Battle of the Game Consoles, article + questions + discussion *crosses fingers* Options

[superstitious]

First off, I'd prefer this to stay here and not moved to News because the real reason I'm posting this is to get a feel for what next gen console would be the best choice for me (um, and Iz, of course).

Hope Fades for PS3 as a Comeback Player
In Battle of the Game Consoles, Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox Widen Leads Over Sony's PlayStation
By DAISUKE WAKABAYASHI

TOKYO -- For most of this year, Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3 videogame console seemed finally to be taking off after a slow start. The PS3, trailing Nintendo Co.'s Wii and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 consoles, was closing in on the No. 2 Xbox 360, with new games and quarterly sales growth at twice the speed of last year.

But early results from this holiday season aren't promising. U.S. sales of the PS3 fell 19% last month from a year earlier, while sales doubled for the Wii console and rose 8% for the Xbox 360, according to research firm NPD. Analysts say they expect PS3 sales for this month to be flat or lower than last year, while sales for its rivals are likely to rise. And Sony may not reach its goal of selling 10 million PS3 consoles in the fiscal year through March, analysts say.

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more here

Last year (2008, so almost last year) was a very financially straining year, so I decided to wait until I receive my tax returns to get a new console. I had my mind on a Wii for a while, but after visiting a friend who has a 360, I'm sort of conflicted now. Then I had read a few comments on Amazon (I was browsing through some games) and a few reviewers were singing PS3 praises and I became even more conflicted.

I'm sure many of you have one (if not more than one) of these, so I was hoping that people might find a bit of time to give me their take. Also, does a potential financial fallout have much of an impact? I mean, I'd hate to spend so much money on something that will possibly be obsolete in the near future. Maybe "obsolete" isn't the best word to use, but I'm not sure how else to phrase it.

I swear, I'm not always so cautious when it comes to game related purchases. I bought the PS2, Gamecube and Xbox without much thought. It's just that the new equipment seems like more of an investment as a whole.

If you could be specific as to why/if you have a preference, that would be great. :)

[SuckDickNSaveLiv...]

I have a Wii, and it sucks. After one week of flicking my arms, that shit got played out real quick. Only games I f*cks with is Smash Brothers Brawl and Mario Kart, but I use the gamecube controller. I'm through playing Wii for the most part. The graphics are no good.

I'm going to get a PS3 when the price is below $300 because I know its the best system. The PS3 doesn't have games is a huge myth and misconception also. The one thing that sways me in the direction of the PS3, since it and the 360 have almost identical third party games, is the first party exclusives on the PS3 along with Metal Gear Solid 4.

I also f*cks with the 360 when I'm at work. Only prob is it has almost the same identical games as the PS3(you could say the same about the PS3). The only thing that has swayed me away from buying a 360 is unreliable hardware. The failure rate is much higher than that of its next gen rivals.

edit//
If its for your son though, I would def go with the Wii. Although I got bored with it, I'm pretty sure since he since he's young he will enjoy it. I notice whenever friends and family come over they have the time of their lives. If you're looking to be family oriented the Wii has those games you're looking for.

If you're they type that likes blockbuster type games. The 360 of PS3 would be a better choice. These usually fall under the ratings of rated T to Mature though.