Help me choose between a Nintendo DS or Xbox?

lionheart4life

lionheart4life

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Yeah, I know they are really two entirely different things with different types of pros and cons. The deal is that I will be getting one free from my freegamingconsoles thing, and was wondering what would be the best to choose really. Keep in mind that I am getting it for free and I know I can't go wrong either way, and I already have PS2 and GC. I just want help in weighing the pros and cons of each.

Nintendo DS
Pros:
-It's new, looks cool and has potential for many innovative games.
-Probably a better value as it will not likely have a price drop any time soon (Xbox potentially could during the year.)
-Possible features like wireless internet connectivity have a ton of potential
Cons:
-Not many titles out there right now, and def no cheap-ass prices on games yet.
-I may not play it much right away until some games get cheaper, but I do have some GBA games that I play on the Gameboy Player for GC which would also work here

Xbox
Pros:
-I could play the exclusives that it has (Panzer Dragoon Orta, Halo, Ninja Gaiden, etc.)
-Already has an established base of games, with many that can be had cheaply
Cons:
-I can play many of the same games already on PS2 or GC (graphical enhancements don't matter a lot to me)
-The amount of games out for it + quality of Xbox live may actually lead to me spending more $ than I should
 
I dunno. The game experiences are so drastically different it's hard to choose. The one thing is that Xenon will be here by the end of the year and we're half way into march already. Even if you don't get a DS I'd hold off on a Xbox.
 
Yeah that's exactly why I need some help, they really aren't one in the same and it's not like choosing between consoles where you can just compare specs and game titles. I'm kind of leaning towards what you're saying jrunt20x, as the DS really can only improve and the Xbox is probably nearing the end of its life. If the Xenon or whatever it is called is backwards compatible, I could just get that eventually and still enjoy the few games I would want to play on the Xbox.
 
Yeah, my best advice is this, wait till E3. Its only two months. If the system is backwards compatiable, it will be announced there and you could just buy games. Also, this E3 will give us a better sense of the DS as a whole. If it bombs out, then maybe you should go with a Xbox. My best advice is to wait till then.
 
Don't go with the Xbox if you have a PS2 unless you've played at least 5 Xbox only games for extended periods of time and loved them. Looking back on it, I wouldn't have bought my Xbox because there are simply not enough exclusive games worth playing on it for my taste and I can play the Halos at my friends house for free.

I would get the DS because you can play it, and then if you dont like it ebay it off and get more money than the Xbox.
 
This is confusing..

-It's new, looks cool and has potential for many innovative games.
Click to expand...

How does that make the system the better choice?

-Probably a better value as it will not likely have a price drop any time soon (Xbox potentially could during the year.)
Click to expand...

Again, how does that make choosing the system better, especially if they're the same price?

-Possible features like wireless internet connectivity have a ton of potential
Click to expand...

Once again, this is not a pro! You basically said you wanted to buy it because it looks cool, costs the same price, and has potential. WTF. The virtual boy had potential.

-Not many titles out there right now, and def no cheap-ass prices on games yet.
-I may not play it much right away until some games get cheaper, but I do have some GBA games that I play on the Gameboy Player for GC which would also work here
Click to expand...

If it doesn't have many games and decent games won't get released for a while, why would you buy it now?

Xbox
Pros:
-I could play the exclusives that it has (Panzer Dragoon Orta, Halo, Ninja Gaiden, etc.)
-Already has an established base of games, with many that can be had cheaply
Cons:
-I can play many of the same games already on PS2 or GC (graphical enhancements don't matter a lot to me)
-The amount of games out for it + quality of Xbox live may actually lead to me spending more $ than I should
Click to expand...

Good call on the exclusives and game base. THOSE are pros. As far as cons go, yeah, you could play them on other systems.. but if you wanted to play a game, wouldn't you want it to look the best it can? Most XBox versions have added content. PS2 versions also get exclusive content.. sometimes.

As far as the amount of games, how is that a con? What about XBox Live? Why would paying for something good be bad?

As far as pros go, you left out connectivity (system link), custom soundtracks, and no memory cards.

The choice is clear. Either you want a system that looks cool that you don't play, or you want a system with awesome games and endless hours of fun.

Go with the XBox.
 
I wouldn't get a DS right now. I'm not saying PSP is better, but I'm at least waiting to for its release to compare the 2 before I get either one. And there's always Nintendo's other new handheld to think about (GBE or whatever). Ask yourself this: "If I had a DS, what games would I get?" It doesn't exactly have a killer lineup at this point. Plus, there have already been new colors announced for Japan, and you never know, PSP's release may cause Nintendo to drop the price.
 
I'd go with an Xbox, although given that you already have a PS2 and GC I guess that muddies it a bit. Still you already have a GBA as well, so getting a DS doesn't really get you much extra at this point.

I have an Xbox I play quite a bit and a GBA that sits on the shelf nearly all of the time. I guess I just don't have much opportunity to actually game on the go, and when I'm home I feel like it'd be stupid to play the GBA over my Xbox hooked to a pretty nice TV and a 5.1 surround setup.

The PSP is looking better than the DS to me. Just have to see if the games are there.
 
Wait and see. E3 will be critical for DS, Xenon may be backwards compatible and you could just buy that when it comes out. Too hard a choice to make now.
 
[quote name='clockworkvictim']Don't go with the Xbox if you have a PS2 unless you've played at least 5 Xbox only games for extended periods of time and loved them. Looking back on it, I wouldn't have bought my Xbox because there are simply not enough exclusive games worth playing on it for my taste and I can play the Halos at my friends house for free.

I would get the DS because you can play it, and then if you dont like it ebay it off and get more money than the Xbox.[/quote]

Same here! I regretted buying my Xbox, all the games I play on it are actually available on other systems, and now I play my PS2 the most anyways. Same situation on Halo, friend's house.

Go with the DS!
 
If you don't have any other portable systems I'd guess I'd have to say DS since it can play GBA games and there are a ton of great GBA games.

However if you already have a GBA I'd probably recomend an XBOX. Keep in mind however that xbox next is rumored to be comming out within the year, so the new quality xbox titles may start start to slowly come to an end very soon to make way for xbox next and xbox next games. There is also a chance it will be backwards compatible, but there is also the chance that it won't be. Meaning you might have to eventually buy an xbox to play all the xbox games instead of just buying an xbox next.
 
I have all 3 systems and if you already have a PS2 and Gamecube you my as well get the DS because xbox has a lot of the same games. Besides xbox 2 will be out soon so xbox games will slowly stop releasing.
 
I know Xbox has several enhanced versions of games with custom soundtracks, etc. like the GTA games and NFL 2K5/other sports games. I have already played these to death on PS2 though and wouldn't be buying them again. All I'm really interested in for the Xbox at this time would be stuff like Morrowind, Fable, Ninja Gaiden, Panzer Dragoon Orta, and Halo, basically the big exclusives. I'm not sure I would even like all of these as I haven't even played Ninja Gaiden or PDO, I'm just going on reviews/reputation. Halo I play for the multiplayer anyway, and I can just do that at my friend's houses.

By saying that the DS is a better value, I mean that it is more likely to hold its price point, while I can possibly get the Xbox for $129 or $99 later this year. Perhaps it was a poor choice of words, since I believe the Xbox also offers a lot for its price (harddrive, dvd playback and all). The only thing I'm afraid of about the DS is that it will become another Virtual Boy. I am leaning more towards getting it though because I would like a portable system, and it can play the entire library of GBA games so even if I don't like any of the DS titles coming out at least I have that. I have to admit the potential of online, wireless Animal Crossing could be huge however.
 
Personally, I've defended the DS since before launch, and while I'm still not leaning towards the PSP, I'm starting to have the same feeling I had about the N64's first 6 months to a year, and beyond.
The DS is great hardware, but without software to support it, it's just that, great hardware. Unless you do not already have a GBA or SP, or there are games you want to play for the GBA system, I'd hold off on it. Given the fact the new XBox *might* be released this year, I'd also hold off on that too, unless you find a deal on it you can't turn down.

The XBox has a mixed bag of pros and cons, personally the pros outweigh the cons by a mile in my opinion. There are some great games, and while some of those are also on other systems, they still look, sound and play better 97% of the time. Again, these are just my opinions, but I do own both PS2 and XBox, and I find myself playing more XBox than PS2 these days.

Back to the DS, I think it has some serious potential, unfortunatly either because Nintendo thought they needed a head start on the PSP, or slow development, there just isn't enough out there yet, again that's just my opinion.

If you want a portable, for the price, DS is still the way to go, but I only say this because of the already impressive list of GBA games, GB and GBC games do not apply since the DS does not support them. Oh, and GBA games look crisper and brighter on the DS, to me anyway.
 
If you were going to get it like today, I would have to say XBOX.

I bought a DS at launch and have barely touched it because the titles on it suck. In my opinion Mario 64 was funner than Mario DS. But don't get me wrong now, I still think that the DS has tons of potential. (Animal Crossing, Xenosaga, Baten Kaitos, etc...)

XBOX has been out for a long time and has tons of titles out. Exclusives are great (don't forget Kotor I/II). And if you want something huge there is always Steel Batallion.

If you pick up an XBOX now, you can start saving up money for a DS and buy that once the DS is actually worth buying and has games that are worth playing. You may even want a PSP by that time.

In conclusion I would have to say XBOX is the way to go if you are buying it in the very near future.
 
XBOX all the way! Especially if you have a broadband connection for LIVE.

the DS is junk! no games, no support.

don't forget that Nintendo is releasing the new GBA this winter or early next year...and I doubt the DS will survive that!
 
[quote name='uzumaki_star']Buy both of them or flip a coin. heads xbox, tails DS.

Remember: knowing is half the battle !![/quote]

How about this coin toss:

HEADS: You buy an Xbox
TAILS: You don't buy a DS
 
[quote name='"silliemutafuka"'][quote name='clockworkvictim']

Same here! I regretted buying my Xbox, all the games I play on it are actually available on other systems, and now I play my PS2 the most anyways. Same situation on Halo, friend's house.

Go with the DS![/quote]

A lot of the games on the DS are just remakes of games on older systems as well. No to mention that there aren't that many games available for it in the first place. Its a tough call either way.
 
Get DS Sell it and cough up the $150 difference and get a PSP.
Or if you intend to keep... Get XBOX
 
It would be quite a technical marvel for the new Xbox to be backwards compatable, I would be shocked if it were.
 
In general, I prefer tv-based consoles to portables, but I would vote DS as well. I'll give a little background so you can judge if you're in the same situation or not.

Between my Gamecube and PS2 I have a well-rounded selection of console titles to play. I don't have anything against Xbox, but I wasn't seeing any exclusives that I personally wanted to play other than Shenmue II.

I liked the pick-up-and-play dynamic that DS was bringing to the table. It's a different experience than what I get on my consoles.

You have to go with where the games you want to play are. Good luck deciding!
 
The DS is NOT another Virtual Boy. Less than 1 million Virtual Boys were ever sold. Over 4 MILLION DS's have already been sold. It broke UK launch sales records this week!

Nintendo has denied all reports about a new GameBoy. The DS will be their latest handheld for a couple years.

Gaming on the DS will provide you with new experiences not found on any other system. Sure the selection is small right now, but it will be growing fast very soon and will be around for a long time. You will see very few "ports" of games due to the nature of the system. You can also portably play the GBA games you own.

Getting an Xbox now to play just a couple of titles seems like a waste. I would just wait till the price drops due to the next Xbox released later this year (I personally would just wait for the next round of consoles before purchasing anything new). Then you can pick it up and the games at (hopefully) bargin prices.
 
The DS is not worth poo right now. There are only one or two good games out right now. I would go with XBOX because there are a ton of cheap great games out now for it.
 
I don't see the DS as anything but a different system to play my GBA games on...

I was never floored by the DS hardware either. Now, the PSP has great hardware.

[quote name='howlinmad']Personally, I've defended the DS since before launch, and while I'm still not leaning towards the PSP, I'm starting to have the same feeling I had about the N64's first 6 months to a year, and beyond.
The DS is great hardware, but without software to support it, it's just that, great hardware. Unless you do not already have a GBA or SP, or there are games you want to play for the GBA system, I'd hold off on it. Given the fact the new XBox *might* be released this year, I'd also hold off on that too, unless you find a deal on it you can't turn down.

The XBox has a mixed bag of pros and cons, personally the pros outweigh the cons by a mile in my opinion. There are some great games, and while some of those are also on other systems, they still look, sound and play better 97% of the time. Again, these are just my opinions, but I do own both PS2 and XBox, and I find myself playing more XBox than PS2 these days.

Back to the DS, I think it has some serious potential, unfortunatly either because Nintendo thought they needed a head start on the PSP, or slow development, there just isn't enough out there yet, again that's just my opinion.

If you want a portable, for the price, DS is still the way to go, but I only say this because of the already impressive list of GBA games, GB and GBC games do not apply since the DS does not support them. Oh, and GBA games look crisper and brighter on the DS, to me anyway.[/quote]
 
I'd definitely vote for the DS. I held off for a couple months, and then had to get it once Wario Ware came out. Between Yoshi, Wario, Mario, and my GBA lineup, I've had the time of my life. Both Yoshi and Wario are fantastic for short pick-up-and-play sessions on the couch or in the doctor's office.

I'm sure there are plenty of games you haven't gotten to on your Cube and PS2, so I wouldn't worry about getting new home consoles. The DS will be something that offers you a completely fresh experience. Think of it this way, if you try it and like it, you have a completely new option. If you don't like it, then trade it and understand that Nintendo's direction isn't for you.

But have you seen those videos for Nintendogs, Electroplankton, and Animal Crossing??
 
xbox. instant gratification with games. you wont have to wait with the xbox, there is already a large library of good games.
 
But... if he is leaning for a portable system... why not wait and pick up a PSP next week?



[quote name='AHEADAMUS']I'd definitely vote for the DS. I held off for a couple months, and then had to get it once Wario Ware came out. Between Yoshi, Wario, Mario, and my GBA lineup, I've had the time of my life. Both Yoshi and Wario are fantastic for short pick-up-and-play sessions on the couch or in the doctor's office.

I'm sure there are plenty of games you haven't gotten to on your Cube and PS2, so I wouldn't worry about getting new home consoles. The DS will be something that offers you a completely fresh experience. Think of it this way, if you try it and like it, you have a completely new option. If you don't like it, then trade it and understand that Nintendo's direction isn't for you.

But have you seen those videos for Nintendogs, Electroplankton, and Animal Crossing??[/quote]
 
I'm actually getting this for free from a Gratis Internet referral site, so its not a matter of saving money or just saving more for a PSP, they actually have another site for that which is probably where I will get mine from eventually. Someone already answered my next question, which would be about the quality of GBA games on the DS. I think I will probably go with the DS, and my main reason is that I already have a bunch of home console games to catch up on anyway so I wouldn't be able to get right to the Xbox. Also, my latest portable system is the original Gameboy, so its probably about time I update. Like I said I do have a couple GBA games, just no portable to play them on, so I would already have something to do with my DS.
 
Didn't read the whole thread, so somebody may have already said this, but my advise is this:

Get the DS, leave it sealed, sell it on ebay. Use that money to buy a PSP or more games for the systems you already have. :p
 
Maybe because he doesn't want to spend $300 + on a handheld?
And apparently his two choices were the two mentioned in his original post.

[quote name='soulwish2003']But... if he is leaning for a portable system... why not wait and pick up a PSP next week?



[quote name='AHEADAMUS']I'd definitely vote for the DS. I held off for a couple months, and then had to get it once Wario Ware came out. Between Yoshi, Wario, Mario, and my GBA lineup, I've had the time of my life. Both Yoshi and Wario are fantastic for short pick-up-and-play sessions on the couch or in the doctor's office.

I'm sure there are plenty of games you haven't gotten to on your Cube and PS2, so I wouldn't worry about getting new home consoles. The DS will be something that offers you a completely fresh experience. Think of it this way, if you try it and like it, you have a completely new option. If you don't like it, then trade it and understand that Nintendo's direction isn't for you.

But have you seen those videos for Nintendogs, Electroplankton, and Animal Crossing??[/quote][/quote]
 
Keep in mind, it doesn't play original Game Boy games or Game Boy Color.


[quote name='lionheart4life']I'm actually getting this for free from a Gratis Internet referral site, so its not a matter of saving money or just saving more for a PSP, they actually have another site for that which is probably where I will get mine from eventually. Someone already answered my next question, which would be about the quality of GBA games on the DS. I think I will probably go with the DS, and my main reason is that I already have a bunch of home console games to catch up on anyway so I wouldn't be able to get right to the Xbox. Also, my latest portable system is the original Gameboy, so its probably about time I update. Like I said I do have a couple GBA games, just no portable to play them on, so I would already have something to do with my DS.[/quote]
 
I know PSP is going to be great, but that isn't one of the choices for a free one due to it costing $100 more. I don't really have any GB or GBC games anymore anyway, and haven't played it in years so it doesn't really matter that it won't play them, even though it would be nice just for the heck of it.
 
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