[PeterParker]

Hello,

I'm really out and about to buy my first gaming console. A bit tricky now, though... I can't get it entirely right, I suppose, as end of cycle is approaching. On the other hand, prices are somewhat low now, although I don't know what the new consoles will start at. And I suppose they will only be released by christmas, with new games especially being released all over 2014.

So, what to do? How long are new games still going to be released for the PS3? What's going to be the new price for PS4?
What would you do?

Greetings,
Pete

[sek929]

Price is largely up in the air, but it won't be cheap, you can bet on that.

Not really knowing how much you game, a PS3 will have dozens of "old" games that are still very high-quality AAA titles. If you haven't played them yet they're new to you, right? Then if you grow tired of playing older games, or your system stops being supported, you can opt for the PS4 at a most likely discounted price than at release.

The main issue, for me, is the usability of the HULU/Netflix apps on the old hardware. If that functionality became unsupported on my 360 it would make the 360 half as useful.

My first system was a SNES in the Playstation era, I bought my N64 over a year after release and my original Xbox was a refurb unit bought about 8 months after that release. I see great value in enjoying games you haven't yet played on the cheap, and then getting the "new and improved" model once prices come down a bit.

[The Final Dakar]

See what games you're interested in and pick the console based on that. Unless they are heavily multiplayer based, I wouldn't see the issue.

[Hawkeye_a]

PS3/XB360
Pros:
-cheap hardware, readily available, most if not all of the kinks have been ironed out(RRoD, etc).
-large libraries of AAA games for those systems, usually at discounted prices at this point.
-As for the PS3, it already has a BluRay player built in.
Cons:
-Not 'cutting edge' i guess

PS4/XBO:
Pros:
-new, more powerful hardware. so you are 'future proofing' yourself.
Cons:
-Expensive boxes at least initially
-Not too many AAA games initially, those that will be available will be full price.
-new hardware teething issues
-main distinguishing feature upgrade SO FAR(this will change) for the PS4 is the 'social aspect'
-main distinguishing feature upgrade SO FAR(this will change) for the XBO is the 'TV' stuff

I do have a PS3, albeit in a different country right now, so I can justify waiting for a PS4. However, if i didn't already own a PS3, I would strongly consider getting one even now. IMHO, it has a great exclusive library of games (Uncharted, Infamous, Motorstorm, God Of War, Team Ico Collection, Ratchet & Clank, Killzone, etc).

Just keep in mind that the new consoles are not backwards compatible, and that the XB360 does not have a BluRay drive (unlike the PS3, PS4 and XBO). Ultimately it comes down to the games you want, and whether or not Bluray is important(it is to me).

If i were you, i'd wait until it becomes clear whether or not its worth it to wait for the new hardware; unlesss you want one right now.

Cheers