Last minute gift dilemna... video game related

[mla973]

Can someone help me.... what is the popular new gaming system for this season? Is it the PS3? The one that plays Blu Ray discs?

I am so late on getting my husband a gift (I'm expecting and have just been too tired to get out and shop). He previously had a Wii and sold it.

I was going to get him something iPhone related, but all the reviews I'm reading are not good.

So, is the Play Station 3 the best system to buy now? If so, what memory level is best? And do I need any other accessories?

Please forgive me, I'm not a video game fan, and I'm stuck at the last minute with no other thoughts on what to get. Your help is appreciated.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

How about getting him a BluRay Player instead of a gaming system?

Do you have an HDTV? You need one of those to enjoy the quality of the BluRay stuff.

And yes PS3 has the BluRay feature. I am not cool with connecting it to my gaming system, but that is just my preference.

I bought a XBOX360 for the "family gift" (read, me) this yr.

Either system is fine. I don't have an HDTV so I could care less about getting a PS3.

 

[BadRomance]

We just got a PS3 as part of the Sony LCD TV package. DH would have never thought of getting a PS3 before but now that he has it, it is his pride and joy! All of his friends are jealous.

Blue Ray Players are like 150.. PS3 is 299$. A PS3 is a GREAT gift. Trust me

 

[DMickey28]

What kind of games does he like? My DH loves his PS3. I don't think he needed any additional accessories with it right off the bat. He did get an extra remote eventually. My DH can't remember what his was or how big the memory goes. He thinks his is basic one and doesn't need anything additional with it.

My DH just said that the PS3 is far better than the XBox for himself personally. He plays war type games and all the EA Sports games and thinks the PS3 is much better than the XBox. He literally plays at least 2-3 games a day. The PS3 also streams movies through NetFlix and has a whole bunch more features than the XBox does.

We have rented racing games for DS on the PS3 and he likes those as well. It's a great gift for him. I bought my DH a PSP for XMas as a totally shocker/surprise because he travels a lot and really likes his PS3.

 

[mla973]

Thanks for the info. Yes, we have an HDTV.. just got it a few months ago. He has mentioned wanting a Blu Ray player, but I refuse to pay $30 for a movie. (I saw the Bodyguard for $32 recently... so not worth it.)

He mostly plays the EA sports types of games (golf, football, etc.)

Maybe the PS3 is the one he'd want...

 

[BadRomance]

The PS3 plays regular DVD's as well. So you don't HAVE to buy blurays...

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Thanks for the info. Yes, we have an HDTV.. just got it a few months ago. He has mentioned wanting a Blu Ray player, but I refuse to pay $30 for a movie. (I saw the Bodyguard for $32 recently... so not worth it.)

He mostly plays the EA sports types of games (golf, football, etc.)

Maybe the PS3 is the one he'd want...

Just want to jump in and say not all blu-ray movies are that expensive. I got Up and Harry Potter for less then $20 each, and both packs had the blu-ray, a dvd, and a digital copy. So not all are that bad of a deal.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

The PS3 plays regular DVD's as well. So you don't HAVE to buy blurays...

That is all well and good but this is my issue with buying it for the BluRay...I rent and do not buy DVDs. They are not in the best shape, imo, and they dirty your gaming system.

Heck, my Wii is dead and that is going to cost me 80 bills to fix that.

 

[BadRomance]

That is all well and good but this is my issue with buying it for the BluRay...I rent and do not buy DVDs. They are not in the best shape, imo, and they dirty your gaming system.

Heck, my Wii is dead and that is going to cost me 80 bills to fix that.

Yikes! I did not know rentals did that?! Wow I am technology illiterate.

 

[Psychodisney]

According to my teenagers, the PS3 is the one to get. I think the games are similar on both formats but the benefit of a blu-ray is nice.

 

[RyeCrimsonMoon]

I would get a PS3 instead of just a blu ray player, but I'm a gamer and I love the package deals!

You only need an extra controller if you're going to be playing multi-player games, like Little Big Planet and other EA sports games that could use two people. Of he only likes sport games, look at Madden NFL or NCAA. If he likes 1st person shooters try Call of Duty 2: Modern warfare (he might enjoy it anyway, its top ten on most lists this year)

The only reason blu ray movies cost so much right now is because they are a new technology. Let them sink in a year or two and the price will start to go down. I'm sure that's not helpful really, but its true!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yikes! I did not know rentals did that?! Wow I am technology illiterate.

I guess you are being sarcastic? All I am saying is I prefer it to be seperate. If I buy a gaming system it is just going to be used for gaming.

OP since you have a HDTV, I would get the PS3 as well.

One of these days I will own a HDTV....however these dang TV's hold out forever.

 

[BadRomance]

I guess you are being sarcastic? All I am saying is I prefer it to be seperate. If I buy a gaming system it is just going to be used for gaming.

OP since you have a HDTV, I would get the PS3 as well.

One of these days I will own a HDTV....however these dang TV's hold out forever.

No I really didn't know that. Technology isn't my thing. I am learning all the time on these boards.

 

[mkel34]

You can download movies direct from netflix or sony through your ps3. No need to rent physical movies. But, you'll need an internet connection.

 

[mla973]

Thank you so much for all of the advice... DH and I said we were not going to exchange gifts this year. We're expecting a baby in June, plus headed to WDW in February, so we were saving for those two.

I am now thinking about getting the PS3 250 and Rock Band, since I will at least play that! And maybe a gift cert to a local video store where he can try games out before buying. He does love the Madden and Tiger Woods games.

 

[DMickey28]

I think that's a great idea. We had Rock Band on XBox 360 and have thought about getting it on the PS3 since our XBox died this summer. I do like Rock Band.

DH is currently playing Madden 2010. He loves that game. He is not as big into Tiger Woods and personally, I would refuse to buy any Tiger games right now. I wanted to get that for my brother for the Wii we got him for XMas but I cant bring myself to do it!!

DH LOVED Call of Duty 2. We also liked Uncharted 2 but it didn't stick to him like CofD. A few of his other most recent favorites are Fight Night Round 4 and NHL Hockey EA.

Congrats on the baby. We are due with our second little boy in March!! I am getting so excited. Have fun on the babymoon!!! I wish we could take a trip soon but we are planning our first "real" family WDW vacation for December 2010 instead. We used to live in Florida so we have been a TON but have never had a full week dedicated to a vacation and DS #1 will be 3.5 then. Last time he was there he was 2 so I think 3.5 will be awesome!!

 

[ndelaware]

I just bought Up for 18.99, Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince for 14.99 and Angels and Demons for 18.49 on Blu Ray from Amazon with free shipping. All three were combo packs and included Blu Ray, DVD, and Digital copies of each movie. Blu Ray prices are coming down fast.


I have one of the original PS3s (delivered the day they were released for sale in the US) and it has run great without a single problem ever. It is one of the best Blu Ray players you can buy and Sony constantly updates the firmware. I also loaded all my CDs on it and use it as a jukebox to listen to music. I am very happy with my PS3.

 

[bumbershoot]

DH and I said we were not going to exchange gifts this year. We're expecting a baby in June, plus headed to WDW in February, so we were saving for those two.

So why are you getting him a present????

If DH and I agreed to that then he bought me something, it would be returned. Immediately.


If he doesn't like playing videogames (why did he return the Wii), don't get him a PS3. Does he have a wish list on amazon? Something that gives you an idea of what he might like, assuming he's gone back on the no gifts agreement and is getting you something as well?

 

[dcentity2000]

You'll find more and more impressive games out on the XBox 360 (which is also cheaper) but you'll not get a Blu Ray player - you'd get that with a PlayStation 3.

Both consoles are great in their own ways.

Personally? I have an XBox 360 (I HAD to play Halo 3!) and a separate Blu Ray player. Cost wise, the two add up to the cost of a PlayStation 3 and in the end play more games.

Make sure to consider a Nintendo Wiil as well in place of a PlayStation 3 or, indeed, XBox 360 on top of a Blu Ray player. They're very trendy at the moment.



Rich::

 

[N.Bailey]

I think before anyone starts recommending one system over another, it's really important to know what your husband enjoys when it comes to playing games. If he prefers the Japanese style RPG games, the PS2 should be the only system you give consideration to, IMO. If not however, the PS2 may not be the best choice for him.

If he's only interested in EA Sports types of games, both the PS2 and the Xbox 360 would be good options. EA Sports is in it for the bottom line and has no loyalties to anything than the almighty dollar. I hate them myself (though realize that they've put out some good games). Each year they like to basically add little to nothing to a game and re-release the same game over and over with what might amount to an expansion pack and plop the $60 price tag onto all over again. I guess if the consumer is willing to pay though, why shouldn't they?

If however, your husband is wanting to take the gaming online and play with others in say, war type shooting games, the PS2 will work, but it won't measure up to the Xbox 360 and Live. Yeah, you can take the PS2 online, but it does not even slightly compare to Live.

Each system offers it's own uniqueness to the market. They are not created equal so it's important to do your homework to see which best fits your individual needs. You will find strong supporters for all 3 of the current systems. It really depends on what you are looking for as to which is the best fit for you.