I did not start this thread to bash the console ... just the online support.
But as the bullets have been fired ... and you can't put them back in the gun you SONY fan boys
... so as XBOX squad leader I am duty bound to respond
The impression I have from our forum is that XBOX console failures are only slightly higher than PS3 console failures for TOG members. (about even I am guessing but I don't have the time to check all the posts so I will grant the PS3 some leeway here
)
The media and other sources have bashed M$ constantly over the failures of the launch consoles, but to M$ credit they have supported their product in the warranty department very well. (Sure you could argue that the warranty service would not have to be so generous of the console was better made, but the fact is the build quality is vastly improved for the current release of consoles and you are still covered for 3 years on the RROD).
I have had a number of PS1's and PS2's die on me in the past and I guarantee you the SONY warranty service was no where near the quality of the XBOX and XBOX 360.
Back to the point though, hardware wise, I am sure I am on record as stating that I think the PS3 is a better device. (This may change if one of my PS3's goes faulty though
)
What I am referring to in this thread is the online quality. In this fast paced information age, we as gamers want our online services to be a respectable speed.
- None of us want to wait 4 hours plus to play a game we just bought.
- None of us want the lag that gives us no chance to fight / play on a level playing field.
- None of us want a voice communication that is garbled or inaudible.
- None of us want to waste time trying to get friends to join game sessions.
These four things detract from game play, waste time and make the service they are connected to look amateurish and substandard.
Unfortunately to date my (and I stress my) experience with the PSN has been a frustrating example of the above points.
Yes I have had an XBOX die on me, but it was repaired quickly and I was back playing within a week and a half.
- When my XBOX updates it takes seconds to minutes to do, not hours.
- When an XBOX game is updated to takes seconds to minutes, not hours.
- Voice communication and joining friends online is easy, intuitive and clear.
- Lag, although not perfect against players from other countries admittedly, is still leagues ahead of that experienced on the PSN.
Bag the 360 all you like and scoff at the fees for XBOX live, the fact is that online gaming / support is far more stable and fun on the XBOX. (And as a side point, updates for the console or games are free ... you do not have to have a gold live subscription to get them ... and they are still only seconds to minutes to download.)
The only thing that the PSN has over XBOX live is that it uses real dollars when showing a price for a game or content.
I CAN NOT COMMEND SONY ENOUGH FOR THIS! (I hate M$ points so much!
)
SONY consoles would have RROD too when they failed, but they had to take them out to cut costs ... just like the media card readers, extra USB ports, etc.
(Climbs down from soapbox) ... "Ok SONY boys ... bring it!
(Oh ... and just so I am clear, this is still a friendly debate between learned colleges of the gaming community right? This post is not a flame attack, nor is it inciting a flame war.)
