Late to the party: PS2 vs X-Box

[Goblin]

I imagine this has been discussed in many ways and many times, but let me tell you where I'm coming from.

The most recent system I own is a dreamcast and then again that was only purchased on clearance for $35. In getting a new system I'm not concerned about backwards compatibility, although it would be helpful to know what the prevailing next generation rumors are and if the belief is that either of them will be backwards compatible with one of these. I am not looking at this purchase from a collecting perspective, because I basically stopped my collection after cartridge based systems. I am interested in online gaming, although have no experience at this point. No game that I would consider buying appears to be exclusive to either, so I'm not really sure which to get.

[digitalpress]

Everyone will have their own opinions on this, and you'll have to be particularly wary of Sony or Microsoft fanboy-speak. From my own personal experience, here are the pros and cons of one over the other:

Game selection: PS2 wins this one by a mile, there are a few Xbox exclusives like HALO but there are more PS2 exclusives, more games in general, and though you don't really care, the ability to play thousands of PS1 titles.

Graphics: Xbox clearly has better graphics, though it's rarely mind-blowingly so.

Emulation/Modding: Though both systems can be modded, the Xbox is hands-down the favorite of the homebrew and emulation scene. Modify your Xbox and you get a very nice version of MAME and good emulators of many other consoles too.

Online: Xbox had an early edge here but it's flattening out. The Xbox Live service is very good (and probably the one I will be using the most) and there are more online games right now for Xbox. I haven't had a lot of experience with PS2 online but they were a little slow getting out of the gate and it may be a richer environment now - I'll leave this to more experienced PS2 online gamers to detail.

Odds and ends: Xbox' hard drive means you'll never need a memory card, PS2 has built-in DVD capability while Xbox requires an attachment to do so. Xbox has built-in 4-player capability while PS2 requires an attachment to do so.

This is just a quickie summary to get things going for you. I'm sure you'll get lots of input and I'll get flamed by both sides of the fanbase.

[Spoony Bard]

What games/genres do you like most? Take note of the system-exclusive vs multi-console stuff.

[Querjek]

I personally say PS2. But it really just depends on what kind(s) of games you enjoy. Here's a rundown as I see it:

Xbox:
First Person shooters
3-person shooters

PS2:
Platform
Fighting
RPG
Action/Adventure
Puzzle
Any other genres that I forgot.
If you don'tlike shooters like me, you'll be buying pretty much a $180 paperweight. Sure, I use mine occasionally, but not NEARLY as much as I use my PS2 (Actually, I use my GCN more, but when I don't have tons of new games to play, I use my PS2 as I have acquired lots of games that I have not yet played). So, in short, buy a GCN. If not, buy a PS2.

[Funk Buddy]

I have both and agree what Joe said. I don't play online so I'm no help there, sorry. The PS2 does have more games, but are most of them worth anything? It's a tough decision and if I had to choose one starting now, I'd pick PS2. I don't own a PS, so backwards compatibility meant nothing to me. All though, on the next PS system, that would matter to me. The number of games and the dual shock controller seal it for me.

[Nature Boy]

From what I've heard PS3 will be backwards compatible (with both PS1 and PS2). I haven't heard either way on MS's next machine (I'd be shocked if they didn't go that route though, since Nintendo has been rumoured to go that route).

I personally prefer the DualShock controller over the Xbox controller. Mostly because I find the 4 shoulder button and 4 face button configuration works best in a lot of cross platform games.

From what I hear, if you're new to online gaming, Xbox Live will be the easiest to get into. But that's just from what I hear - I don't play games online and I don't intend to in the near future.

[NE146]

Joe's sumary was one of the best no bullshit one's I've read in a long time :) Not much you can add to that :P

Personally, coming from a emu/modding perspective I personally enjoy the xbox a lot more. But all the exclusive games on the ps2 (like Space Invaders 25th anniversary amongst many others) make it a close tie for me. Actually, I can't see not having both of them (and a GC for good measure) :P

[Goblin]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm still going back and forth. I've got a few friends who actually own PS2s, but that isn't really a reason to sway in one direction or the other. In looking at prices, I can get a new PS2 for $179, or a used one for $159. X-box prices appear to be the same, but they offer a holiday bundle which includes 2 games and a 2 month hookup to x-box live, which should be enough to get me started.

I probably would have said PS2, until I started to crunch the numbers:
PS2 - requires additional purchase of game, memory card, etc, where as I can get the x-box package which includes an HD and while the extra included games may not be the best, they will keep me occupied for a least a little bit.

I don't know I guess I'll keep looking. Do we know of any impending bundle sales, or else price drops for either system?

[Querjek]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm still going back and forth. I've got a few friends who actually own PS2s, but that isn't really a reason to sway in one direction or the other. In looking at prices, I can get a new PS2 for $179, or a used one for $159. X-box prices appear to be the same, but they offer a holiday bundle which includes 2 games and a 2 month hookup to x-box live, which should be enough to get me started.

I probably would have said PS2, until I started to crunch the numbers:
PS2 - requires additional purchase of game, memory card, etc, where as I can get the x-box package which includes an HD and while the extra included games may not be the best, they will keep me occupied for a least a little bit.

I don't know I guess I'll keep looking. Do we know of any impending bundle sales, or else price drops for either system?
When I was looking for PS2 prices, I saw that at Gamestop you can get the system with Kingdom Hearts (Used) for $150. I got mine from a Classifieds board with a controller for $125 shipped. And you may want to check into that Xbox Live trial--I think you may need to still buy the $60 kit to use it.

[Flack]

PS2 online play is free. Buy the game, and if it supports online play, you're ready to go. XBox requires (monthly? yearly? dunno) subscriptions for online play. I'm sure someone here knows what it costs.

I bought a PS2 on launch day and was very anti-XBox until I played one. I think the XBox graphics are better than the PS2 -- check out Crimson Skies in particular.

If you're looking for an emulator, check out the XBox for sure, although the PS2 does have a few decent emulators (5200, C64, Genesis, SNES), it pales to the XBox scene.

I currently have a PS2 and a Gamecube, but plan on picking up an XBox (and yet another video switchbox) in the near future.

[petewhitley]

PS2 online play is free. Buy the game, and if it supports online play, you're ready to go. XBox requires (monthly? yearly? dunno) subscriptions for online play. I'm sure someone here knows what it costs.

It'll cost you $50 a year to renew your Live account. IMO well worth it though, as XBox Live is so well designed it's beautiful. Easy to use and lots of features. They just need to get those EA Sports games online and they would beat PS2 online in every way.

[crashdummycow01]

i have a ps2/xbox/and just got a GC..

all 3 are very nice systems

Ps2 has the largest library of games. [wide variety of games]
Xbox has a smaller library of games. [mainly FPS.. but really good ones]
NGC.. i believe its library is larger than the xbox's, but the majority of its games seem aimed at younger audiences.

-GC & Xbox have 4 controller ports. Ps2 requires a multitap
-Ps2 can play dvd's without a kit, Xbox needs a kit, GC cant play them period
-Xbox has best graphics, then GC, then PS2
-GC has the most comfortable controller,then Ps2, then Xbox.
-Ps2's online gaming is free [with exception to the new Final Fantasy and the Everquest games] ... Xbox charges i believe $45 a year... GC has 1 online game?!? [PSO]
-GC is most portable, then ps2, then xbox [prolly already knew that :-p]
-Ps2 is backwards compatible[can use games and controllers from psx]
-Xbox comes with a hard drive[little need for memory cards] Ps2 comes with no hard drive [one is coming out for it soon, so for right now memory cards are required to save your game] GC has no hard drive, isnt getting one.
-Ps2's controller is the easiest to get used to, the GC and Xbox can get confusing at times.
-Xbox controllers have a breakaway cord.. a really good idea [i've pulled many a system off of a table after tripping over a cord] GC/PS2 dont have this
-Wireless controllers..the best wireless controller i've seen is the Wavebird for GC. It's the official nintendo wireless controller. I'm not sure that ps2 or xbox have an official one yet.. think they're all 3rd party controllers.
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online gaming
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-lets start with gamecube... Phantasy star online.. dont think theres any other online games for it. GC is definitely behind the times with online gaming. [if ur looking for a online gaming console dont get GC]

-next lets look at Ps2. Ps2 has a fairly good amount of online games. To get online with the Ps2, you must buy the network adapter. I'd say 40% are sports games. Ps2's online gaming is free except for a couple of games where you must pay monthly fee's to play. Ps2 has accessories like the Headset, Keyboard, and Mouse that make communicating online alot easier. The headset only works currently with Socom and Socom II. Ps2's online gaming supports both broadband and modem users depending on the game. All around it's online gaming is pretty good. [also the ps2 usb headset/ keyboard/ mouse can be used with your PC]

-last lets look at Xbox. Xbox is fairly very well in its online gaming. To get online you must have the Xbox live kit and you must pay the $45 a year fee. [unless you get a free trial with your kit]. The xbox live kit come with the xbox live communicator, which is a headset that i believe you can use with all xbox online games. Also your gaming ID carries over for all the xbox live games you play. From what i heard, theres a ranking system and a form of Instant messaging? something like that. Also xbox live allows you to keep a buddy list so you can keep track of where you friends are and you can easily invite them to get owned by u.

-i believe that Xbox has the more organized and more appealing online gaming setup, but for people not wanting to pay a yearly fee, i would go with ps2.
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-i cannot tell you what system is the best b/c it would only be my opinion and i'm sure i like different things than you, but i hope i maybe helped u a little.

[Funk Buddy]

NGC.. i believe its library is larger than the xbox's, but the majority of its games seem aimed at younger audiences.


Xbox has around 60 + more than GC. (Still looking for hard numbers on released games.)

[Querjek]

PSO is the only official online game. Mario Kart: DD!!, Kirby Air Ride, and 1080: Avalanche can be played online using Warp Pipe (http://www.warppipe.net). I got a GCN broadband adapter to do this, but I still need to figure out how to use it with my wireless network.

[swlovinist]

I own a ton of different systems(including both the PS2 and Xbox), and I have to go with the PS2 if I had to make a choice. Why? here are my reasons:
1. Seclection. The PS2 has every category of games covered and then some. RPGs, Sports, Racing, Platform you name it. Xbox has some great exclusives but there arent enough of them(Halo, Star Wars KOTR, and Morrowind) to make the difference.

2. Backwards compatability. If you liked anything on the PS one, then you can play it on the PS2. Thats an immediate 1000+ game library you can play with no extra devides. You will need a PS one memory card. That is a ton of games you can play immediately.

3. Future. It is certain that the future of the PS2 is bright and with the PS3 being compatable with all of your games, you can buy a library of games that can be played on the next future system. The PS one has been supported very well(almost 9 years now!). The PS2 will be supported for a very long time after its prime

4. DVD player out of the box. A nice feature that lets you play DVDs out of the box. With the Xbox, you have to get a remote which will set you back 20 to 30 dollars. It is true that Xbox player is better, but the newest installment of the PS2s are the best yet making the gap alot closer.

Some things to think about: If you love broadband online play, 4 player multiplayer shooters, or just are a tech savy person who wants to strut the power of you HDTV, then hands down go buy an Xbox. I am in no way saying that the PS2 does not have its problems, I just think that it has done a better job in marketing its system to developers and creating a huge selection of games to play from. Its online support is fair, but if you only have dial up, it is the only choice for online play. Lets face it, this system war has been decided, it is the next one that I feel will be alot closer.

[BoOchan]

Note: My Opinion is a little Biased, because of the Silly Prices of Broadband Internet Here.

IMO, Online gaming is overrated. I would personally like it (I'm an extreme loner) but would probably only use it for Shooters or RPG's, as I hate sport games. I'm not a PC Gamer so I haven't experienced it really fully yet. Out of both of them though, I'd go with the PS2, Even though I STILL don't have it. The Xbox at the moment is a literal paperweight for me, The only games I play are Shenmue, Morrowind, JSRF & Panzer. I don't like 1st Person Shooters, so the xbox is normally untouched. If you can afford it, I'd go with both systems if you want a good mix of online gaming and you don't mind FPS's.