The Video Game Critic

Considering the $400 model Xbox 360 is virtually as functional as the $500 model PS3 (Gamers won't miss much going for this model instead of the $600 model), I only see it as a $100 difference. With the inflated costs of the 360 hard drive, or the minimum storage that a $40 memory card offers, I hope no one seriousily considers the $300 Xbox 360.

It's also worth noting that even though $399 is the MSRP of the premium 360, they can be easily had at what amounts to $350 now after rebates, free games, etc. I joined the 360 club about 6 weeks ago by buying a premium at Wal-Mart that included a $50 gift card, so it was basically $350.

Considering the $400 model Xbox 360 is virtually as functional as the $500 model PS3 (Gamers won't miss much going for this model instead of the $600 model), I only see it as a $100 difference. With the inflated costs of the 360 hard drive, or the minimum storage that a $40 memory card offers, I hope no one seriousily considers the $300 Xbox 360.

It's also worth noting that even though $399 is the MSRP of the premium 360, they can be easily had at what amounts to $350 now after rebates, free games, etc. I joined the 360 club about 6 weeks ago by buying a premium at Wal-Mart that included a $50 gift card, so it was basically $350.

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I'm going to have to disagree.  While the extra $100 (for the 360 premium package) gives you plenty of bang for the buck, you certainly don't need it to experience the 360 to its fullest.  You'd miss out on a wireless controller, and wouldn't be able to download demos, but come on.  The 40MB storage card in the core package is more than enough to save tons of game data.  I bought the core system at launch because that's all I could find, and I did eventually buy the hard drive, but certainly wouldn't have had to do so.  So IMO, the bottom-line is, it's a $300 (360) to $500 (PS3) comparison, not $400 to $500.  If the 360 were somehow crippled without the premium package, it would be a different story.

why is everyone here getting so upset and argumentative over a vanity such as video games?  We're privileged enough to even live in a society where we can enjoy such trifles.

Maybe you guys should save your passion for more important issues, like politics...

why is everyone here getting so upset and argumentative over a vanity such as video games?  We're privileged enough to even live in a society where we can enjoy such trifles.

Maybe you guys should save your passion for more important issues, like politics...

I agree with Shawn, to a degree, on this one. Comparing the price of the CHEAPEST 360 to the MOST EXPENSIVE ps3 is hardly a fair argument. That would be like comparing the cost of the core genesis system to the Mario Paint Bundle or Legend of Zelda bundle for the snes. I do agree with Shawn, also, that one would be foolish to buy the $300 package when the premium package is just $100 away and, with that, you get the hard drive, wireless controllers, etc. I'm sorry but, without the hard drive, enjoy the memory cards($40 apiece) and, suddenly. you are only $60 away from the better deal. Though I originally had no interest in online gaming, the Wii has me interested, if only for the VC. That is just a prime example that, if convinced properly, anybody can be persuaded to go online....so the cost does factor in, or it could. I am one of the people who comes down on Sony for their pricing structure, sure, but you can't compare the prices of the cheapest model of one vs. the most expensive model of another.

[QUOTE=Atarifever]
As for saving my passion for politics, well, I'm from Newfoundland, we only have, like, 7 seats, and I'm only one vote for one of those 7 seats.  There are many more seperatist party members elected in Quebec each election than their are total ridings in this entire province. Meanwhile, provincially I vote NDP in an area that has never, and will never, elect an NDP candidate. Voting is about all the passion I can muster for that level of unimportance. 
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Maybe I should have said "issues of importance" rather than politics then.

BTW, when will they remove the "New" from "New Democratic Party"?  Haven't they been around since the 60's or so?

I agree with Shawn, to a degree, on this one. Comparing the price of the CHEAPEST 360 to the MOST EXPENSIVE ps3 is hardly a fair argument. That would be like comparing the cost of the core genesis system to the Mario Paint Bundle or Legend of Zelda bundle for the snes. I do agree with Shawn, also, that one would be foolish to buy the $300 package when the premium package is just $100 away and, with that, you get the hard drive, wireless controllers, etc. I'm sorry but, without the hard drive, enjoy the memory cards($40 apiece) and, suddenly. you are only $60 away from the better deal. Though I originally had no interest in online gaming, the Wii has me interested, if only for the VC. That is just a prime example that, if convinced properly, anybody can be persuaded to go online....so the cost does factor in, or it could. I am one of the people who comes down on Sony for their pricing structure, sure, but you can't compare the prices of the cheapest model of one vs. the most expensive model of another.

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Thansk Shaqfu! I would also say that saying a featureless 360 is the same as the PS3 b/c they are both next gen game devices is like saying an Altima and  Corvette are the same b/c they are cars. If you are going to compare to items they have to be "apples vs. apples". Don't get me wrong. I love the 360, I just can't imagine enjoying the system all that much if I didn't spring for the extra $100 to get the premium edition. And yes, it is a pain in the ass to run wires all over my house so I can get online.

[QUOTE=Shawn]And yes, it is a pain in the ass to run wires all over my house so I can get online. [/QUOTE]

I agree with that part for sure.  I have been spoiled by the ease of wireless. I can carry my stuff into any room I want and not have to worry if there's an internet connection available.  Not to mention, it makes using my laptop and my DS' wireless gaming capability incredibly easy -- I never have to worry about either having to be in one stationary position.

How is the PS3 twice the cost of a 360? After you throw in the wireless capabilities and the online cost the 360 is $550. Of course, I think the 360 comes with all the cables you need so I guess that negates the online cost so knock it down to $500. The $300 360 is a complete joke and I don't consider it next gen at all.

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Shawn,
Knock it off with tacking on-line costs to the 360 pricetag.  Nobody needs that crap to enjoy that system.  I love playing the system the way it is and have no desire to go on-line.
Dave
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You're missing out on so much with x box live it's not even funny.  Really it's stupid not to go online, it's easy and live is increadibly robust.  even if you don't play games on live (why again?) the sheer amount of demos and live arcade games makes it worth it.  

I'm gonna have to agree with SSX on this one.  Live is a major selling point of the xbox brand.  Many games can have crummy single player and have intense fun online multiplayer (or both).  As a videogame critic I think that forcing yourself to not go online is going to cripple your reviews of newer games.  I just think that without playing all the content a game has to offer is like only experiencing half the game.

Gears of War has a great single player mode, but almost everybody will tell you that online multiplayer is where its at.  There are several games like this and its a growing trend that will only get more popular.

Just tossing out my 2 cents...