Which console do you guys prefer? Xbox360 or Wii?

Or should I wait a year for the Xbox360 Generation 2 console ("Zephyr")?

from Stardock Forums
I'm 30yo, and it's been awhile since I played video games. Growing up, I liked arcade games the best, but gradually learned to like strategy games like Civilization.

The Real World made time scarce, and I haven't played games in a long time. But strangely, I have an increasing craving for them recently.

I'm kindof drawn to both the Xbox 360 and the Wii, for different reasons; I like the games available for the Xbox, and I like its compatibility with Windows Media Center in Vista. But the Wii, with its nunchuk UI is innovative and exciting.

I guess I'm leaning toward the Xbox360 overall, but I thought I'd ask for your thoughts. How many of you prefer PC games?? I know strategy games on PC abound, but do you like playing racing games or sports games or action games (Marvel Ultimate Alliance looks cool) on the PC?

Btw, I heard that the next-generation Xbox360 is in the works -- codename "Zephyr"... Is it worth waiting a year for that??

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
~Alessandro.
712 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

I prefer PC games overall, but like console games just so I can get out from in front of my PC (and in front of my TV - man, I need a life!).   Having tried the Wii and owning a 360, I would say I would still take the 360 overall. It just offers more of what I want. I view the Wii's controller to be more of a fad than anything else (I mean, it's cool and well done, but meh) and, IMO, the graphics on the Wii are not good.  That said, I mostly use my PS2 since that system is more geared to RPGs - which the 360 lacks.

I'm not sure I'd wait for Zephyr. If you're looking for something now, there's not much point in waiting a whole year. Yeah, it'll be quieter and come with a larger HD, but that's kinda minor since I'm sure Microsoft will put out a HD upgrade for existing users.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
@Yarlen, thanks for the great reply, especially your points about Zephyr.

Regarding RPGs, in most cases that I've encountered, they seem to be better on the PC than on a console. But what do you think about LotR: Battle for Middle Earth II on the Xbox360? (Although that might be considered more of a strategy game than RPG.)

Thanks.

Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

By and large, RPGs can be pretty different between the platforms. For instance, RPGs from Japan are very different than those from North America or Europe. So on the PlayStation you see games along the lines of Final Fantasy, Dark Cloud, etc. While on the PC and Xbox you get games like Baldur's Gate and Knights of the Old Republic. Both are good, but the style is very different. I tend to view Japanese RPGs as more focused on pure storytelling, which is what I like in a console role-player. For more "hardcore" RPGs, I prefer to play them on the PC (though the 360 has some excellent ones in the pipeline like Mass Effect).

Battle for Middle Earth II is definitely a strategy-lite game (at least it was on the PC). I don't see any reason to play it on the 360 except if you didn't have it for the PC already.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

I personally prefer the Wii as a console, but my primary games platform is a PC however.
(My favorite games include all kinds of Civ, GTA, the odd RPG, and nowadays racing on Super Mario Kart Wii.)

The Wii is completely geared towards muliplayer-in-the-same-room play (party playing). It does support muliplayer over the internet and all 'big' titles are available for the Wii, but just looking at the popular titles and the types of game available for the Wii you see that it is much more light-hearted gaming than for Xbox360. (Bright and colourful games vs realistic graphics)

If you don't mind playing on PC, most PC games are much cheaper than their console equivalent too.

my 2ct.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

oh, and if you already have a PC, a decent graphics card (exceeding console specs) will cost less than an Xbox360

if you are starting blank, it is hard to beat a console on hardware price.