Anandtech Console Gaming Forum FAQ

[Queasy]

Anandtech Console Gaming Forum FAQ

This FAQ is intended to serve the members of the ATCG community. If you wish to contribute to it, do so objectively. Fanboy-ism and flame-baiting will not be tolerated and any posts displaying these qualities will be modified or deleted.

Interested in trading video games? Check out the Video Game Exchange Thread. Official Discussion Thread

1. 1. Remember, the search box is not just for display purposes. It is your friend and will help you find answers to your questions.

1. 2. Where do I find the latest deal on Console Gaming stuff?

1. 
   Please check out the Hot Deals Forum for the latest console gaming deals. Please refrain from posting Hot Deals in the Console Gaming forum. They will be moved to the Hot Deals forum if posted here.

1. 3. What should I buy? A 360, a PS3, or a Wii?

1. 
   There is no one correct answer because everybody has different tastes, different wants, and different needs. You have to look yourself and make the decision that best suits you. You can start by asking yourself the following questions:
   - What games do I like to play? Does this console have the games I like to play? Check sites like http://www.metacritic.com/games/ or http://www.gamerankings.com/ (does not currently list PSN games) to get a feel for the games and how they rate.
   - Which controller do I like better?
   - What console(s) does my friends own if I want to play online or offline with them?
   - Is online play important?
   - Is Blu-Ray important?
   - Is downloadable movies important?
   - Which console can I better afford?

1. 4. I need to hook my 360 up wirelessly. What are my options?

1. 
   - Purchase the official MS Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter for $99.99 or less if you can find a deal. link
   - Purchase the original Xbox Wireless Adapter MN-740
   - Purchase an ethernet based Wireless Game Adapter from Linksys, D-Link, Belkin, and many others
   - Purchase an ethernet based Wireless Bridge from any of the manufacturers.
   - Purchase a router compatible with DD-WRT or Tomato and update the firmware and turn your router into a wireless bridge. Please visit the AT Networking Forum for more information on this.
   - LifeHacker has a good guide on how to do all the above.

1. 5. I got the RROD on my 360. What do I do?

1. 
   Go to the Xbox.com Support Page, click on the "Register your console. Repair your console" graphic under 'Repair Agent' and enter your information there to begin the repair process.
   Or, 1. Call 1-800-4MYXBOX
   2. Get a reference number for your problem as quickly as possible. You may need to say I already did that when they try to make you do the troubleshooting script, just to expedite the process.
   3. Hang up and call the escalated support number, 866-506-3826.
   4. Talk to someone who knows what they?re doing.

1. 6. How do I mod my console so that I can download or copy games and play them?

1. 
   - You can't. Or, at least, you can't discuss it here.

1. 7. What are the different versions of the PS3?

1. 
   Please see this Wikipedia entry for the different retail configurations.

1. 8. What are the different versions of the Xbox 360?

1. 
   Please see this Wikipedia entry for the different retail configurations.
   
   The current general rule of thumb is to get the Jasper version (12.1 amps) for any version. Get the Elite if you feel you need 120GB of space to download movies, TV Shows or other content from Live...or if you just prefer black. Get the Premium/Pro 60GB version otherwise. Don't get the Arcade unless you just want to replace a current 360.
   
   The 360 Elite received a price drop in August. The Arcade is $199.99, the Pro 60GB is discontinued and is $249.99 while supplies last, and the Elite to $299.99.

1. 9. Are there different versions of the Wii?

1. 
   Not currently.

1. 10. How do I mitigate the risk of getting a RROD or other failure with the 360?

1. 
   - Be sure to purchase a Jasper version of the 360. The original version had failure rates as high as 30%. The Jasper version failure rates is reportedly less than 10%. All Arcade and Elite 360s currently in production use the Jasper chipset. Pros are discontinued and still use the Falcon chipset. You can also recognize it by the power rating on the back of the console (12.1 amps).
   - Purchase your 360 at Costco or Sam's Wholesale Club. Both stores have lifetime warranties.
   - Purchase an extended warranty/replacement from the retail store/website you purchased your 360 from.
   - Don't purchase a used unit unless you like to play Russian Roulette.

1. 11. I've gotten a new/replacement 360 for a 360 that died. How do I recover the Xbox Live content that I've purchased so that I can play it without being signed into Live.

1. 
   
   Link
   

   To restore your licenses:
   
   1. Attach your hard drive or memory unit.
   2. Turn on the console.
   3. Sign in to Xbox LIVE with the gamer profile that originally downloaded the content.
   4. Go to Xbox LIVE Marketplace and select Account Management, Download History.
   5. Select an item and then select Download Again.
   6. Repeat step 5 for each item in your download history.
   
   After you download your content again, anyone on this console can use it, whether you're signed in to Xbox LIVE or not.

1. 12. What are all the 360 error codes/RROD?

1. 
   warcrow was kind enough to create an Official 360 RRoD Thread to cover this.

1. 13. What else can I do with my 360 other than just game?

1. 
   LifeHacker has a good round-up of using the Media Center, Netflix streaming, Wi-Fi Adapters, streaming media via Windows PC or a MAC, quieter fans, DIY VGA Output, and using Transcode 360.

1. 14. Do you have to recover your Xbox Live Gamertag every time you want to play on a different 360?

1. 
   No. In fact, Microsoft does not recommend this at all. Get a memory card and move your gamertag to it so that you move your gamertag freely from console to console.

1. 15. How do I stop Xbox Live from automatically renewing my membership?

1. 
   Major Nelson
   
   # Sign in to Xbox.com and go to the My Account section.
   # Click the Membership level link on the left.
   # You?ll see a page that has your Membership level, and the end date. Under that, you?ll see your ?Automatic Renewal? status.
   # If it reads ON you can click the ON link and you?ll be brought to next page that will let you switch it on or off.
   # Make your selection, then click next.
   # You?ll be returned to your Membership level page, where you can confirm your selection.

Changelog:
8/14/08 - Inserted Console Gaming Deals explanation into #2. Fixed formating of post.
9/30/08 - Updated section 8 to include updates about potential Falcon chipsets for the 360 hitting stores.
3/20/09 - Added #14 about gamertags.
7/31/09 - Added #15 about Xbox Live Renewal.
9/9/09 - Updated PS3 and 360 information to something more current.

 

[mugs]

I think question 2 needs to be reformatted into a pros/cons list for each console. The question format assumes that people know which systems HAVE those features. You could also mention gamerankings.com, since it is the other major review aggregator - but also mention that for some reason it lists XBLA games but NOT PSN games so users should be aware of that when checking the 360 list. Should also mention that Live costs money and that the 360 has no built-in wifi (even though that is implied by question 3). Also, you can't have a console comparison without mentioning the 360's failure rate. It's something that a good percentage of users will experience, and it's something that needs to be considered and possibly mitigated (with a replacement plan or by purchasing at Costco/Sam's Club).

Things like which controller you prefer are subjective, so your question format is appropriate for that. I guess you could mention key differences in the controllers (placement of sticks, concavity/convexity of sticks, concavity/convexity of triggers, pressure sensitive face buttons, quality of D-pad in case users are not familiar with the differences in the controllers).

Two more important questions that need to be added -
Which version of the PS3 should I buy?
Which version of the 360 should I buy?

Just a list of the key differences.

Maybe a list of the key differences between PSN and Live. As much as people say one is better than the other, I still don't really know the key differences... and I have both.

 

[Queasy]

Thanks, I added something for the different versions of the PS and 360. Also added gamerankings.com.

Not sure if I want to get into pros/cons of each console. Would rather just stick to the facts/features to avoid any fanboy-ism or flame-baiting.

I will add a 360 RROD mitigation section.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Not sure if I want to get into pros/cons of each console. Would rather just stick to the facts/features to avoid any fanboy-ism or flame-baiting.

As long as you keep the pros/cons limited to facts/features, I don't think it's a problem. The main issue is that the current format could leave an uniformed reader wondering what their answers to the questions could tell you. Just a simple list of features would be alright, but I think a pro/con list would do a better job of calling out the things that people should be aware of (i.e. the LACK of any mention of Wifi on the 360 would not make it obvious that it lacks it unless you note that the PS3 and Wii feature lists mention it and the 360 does not). The pros section could also contain key features that aren't really an advantage, but things that the person should know.

Something like this:

PS3
Cost: $400 (40 GB), $500 (80 GB) (see version comparison in question X)
Online service: PSN (free) (see online service comparison in question X)
AV interconnects: HDMI (not included), digital optical (TOSLINK) (not included), component video (not included), composite video (included), stereo audio (included)
Pros:
- Built-in card readers (80 GB)
- 4 USB ports (80 GB); 2 USB ports (40 GB)
- Blu-ray movie playback capability
- Games come on Blu-ray discs
- Motion sensing SixAxis/DualShock 3 controllers
- More games available than Wii
- Region free for games (not sure about Blu-ray movies?)
Cons:
- Currently consoles come with a SixAxis controller, not DualShock 3. SixAxis lacks rumble feature.
- Fewer games available than Xbox 360

Xbox 360
Cost: $280 (Arcade), $350 (standard model, a.k.a. "Premium", a.k.a. "Pro"), $450 (Elite) (see version comparison in question X)
Online service: Xbox Live ($30-50/year) (see online service comparison in question X)
AV interconnects: HDMI (not included), digital optical (TOSLINK) (not included), component video (included), composite video (included), stereo audio (included) (note that in order to use HDMI with digital optical audio or standard stereo audio you must buy a separate adapter or modify the A/V cable that came with the Xbox 360.
Pros:
- Better game selection than PS3 and Wii
Cons:
- No built-in Wifi
- High (but unknown) failure rate
- Some DVD drives are loud
- Uses DVD-9 media for games


Neither list is complete, and I don't feel like writing up anything for the Wii. I think all of that stuff can be accepted as unbiased, factual, and should be included regardless of what format the information is in. I didn't want to get too wordy, but it would probably be beneficial to mention the impact of DVD-9 vs Blu-ray - smaller environments in games where disc swapping is not an option, like GTA IV; but no impact on cross-platform games, because they are developed for the lowest common denominator.

Also add a question on where to buy cables, obvious answer is Monoprice.

 

[R Nilla]

The Wikipedia articles for the 360 and PS3 also have nice charts that compare the different models and their features.

 

[oznerol]

Yea, I don't really think this stuff merits a FAQ - all of this info is available with a quick Google search or via Wikipedia. Instead of posting the actual information here, a simple link to the corresponding wiki page is sufficient and won't need to be constantly updated.

Forums are more about people's personal experiences with things.

A better idea may be a list of pros/cons for all 3 consoles compiled from all of the members here based on personal preferences - which mugs seems to have started (there was actually already a thread about just this a while back).

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: ducci
Yea, I don't really think this stuff merits a FAQ - all of this info is available with a quick Google search or via Wikipedia. Instead of posting the actual information here, a simple link to the corresponding wiki page is sufficient and won't need to be constantly updated

And yet we keep having the same questions pop up in the forum over and over again.

That's the purpose of this thread. To help answer these frequently asked questions instead of us re-hashing the same stuff over and over again. And that's mainly why I've linked to outside links to keep it as small and readable as possible instead of making a massive first post full of details that make people cross-eyed.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: ducci
Yea, I don't really think this stuff merits a FAQ - all of this info is available with a quick Google search or via Wikipedia. Instead of posting the actual information here, a simple link to the corresponding wiki page is sufficient and won't need to be constantly updated.

The thing is, people still ask these questions here over and over and over and over and over again instead of doing a google or Wikipedia search. Queasy linked to wikipedia charts where it makes sense to do so.

A better idea may be a list of pros/cons for all 3 consoles compiled from all of the members here based on personal preferences - which mugs seems to have started (there was actually already a thread about just this a while back).

That thread was a disaster, which is why I think personal preferences should be kept out of it. Perhaps they shouldn't be listed as pros/cons because people will whine about what's a pro and what's a con - perhaps just a single list would suffice as long as that list mentions key things that a console LACKS (i.e. the 360 lacking Wifi, the Wii lacking wired Ethernet)

 

[mugs]

Or here's another attempt at improving the PS3 vs 360 vs Wii question - keep your question format, but then follow it up with information that explains the purpose of the question. That would open up the possibility to include other factors as well.

For example:

Do you need wifi?
The PS3 and Wii have wifi built-in. The Xbox 360 does not; wireless options for the Xbox 360 are detailed in question X
Do you game with friends who own one of the current generation systems?
Multiplayer games are not compatible between systems, so which system your friends will be using to play online is something to consider.
Are multimedia capabilities important to you?
PS3 has a built-in Blu-ray drive and is capable of playing divx, mp3, blah blah blah. Xbox 360 has no built-in high definition video drive at this time, but does have HD videos for rent and purchase via download; it also supports divx, mp3, bob loblaw. Wii does... I'm not sure what. Mp3s?

 

[warcrow]

I think this is a really great idea--good work. Coincidentally, I made an offical RRoD thread too. Thanks for linking to that.

 

[Dessert Tears]

Does it make sense to develop this as article(s) at the AT Wiki? It seems like the FuseTalk limitations on formatting are hindering organizing some of the information.

 

[ed21x]

Wii does... I'm not sure what. Mp3s?

From what I can tell, Wii does MP3s, motion jpeg, .mov (quicktime format), avi, and wav. I havn't tried anything else, but the drawback is that you have to access the movies through the photo album. As for the Pros/Cons regarding 'game selection,' that should be taken out because it is a personnal preference, and saying "PS3:More games available than Wii " is just blatantly wrong.

 

[RandomFool]

Originally posted by: ed21x

Wii does... I'm not sure what. Mp3s?

From what I can tell, Wii does MP3s, motion jpeg, .mov (quicktime format), avi, and wav. I havn't tried anything else, but the drawback is that you have to access the movies through the photo album. As for the Pros/Cons regarding 'game selection,' that should be taken out because it is a personnal preference, and saying "PS3:More games available than Wii " is just blatantly wrong.

Nintendo removed mp3 support in the latest version of the photo channel and replaced it with aac. Although if you have a Wii that had the original photo channel, you can delete the updated channel and it'll restore the old version with mp3 compatibility.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: ed21x

Wii does... I'm not sure what. Mp3s?

From what I can tell, Wii does MP3s, motion jpeg, .mov (quicktime format), avi, and wav. I havn't tried anything else, but the drawback is that you have to access the movies through the photo album. As for the Pros/Cons regarding 'game selection,' that should be taken out because it is a personnal preference,

It's certainly something to consider, and if you ignore personal preferences and just go by the numbers, it's true. It's not even close.

and saying "PS3:More games available than Wii " is just blatantly wrong.

You're right, my bad. If you search gamerankings.om and filter for games with 20 reviews or more, PS3 has more. But if you filter by 1 or more reviews, Wii has a LOT more. Wii has fewer games with ratings over 70%, but more total games.

It's a moot point anyway since Queasy has disregarded my suggestions.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: mugs
It's a moot point anyway since Queasy has disregarded my suggestions.

It's not that I disregarded it. I just haven't taken the time to revisit the FAQ since initially putting it up.

My main concerns with the FAQ are:
1) Minimizing the space that the FAQ takes up. I don't want it to get so big that it gets unreadable. This is an unfortunate side effect of fusetalk. I think we'd probably just be better off linking to the Wiki pages for each console and to any sites that list games for the consoles to point readers to where they need to do the research.
2) Keeping fanboyism to a minimum.
3) Keeping the content focused on just the frequently asked questions. I don't want to turn this into a huge project covering everything under the sun. Just those questions that keep reoccurring in this forum.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: mugs
You're right, my bad. If you search gamerankings.om and filter for games with 20 reviews or more, PS3 has more. But if you filter by 1 or more reviews, Wii has a LOT more. Wii has fewer games with ratings over 70%, but more total games.

Trying to say that one system has a better selection than another is still going to lead to a lot of debate. Maybe a better solution would be to simply list key exclusives. Or maybe just a list of "high profile" titles because limiting a list to exclusives would leave out great titles like CoD4 that the 360 and PS3 share but the Wii lacks.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: mugs
You're right, my bad. If you search gamerankings.om and filter for games with 20 reviews or more, PS3 has more. But if you filter by 1 or more reviews, Wii has a LOT more. Wii has fewer games with ratings over 70%, but more total games.

Trying to say that one system has a better selection than another is still going to lead to a lot of debate. Maybe a better solution would be to simply list key exclusives. Or maybe just a list of "high profile" titles because limiting a list to exclusives would leave out great titles like CoD4 that the 360 and PS3 share but the Wii lacks.

Or just stick to numbers...
X games rated over 90 at gamerankings/metacritic
Y games rated over 80...
Z games rated over 70...

And then maybe list all of the games rated over 90. And maybe a link to the upcoming releases list for each system at Gamefaqs.com or some other site with a better list?

I don't think ANYONE could possibly complain about that... but I'm sure someone will find a way. I know game selection is a touchy subject for some people here, but if the goal is to advise people on a system purchase then it's one of the most important considerations. And since those "which system should I buy threads" are among the worst in this forum, I'd love to see them ended quickly with a link to the FAQ. Can't do that unless the FAQ effectively answers the question.

Since Queasy wants to keep the FAQ short, I think flatscan's suggestion to utilize the wiki is a good idea for a long question like this. I think I'll create a page for this question and start it off with some information that I can think of, and if Queasy wants to link to that page in his FAQ he can. I'll lock the page to avoid fanboy vandalism, but I input from anyone would be appreciated. Input from people with multiple systems who don't have a whole lot of bias would be particularly appreciated.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: mugs
Or just stick to numbers...
X games rated over 90 at gamerankings/metacritic
Y games rated over 80...
Z games rated over 70...

And then maybe list all of the games rated over 90. And maybe a link to the upcoming releases list for each system at Gamefaqs.com or some other site with a better list?

I like that idea.

 

[rainypickles]

Potential minor additional reason for getting the Xbox 360 Elite:
It comes with the equivalent of the "Xbox 360 HDMI AV Cable," which includes an HDMI cable, and a audio dongle; this retails for $50 (but can be had cheaper).

So if you were going to use the HDMI connection and wanted separate audio, you might have bought the kit anyway, because the HDMI cable blocks the original AV cable from plugging in.

HOWEVER, you can buy your own cheap HDMI cable, and then just strip the normal AV cable to use those audio connections. http://www.chadledford.com/?p=50 ugly in my opinion, but functional.

 

[ed21x]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: mugs
Or just stick to numbers...
X games rated over 90 at gamerankings/metacritic
Y games rated over 80...
Z games rated over 70...

And then maybe list all of the games rated over 90. And maybe a link to the upcoming releases list for each system at Gamefaqs.com or some other site with a better list?

I like that idea.

I like the idea too. There should be a separate section for XBox Live Arcade, Playstation Store, and Wii Virtual Console games as well despite the fact that those games often appear on Game ratings and clog up the list.

 

[Kabob]

Methinks it's time to update your OP Queasy.

"80 GB PS3 coming soon" and "Jasper chipset rumored" are a bit of old news

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: kabob983
Methinks it's time to update your OP Queasy.

"80 GB PS3 coming soon" and "Jasper chipset rumored" are a bit of old news

I'm partying like it's 2008.

 

[eightkyle]

Thanks

 

[rayfieldclement]

The Xbox 360 does NOT HAVE WIFI? I though it did.

 

[amitrano]

When will the Red Dead Redemption 2 come out?