PS2 vs. Xbox vs. Gamecube

[Meltz]

I don't want to start a flamewar here, I'm just looking for some useful advice. I'm looking to get a new gaming system (one of the big three) and I can't decide which one to get. Here's the way I see it and I'd appreciate any advice or comments from the experts among you.

PS2: Huge selection of games, graphics are pretty good, kind of a pain to connect to the network. Would let me play the FF series games.

Xbox: The most powerful of the three but has a limited selection of games, but you can save them on the hard drive. Also looks like you can connect 4 controllers and it's easy to connect to the network. Let's me play Halo and KOTOR.

Gamecube: Cheapest of the three and has a decent selection of games, including Zelda, which would make my gf happy. Also good for "party games" but doesn't allow any network connection.

Also, the DVD playing capabilities of the Xbox and PS2 are irrelevant - I have a good DVD player, so it just comes down to games.

Again, any advice is appreciated.

 

[chin311]

i prefer the XBOX. has all the games i like AND i :heart: XBOX LIVE, best feature of the console IMO.

*puts on flamejacket for long war ahead*

 

[MegaloManiaK]

You should do a search for xbox, ps2, and gamecube and read some of the past posts. You are not the first to make this decision and you are not the first to ask OT. You will find good advice there.

I personaly started with a PS2, it was ok but the load times got annoying. Then i got an Xbox which i have really liked ever since.

I sold the ps2 in the FS/FT forum here because after i got the xbox i didnt play the ps2 much.

 

[vi edit]

If I could have put the xbox controllers on the gamecube, I probably would have bought that. Gamecube has a bit better game selection (besides missing KOTOR), and you can find used games for it cheaper than the other two...at least in my area.

I just hate the controller.

I ended up buying an Xbox and I am quite happy with it.

 

[Rallispec]

i have a ps2 and an xbox, the xbox gets way more use than the PS2.

 

[spaceman]

if you have a halfway decent pc steer clear of the portbox.

You cant go wrong with a PS2 or Gamecube.

 

[Rent]

Originally posted by: Meltz
I don't want to start a flamewar here, I'm just looking for some useful advice. I'm looking to get a new gaming system (one of the big three) and I can't decide which one to get. Here's the way I see it and I'd appreciate any advice or comments from the experts among you. PS2: Huge selection of games, graphics are pretty good, kind of a pain to connect to the network. Would let me play the FF series games. Xbox: The most powerful of the three but has a limited selection of games, but you can save them on the hard drive. Also looks like you can connect 4 controllers and it's easy to connect to the network. Let's me play Halo and KOTOR. Gamecube: Cheapest of the three and has a decent selection of games, including Zelda, which would make my gf happy. Also good for "party games" but doesn't allow any network connection. Also, the DVD playing capabilities of the Xbox and PS2 are irrelevant - I have a good DVD player, so it just comes down to games. Again, any advice is appreciated.

Its all about what kind of games you want to play. If you're mainly into Action, I'd go with an Xbox. If you're into RPGs, PS2 has the largest selection of them. If you're a Nintendo fanboy, get the Gamecube (just remember, Final Fantasy : Crystal Chronicles is coming out for it). There's a handful of RPGs coming out for Xbox as well as the GTA series. PS2 still has some cool games coming out like Jak II, Gran Turismo 4, FFX-2...

As for personal preference, I like my Xbox. Playing in HD makes a ton of difference.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

What both of the above said

I started with a Gamecube. Even with the A+ quality titles the only one I really liked was Super Monkey Ball (that game rocks ass). Once GC hits $99 I might pick one up just for SMB. But after getting quality time one Christmas to play all three, to me there was no comparison: XBox was the winner.

Granted, it depends on the types of games you like playing. I can guarantee you won't get a clear answer here. You'll have XBox, PS2, and GC fans saying their system is the best, blah blah. I know you have friends who own these systems so ask to borrow it for a few nights and try each one and make an informed decision based off that.

 

[BigSmooth]

Each has their advantages. I like Nintendo first-party titles and I'm cheap so I went with the GC and I'm happy with it. One of my friends has an Xbox, and another has a PS2, and I like those systems as well.

 

[Meltz]

Originally posted by: Angrymarshmello I know you have friends who own these systems so ask to borrow it for a few nights and try each one and make an informed decision based off that.

Actually, the problem is that none of my friends have gaming machines, so I can't test them out.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

PS2: has tons of games, and alot of good ones.
XBox: has Halo, and pretty soon Halo2.
GC: has the most console specific games worth buying and the lowest price.

The PS2 DOES have a multitap available for 4 player action.
The GC DOES have network capabilities via an add on broadband adapter or modem (much like the PS2)
The Xbox seems to be the target console for sports games (ie: anything with a TLA starting with "N" and ending with "A" or "L").

If you have a PC for playing FPSes or don't like FPSes, don't bother with the Xbox. If you don't have broadband, forget going online with any console.

As far as the FF series is concerned, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is coming to the US in February for the Gamecube. You can also get the GB Player and pop in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Other killer games include F-Zero GX which is a racing game that's so fast and so smooth (even in 4 player mode) you'll wonder why all other racing games suck. The GC also features 4 player action.

The PS2 does have a solid lineup, including the lovable GTA series. But note that like the XBox, many of the games are multiconsole and/or suck. So choose your games wisely.


Look at what games you want to play and go by that. Specs don't mean very much.

 

[Vette73]

Gamecube has the nintendo games that no one else can touch like Zelda, Metroid, Mario, etc.... If you like those games, and those games only get it

PS2 has a good selection but the game system is getting old and showing it

X-Box has a lot of great games NOW, and they are still coming out wiht more. It supports DX8 and has a good amount of life left in it.


Of those I got a X-Box. I really like the Nintendo games, but the X-Box will last longer and have many different style games.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I disagree that the xbox will last signifigantly longer. The xbox's hardware was maxed out the day it was launched, games aren't getting any better for it. Supporting DX8 is irrelevant in the console market. The Xbox will be on the bargain shelf when the next generation of consoles come out. Just like the PS2 and GC.

 

[TheeeChosenOne]

The longevity factor will most certainly be with Xbox and PS2 (I own Xbox & GC, btw).

GC is on the wane. Their units aren't flying of the shelves anymore. Nintendo has halted production due to the inventory stockpiling. This is a very bad sign. When such things happen, software developers get scared and conservative, thus not make games for it. Look at all the non-selling sports titles for the GC that have driven away such developers from making games for it.

Xbox has better hardware than PS2. Most games nowadays are cross-platforms. Microsoft is shelling LOTS of money in ACQUIRING best-in-class development companies. This will bode well for future great games. The upcoming menu of games for the Xbox is compelling! Add in the fact you can play on broadband with others increases its playability factor. IF you like to mod, Xbox is your toy of choice.

There's nothing wrong with the PS2 except it has the most dated hardware of the 3 and doesn't have broadband or a hard drive like the Xbox. Plus, since it's the market leader, it's still expensive.

Of the cross-platform games, according to professional game mags, the best version is almost always with the Xbox, then PS2 Q), then GC (lackadaisical development support compared to the other 2 systems).
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Whatever you do, I'd stay away from GC. Although it has good first-party titles, it is likely to go the way of Dreamcast. Then you're stuck with a 10 pound paperweight! I love my GC unit, but my head has to think over my heart!

1.) Xbox
3.) PS2
5.5) GC

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Console Hardware Sales Chart
From: Aug 25 - Aug 31, 2003
System Sales this week Total Sales in 2003
GameBoy Advance SP 42,600 1,575,400
GameCube 35,600 486,200
PlayStation 2 35,300 1,953,300
GameBoy Advance 12,100 1,031,800
PSone 960 54,300
Xbox 650 72,500
WonderSwan Crystal 520 29,500
WonderSwan Color 180 15,100

Source: http://www.the-magicbox.com/toptenDengeki.htm


Although those are only Japanese numbers, it looks like the Gamecube is doing f'ing great!

 

[XCLAN]

XBOX is the only way to go if you like sports or want to play a nice FPS like HALO {the baddest FPS console gamer ever}. Xbox hardware is way superior to PS2 and Gamecube. I suspect that XBOX will be around a lonnnnnnng time.

 

[Schadenfroh]

you forget about the free online gameplay with XBconnect

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Console Hardware Sales Chart
From: Aug 25 - Aug 31, 2003
System Sales this week Total Sales in 2003
GameBoy Advance SP 42,600 1,575,400
GameCube 35,600 486,200
PlayStation 2 35,300 1,953,300
GameBoy Advance 12,100 1,031,800
PSone 960 54,300
Xbox 650 72,500
WonderSwan Crystal 520 29,500
WonderSwan Color 180 15,100

Source: http://www.the-magicbox.com/toptenDengeki.htm


Although those are only Japanese numbers, it looks like the Gamecube is doing f'ing great!

That was the one month (August I mean iirc) the GC outsold the PS2 in the U.S. Since then it's been on a downward slide.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Note: the average console lifespan until replacement is 3-5 years. There is an overlap period beyond that, but after that support drops off fast. The XBox is nothing more than an obselete PC. If you seriously think that in 3 years the XBox will still be hot, you're fooling yourself.

The differences in actual REAL game performance between the systems aren't major enough to use that as a determining factor. Buy them for the games, not the specs.

 

[Spoooon]

I read a rumor at some gamecube site that said a number of Final Fantasy games may be ported or remade for Gamecube. Something worth considering if you're a big fan.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: Angrymarshmello
That was the one month (August I mean iirc) the GC outsold the PS2 in the U.S. Since then it's been on a downward slide.

NOTHING has outsold the PS2 on the long run. The XBox sales are competitive with the GC sales in the US.

Hardware Sales in North America
(Updated: August 19, 2003)
Rank System Manufacturer Units Sold Total Sold
1 GameBoy Advance Nintendo 488,671 15,269,930
2 PlayStation 2 Sony 312,992 18,485,673
3 Xbox Microsoft 166,841 5,682,847
4 GameCube Nintendo 126,561 4,429,930

http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten3.htm#US

If you think the XBox is a dominating system you're fooling yourself. The XBox DOES outsell the GC signifigantly in Europe, but nothing like the GC does in Japan. The only home console doing any dominating is the PS2.

 

[Schadenfreude]

I'm waiting until Killer 7 comes out . . .then we'll see.

 

[digitalsm]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Console Hardware Sales Chart
From: Aug 25 - Aug 31, 2003
System Sales this week Total Sales in 2003
GameBoy Advance SP 42,600 1,575,400
GameCube 35,600 486,200
PlayStation 2 35,300 1,953,300
GameBoy Advance 12,100 1,031,800
PSone 960 54,300
Xbox 650 72,500
WonderSwan Crystal 520 29,500
WonderSwan Color 180 15,100

Source: http://www.the-magicbox.com/toptenDengeki.htm


Although those are only Japanese numbers, it looks like the Gamecube is doing f'ing great!

Lets drag up numbers for North America, the UK, and Europe. Toss in Australia. There is a reason Nintendo stopped producing GCs for a while, they arent exactly selling all that great. The Xbox leads the GC everywhere in the world, except Japan, where Xbox is an absolute failure, but everyone, including MS, figured that would happen, but Japan doesnt really matter these days.

 

[BigSmooth]

Although it has good first-party titles, it is likely to go the way of Dreamcast. Then you're stuck with a 10 pound paperweight!

I don't consider the Dreamcast a paperweight... there were such great games, I think there are many people who still use it.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth

Originally posted by: Angrymarshmello
That was the one month (August I mean iirc) the GC outsold the PS2 in the U.S. Since then it's been on a downward slide.

NOTHING has outsold the PS2 on the long run. The XBox sales are competitive with the GC sales in the US.

Hardware Sales in North America
(Updated: August 19, 2003)
Rank System Manufacturer Units Sold Total Sold
1 GameBoy Advance Nintendo 488,671 15,269,930
2 PlayStation 2 Sony 312,992 18,485,673
3 Xbox Microsoft 166,841 5,682,847
4 GameCube Nintendo 126,561 4,429,930

http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten3.htm#US

If you think the XBox is a dominating system you're fooling yourself. The XBox DOES outsell the GC signifigantly in Europe, but nothing like the GC does in Japan. The only home console doing any dominating is the PS2.

No, the GC outsold both the XBox and the PS2 in one month - I believe it was the month where they started having 2 games free with the system iirc. Since then it was all downhill. I don't know who you were directing the "XBox is a dominating system" comment to but I for one never said that.