I'm one of those old school gamers who grew up playing the original Mario and Final Fantasy games on the NES. To this day, I wish it was still Nintendo vs. Sega in the console segment, and that Sony and Microsoft never entered the gaming industry. That being said, my choice still rests with Nintendo, even though they're not really making many games that appeal to me.

I don't have anything against the PS3 itself, it's the company who made it that I hate with a passion. Sony has lost my respect a long time ago with all their broken promises and flat out lies. They think they can keep on s**tting on their on customers and we're just going to take it. Well, I don't think so.

Although the PS3 may appear technologically the most advanced out of the current console systems, it doesn't mean jack. Sega's Dreamcast was far superior technologically to the PS2, yet it lost anyway.

I'm perfectly happy with things as they are now, Nintendo being 1st, Microsoft 2nd, and Sony a distant 3rd. Let's hope this new Xbox Arcade only widens the gap between 2nd and 3rd this holiday season!

ahhh the good ol days of mario, zelda, contra,
and rad racer :)

I share your sentiments almost exactly.

Sega was never a marketing powerhouse... not even close. That's why most of their consoles historically never fared as well as they should have, except maybe the Mega Drive / Genesis. It fared rather well, in spite of it being technologically inferior to the SNES (which was a beautiful console)... though it did have a pretty good head start.

The same goes for Microsoft in other regions besides the U.S., I believe. Their marketing leaves a lot to be desired in other countries, especially Japan. Hopefully they will succeed in turning that around.

I'm really looking forward to more games for the Wii. Nintendo has taken a back seat for far too long, and I remain hopeful that their console will continue to provide plenty of enjoyment beyond the handful of addictive games that are available already. Even though I grow tired of the same old worn out mascots they've relied on in the past, I'm actually looking forward to another Mario game that changes the landscape in much the same way that Mario 64 did on the N64. That game was (and still is) a blast.

I too am one of the old school gamers that grew up in the 80's. The NES and SNES were two of my all-time favorite consoles, though I've always had a soft spot for Sega's consoles (even the Master System). You and I must be around the same age.

Let me get this straight, Microsoft renames the core "XBOX Arcade". PS3 and fake Wii owners go crazy because this may sell more 360's this holiday season.

Meanwhile, the person we all know is Dave, claims to have a Wii and keeps telling everyone "Good luck getting a Wii this holiday".

I think he is trying to get people to go out and buy one, just so another 360 doesnt get purchased. This freak is that twisted.

PitdingDave, I'm calling BS that you own a Wii. You are completely full of crap.

Yes a new buy a thon aimed at the Wii like the blo ray ones on blu ray.com.

excuse my abruptnes here, but i dont think all your flaming back and forth changes reality to those that will never read this...

people that know nothing about games, and have their kids say i want a game system, will look at price alone, they dont know the games, or care, they see a shelf full of stuff, and think hmm well my kid has to like atleast a few of these, and its probibly true...

so that said the wii wins,

now, if the kid is there, and they have friends that play online alot and want to just always play with their friends, then they will go 360, or wii(only if they live very close, and by playing online, i mean comming over to their house to play..) the 360 wins..

now those rich kids, that have almost no friends, or lack them becasue freinds are evil.. will buy a ps3 because their parents dont care about price tags...

now.. for all those that buy the consoles for themselves... they choose what they want... again flaming is not going to change that, infact, man, i hate it when soo many people like the same games as me, i cant ever find them... and i hate preordering .. :S

ultimately, i belive, that there are a select few gamers being left in the dirt, the old rpg players, who dont care about the best of the best graphics, but the gameplay and story lines.. what happend to the ps2 linups, and the nintendo SNES and ps1! why is no one making good prgs anymore, or very few..

yes i own mirrowind, and well, i think thats all there is for the new gen systems, zelda is not an RPG in my books, its a zelda game, i want a grind and level, and wicked story line, like Crono trigger, FF3 FF5 FF7 FF9 FFTactics, Valkerie profile 1&2, Super mario RPG. im sure i missed a bunch in my rant here.. but this is what i want to see a next gen system focusing on, more classic games! (not remakes per se, but new games just simular)

just my two cents

Another failed attempt my M$ to rescue the failing (literally 30%+ bricks) 360. Keep your eyes and ears open for info on the XBox 720 after the holidays.

Good luck getting a Wii for the holidays...i have mine ;)

another failed attempt by pit$ingo of trolling

don't need luck getting the wii, it's not that hard to do

see my post above.. and dude, make one post without saying M$ ok?

pitdingay, how many times are you going to say the samething over and over. you remind me of a annoying joke.

if pete and repeat was on a boat, pete fell off the boat. who was left on the boat?

"repeat"

if pete and repeat was on a boat, pete fell off the boat. who was left on the boat?

"repeat"

if pete and repeat was on a boat, pete fell off the boat. who was left on the boat?

"repeat"

if pete and repeat was on a boat, pete fell off the boat. who was left on the boat?

"repeat"

if pete and repeat was on a boat, pete fell off the boat. who was left on the boat?

"repeat"

Funny your speculations are all wrong I was at two stores yesterday one Best Buy the other Walmart and guess what is stock? You guessed it the Wii. I guess the fun factor is wearing off. I wonder when the Wii 2 will come out that will offer something close to the real world like online play and HD graphics. People these days love online play and to not have that is a joke. Maybe something fun other than Mario or other cartoon looking games will come out. Talk about beating a dead horse Nintendo has that market. Give me something fun like Halo, Ratchet and Clank and the Wii will come out of the closet. I like games that challenge me something the Wii games fail to do.

Talk about % you say 30 percent of the 360's break guess what 70% of the wiis are in the closet. I guess those won't be breaking anytime soon.

Yes we all know you claim to own a Wii, although you never tell anyone how great it is. If you are an adult and that is your main gaming system, then you truly are retarded.

You can get them easily these days.

Is it a failed attempt at trolling though? Look how many people reply to him, I'd say he's a pretty successful troll.

People, just ignore him.

good point by you, i can't argue that :)

Good move microsoft! Finally you guys learn

I'm not sure I get it - will this thing still play Halo, PGR etc? Sounds confusing... what about when HD-DVD is put in the 360 next year? Replacing the HD with SD memory is a natural progression for small space requirements (ie, not a media station). My WII does AOK with a 1gb card...

wow sounds like a HORRIBLE idea, who will buy an xbox w/ no HDD? wierd.. this will be interesting to see who spends money on a half asz xbox w/ corny games nobdy wants to play ...flame away people

The same people who bought a core 360...All this package is doing is replacing the core and adding in a few extras like a bigger memory card and a wireless controller.

Who would buy a WII with no HDD?! Sounds like a terrible idea!! Oh wait the wii sold 13 million consoles...nevermind.

I (literally) just hopped in the car and went to Wal-Mart. They had four Wii's so I grabbed one. The girl said they came in about a hour ago and they already sold four.

I also found out Wal-Mart limits one console per day per customer, you have to check out right at the A/V dept.

The only thing is I screwed up and bought just the nunchuck with it and not the combo controller that comes with a free game. I wont be able to play it until Christmas, but getting your hands on one is not as hard as you think.

Update:

I just looked on Amazon and the WiiPlay game comes with a regular controller for $45 and you can add the nunchuck for an extra $20. Not a bad deal as you get 5 games with the console, 9 with the WiiPlay.

You can also get them on FleaBay but no one sells the two together.

"getting your hands on one is not as hard as you think."

Try telling that to pi$$dingo. :)

If anyone near Chicago wants one (Nintendo Wii), Joliet Mall always has them at KB Toys. I would have gone there if I had to.

i was planning to get my 9 year old daughter a wii for x-mas. now i may get a second xbox to keep her off my 360. I can just add the hard drive to the new one so I can have HDMI and 1080P and give her my present 360. Actually that sounds like a great idea.

I did the same thing, my 9 yr old has the older 360 (from Dec 06) and I have the Elite in the rec room.

I got the Wii because my 5 yr old can't get the hang of the 360 but she will have fun with the Wii as most games use motion control.

I'm also thinking of getting a pair of TiltBards for the 360 wireless controllers, I saw a guy playing Burnout Revenge with tilt and it was pretty cool. Too bad Microsoft didnt just add that feature to the controller from the get go.

I'm still waiting for the killer PS3 games (ugh).

Damn. That family scares me.

*laughing*

Same here... damn kids always on MY 360! I have to get this new one just so I can have some downtime away from the little buggers ;-)

i say drop the price down to $229 for the casual gamers, the 360 will have a even better year. PS3 is out of the picture at this point for the hard core gamers and now they need the casual gamers to seal the deal.

**** family gamers! Don't dilute the 360 gaming platform. Whats next Gears of War: For Kids?!?! Leave the kiddies and the 'tards to play Wii and leave them to their "barely better graphics than a PS2" haha

Looney Tunes is a sad game, too.

I think some of the points here are valid. Input method is really key to the experience, and Microsoft hasn't done that. If anything, they need a wand like Wii. Then you can get arcade titles that take advantage...

Yawn, ANOTHER incompatible Xbox SKU..

Desperation on Microsoft's part, as the Xbox is firmly in last place in Europe, and the Halo effect has already worn on in the US after less than a month.

i live in US and it is selling well. it was the # 1 console in the US last month

In Europe, PS3 is very slightly behind Wii (~6000 units last week), and the 360 is way back in last place. Even Halo 3 has not helped it.

http://play.tm/story/14034

Hey Minute you failed to mention the worldwide sales. I am sure you just "accidentally" forgot right. *wink*

*sniff* I smell desperation to make the PS3 look like it is doing ok instead of getting obliterated.

"and the Halo effect has already worn on in the US after less than a month."

I'm guessing you just don't like Microsoft, otherwise you probably wouldn't be trying to pass your uneducated anti-Microsoft opinions off as fact.

http://www.betanews.com/...in_September/1192808111

Read carefully the part about how Xbox sales in the US moved it to the top console last month in sales. And the part about how sales continue to be "brisk" through October. And also the part about how all that is most likely due to the "Halo effect".

I see no evidence of desperation whatsoever on Microsoft's part. What I do see is evidence that Microsoft is paying attention to the customers by providing a product that they clearly want.

By your definition of ‘worn off’ one can only assume your saying the same happened with FF12 & GT3 (both successful games)?
Either that or you were only just born and have hardly seen a month in the gaming world.
Perhaps your just blind, your completely ignoring worldwide sales? You know the REAL figures that count...

Those arcade games can be played on PC with a mouse (I guess should be easier). They cost around $10 each. Why would I need an Xbox?

I would say the same thing... But my son, who is 5, plays Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, and Bomberman on my 360 all the time. I have even gotten up at 5 in the morning to find him sitting downstairs playing. In all honesty, to be able to give my kids their own scaled down 360 is music to my ears as I will finally get them off of mine! lol

Can they be played on the PC? I don't know... never looked, but I feel much better about my kids playing on the 360 than I do a locked down PC. Too many things to go wrong, too many phone calls at work about how this doesn't work or that doesn't work, etc.

The price tag may be a bit steep, but it is for more than just a gaming console. My kids have downloaded and watched a lot of content that hasn't been available on OnDemand or me having to go out and buy DVDs.

Better yet, get a Wii. All the old school games. The old NES and SNES games were some of the best video games ever.

I am really hoping for Pilot Wings soon....

Have a Wii. Have downloaded a lot of the old school games too. Still, my kids aren't interested in games that I liked 20 years ago. They want games for and from this generation.

like Bomberman?

I know this, I have MAME and every game up to version .99 I think. I have a dedicated cabinet just for playing the classics with authentic controls.

A lot of the Live Arcade games like Geon Emotions and Mable Blast Ultra are 360 exclusive.

This version is updated with 3D graphics (not just a port of like an SNES version) and Xbox Live compatible. A lot of the Arcade games are online compatible while most (or I think all) of the Wii's arn't. It's pretty fun, I have Bomberman too. When you get the Xbox Live starter kit, they all come with a headset so most people have the headset. So it's kind of fun playing with 16 people and being able to talk to them too.

Damn. This guy scares me.

Exactly... the graphics on the new Bomberman are really a nice touch... plus the fact that they are truly HD.

Jetpack Refuelled also looks pretty good and is 10x better than the original...

But then, you look at Paperboy or Ecco... they couldn't update the graphics on those? Ecco could be such an amazing game if they updated it to high def standards...

"then complex worlds with high-powered graphics like "Halo 3."
that's funny... didn't see any high powered graphics... complex worlds is a bit of a stretch as well.

Have you played Halo3? The graphics are really astounding compared with Xbox Live Arcade games. Not to sound like a fanboy, but the article is pretty accurate when it comes to games like Halo3, BioShock, and Oblivion.

and XBox Live is the pinnacle of graphics on the 360?

Like most of your comments...this one makes no sense.

It's like saying a Civic is the pinnacle of LCD monitors...just doesn't make any sense.

did you even read the post i was responding to? Of course not.

i own halo3. just because you compare water to dirt doesn't make water astounding. halo3 single player graphics are far better than multiplayer but the fact that 2 player halo is not widescreen and 4 players is, is ****ing stupid. the graphics are fine but they are a small improvement of halo 2= last gen, not 'high-powered' graphics even taking full potential of the 360.

maybe the article should have listed bioshock and oblivion then they would be relative.. but it didn't.. so they're not.

Live is better than anything the Wii has to offer. How is the online play working out for you on the Wii?

Of course it is.. haven't you seen Yaris? (sarcasm)

Speaking of last-gen, how's that GPU working out on the PS3? It shouldn't take much to max out the potential of that, since PC game developers have been doing it for over 2 years.

Or, maybe it already has been maxed out...

He wouldn't know what your talking about. He owns only the Wii and thinks Microsoft is evil, because he can't afford anything else besides the Wii.

soo yes, just off topic toshiba now owns the cell processer plant from sony. :)

I think the reason he hates live so much is because it's TOO social...he would have to communicate with people...that's not something he's capable of doing well as he's proven here over and over.

That is something I will agree with. Well said.

"i own halo3."

I think he meant to put 'PS' instead of 'halo'.

M$ just does not get it. People buy the Nintendo because it is different. The controls, the gameplay...the experience. Repackaging the brickbox 360 is not going to do it.

M$ fails once again.

Here we go...

"M$ just does not get it. People buy the Nintendo because it is different. The controls, the gameplay...the experience. Repackaging the brickbox 360 is not going to do it.

M$ fails once again."

Ok, so now you claim to know all the reasons why people buy the Wii? Links to these reasons? I have a Wii and I didn't buy it totally because of the differences. I bought a Wii because it was easy for my kids and there wasn't another console out that was really geared for younger audiences.

As for repackaging the 360, why isn't it going to do it? Simply because you say so? Show me a link to that fact. Show me any kind of proof that states the 360 repackaged as more kid friendly is going to make MSFT fail?

The dollar sign in place of the S is hilarious, keep it up, it's a side splitter.

Yeah, he's very original isn't he? I think I will patent "M$" and sue the heck out of him...

simply watch the console sales numbers. The Wii has the largest install base for a reason, it is the best console out.

That is about all pit$ingo does is use that and his MS hate campaign it is very old and boring. He believes that the only system on the earth worth owning is the Wii. He refuses to accept the fact that people have different tastes than he does. And in most cases better I would say.

Did you also see the stat that says 70% of the Wiis that have been sold are already in the closet. Oh no that can't be. Some new is fun but it looks like the originality is beginning to fade.

never saw that stat. I did see a stat that 30%+ of 360's brick. Oh and that the Wii is the top selling console.

Anyone else see that story on the XBox 720 the other day....you know the XBox with the limited HD-DVD format?

You are a joke.

How is the HD working out for the Wii. Oh yeah that is right its graphics blow, 480p.

How are the DVD movies on the wii working out for you? That game system can't even play a DVD.

With online being a common option when is the Wii going to join the current generation. Hell even the DS can play online.

You crusade is rather old and boring. Your campaign is now the brunt of jokes on the site maybe you can't figure that out either. Time to grow up pit$ingo.

And how many "repackagings" has sony done to their ps3? I've lost track about 3 sku's ago.

Best, if you dont mind the endless parade of minigames coming out for the console. I hear the Wii is very big in Nursing Homes. (no offense to elders)

"The Wii has the largest install base for a reason, it is the best console out."

Using your logic:

Windows has the largest install base for a reason, it is the best operating system.

Internet Explorer has the largest install base for a reason, it is the best web browser.

iPod has the largest install base for a reason, it is the best portable media player.

There is some truth in all of these statements (including yours), but you need to be more specific.

The Wii was geared towards children and people who typically do not play video games much (or at all), and perhaps people who have a difficult time playing them... and Nintendo has not been shy about this. The Wii is the best console for them, but not everyone. I believe most people are discovering that the novelty is wearing off.

I'm personally glad the Wii exists for the reasons mentioned. It offers a unique and fresh new way of enjoying games that nobody else seemed to get quite right yet. I'm glad Nintendo stepped in to fill a void the others seemed to be ignoring. They deserve their time in the spotlight after this many years of bringing up the rear... but the Wii is not the best console for all gamers. To assume that is arrogant, presumptuous, and extremely narrow-minded.

Oh, we're sorry... we thought you knew everything about the Wii. Here you go:

http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13506_1-9799172-17.html

http://games.ign.com/articles/827/827313p1.html

It's not all good news for Nintendo, though. Hamamura noted that the Wii hasn't seen a second big hit at the level of Wii Sports, and cited figures that suggest 67% of Wii owners haven't used the system of late.

Shallow and unchallenging games indeed.

i am sorry your M$ Xbox 360 is in second place and falling behind fast. I am sorry your choice in consoles is a failure compared to the Wii.

THe Wii is destroying the 360 in the market place. Your second rate console is still okay...for first place loser.

the M$ drones are getting desperate. Some dude on a blog makes up a number and you believe it? LMAO! I suppose he went into everyones home and looked? LMAO.

hey look...it's another boring FPS sequel on the Brickbox 360. ***yawn***. No wonder the Wii is dominating it.

"destroying the 360"

you are a riot, keep it going, it's to damn funny pit$ingo

Yes ....... Dave is hilarious with that $

Just in case you missed it the first time, sport:

http://games.ign.com/articles/827/827313p1.html

"According to a report from Mainichi Interactive, Hirokazu Hamamura, president of Famitsu publisher Enterbrain..."

He's Japanese, correct? That must mean he's a Microsoft fanboy... *sigh*

The blog merely referenced the main article. Try again.

Oh, and even though I praise Nintendo's innovation with their console doesn't mean I'm a fanboy by any stretch of the imagination. You speak of rehashes, but historically Nintendo is the absolute worst at revisiting tired old characters for revenue.

Oh look, it's another Mario or Metroid game from Nintendo.

Please... the Wii dominating console sales? Halo 3 dominated all entertainment sales. The top 3 spots were taken by all 3 versions of the game, including the pricey Legendary Edition. Records shattered. Period.

Hello Pit$ingo.

"Anyone else see that story on the XBox 720 the other day...."

Debunked already.

"you know the XBox with the limited HD-DVD format?"

That's kind of funny that you would care. The Wii has 'limited' HD-DVD, DVD and CD capabilities. Oh yeah, it doesn't play any of those.

I am sorry I have both the Wii and 360. And I'm sorry I'm playing the 360 more than the Wii. I'm sorry I actually like FPSers, which is why I'm actually playing the 360 more. I'm sorry the 360 actually has online multiplayer. Yeah Wii Sports is fun, but mostly during parties and that's about it. I'm sorry pit$ingo. I have failed you.

Okey dokey artichokey. In Connorsville, Wisconsin no man shall shoot off a gun while his female partner is having a sexual orgasm.

Google is your friend. Do a little research you will find there are some titles that can be played online and more coming in the future.

I would also guess that most homes already have a stand alone DVD player, why would they need their gaming console to play it too?

As for HD, myself there isn't enough offered for me to bother investing in an HD TV yet. cable and satellite providers in my area offer only very few channels in HD.

So why would I want a 360? I wouldn't.

What's good for you isn't always good for everyone. Get what works for you. I'll wait until the content justifies the hardware price.

see my post way above.!

i think he just cant spell microsoft?

uh, wtf does this have to do with anything to do with microsofts xbox?

I hear it is collecting dust in most homes. It's the novelty effect, which quickly wears off when you realize the sluggishness of the motion gizmo.

i agree that it wont work for some, or shall i say the majority, others, will get the 360 even though theu dont have a supporting HD tv, becasue they want the games, others dont care of the games... its a perosnal choice!

I am sorry that you are such a pathetic troll.

Like I have stated before moron I have the Wii, 360 and Ps3 so I could care less who is first or last since I have all three. Maybe if you woke up instead spewing hate you could discover that there are actually other systems worth playing out there. I plan to pick up Ratchet and clank for the PS3 but nothing has got my interest on the Wii in months so it sits there.

If you look at pit$ingo's comments for the last few months you will understand what I am trying to say. If the Wii has some games for online great its about time. That should have been in use at launch.

im not sorry, but i have both, and when a game comes out for one i want, and i buy it, i play it, when its done, i move on the othe other new game.. i like both, but i think i play the 360 way more, becasue of the download demos, :)

True that may have been handy to help promote it, but doesn't look like they needed it.

I knew it had built in wireless, so my assumption was that even if the online titles where not available at launch they would be in time.

The only insect that can turn its head 360 degrees is the praying mantis.

He is resorting to avoidance something he does well.

From what I have seen the biggest use of the wireless is to get you buy stuff and surf the net.

Smart, very smart. Microsoft is going to have a great holiday season this year. I am waiting for the TorqueX built of MBU to arrive at XBOX Live Arcade.