Post by: kings x on December 14, 2006, 04:17:44 PM
Before I take the plunge on the Premium system, I have a couple questions.
1.) my main reservation is reliability. I do not trust the hardware, I do not trust micro$oft, and I do not believe their customer service is reasonable or helpful at all, from what I've read. So what is the story on reliabilty of new 360's, and of customer service?
2.) overheating seems to be an issue early on, have they done anything since launch to correct problems or to remedy heating (or other) issues? I have seen some attachment devices such as cooling units and things ...are these recomended? Does anyone buy these, or are they cash-in gimmick item(s)? I can NOT spend $400 on a malfunction!!
3.) The premium package seems to have everything I need, but are there other expenses and things I have overlooked?
I guess that gets me started. Maybe they'll have a price drop or bundle after the holidays? Or maybe I'll find a Wii tomorrow and it will curb my gaming impulses. honestly the thought of jumping the nintendo ship, even if only 'planned' breifly, and for a microsoft product makes me feel ...dirty (especially after they've spent the past 6 years insulting me as an adult gamer for my choice=nintendo), but man I'm bored, I am sick of Wii hunting or almost a month now, just to find out stores are hording their stock for 'another black friday do over' camp out.
Oh well, any words of wisdom from multiple console owners?
Post by: segagamer12 on December 14, 2006, 04:34:24 PM
Also we have noticed there is a problem with it scrathing disks when it is standing up so you migth wanna take that into consideration. Same reason why I have my Wii sitting down instead of standing up.
Um as for other expeneses yes there is. Live costs an arm and a leg to play, especialy if you want to DL content. They are WAY overpriced (people bicthing baout Wii VC prices need to check out Xbox live arcade prices)
You can do alot of neat multimedia things with it but honestly nothing you cant already do on the pc you typed this message on.
let me say this. All MS 1st party games and most of the big 3rd partygames will ALL eventually get proted to PC. If you are really worried about relaibality maybe you should consider getting a good video card and decent RAM and just get your HD fix that way.
I too would like a 360 cuz of a few games and the extra features but the price isnt worth it right now. Wait till Halo 3 comes out shrotly after that the price SHOULD come down to compete with PS3 and its MGS4.
Hope this helps.
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on December 14, 2006, 04:54:33 PM
Quote
2.) overheating seems to be an issue early on, have they done anything since launch to correct problems or to remedy heating (or other) issues? I have seen some attachment devices such as cooling units and things ...are these recomended? Does anyone buy these, or are they cash-in gimmick item(s)? I can NOT spend $400 on a malfunction!!
Microsoft is now using a processor that produces less heat. And don't bother with those external fans that you can buy for 19.99 they seem to cause more problems than solving any. Just put your 360 in a place thats well ventillated.
Quote
3.) The premium package seems to have everything I need, but are there other expenses and things I have overlooked?
Xbox live subscription, XBLA games and microtransaction purchases if you plan on those, if your planning on connecting to XBL wirelessly a wireless adapter which costs 99.99 . And if you want to play HD-DVDs the external attachment is 199.99 but thats completely optional.
Quote
et me say this. All MS 1st party games and most of the big 3rd partygames will ALL eventually get ported to PC. If you are really worried about relaibality maybe you should consider getting a good video card and decent RAM and just get your HD fix that way.
Thats about 80% false and 20% true, its obvious that microsoft is pushing cross platform availability (most 360 accessories compatible with PC accessories) and some xbox/360 games will end up on the PC but most of them takes years for that transition to happen and to a point where people just won't care for the 1 - 3 year late PC port. But the games that similtaneously launch on 360 and PC, you need a good and sometimes expensive PC rig that it will be much cheaper just to get the 360 version.
Post by: KDR_11k on December 14, 2006, 08:02:42 PM
That's strange because my disk based systems don't scratch any discs.
They're OPTICAL discs, the only part that should touch them is the rotor in the center and the laser beam from the read head. Laser beams sure as hell don't scratch discs.
Post by: ShyGuy on December 14, 2006, 08:11:08 PM
Post by: oohhboy on December 14, 2006, 09:30:03 PM
He is in the process of getting it replaced, but it is a fairly long winded affair. At the end of the day though, you might be better served getting a PC. He plays that so much more. I wouldn't be suprised if it was something like 100:1 hours against the Xbox.
level 60 in WOW does that.
Post by: KnowsNothing on December 14, 2006, 11:18:58 PM
My xbox (which, admittedly, doesn't get played that often), has worked flawlessly for as long as I've had it. Don't know ow long that is though
A few months at least! Whatever!
Post by: KDR_11k on December 15, 2006, 12:18:56 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: ShyGuy
That's cause you aren't turning the laser intensity high enough, Weird Bunny Girl.
That's burning, not scratching.
Post by: segagamer12 on December 15, 2006, 01:43:21 AM
Sorry its 100% true as the only games worth buying the system for ARE ALREADY ON PC and better versions to boot.
Same deal with regular Xbox, and it always will be Xbox 360 IS a PC in disguise after all.
Post by: KDR_11k on December 15, 2006, 03:01:42 AM
The 360 is a Mac in disguise. No, wait, even Macs have shifted away from that architecture. Seems like the 360 is a proper embedded system. Oh my.
Post by: SgtShiversBen on December 15, 2006, 03:21:55 AM
I've had some problems with mine. It was causing the games to have this weird rainbow polygon effect, so I took it back to where I bought it and got a new one. After some vigorous playing of Gears of War, it hasn't messed up yet.
Live is where it's at when it comes to online services. Some of the stuff may be a bit overpriced, but hell, it's no more expensive than what the Virtual Console does. Also some of the newer XBLA games that have come out on there are pretty damn good for being $10 or so.
The myth that all 360 [or even the good ones] games will be coming out for PC is the biggest sham this side of the notion that the South shot first.
Edit: fixed stupid mistake
Post by: hudsonhawk on December 15, 2006, 04:23:30 AM
Heat is only an issue if you try to put it inside of an entertainment center. As long as you give it room to breathe you shouldn't have any trouble.
I agree, the premium bundle is a no-brainer. I think Microcenter is still doing their $100 rebate on it if you have one near you, otherwise there's some other bundles and deals out there for it. Despite the fanboy FUD that Segagamer is giving you, the best games are not available on PC and you don't need the XBL gold to download content (though the online play is worth the $4 / month anyway).
If you plan to use it as your primary DVD player with your HDTV you may want to invest in the VGA cables. They're overpriced, but they improve the picture quality for games in it lets the 360 act as an upscaling DVD player.
Oh and they just added Psychonauts to the backwards compatibility list so if you haven't played that do yourself a favor and pick it up.
All in all, it seems silly to talk about the "experience" of a console, but I think Microsoft got a lot of things right. Browsing my computer for music to put on while I play PGR, or inviting a friend to a game of Gears that I'm in the middle of... it all just works.
Post by: IceCold on December 15, 2006, 04:34:50 AM
QuoteOh yeah? Then it must not have any games..
The myth that all 360 [or even the good ones] games will be coming out for 360 is the biggest sham this side of the notion that the South shot first.
Post by: KDR_11k on December 15, 2006, 05:29:43 AM
I don't know about you but not having an XBox wasn't a hurdle for me playing that game, it's on every home gaming platform except for the Gamecube. I've got the PS2 version.
Post by: SgtShiversBen on December 15, 2006, 08:41:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: IceColdQuoteOh yeah? Then it must not have any games..
The myth that all 360 [or even the good ones] games will be coming out for 360 is the biggest sham this side of the notion that the South shot first.
I don't know what you're talking about IceCold, I never said such a thing :X
Post by: segagamer12 on December 17, 2006, 05:12:28 AM
and whos aid I ama troll thats not nice. All I try adn dois, whatever nevermind it aint owrth arguing over
360 can still pretty much do anything a PC can and its made by Microsoft.
GEARS OF WAR aint on PC yet but I promise yo it will be. FEAR as the other BIG game I wanted 360 for but coudl get on PC instead.
Post by: hudsonhawk on December 18, 2006, 07:16:31 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: segagamer12
I meant Oblivion, thats teh only gaem i care about, Capcom will get Head Rising on Wii just yo wait.
Now, I do think that the Wii will hold it's own in a lot of ways this generation, but one of the huge gaps you'll see is that games like Dead Rising just could not be done the same way on the Wii. Have thousands of characters on the screen, each with their own independent movements and scripting is something that the multi-core cpu consoles will have over the Wii.
Again, the Wii will hold its own in a lot of ways, I'm not dissing the Wii but realistically something like DR isn't feasible. It has lots of things going for it but this isn't going to be one of them.
So in other words, I wouldn't hold your breath on this one.
Post by: Kairon on December 18, 2006, 08:50:13 AM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Athrun Zala on December 18, 2006, 09:37:03 AM
QuoteA great idea, which means it won't happen (we're talking about Capcom here....)
Originally posted by: segagamer12
I meant Oblivion, thats teh only gaem i care about, Capcom will get Head Rising on Wii just yo wait.
Post by: Trippy Pancakes on December 19, 2006, 01:12:44 AM
I agree that it sure seems like the 360 has had a large amount of problems in general. One solution may be to purchase it somewhere that has a liberal return policy. Like Walmart or Costco. Costco will allow you to return the product at any time (any time - even after warranty has expired - even after they don't carry the product any longer). The catch is that you have to keep up your membership (50 bucks a year) the whole time.
Post by: Kairon on December 19, 2006, 09:54:45 AM
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: kings x on December 19, 2006, 02:45:15 PM
Wii has 1 game I want... and it's the GC game. Only problem is it's sold out for GC already and everyone's saying it was a limited run? Playing Zelda would get me through until a 360 price drop and/or bundle.
I think 360 will drop and/or bundle once ps3 and Wii are regularly in stock and I think they will be more 'platinum hits' very soon too. I'm already buying 360 games at reletively fair used prices, and will NOT buy anything new (except maybe Halo3) for the $60. One of the benefits to being late to the party I guess.
Post by: Kairon on December 19, 2006, 02:58:16 PM
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: kings x on December 19, 2006, 03:48:20 PM
thanks to everyone that offered tips.
Post by: IceCold on December 19, 2006, 04:57:02 PM
Post by: kings x on December 19, 2006, 05:31:16 PM
Post by: Kairon on December 19, 2006, 07:28:15 PM
Good luck with your X360! That Costco method is really a great thing, I had no idea they had such urhsome customer service.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: couchmonkey on December 20, 2006, 08:15:09 AM
I've also heard rumours of a price drop in early 07, but who knows how early.
Post by: hudsonhawk on December 21, 2006, 03:03:07 AM
I love the 360 and it had won me over but crap like this is how they lose customers for good. I'll just say, exercise caution and get the extended warranty from your retailer or MS up front. Extended warranties in general are a ripoff, but these seem to be failing at an astronomically high rate, so the $50 for 2 years is probably a safe bet.
Post by: Kairon on December 21, 2006, 03:25:28 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: hudsonhawk
Then they have the nerve to offer to sell me an extended warranty on the repaired 360... it just feels like extortion.
I thought about that for a while... and then I laughed. Worst possible moment for them to sell something like that. LOL. They might as well have just said "hear from you in 9 months!"
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Kairon on December 26, 2006, 12:56:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Lord_die_seis
Microsoft is now using a processor that produces less heat.
Was this what you were talking about?
65nm XBox360 CPUs delayed until Summer '07
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: kings x on December 26, 2006, 01:38:59 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on December 26, 2006, 03:31:27 PM
By then you may find out that the Wii has a better selection of games you desire.
Remember just around the corner (2007) Nintendo is releasing:
Super Mario Galaxy
Metroid Prime 3
Battalion Wars Wii
Fire Emblem
Mario Party Wii
Wario Ware Smooth Moves
Brain Training Wii
Smash Brothers Brawl
Those are all pretty big Nintendo franchise games...I would not want to miss, because I was impatient...specially if I am a fan.
There is literally so much to play on the Wii right now it is astonishing.
Some great Wii games:
Zelda,
Excite Truck,
Rayman Raving Rabbits,
Wii Sports,
Mii Channel
To Classic Games:
Super Mario 64
Super Castlevania 4
Sonic
R-Type
Super Mario Bros.
Gunstar Heroes
ect
The potential for upcoming games is incredible...as I already listed.
So I think it is wise to wait...and get a Wii later.
Post by: Ceric on December 27, 2006, 03:35:35 AM
Post by: segagamer12 on December 27, 2006, 04:37:38 AM
Post by: kings x on December 27, 2006, 11:03:55 AM
ebgames.com has pro bundle with some of this stuff for $500 and I don't remember now, but I think that includes a second wireless controller, which makes it a good deal (i may be mistaken though).
Post by: hudsonhawk on December 28, 2006, 02:41:09 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: kings x
With the controllers, do I use regular batteries, or do i need to the charge while you play accessory? Am I able to watch dvd's, etc without getting the remote control?
ebgames.com has pro bundle with some of this stuff for $500 and I don't remember now, but I think that includes a second wireless controller, which makes it a good deal (i may be mistaken though).
You can use batteries, but the controller goes through them relatively quickly (20 hours or so). You'll be better off getting the charge and play or rechargable AA's.
It plays DVD's out of the box. It makes for a decent DVD player, especially if you use the VGA cable (then it acts as an upscaling DVD player).
Post by: segagamer12 on January 05, 2007, 07:35:36 AM
Post by: Sir_Stabbalot on January 05, 2007, 11:23:45 AM
If this is true, I'm going to wait to get a 360 until these come out.
Post by: Nick DiMola on January 06, 2007, 07:15:21 AM
Post by: ReverendNoahWhateley on January 06, 2007, 12:37:35 PM
Post by: kings x on January 06, 2007, 05:18:40 PM
It is AMAZING. This is a new experience for me, and it looks way better than I thought on my 42" plasma, and in 6.1 surround. Truly impressive. I never thought I'd support Microsoft but this console has impressed (granted it hasnt broke yet -and I know it will, but Im covered anyway). Seriously, it is new and fun for me to play these realistic games that I guess I was missing out on (rainbow six multiplayer is quite cool). The controller is a fantastic, interface is great and I havent even taken it online yet. This is next gen for me. And as a nintendo fan for years (especially during SNES, and then the GC), I am very happy. There are more games I really want (gears, viva, halo3) and with those alone this generation is covred for me... I can totally understand why and how people get so hardcore with these games, especially online. It's a whole world I'm discovering and I am glad Nintendo had no Wii for me.
You've all been very helpful with all my new gear. Have fun!
Post by: Artimus on January 06, 2007, 05:31:11 PM
Post by: Requiem on January 06, 2007, 06:31:52 PM
Seriously, even if you aren't the biggest soccer fan, it is still an amazing experience. There is nothing like it!
Post by: Nick DiMola on January 06, 2007, 09:31:28 PM
Post by: Shift Key on January 06, 2007, 10:02:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: kings x
2.) overheating seems to be an issue early on, have they done anything since launch to correct problems or to remedy heating (or other) issues? I have seen some attachment devices such as cooling units and things ...are these recomended? Does anyone buy these, or are they cash-in gimmick item(s)? I can NOT spend $400 on a malfunction!!
Can't be bothered reading through the whole thread, so I'll just answer this one.
The short answer is yes, there is a market for those ones.
I have several friends who have Xbox360s, and there seems to be two different kinds of systems. One has a much louder fan, the other is a lot quieter. The difference is huge when you have them side-by-side. Turns out that you want the louder fans because they're the ones that are cooling your system better. The ones with the quieter fan are more susceptible to random lockups while playing.
Ventilation around the system doesn't seem to make a huge impact on the problem. Those cooling units help (according to your local EB goon, take with grain of salt), but pre-Christmas I don't think they made it out (at least to Aussie-land).
Anyway, best of luck to you on your adventures. I hope you go better than my friend who had to take his back on the day he bought it because of a faulty hard drive.
Post by: kings x on January 07, 2007, 03:38:52 AM
I dont want to play monkey ball this time, excite does nothing for me, I have 3 versions wario ware, I've got all of super mario on BA and DS, animal crossing and nintendogs =eh.
GC was the different experience for me when it came out to (pikmin had me sold), after I skipped N64 for PS1... so maybe next time around I'll come back to my (mostly) beloved nintendo.
I should state that I do not get to play very often, so when a console has 6-7 games already on my must have list, I am really pretty well set for a while.
Post by: Kairon on January 07, 2007, 06:00:33 PM
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: segagamer12 on January 08, 2007, 04:01:27 PM
Post by: Kairon on January 08, 2007, 04:55:17 PM
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Nick DiMola on January 09, 2007, 01:30:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon
Hmm... but I think all you'll need for iptv is a firmware update and to buy a larger external hard drive (MS will probably charge between $100 and $150), so technically you can get an X360 today and just upgrade it when the time comes if you can afford it.
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
That part of it is definitely true, but the ones coming out in the summer will also have an HDMI port on the back as well as better, cooler running hardware. If anyone is contemplating a 360 purchase I strongly urge you to wait for the upgrade, it will be well worth the wait, plus it'll give some time for a nice selection of games to build up.
Post by: kings x on January 09, 2007, 02:33:24 AM
One minor complaint, it is loud. The new processor will be quieter. It's usually no big deal because 6.1 surround is more fun urned up anyway, but late night playing makes it noticable.
Post by: hudsonhawk on January 09, 2007, 03:49:22 AM
Where are you seeing that this is coming out this summer? Not doubting that there's a new one coming, but given that we have no idea if it will be more expensive or what. I'm not convinced that it's worth waiting for, unless you need HDMI, especially since you can upgrade the hard drive for a nominal cost.
$120 for an extended warranty??? How is that worth it?
Why wouldn't you just pay $30 for the extended warranty from MS if you feel like you need an extended warranty?
Post by: Athrun Zala on January 09, 2007, 03:52:01 AM
QuoteWining Eleven (Pro Evolution Soccer) >>>>>>> FIFA
Originally posted by: Requiem
FIFA 2007....
Seriously, even if you aren't the biggest soccer fan, it is still an amazing experience. There is nothing like it!
'nuff said
Post by: Kairon on January 09, 2007, 06:11:17 AM
And I've heard of both quiet and noisy XBox360s... hmm... like some just have naturally louder fans I guess, or maybe those louder fans are the ones manufactured earlier or something.
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: hudsonhawk on January 09, 2007, 06:17:48 AM
There does seem to be two versions of the 360, one with a louder fan than the other. I think it's the other way around though, that they put a higher-power fan on it after the first batch had issues with overheating in constrained spaces.
Post by: segagamer12 on January 09, 2007, 07:11:06 AM
Post by: Ceric on January 09, 2007, 08:38:48 AM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on January 09, 2007, 08:49:40 AM
Post by: hudsonhawk on January 09, 2007, 09:38:07 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: segagamer12
I am rethinkg the 360 altogether, my friends drive keeps scratching his disks. He playes it a lot but it still shouldnt be sratching his disks. We decided to lay it down and see if that fixes the prblem, if so thne i sure as hell wotn be standing mine up.
Yeah, I've heard of that happening as well. Apparently it happens with certain 360's when you shut it down with the disc spinning, and then console is in the upright position.
The workaround that I've read is that if you have one of those 360's you just have to exit to the dashboard before you shut it down.
It's unbelievably retarded that some of them do that but at least there's a workaround.
Post by: segagamer12 on January 12, 2007, 10:00:58 AM
It hasnt scratched Quake or Doom yet but we dont play those much. Black gets played a lot so I been keeping an eye on it. Since we layed it down like a regular xbox we havent had the problem as much so maybe that fixed it. Seams to be working ok.
Maybe I will lay my Wii back down too but i havent had it scratch any games yet.
Another wierd thing is according to the dashboard it claims 360 can read dada dvds but all the oens we tried dont work. It plays Mp3 cds and dvdr no problem but not dvd data. Is that unusual?
