Wii fans, enjoy: Our Issues with the Xbox 360

Over the course of a few recent blog posts on the Nintendo Wii, I've personally taken some heat for being pro-Microsoft and anti-Japan.  This is limited to the realm of gaming (pretty much the most heated, controversial, and sometimes immature realm in tech).  While I must admit that I prefer the 360 to the other systems – for the moment – I have made it very clear in the past that Microsoft's console is far from perfect.  After a year of availability, here are just a few reasons why we're critical of the "new" Xbox.

A year ahead is a year behind

Despite the fact that the year head start has given Microsoft an edge where it generally matters most – in games – there are other factors that actually make the system already dated.  For one, the hard drive, which is 20 GB, is a third of the size of that offered by the PlayStation 3's premium version.  That could become a real problem as Live, the Xbox 360's online service, begins offering more and more Arcade and high definition TV and movie downloads.  It simply isn't enough space, and charging $100 seems a bit steep.

Cost Effective?

It's true that the $199 HD DVD player, which Santa recently delivered to me, erases the cost advantage the Xbox 360 has over Sony's offering.  Although both HD DVD and Blu-ray look equally fantastic, the inclusion of HDMI does give the PS3 that slight edge.  Of course, unless Blu-ray stand-alone players come down in price, that format could certainly go Betamax on us all.

Live is great, but sometimes a friggin' rip off

I've sung the praises of Xbox Live, but it's also sometimes quite the virtual scam artist.  First, there's the $60/subscription.  Beyond the fact that the PS3's online service is free, there are other charges for extra downloads.  We won't even go into details over Oblivion's costly horse armor upgrade, since it's easier to point out overly pricey gamer pictures and Xbox Live Arcade titles ($10 for Doom?  They're lucky I'm damn nostalgic).

The Red Circle of Death, Doom, or Misery

If you haven't read about it, check out my own personal story of a fried Xbox 360.

All in all, the Xbox 360 is a good system.  I've tested all three consoles, and I tend to believe that, at the moment, it is the best one out there.  With that said, the potential of the Nintendo Wii and the historically popular and well-supported PlayStation series are both likely to grow and grow…and grow. 

I'll be there playing all three, however…not just 360.

Consoles, games and accessories at Gizmo Shop!

9 comments
Posted by Guest on January 4,2007 at 7:03 PM
I don't see what advantages do xbox 360 has over ps3.  I don't see xbox 360 is any better then ps3.  We are pretty much see what xbox 360 can do by using it for a year now.  Compare to ps3, xbox 360 should show us all those crazy stuffs that it should be doing now since it's ahead by one year.  Well, what have the xbox 360 shows me?  Gear of War? Online services?  Common, please!  Will 360 ever see a web browser?  There HD-DVD is only good for watching movie.  Compare to ps3, the whole system is totally integrated based on the cell and blue ray technologies.  You can used blue ray to watch movies or played video games etc... I haven't even going to the capabilities/potentials of the ps3.  I own all three of them.  The WII is interesting but I don't think it will be the most favorate, kid oriented console.  Xbox 360, I hope it hasn't reached its full potential.  PS3, with all the potentials, I think is the techno future proof.
Posted by Just me and mine on January 4,2007 at 12:07 PM
I think developer is on track. A big market is for us "occasional players" who may not switch the system on for two months, will play a few days, then leave it for a few weeks again. Nostalgia games appeal, and are mainly available from MS by subscription. Or, I buy a WII and can buy the titles I want to play, and most likely rent at a video store. And if my subscription lapses with MS where do all my purchased games go?
Posted by Wayde on January 4,2007 at 8:58 AM
@   Alacrity Fitzhugh

Who says any gamer suffers an imbalance? While I agree with balance in all things - it's just entertainment and shouldn't dominate your life either physically or financially.

Just keep in mind that pale skinned geeks have been getting swirlies from tanned jocks since way before video games.
Posted by Billytech on January 4,2007 at 8:25 AM
Everything in the box???? No HDMI cable, No remote with the highly touted "Blu ray player", and nothing to play on it? Even Microsoft and the Wii come with one game on them, or with them. Xbox live silver is completely free, you cam IM your friends and Download all the free game demos and videos. no charge.  ....
All the movie and TV show downloads offered are your option to use or disreguard.
With the Xbox360, It's all about CHOICE. Nothing forced upon you at a very high price. The PS3 also offers nothing like the interactivity with your PC either.
My brother has a PS3 and can't find ONE SINGLE movie he'd buy to watch on it - In "Blu ray" that is. Have you seen what passes for an online gaming system on the PS3?
If it were greatly improved over what it is now, it could aspire to reach LAME.
And with 1/2 the available memory to use for graphics, It looks real good, but it in no way looks better. We've put on gears and resistance thru the same TV to compare the two when he got his system, and if you compare the background, details like the walls and ground, the 360 simply shines. The PS looks "Cartoony", detailed but still animated.
Posted by Alacrity Fitzhugh on January 3,2007 at 2:29 PM
It will never cease to amaze me how much people will shell out for this stuff.

Everytime we switch game systems we are then "obligated" to buy a whole new mess of games at $40-60 a piece.

When I was younger we used to call Nintendo "Super Nofriendo!" due to the fact that a lot of gamers would be trapped in front of their TV and working on ignoring sunshine, friends, family, etc.

Balance it out guys - no one wants to look like the comic book guy from the Simpsons.
Posted by Developer on January 3,2007 at 1:58 PM
I make games for all of these systems. It is interesting to see wich platforms are going to be supported by game publishers. This has always been a strong indication of wich platform will be successful. Here is my prediction for who will have the most systems sold in the US in 3 years:

1. Nintendo Wii
     Yes, I think they will sell the most consoles in 3 years and have the biggest section in the rental area in blockbuster. This console is more casual than the others but even those who don't normally own a console are going to pick buy a Wii. I believe they sold the most (more than both Sony and Microsoft) in Dec. - but they were harder to get than a PS3. There will be many, must-play game experiences on the Wii for both the casual and serious gamer that you wont be able to get anywhere else. Recently many large publishers have opened new offices or converted old developers to Wii-only development. These games don't cost as much to make which means more profits and subsequently more games on the market.

2. XBox 360
     This is a great system and is more suited for the serious gamer. In addition Live Aracde can make the more casual gamer happy (and many of the hardcore gamers play these games). They are ahead of Sony in many of the online servies. Sony will improve but so will Microsoft.

3. Playstaion 3 - It will do Ok in Japan but I think it will come in third place in the U.S. it is a good system but unless you really think blueray is the future or there is a specific Sony exclusive game you are willing to pay big $ to play, there is little reason to buy a PS3. Most publishers will also make a 360 game that looks just as good. Right now they will make more money on a 360 game becuase there are more 360 owners out there. Notice how many PS3 games have been/will be cancelled in the next year.
Posted by mattys on January 3,2007 at 1:27 PM
  Personally I think what Microsoft is doing in terms of online service is both risky and trend setting. Both their competitors, Sony and Nintendo, are following in Microsoft's footsteps right now. I haven't played a game yet where I felt I had to buy 'core' content for the game. If that were to ever happen, I am not sure I would fault Microsoft for that, I would likely lay blame on the Publisher or Developer and not buy their games again (or thoroughly research them before buying them).
  Being able to buy new content for a game is pretty damn cool and to be honest I am still bitter Dead Rising hasn't pushed out any new quests, weapons or other good content.
  In all honesty the fact that Microsoft is trend setting means that developers are still figuring out what to do with the service, including figuring out how to make it worthwhile (profitable) from a developer point of view.

  And the accessory cash-grab was not invented by Microsoft. One of the biggest 'issues' with the original Xbox is that it tended to give you everything out of the box LAN port, Hard drive. Meanwhile Sony made out like bandits selling things like memory sticks which were basically pointless on the Xbox.
Posted by Steve Pell on January 3,2007 at 10:11 AM
I agree that Microsoft produces the strongest case in regards to game selection and I think the OS and online services are fantastic, but I definitely agree that charging for upgrades in games and addons is a cash grab considering they are already making money off the service alone (on top of our already over priced internet services) .

I am just being picky though, I do really enjoy the 360 even though it has the word Microsoft branded on it (i am extremely annoyed by Microsofts PC Operating Systems) .

Also I think a reason the PS3 is a 'stronger' unit does not mean it's graphics will be better. It WILL need more horsepower to run the 1080p graphics which to me makes the system stand apart. Very impressive looking pictures so far if your TV can support 1080p.
Posted by Dooger on January 3,2007 at 10:04 AM
You have to shell out a ton of dough for a PS3, but at least you get everything. It sucks so bad when companies like Microsoft make you buy their product (i.e. the Xbox) and then buy 10 other things that you hadn't planned on needing (Live service, downloads, the inevitable hard drive upgrade) just to make it function properly.

I used to think that all this debate over what console was the best was frivolous, but now I can see that it's worth it to be well-informed before you make a buying decision (unless you are Mr. Moneybags, like Brando seems to be).