in T Woods or vice versa..... in other words, everything Wii online COULD be.

C'mon EA...pony up some bandwitdth for RB online, won't ya!!!

[BorderBrother]

Not true.

1. Newer models rarely get the RROD
2. Microsoft has a new three year policy. If your Xbox breaks within the first 3 years after you buy it, you don't pay a penny.
.
So.... Microsoft is "bending over backwards" to help XBOX users. SONY doesnt have to "bend over" for anyone.

[T-Hybrid]

Are people still talking about RRoDs? Those haven't been a problem for a while now. Unless you're still living in like 2006.

[Kosh]

Are people still talking about RRoDs? Those haven't been a problem for a while now. Unless you're still living in like 2006.

My friend just got a RROD yesterday. And another friend a few weeks ago. My PS3 is still going strong, even after a simple and cheap hard drive upgrade to 320 GB.

[bjordan42]

Are people still talking about RRoDs? Those haven't been a problem for a while now. Unless you're still living in like 2006.

Well, from what I've read, people still have RROD problems because they still own their pre-2008 "Jasper" model, or bought a used or refurbrished pro that still had the RROD problems. And while the chances have gone drastically in the last two years, there's still a 4% of failure rate (Xbox 360 is still ranked by SquareTade as having the highest failure rate in video gaming history.) While I'm not considering it a huge problem in making my decision, the chances of technical failure are still there.


My friend just got a RROD yesterday. And another friend a few weeks ago. My PS3 is still going strong, even after a simple and cheap hard drive upgrade to 320 GB.

Do your friends own the old or new pros, or elites? Just wondering, because it'd be kind of interesting to know what type of Xbox still RRODs.

[Jamstruth]

I NOW DECLARE THIS FAN BOY FLAME WAR OPEN!!!
Sony boys line up to the right of me.
Microsoft boys line up to the left.
Nintendo people you just...go and y'know wave your wii remotes around...

and now.... FIGHT!!!

[adoraz]

.
So.... Microsoft is "bending over backwards" to help XBOX users. SONY doesnt have to "bend over" for anyone.

Well I was just correcting your mistakes. I personally couldn't care less which console he decides to buy, I have no loyalty towards either company. I grew out of that a while ago.

As others have said, the people still getting RROD are almost always those who have older models. The new models really aren't an issue.

From personal experience, I bought my Xbox in 2007 and YES it did get RROD and I was pretty upset. I also know a lot of people in the last year or so who bought new models and all of them have been perfectly fine.

[bjordan42]

I NOW DECLARE THIS FAN BOY FLAME WAR OPEN!!!
Sony boys line up to the right of me.
Microsoft boys line up to the left.
Nintendo people you just...go and y'know wave your wii remotes around...

and now.... FIGHT!!!

Now, now, we don't need to start a flame war. Now I'm gonna wave my wii remote around and end this war before it even starts! haha :p


Well I was just correcting your mistakes. I personally couldn't care less which console he decides to buy, I have no loyalty towards either company. I grew out of that a while ago.

As others have said, the people still getting RROD are almost always those who have older models. The new models really aren't an issue.

From personal experience, I bought my Xbox in 2007 and YES it did get RROD and I was pretty upset. I also know a lot of people in the last year or so who bought new models and all of them have been perfectly fine.

Yeah, I don't know why it really matters to some people what console I get. It's not like I'm buying it for them. haha Wow, I think you're the fifth person on these boards alone who said their Xbox RROD'd, and I'm not including the handful of those who said their friend's did as well. I guess that's proof that it's still a pretty common issue.

[badhack0x13]

OP, how important is online play to you? Do you game much outside of TB:RB? Do you plan on it?

If not, then the PS3 may be a better bet (essentially you'll get a blu-ray player with a free game console thrown in, or vice versa depending on how you look at it).

But if you like the idea of finding people online who'll game with you, and maybe not just on TB:RB, then the xbox 360 would be the way to go. It's built for social gaming, such that PS3 friends of mine who get the chance to play/chat/experience the online features when they visit remark wistfully on how they wish their console did the same thing.

It's really the major difference between the two systems, apart from the cost of wi-fi capabilities and exclusive titles. For *me*, it's a huge factor. But for *you*? Well, that's where you have to make the call.

(Full disclosure: I am the owner of an xbox 360, I've experienced one RROD, and I'm a rabid social gamer. I do, however, plan on picking up a PS3 solely for the blu-ray capabilities at some point due to the recent price cuts. I also have no intentions of gaming much on it, apart from the rare exculsive title, and even then I'll probably be hanging out on xbox live chatting to people while playing the PS3 solo! ;))

[bjordan42]

OP, how important is online play to you? Do you game much outside of TB:RB? Do you plan on it?

If not, then the PS3 may be a better bet (essentially you'll get a blu-ray player with a free game console thrown in, or vice versa depending on how you look at it).

But if you like the idea of finding people online who'll game with you, and maybe not just on TB:RB, then the xbox 360 would be the way to go. It's built for social gaming, such that PS3 friends of mine who get the chance to play/chat/experience the online features when they visit remark wistfully on how they wish their console did the same thing.

It's really the major difference between the two systems, apart from the cost of wi-fi capabilities and exclusive titles. For *me*, it's a huge factor. But for *you*? Well, that's where you have to make the call.

(Full disclosure: I am the owner of an xbox 360, I've experienced one RROD, and I'm a rabid social gamer. I do, however, plan on picking up a PS3 solely for the blu-ray capabilities at some point due to the recent price cuts. I also have no intentions of gaming much on it, apart from the rare exculsive title, and even then I'll probably be hanging out on xbox live chatting to people while playing the PS3 solo! ;))

Yeah, online play would be fun, but not a complete deal breaker if I don't have it. I like the idea of being able to talk to the other person your playing with, since it's impossible on the wii and you never know why they disconnect out of no where. I don't really plan on playing anything besides TB:RB, but you never know. I could find a game that I like eventually (It would be kind of stupid spending $300 on a system for only one game). But most of the games I am sort of interested in are on both platforms, and none of the exclusive games interest me that much.

And you had your Xbox 360 RROD as well? That has to be the sixth one on these forums. It's sort of making me a little anxious to pick the Xbox (since the 1 or 2 year warranties cost so much). Are the new Elites prone to RROD as much? Or is it just the pre-2008 Jasper Pro and Elites? I'd really hate to get an Elite and then, after the 90 day free warranty, have it fail on me.

[nbalive2005]

Yeah, online play would be fun, but not a complete deal breaker if I don't have it. I like the idea of being able to talk to the other person your playing with, since it's impossible on the wii and you never know why they disconnect out of no where. I don't really plan on playing anything besides TB:RB, but you never know. I could find a game that I like eventually (It would be kind of stupid spending $300 on a system for only one game). But most of the games I am sort of interested in are on both platforms, and none of the exclusive games interest me that much.

And you had your Xbox 360 RROD as well? That has to be the sixth one on these forums. It's sort of making me a little anxious to pick the Xbox (since the 1 or 2 year warranties cost so much). Are the new Elites prone to RROD as much? Or is it just the pre-2008 Jasper Pro and Elites? I'd really hate to get an Elite and then, after the 90 day free warranty, have it fail on me.

I'd say get the PS3.

I've had 2 PS3's. The 60 gb with backwards compatiblity and the new slim at launch. Never had any problems with any of them. I bought a new one because i moved continents and didnt have any space in my luggage for the old PS3.

I have 3 friends who had a 360. One of them complains to me that he he gets RROD'd every 6 months or so but he's fine with it because his uncle supplies with free games. My other friend had a 360 but he sold it because it wouldnt even start after 6 months of use(he also had a wii but he sold it because he didnt like the games). The last friend just recently bought a ps3 slim, he cant even play any of games in his 360 anymore since it stopped reading the discs, the reason probably though is because he has 4 brothers aged 6-10 who run around crazy and might have pee'd on it (just kidding).

PS3 Pros
No additional costs(no need to buy ethernet or wifi cables or whatever)what you buy in the store is all you need.
Blu Ray player, you might say that you wont need blu ray but at least you do have a next gen player that doubles as a console(Personally though, i dont use it as i got a free blu ray player when i got my tv off amazon and i dont want to weather my PS3)
Free PSN(again no additional costs)
Future-Everyone knows that the PS3 is a more powerful system, if your looking long term then the PS3 is the way to go.


Cons:
Online is worse compared to 360
-No cross game chat(I dont even talk to my friends who have ps3's with the headphones)
-Online pool is less(only play online once since the beatles rock band came out)

Online is the only place where the 360 wins, but i dont even care about online gaming, i only play beatles rock band and ff tactics. I was grown on PC games without online. I was used to playing games on LAN with my bro, got my online fix with free online games like Ragnarok and Freestyle.

PS: You say your interested in Batman:AA, for the PS3 they have an exclusive that lets you play as Joker in challenge maps, pretty fun when i played.

PPS: FF is an exclusive to PS3 (i think) 2nd best franchise for me next to Rock Band. You can download FF Tactics and FF 7 from the store.

[Rod_Stixx]

I've owned a pair of 360s for a combined time of just under four years. I have had one RRoD between the two in that time (the older console). It was repaired and returned to me in just 7 days, so it was a pretty fast turnaround.

I weighed the risk when making a decision on which console to buy and decided the 360 was worth any risk. I like the exclusive games better and far prefer the online play to what I've experienced on the PS3. There are plenty of PS3 owners out there who are quite happy with their machines and online play though.

Both consoles offer a lots of fun and entertainment.

[bjordan42]

I'd say get the PS3.

I've had 2 PS3's. The 60 gb with backwards compatiblity and the new slim at launch. Never had any problems with any of them. I bought a new one because i moved continents and didnt have any space in my luggage for the old PS3.

I have 3 friends who had a 360. One of them complains to me that he he gets RROD'd every 6 months or so but he's fine with it because his uncle supplies with free games. My other friend had a 360 but he sold it because it wouldnt even start after 6 months of use(he also had a wii but he sold it because he didnt like the games). The last friend just recently bought a ps3 slim, he cant even play any of games in his 360 anymore since it stopped reading the discs, the reason probably though is because he has 4 brothers aged 6-10 who run around crazy and might have pee'd on it (just kidding).

PS3 Pros
No additional costs(no need to buy ethernet or wifi cables or whatever)what you buy in the store is all you need.
Blu Ray player, you might say that you wont need blu ray but at least you do have a next gen player that doubles as a console(Personally though, i dont use it as i got a free blu ray player when i got my tv off amazon and i dont want to weather my PS3)
Free PSN(again no additional costs)
Future-Everyone knows that the PS3 is a more powerful system, if your looking long term then the PS3 is the way to go.


Cons:
Online is worse compared to 360
-No cross game chat(I dont even talk to my friends who have ps3's with the headphones)
-Online pool is less(only play online once since the beatles rock band came out)

Online is the only place where the 360 wins, but i dont even care about online gaming, i only play beatles rock band and ff tactics. I was grown on PC games without online. I was used to playing games on LAN with my bro, got my online fix with free online games like Ragnarok and Freestyle.

PS: You say your interested in Batman:AA, for the PS3 they have an exclusive that lets you play as Joker in challenge maps, pretty fun when i played.

PPS: FF is an exclusive to PS3 (i think) 2nd best franchise for me next to Rock Band. You can download FF Tactics and FF 7 from the store.

haha Wow, playing the Joker would be sweet. :D

Yeah, RROD seems to be the major complaint against the Xbox, and that's sort of making scared to get the Xbox version of the game. Because, while I get neat features such as better online play, cross game chat, and earlier DLC (and AYNIL), if I get RROD, that means none of that and no game as well. I don't know, I'm going to have to think about this long and hard in the next week. Should I be this concerned over RROD? Would I have to worry about it if I get a brand new elite, and not a used, or old one? :confused: This is more confusing than I'd thought it'd be. haha


I've owned a pair of 360s for a combined time of just under four years. I have had one RRoD between the two in that time (the older console). It was repaired and returned to me in just 7 days, so it was a pretty fast turnaround.

I weighed the risk when making a decision on which console to buy and decided the 360 was worth any risk. I like the exclusive games better and far prefer the online play to what I've experienced on the PS3. There are plenty of PS3 owners out there who are quite happy with their machines and online play though.

Both consoles offer a lots of fun and entertainment.

Well, I guess that makes me feel a little better about the whole RROD situation. I guess it's mostly the older ones that do it, and even if it does, you can always get it repaired. And yeah, both consoles offer a lot of fun, and are pretty much the same when you look at it in the long run, so it's pretty much a toss up. Makes it a bit more difficult choosing between the two, but, either way, I guess it doesn't matter. :)

[PaperMario21]

I would suggest elite 360, ps3 is cool too but if you're getting it mainly for rock band, 360 all the way(early access to dlc, time exclusive songs, rock band network full access).
and the best support all around.

[azcoyotedog]

I would like to jump in and ask a question, please forgive me if it's a dumb one... I have the Wii system and the RockBand 2 game, guitar, drums and etc. I also have TB:RB. If I were to buy a PS3 and a PS3 Beatles RockBand game disk, would I be able to use the guitar and drums that came with the Wii RB2 package? Thanks :)

[pelemerengue]

I would like to jump in and ask a question, please forgive me if it's a dumb one... I have the Wii system and the RockBand 2 game, guitar, drums and etc. I also have TB:RB. If I were to buy a PS3 and a PS3 Beatles RockBand game disk, would I be able to use the guitar and drums that came with the Wii RB2 package? Thanks :)
Nope.

You'll be able to use the microphone, but not the instruments.

[nbalive2005]

haha Wow, playing the Joker would be sweet. :D

Yeah, RROD seems to be the major complaint against the Xbox, and that's sort of making scared to get the Xbox version of the game. Because, while I get neat features such as better online play, cross game chat, and earlier DLC (and AYNIL), if I get RROD, that means none of that and no game as well. I don't know, I'm going to have to think about this long and hard in the next week. Should I be this concerned over RROD? Would I have to worry about it if I get a brand new elite, and not a used, or old one? :confused: This is more confusing than I'd thought it'd be. haha



Well, I guess that makes me feel a little better about the whole RROD situation. I guess it's mostly the older ones that do it, and even if it does, you can always get it repaired. And yeah, both consoles offer a lot of fun, and are pretty much the same when you look at it in the long run, so it's pretty much a toss up. Makes it a bit more difficult choosing between the two, but, either way, I guess it doesn't matter. :)

It does matter because even if you do say that your gonna be buying this game just for TB:RB eventually your gonna start asking more for your $300+ system.

For TB:RB they run EXACTLY the same, as in the game is exactly the same aside from earlier DLC(AYNIL, 2 days earlier microsoft store updates).

PS3 Slim is also 30% lighter, smaller and more efficient(less power used=less power bills). Check out the other games as well, i said i only play TB:RB and FF Tactics, but that was a mistake on my part. I play other games, but none of them are exclusive to the PS3. You should check out the exclusives on both sides as well as the XBLA/PSN Store. FYI you dont need a gold membership to use the XBLA.

I also havnt commented on the blu-ray player, it works great. No need for an additional remote, as you can use your controller to navigate.

In the end you cant go wrong with either one, but i would suggest me being a ps3 user for 2 years with nothing going wrong with it

[bjordan42]

I would suggest elite 360, ps3 is cool too but if you're getting it mainly for rock band, 360 all the way(early access to dlc, time exclusive songs, rock band network full access).
and the best support all around.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking, since I'm using it for mostly TB:TB and the exclusives for both systems don't really interest me that much.


It does matter because even if you do say that your gonna be buying this game just for TB:RB eventually your gonna start asking more for your $300+ system.

For TB:RB they run EXACTLY the same, as in the game is exactly the same aside from earlier DLC(AYNIL, 2 days earlier microsoft store updates).

PS3 Slim is also 30% lighter, smaller and more efficient(less power used=less power bills). Check out the other games as well, i said i only play TB:RB and FF Tactics, but that was a mistake on my part. I play other games, but none of them are exclusive to the PS3. You should check out the exclusives on both sides as well as the XBLA/PSN Store. FYI you dont need a gold membership to use the XBLA.

I also havnt commented on the blu-ray player, it works great. No need for an additional remote, as you can use your controller to navigate.

In the end you cant go wrong with either one, but i would suggest me being a ps3 user for 2 years with nothing going wrong with it

Sorry, I guess I shouldn't have said, "it doesn't matter," but what I meant was that no matter what system I chose, I should be well off. And I've checked the games, on gamestop.com, and googling "PS3 exclusives" and "Xbox exclusives". I noticed that some games for both systems interested me a little bit (though, I stress "little") and the exclusives didn't interest me that much.

And I'm kind of confused by what you mean about checking out the XBLA (I'm guessing the first part is Xbox Live; don't know what the "A" stands for :confused:) and PSN stores? Do you mean research them? Because I have done some research on both, and found PSN to be better, only because it's completely free to used (while Xbox Live requires Gold for a few features).

I really have no use for a Blu-ray player (I have no blu-ray DVDs and don't really plan on getting any). And yeah, I agree that I really can't go wrong with either. Which is why it's good that I have a whole week to decide, before the first. It's also been great getting advice from both sides of the issue, which makes me feel like my decision will be much more well informed. :D

[nbalive2005]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking, since I'm using it for mostly TB:TB and the exclusives for both systems don't really interest me that much.



Sorry, I guess I shouldn't have said, "it doesn't matter," but what I meant was that no matter what system I chose, I should be well off. And I've checked the games, on gamestop.com, and googling "PS3 exclusives" and "Xbox exclusives". I noticed that some games for both systems interested me a little bit (though, I stress "little") and the exclusives didn't interest me that much.

And I'm kind of confused by what you mean about checking out the XBLA (I'm guessing the first part is Xbox Live; don't know what the "A" stands for :confused:) and PSN stores? Do you mean research them? Because I have done some research on both, and found PSN to be better, only because it's completely free to used (while Xbox Live requires Gold for a few features).

I really have no use for a Blu-ray player (I have no blu-ray DVDs and don't really plan on getting any). And yeah, I agree that I really can't go wrong with either. Which is why it's good that I have a whole week to decide, before the first. It's also been great getting advice from both sides of the issue, which makes me feel like my decision will be much more well informed. :D
Im sorry. I didnt explain well enough :(.

XBLA= Xbox Live Arcade(store)
PSN's equivalent is the PSN store.

There are numerous downloadable games from both stores most of which are exclusive. If you had a PS1 you must have played FF7 which is available for 10 dollars. There's lots of classic PS1 games available, and rumors that there will be PS2 games soon. Im not sure of XBLA's game offerings but i would bet that its bigger.

No one mentioned this but if you plan on getting a handheld gaming system, the PSP and PS3 work together great. Im not sure of the features but its something to think about if you want to get a mobile gaming system.

Here are links

[Branr]

Just as an alternative opinion to the RRoD, I got my 360 when RB1 came out, and 2 years later, the original console is still chugging along fine. Of course it's never been bumped, kicked, or knocked over, so that might have something to do with it, but there you go, 2 years and still going strong.

[elitemastersam]

I'm jumping ship...to an Xbox 360 Elite...two months from now.

My Xbox 360 Pro's disk drive is finally shot, fails to read anything. It was off the warranty, and I would have to pay $100 for repair, so I followed other people's suggestion to open the console up myself and clean the disk drive laser eye. I went to Lowes, bought a screwdriver that I'll probably never have to use again (Torx T10) and followed the instructions to open up my Xbox and clean the disk drive. After all that time and effort, my Xbox still can't read any disks.

I would have to pay $100 for repair (which I can't do now that my Xbox's been tampered with). Also, I would have to pay another $100 for a hard drive upgrade. I've decided that I'll just get an Elite, for $300, which includes another controller (which means I'll have two fully functioning Xbox 360 controllers; one of mine is broken), and two games. I'll use money I get from the holidays to pay for it all. With the massive hard drive, I'll never have to worry about not having enough space. I'll also get to burn some of my games to the hard drive to decrease loading time and sound.

I have two months ahead without The Beatles: Rock Band, Rock Band 2, and any other disc game.

[JoeLUFC4eva]

you should definately get a ps3 no contest

[Numanoid]

I ditched my Wii months ago for a 360. It was expensive to do so, but I am so happy I did. It looks better, sounds better, and is so much more user friendly.

If you also play RB2, then 360 is the obvious choice due to RBN. If it takes off as I hope it does, you may have access to literally hundreds of songs more than the PS3 or Wii user.

No blu-ray player is worth that.

[Rockymin]

Bjordan,
Just want to add to what I've already said. I bought my 60GB 360 Pro in August 2008, almost a year and a half later, and I haven't had any problems with it (knock wood?). I don't think the RROD is as prevalent as it used to be. These days it seems more an exaggeration than anything. Also a recent poll on this board showed that most people on here play on the 360. Bottom line is you can't really go wrong with either console, both are good systems.

[Kingfish]

Any Xbox360, new or old will RROD if you don't keep it cool. If you set it on its end in an enclosed stereo cabinet with no circulation OR lay it flat on nice thick carpet...it will melt on you!

Give it fresh cool air and it will last.

Now, the older ones and the replacement referbs they sent out in replacement for the RRODs melt out at an alarming pace but anything bought after they extended the warranty(was that mid year '07?) are much better. I am pretty sure too that they changed their policy too now in that any 360s that come in with a RROD problem get a brand new machine as a replacement. This has help reduce the dying greatly.

I've had mine since June of '07 and I play it sometime 36-48 hours straight passing out at the controller and waking in a puddle of spit...and cause I use a cooling tower for it, its never gotten above 100 degrees(yeah, I use a thermal detector on it too)!

[bjordan42]

Well, I did it. I couldn't wait any longer, and so I went to Gamestop. I asked what LE bundles they had, and they said they had one for the Xbox and 2 for the wii. So, with everything considered, I decided to get the Xbox version at Gamestop and the Xbox Elite. It was a pain to hook up, but after playing it I have to say...

I LOVE IT! It is sooo much better than the Wii version, on any grounds. The graphics are amazing, despite not being in HDMI (it didn't come with an HDMI cable). The crowds in Sgt. Pepper, the detail in Ringo's drums... it's amazing. Even the notes are much more detailed. It's weird how the arrows for vocals are different, makes it more unique.

Then there's the DLC. "All You Need Is Love" was absolutely fun to play. The dreamscapes with the purple flowers were especially nice (although I still think they should have used the real recording session, with all of the people and a Mick Jagger cameo... but it's still awesome). And then there's that pesky Abbey Road medley. I finally feel complete that I'm able to play the whole medley as I hear it on the album. I also love the changes they did in the dreamscapes, compared to the broken up pairs. And I love how, unlike the Wii version, when you play full album, it doesn't repeat any songs. I also love how, unlike the Wii version, you can scroll on a DLC song without having to wait for it to load. It's also nice that all the songs have longer previews, and instead of completely cutting off after a period of time, it actually repeats itself.

There's so much more I comment on how it is such an improvement from the Wii version, but I think I covered all the bases. I haven't tried online play because it's so late. If I have any issues about the Xbox is that it was a pain to connect online. I hooked the ethernet cord to my laptop and tried all of the stuff the official site (and unofficial sites ;)) said, and nothing worked. I tried bridging the connection, which worked, but the Xbox wouldn't connect. And then I tried sharing connections, which came up with an error message from Windows Vista. It kept coming up with errors, until I finally I shut off the Xbox in frustration, went on my laptop to cool off, and after a while decided to try and see if I could share connection again, and, voila, it finally worked. I didn't have that hard of a time connecting my Wii to the internet, but once I did I made my account and downloaded all of the DLC. :D So, it was only a minor inconvience. And for all of the Xbox users on these forums, my gamertag thing is the same as my forum username, so you can add me so that we can play online! :) Since I have one month free of Gold membership, it might as well not go to waste.

I want to thank all of those here who helped me here, Xbox and PS3 (and even some Wii) users. You have all been a wonderful help. If there's only one disappointment I have with getting the Xbox, it's that now I won't be able to play with the great PS3 users on here. However, my friend said he might get the game for the PS3, so maybe once he does, I'll stopped over to play :)

[itsmemjg]

nevermind lol.