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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