Will You Buy a New Game Console Just to Play Grand Theft Auto IV?
Assuming you don’t already own an XBox 360 or PS3, does the release of Grand Theft Auto IV compel you to make the jump to one of these new consoles? Previous versions of Grand Theft Auto had a tremendous impact on PS2 sales. Will this latest release of GTA have the same impact, and which console will benefit the most?
Grand Theft Auto IV does make me want a new gaming console
I have a fairly large assortment of game consoles hooked up my television: PS2, GameCube, Sega Dreamcast, N64, and the Wii. I’ve been waiting to add an XBox 360 or PS3 to my line up for two simple reasons: cost and the unusually high rate of failure for these new consoles. I have to admit, however, I am thinking about taking the plunge more than ever before because of Grand Theft Auto IV.
I played Grand Theft Auto Vice City and fell in love with the expansive environment and story driven game play. And as much as I want to run out and buy a new game console along with Grand Theft Auto IV, I have two new reasons that prevent me from doing so: not sure which console to purchase and free time to play the new game.
Deciding between the XBox 360 and PS3
Game options and console availability were the original deciding factors between these two consoles; however, over the past year, I think those factors are starting to fade. The XBox 360 does still have the edge with game selection. For example, Halo 3 and Bioshock are available on the XBox 360 or PC but NOT the PS3; however, I think the PS3 is starting to catch up. And while I’m interested in both of those games, the games alone are not enough to factor into my purchase decision.
The PS3 is starting to catch my eye these days. I like the fact it’s just one price with one point of entry. I’m not a fan of how Microsoft made all these different points of entry for the XBox 360. I know what they were trying to do, but I think it just makes things more confusing for the average consumer. I also like several of the standard options that come with the PS3 that are considered upgrades on the XBox 360 or only available on the most expensive XBox package:
- Wireless controller
- Can double as a BlueRay player
- Built in wireless ethernet connector
- Free access to Sony’s PlayStation network for shopping and online gaming
In a feature for feature comparison, it looks like the PS3 has the edge over the XBox 360. I’m not completely sold, but at this time I am leaning towards the PS3 should I decide to break down and get a new gaming console.
No time to play Grand Theft Auto IV
Even if I resolve the decision between the XBox 360 and PS3 I’m still faced with my biggest problem of all: no free time to play Grand Theft Auto IV.
At one time I managed to find a fair amount of free time to play Grand Theft Auto Vice City. But that was when my kids were younger, sent to bed earlier, and didn’t have a sixth sense for knowing when someone was playing a video game (turn on any game system in the house and my 10 year old appears out of thin air to watch over my shoulder). The Grand Theft Auto series is not a game for kids, and certainly not something you can play when they are in the same room. That’s part of the reason I stopped playing Vice City before I finished it, another reason why I never bought GTA San Andreas, and probably the ultimate reason why I probably won’t buy GTA IV.
Despite the desire, a new gaming system for one game just doesn’t make sense
Now that you know more about my home gaming situation then you probably wanted to, I’ll say it once again: Grand Theft Auto IV does make me want to buy a new gaming console. Unfortunately, until I find a way to play it without a room full of spectators, it simply doesn’t make any sense to upgrade my PS2.
What are your thoughts? GTA making you think seriously about an upgrade, have you upgraded already, or are you still waiting for the prices to come down?
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Filed under: Gaming
Besides Bioshock and Halo 3 like you mentioned, the 360 has far more available games than the PS3. I have a 360 (and a Wii), but wouldn’t consider buying a PS3. Yeah, it has a BluRay player and doesn’t charge you for online gaming, but it just doesn’t have enough for it.
Just my $0.02 though.
Oh, and Bioshock is a ton of fun. Definitely worth the money if you get a 360. Also, make sure you get Call of Duty 4 and Orange Box.
Jacinda, thanks for sharing your experience and personal perspective on the 2 machines. Personal recommendations are far more helpful than a bullet list of features and specs. While I am leaning towards the PS3, I am still very much on the fence. Maybe part of that government rebate check could go towards one of these systems. Of course, the cash still doesn’t solve my bigger problem - no time to play.
People, I’m open for suggests regarding how to deal with the free time to play problem. If any other video game parents are out there with the same problem, I’d love to hear your ideas.
My biggest problem with the PS3 is how horrible the controller is. It’s just so poorly designed compared to the 360’s. The PS3 doesn’t have any console only titles to make it worth it. God War III is the only one I can think of and it’s not even out yet.
I don’t have enough time to play myself, so I don’t game as much as I’d like.
[...] Bret wrote an interesting post today on Will You Buy a New Game Console Just to Play Grand Theft Auto IV?Here’s a quick excerptI played Grand Theft Auto Vice City and fell in love with the expansive environment and story driven game play. And as much as I want to run out and buy a new game console along with Grand Theft Auto IV, I have two new reasons that … [...]
[...] Bret wrote an interesting post today on Will You Buy a New Game Console Just to Play Grand Theft Auto IV?Here’s a quick excerptIn a feature for feature comparison, it looks like the PS3 has the edge over the XBox 360. I’m not completely sold, but at this time I am leaning towards the PS3 should I decide to break down and get a new gaming console. … [...]
If I didn’t have an XBOX 360, I would seriously consider getting one. GTA 4 is a seriously awesome game and should encourage people to buy the 360 if they don’t have one.
I’ve also heard that there is additional downloadable content of GTA 4 but only for the XBox 360.
Thanks for the comment
I think it is not worth it. Like you said it does not make sense. I think that in the end there are more to it than a game.
The 360 has far more available games than the PS3. I have a 360 (and a Wii), but wouldn?t consider buying a PS3. Yeah, it has a BluRay player and doesn?t charge you for online gaming, but it just doesn?t have enough for it.
There is really no comparison in my mind, the PS3 has blue ray, free online gaming and the titles I love. The one thing they are currently missing is Netflix playback which is a bit of a downer. THe other thing is I paid way too much for mine and now that 360 is 1/2 the price I do feel like a bit of a chump.
As a result I have cut back on buying new games and been looking to sites like http://www.gamecheats.com to find fun ways to play my old PS3 games. Gets a few extra hours out of my old games and that is what I need right now instead of dropping coin on a wii
Thanks for the comment Erik. I have to admit, that while I believe the PS3 is a better deal, I broke down and went with the XBox 360. Mostly because my kids weighed in heavily in the decision.
HI THERE MY ANSWER IS DIFFENTLY NO I DONT BELIVE IN BUY A NEW UPGRADED OLD CONSOLE THEY REALY NEED TOO UPGRADE EVERY THING LIKE FOR EXEMPLE WHY DONT THEY FINALY UPGRADE THE HARD DRIVE NOT STAORAGE BUT UP THE RPM HARD DRIVES LIKE 10,000 OR 15,000 RPM RAPTORS OR USE A FASTER FLASH DRIVE CALED SSD SOLID STATE FLASH DRIVES AND EATHER UPGRADE TOO BLUE RAY OR HALOGRAPHIC DISC SEE I REALY WOULD LIKE TRIPPLE 10,000 OR 15,000 RPM HARD DRIVES OR SOLID STATE FLASH DRIVES