PS3 or Xbox 360 version?

[Brentnsndr]

I'm going to be pre-ordering sometime later on today. I happen to have both a PS3 and a 360. So far both versions look fairly equal, with the exception of the wireless guitar in the PS3 bundle. Outside of the wireless guitar, is there any reason to choose one version over the other?

[LZ_Reborn]

I'm going to be pre-ordering sometime later on today. I happen to have both a PS3 and a 360. So far both versions look fairly equal, with the exception of the wireless guitar in the PS3 bundle. Outside of the wireless guitar, is there any reason to choose one version over the other?


If you are talking about the game itself? no, both version are exactly the same, as far as DLC? should be the same for both systems. but don't know much about that yet.

[Electric_Zen]

Choose whichever system most of your friends have. Rocking online with your buddies is going to be a big deal.

[NotorietyH]

I was going to get the 360 version, but then I remembered I have a PS3 and not a 360. Phew dodged a bullet there!

[logicalnoise]

I was going to get the 360 version, but then I remembered I have a PS3 and not a 360. Phew dodged a bullet there!

it's cool, most people do forget they own a PS3.

[toelessfoot]

Yeah it's all about where your friends are, if that doesn't make the choice clear then i guess you can go for the PS3 version and get wireless. All i have is 360, but so do most of my friends so it's all good in da hood.

[Insignificant_Other]

I'm asking myself the same question. I own both systems but had assumed all along that I would get the PS3 version. But now I'm a little unsure. I really prefer PS3 and want to support Sony over the Microsoft juggernaut - owning both systems I have to say that the PS3 is clearly the better value, dollar for dollar, IMO, but the 360 has a lower price tag on the face of it and it is usually perceived as the better value. On top of that I'm worried that all of the 360 exclusives are going to create a vicious cycle where people buy the 360 because everyone else has one and nobody has a PS3.

I'm still heavily leaning toward the PS3 version, partly because I really need wireless with my living room setup and partly because I want to do my part to help the PS3 get past this difficult launch. The big problem is that I don't know anyone who has a PS3 - I have one friend with a 360 (who happens to work in QA at Harmonix, as it turns out) and the rest have PS2 or the original XBox and aren't planning upgrades in the near future. I'm worried that I'll invest in the PS3 game and controllers and then find out that everyone else ends up playing on the 360. Also, if the 360 starts winning out in a big way over time, that could affect availability of downloadable content - if most customers have 360s I could see the focus gradually shifting to getting the downloads out for that crowd first with the PS3 getting later releases and possibly skipped releases. MTV's plans for downloadable songs are really ambitious and I don't want to miss out on it if it works.

[Pandacon]

I'm getting the PS3 version mainly because of the wireless guitar and most of my friends have a PS3 or will have a PS3 over 360.

[ductyl]

if the 360 starts winning out in a big way over time, that could affect availability of downloadable content - if most customers have 360s I could see the focus gradually shifting to getting the downloads out for that crowd first with the PS3 getting later releases and possibly skipped releases. MTV's plans for downloadable songs are really ambitious and I don't want to miss out on it if it works.

I wouldn't worry about that... once they get the DLC song made up, I doubt it takes a lot of work to translate it for one system or another... they're either the exact same code, or incredibly easy to reformat.

My only concern in the battle(and the reason I chose the 360) is the number of people who own 360s... I'm not just talking about my friends... I only know like 3 people who own them. I'm talking about the total number of people. I want to have the maximum pool of online players possible. Not just with Rock Band, but with any of my online games... I'm living in a tiny town 30 min away from the University I'm attending... makes it way worthwhile to have the ability to jump on at any time in any game and find people.

- ductyl

[Insignificant_Other]

My only concern in the battle(and the reason I chose the 360) is the number of people who own 360s... I'm not just talking about my friends... I only know like 3 people who own them. I'm talking about the total number of people. I want to have the maximum pool of online players possible. Not just with Rock Band, but with any of my online games... I'm living in a tiny town 30 min away from the University I'm attending... makes it way worthwhile to have the ability to jump on at any time in any game and find people.

- ductyl

That's exactly what I'm worried about. You chose the 360 because other people chose it before you. That kind of thing builds on itself, which is of course what Microsoft is counting on. The thing about 360 Live is that it costs about $9/month whereas playing online with the PS3 is free (unless I am misunderstanding the difference between "Silver" and "Gold" Live memberships - please correct me if I'm wrong). That's over $100 every year just to play online, and if I want a wireless network adapter (which I would have to have with my setup) that's another $100, whereas PS3 also has wireless built in at no extra cost. So right there over a period of one year the 360 is already more expensive in total cost of ownership than the seemingly more expensive PS3. I simply refuse to pay a monthly fee just for the priviledge of participating in multiplayer gaming, when I can get it for free on the PS3.

I don't blame you for your choice, I'm just bummed that Microsoft is once again starting to muscle out its more innovative competitors through sheer marketing force. Oh well, maybe I'm overreacting and I should just let myself be assimilated.

[Apples]

The only deciding factors I can think of specific to the game itself:

* Choose the platform that will let you play with most of your friends

* Achievements may or may not be an interesting draw toward the 360 side.

* How important is the wireless capability? Although present on both platforms, it sounds more accessible on the PS3 side.

[BenGmanUk]

All my mates have a 360 but they all suck at GH so sod it, I'll get the PS3 version of RB and play with the pros...

I'll just have mates round my house for a proper game. No real fun over the interw3bs imo.

:)

[mobhit101]

Choose whichever system most of your friends have. Rocking online with your buddies is going to be a big deal.

This is definitely huge. But if this isn't an issue then I would definitely go with 360. Live is just too awesome and everything that seems to come out for both systems always runs better on the 360 (In most cases from what I've gathered! Don't mean to bash the PS3 cause that's not what I'm doing).

[JimNasium]

* Achievements may or may not be an interesting draw toward the 360 side.



Isn't the PS3 coming out with a similar system?

[TheRocker]

Okay guys listen it isn't like theres only 10 people on the Ps Network okay , yes XLive has more than 5million users but that doesn't mean you won't be able to find someone when playing a game online.

JimNasium : Isn't the PS3 coming out with a similar system?
Yes i believe they are called Trophies and they are in HOME

[Electric_Zen]

The thing about 360 Live is that it costs about $9/month

Maybe if you buy month to month, but Live Gold is $50/year, fyi.

[Insignificant_Other]

Maybe if you buy month to month, but Live Gold is $50/year, fyi.

That's not too bad, then. Thanks for the info.

[Apples]

That's not too bad, then. Thanks for the info.

If you watch buy.com and amazon.com, you can pretty regularly get these 13 month XBL subscription cards for $40 if you're going that route.

[Chris_Gonzalez]

My deciding factor was the use of the guitar with the previous games on the PS2, so I am getting it on the PS3. But even the deciding factor is wavering in the wind.

[toelessfoot]

I wouldn't worry about PS3 not catching up to the 360, PS2 owners have by far the most brand loyalty that i've ever seen and they're just waiting for the first "real" price drop.

[LZ_Reborn]

I wouldn't worry about PS3 not catching up to the 360, PS2 owners have by far the most brand loyalty that i've ever seen and they're just waiting for the first "real" price drop.

Aside from the price drop of the 60GB version from $599 to $499 there won't be any significant price drops at least for a while, but what sony has stated(in an article in GI) is that they are waiting for the 60GB PS3 current stock to run out, and then there will be only the 80GB version which will aslo drop to $499(currently 599).

[MountainKing]

You'll soon see a 40g model for $399.

[PinkFloyd]

I'm going with PS3 on this one (although most of my friends own a 360), here's why:

1) my friends don't like / suck at rythm games
2) PS3 has wireless guitar out of the bundle-box
3) PS3 has better HDD-expansion options (future DLC). You can plug in any 2,5" HDD, and you can even use an external USB-HDD (which go up to 2 Terabyte ATM).
4) PS3 has lower failure-ratings. I don't want my console crapping out on me mid-rocksession.

[Rock_Starman]

PS3 for me. I hate wireless but having to send my 360 in 4 times already I wouldn't be looking forward to the DLC hassle when I have to send it in again. (I don't have much faith with the manufacture date being 11-25-2006 and I got this one in May) Also hoping the guitar works with the GH games.

[espher]

I opted for the 360, personally.

* My console doesn't get a ton of play so the heating woes are less of an issue. ;)
* The software library interests me more -- my plan is to pick up any of the "must have" titles I want for the PS3 and either console-swap with a friend or pick one up eventually, which is what I did for the PS2.
* I have three or four local friends with PS3s and maybe one with a 360, but I have plenty of friends I've met through other games and friends that have moved away that have 'em. My local friends have a lukewarm interest, my distant friends have a strong interest, and in all likelihood people will be coming to my house to play.
* Mass Effect.

:p

[ductyl]

I can't really comment on the PS3 Home system, as I haven't used it(and in a quick search, it apparently has been pushed back until Spring 2008, so I guess most people haven't used it yet ;) ). The Xbox Live system, however, is pretty freaking sweet. I avoided it for a while, but it really is what console gaming has needed, in my opinion.

I agree that MS is making some money on the deal, especially now that they've spent 5 years polishing it, the initial development cost has to be taken care of by now. It is a nicely designed service though, easy to navigate, easy friends list, easy communication which carries over into the games themselves. Demo downloads are an amazing time and money saver...

You are correct in the difference between Silver(free) and Gold(not free) accounts being the ability to play multiplayer online. With the Silver account you are still able to buy DLC(of course) and download all the demos.

Out of curiosity... the PS3 has some online capability now, correct? Does it have matchmaking, or is it all dependant on what game you play? In looking at the list of features for PS Home it seems like they're building a service to do nearly everything with the ability to play games with your friends as sort of a footnote.

In an ideal world... the systems would talk to each other and we could all rock out in one big RB player pool.

- ductyl

[drno830]

Playstation Home isn't the PS3's online capabilities. Home is more of a The Sims type thing which allows for an online community. Online playing exists now, but Home is also adding a trophy case type thing, which I guess will be like Xbox 360 achievements.

[steelcurtain187]

PS3 version here

[Rock_Starman]

You are correct in the difference between Silver(free) and Gold(not free) accounts being the ability to play multiplayer online. With the Silver account you are still able to buy DLC(of course) and download all the demos.


Not quite. Some games have online features NOT related to gameplay Silver users don't get. Like being able to DL roster updates in sports games,the ESPN radio/video on EA games or trading cars/decals in Juiced 2.

[Keebler]

Xbox 360 for me.

-Xbox Live can't be beat
-The software library is the best of any next-gen system
-You can still enjoy HD without having to pay out of your ass
-Can't say I know one person who owns a PS3
-Even if my console were to crap out on me, I can get it repaired for free - and the console that will be sent back to me will apparently have the recent "improvements"


For those that are bitter about the 360 bundle not having the wireless guitar, here's what you do:

*Buy the bundle for $200
*Buy a separate wireless guitar for $80
------------
Total of $280 spent

*Sell the bundle's wired guitar ($60 retail price) for less than retail ($55) (either on eBay or on a campus marketplace)
------------
Total of $55 earned


Net total of $225 spent

You can still be happy without having to buy everything separately.

[Phrank-E]

I'm thinking PS3.. it is starting to build finally.. Home will be out in open beta late Oct.- early Nov. to make up for the delay.

Microsoft is already on all our desktops, Do we really need them in our home theaters.

Plus.... Bluray kicks ass and doesn't cost extra

[Bobble]

I'd say PS3, simply because PSN is free, that means access to all content without having to buy the best membership package so you know you're able to get EVERYTHING available. Not monthly fee, Sony typically releases add-on data for cheap/free too. Home's gonna be nice, maybe even have guitar trophies or something to decorate your digital home with. If you have a PS3 and friends with PS3s, buy the PS3 version, if you've got no friends with PS3 then 360 so you can play with friends, I don't think anyone should buy Rock Band and play it alone in the dark as if it's GH3.

[MotleyPriest111]

I'm going to wait until they can port Rock Band to the Nintendo 64. I bought Hey You Pikachu last week so I could get the microphone early. Now I just need to find the Donkey Kong Kongo drums adapter so I can connect Game Cube wires to N64 hardware. You're all going to be super jealous when I'm playing Rock Band while you're waiting in line.

[cakefoo]

PSN will improve to Xbox Live-like qualities in the near-future. These past 2 week's we've been getting more and more free videos and demos and DLC in the weekly updates. PSN will be getting a firmware update in October that will make communicating with friends a little more convenient, ala XBL. It will also get an Achievements knock-off in 2008 that will rival Xbox Live.

PSN gained 3x more user accounts than XBL in the 6 months of their respective console launches. (1.5 million vs 500,000) 360's 500k includes Xbox Live Silver users, who can't even play multiplayer online unless they upgrade to Gold. These numbers also include users who created second/third accounts for other countries, both on XBL and PSN. XBL now gets touted as reaching some 7million users, but it's conveniently including the original Xbox population in that number.

PS3 version for me.

-wireless guitar confirmed
-extra wireless guitars are estimated to cost $20 LESS than 360
-PSN multiplayer is free

[TheRocker]

Playstation 3 for me , why ?

-Free online play
-Web browser
-Ps Store is getting better each week :)
-Sixaxis i love it :D i dont need rumble :)

[Bakkster]

PSN will improve to Xbox Live-like qualities in the near-future. These past 2 week's we've been getting more and more free videos and demos and DLC in the weekly updates. PSN will be getting a firmware update in October that will make communicating with friends a little more convenient, ala XBL. It will also get an Achievements knock-off in 2008 that will rival Xbox Live.

PSN gained 3x more user accounts than XBL in the 6 months of their respective console launches. (1.5 million vs 500,000) 360's 500k includes Xbox Live Silver users, who can't even play multiplayer online unless they upgrade to Gold.

Not to start a console war here, but does PSN have any network-wide moderation? For example, if someone gets themselves banned doing whatever (racism, hacking, etc) they can be banned from XBL entirely, even down to the console level. I didn't think PSN has/will have these capabilities. Am I wrong?

Also, do your PSN/XBL user numbers include people who migrated their old Live accounts over to Gold? That seems like it would be the most common Gold user.

Again, let's not turn this into a console war, I'm just curious.

[TheRocker]

Not to start a console war here, but does PSN have any network-wide moderation? For example, if someone gets themselves banned doing whatever (racism, hacking, etc) they can be banned from XBL entirely, even down to the console level. I didn't think PSN has/will have these capabilities. Am I wrong?

Also, do your PSN/XBL user numbers include people who migrated their old Live accounts over to Gold? That seems like it would be the most common Gold user.

Again, let's not turn this into a console war, I'm just curious.

Yes , you can be banned from PSN , sony will Ban you ps3 if neccessary.
2nd question i dont know.

[TheWolf619]

PS3 for me, because of wireless. :D
That and the fact that PSN is more open than Live. Much easier to get content to the PSN than to the Marketplace.

[TheTogfather]

360 for me, with the deciding factor being that it's all I've got, and all I plan to get. The reason I chose the 360 over the ps3 were:

price
game selection

I'll admit that this time next year, the ps3 is probably going to be one awesome gaming machine with a very competitive selection of games, and most likely will be more stable than the 360s. But when I decided to buy a system, 5 months ago, and saw Bioshock, Eternal Sonata, and Mass Effect on the list of games dropping in '07, my decision was easy.

If I had both consoles...then it would not be so easy. I'd have to look at which friends, if any, were planning on getting it for each system, and what the overall numbers were gonna be. I'm surprised by how many folks on here are claiming they'll buy for the ps3, so maybe the numbers will be competitive...who knows. My one friend that I know is getting it is likely getting it on the 360 because that's what system I'll be on. Any other friends that get it will likely need to buy a system either way...

[cakefoo]

Also, do your PSN/XBL user numbers include people who migrated their old Live accounts over to Gold? That seems like it would be the most common Gold user.There were about 2 million silver and gold members before 360. The hard thing to figure is how many are Silver and Gold, or how many migrated.

360 games generally outsell the PS3 versions by something like 2:1 in the states. I had a slight misconception, though, thinking that the 360 has twice as many people to play with, just because it sells twice as many. But because PSN's free, I think owners are more likely to sign up for it and play online- therefore, the number of people who have the consoles doesn't directly reflect the number of people playing online.

I am surprised too, though, that people are picking the PS3 version in this thread. Based on results from polls I've posted on the IGN boards, both 360 and PS3 boards, the 360 version will sell more. Perhaps the reason it seems that more posters are getting the PS3 version is because we PS3 gamers have more free time on our hands, as we don't have as big a library of games to play yet? :p