Want to get a gaming console primarily for racing

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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
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P.S. I have a 47" 1080p LCD TV that this will be on. That might matter if the IQ on Xbox is pretty low...

So I was once upon a time a heavy computer gamer. The high cost of keeping up with the industry coupled with decreasing amounts of free time led me to ditch the desktop. I'd like to get into console gaming, primarily racing games. I may play Call of Duty or a fun FPS every now and then, but primarily racing games.

Which console should I get? Price is a concern of course, but more important is the bang for the buck I get in terms of the quality of games, including the graphics quality.

I've watched/played Xbox a couple times. I know the 360's graphics rock, but what about regular Xbox? Am I going to feel like I'm back in the days of GeForce FX or will they look okay? OBviously this is game dependant as well, but I'm interested to know the overall feel on that.

If I'm choosing between Xbox and PS2, is there a particluar console I would choose? Both are pretty cheap used.

Why should I go to 360? OK better graphics, new games, etc etc. I will only be playing this a few times a week, so I have a feeling it isn't worth the extra money. Are there any super kickass racing games that I just have to have which are only on 360? Any other arguments for it?

Thanks for the help folks


We have a forum for these gaming threads. I will move this to the console gaming forum.

esquared
Anandtech Senior Moderator

 
G

GenHoth

Platinum Member
Jul 5, 2007
2,106
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The 360 has some great racing games out. I suggest getting one because it can play old Xbox games, and you will be able to get new games should you ever desire them.
I own a PS2, and I'm not a big fan. The controller just doesn't feel as natural to me as the Xbox's. (Then again, I really enjoyed those huge controllers released with the original!)
 
effowe

effowe

Diamond Member
Nov 1, 2004
6,012
18
81
I don't even think they're still making games for the original Xbox, so you'll be stuck with only old games and no new prospects. You should definitely get a 360, it will be worth it. Forza 2 is sweet as well as Project Gotham Racing 3. They also have a wireless steering wheel to further improve the experience.
 
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Pollock

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2004
1,989
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Why not PC? My friend loves rFactor and its numerous mods. I'm more casual, and liked TOCA3 as well.
 
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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
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Originally posted by: Pollock
Why not PC? My friend loves rFactor and its numerous mods. I'm more casual, and liked TOCA3 as well.
Click to expand...
Laptops only from here on out. Desktops are big, expensive to maintain for games, and are stuck in one place. PC Gaming is great, still better than consoles IMO, but I can't keep up with the curve. Every new game you need a new graphics card, it's ridiculous!
 
J

jtvang125

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2004
5,399
51
91
I'll name a few of the popular titles:

For PS2 you have the whole Gran Turismo lineup, a few Need for Speed titles, Test Drive Unlimited

Xbox has Forza Motorsports, Project Gotham Racing

Xbox360 has Forza Motorsports 2, Project Gotham Racing 2 and Test Drive Unlimited (way better than ps2 version)

Not much of a console game but I'm sure other people can add more to this list
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
So I know 360 is the shiz, but what about the regular Xbox? How's the IQ? Will it look decent on a 47" 1080p?
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: jtvang125
I'll name a few of the popular titles:

For PS2 you have the whole Gran Turismo lineup, a few Need for Speed titles, Test Drive Unlimited

Xbox has Forza Motorsports, Project Gotham Racing

Xbox360 has Forza Motorsports 2, Project Gotham Racing 2 and Test Drive Unlimited (way better than ps2 version)

Not much of a console game but I'm sure other people can add more to this list
Click to expand...
Thanks this is helpful. I hear FOrza and Gotham rock
 
A

A5

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2000
4,902
5
81
Forza 2 for the 360 is supposed to be a pretty good sim, but you could also just upgrade your PC to play GTR2 or Toca 3 for about the same money (granted, without the 47" LCD).

Also, the XBox and PS2 will look like ass on your TV...it's either 360 or PC at this point.
 
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Andyb23

Senior member
Oct 27, 2006
500
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fbrdphreak... Regular Xbox, no way man.

Max it can output is 480p bro. Its gonna look nasty
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
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Originally posted by: Andyb23
fbrdphreak... Regular Xbox, no way man.

Max it can output is 480p bro. Its gonna look nasty
Click to expand...
I'm fine with 720p DVD's on a cheap Phillips DVD/Divx player with Progressive Scan on. Will Xbox look that much worse?
 
Z

Zolty

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2005
3,603
0
0
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
So I know 360 is the shiz, but what about the regular Xbox? How's the IQ? Will it look decent on a 47" 1080p?
Click to expand...

regular xbox will give you 480p, it wont look great
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Once again, PC isn't an option fellas. I'd have to build a whole new desktop and I have no desire for that. I get whatever company laptops I want, so not spending money on that! ;)
 
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Andyb23

Senior member
Oct 27, 2006
500
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Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: Andyb23
fbrdphreak... Regular Xbox, no way man.

Max it can output is 480p bro. Its gonna look nasty
Click to expand...
I'm fine with 720p DVD's on a cheap Phillips DVD/Divx player with Progressive Scan on. Will Xbox look that much worse?
Click to expand...

It will, but I mean you seem like a guy decently concerned with image quality, am I correct?

I'm not overly concerned but I like a sharp image, and I definitely notice the difference between 480p and 720p.
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
I noticed the difference between 480p and 720p as well. When I first hooked up the LCD, my DVD player was still set on 480i or 480p (progressive scan turned off). Noticeable difference turning it on.

I guess the question is....is the IQ and new games worth 4x the cost? I can get an Xbox package with everything I need for like $115. A 360 with games & controllers would probly be at least 3x that, if not 4x.

If I wanted to go 360, I might want until the release the new version with the cooler running chip. No desired for the red ring of death or whatever
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: Ramma2
You seem to have your heart set on the old Xbox, so get it?
Click to expand...
No, just trying to offset the cutting edge technology syndrome that is on these boards. I know the 360 will be the best, just trying to figure if it's worth the mega price difference.
 
A

A5

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2000
4,902
5
81
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: Andyb23
fbrdphreak... Regular Xbox, no way man.

Max it can output is 480p bro. Its gonna look nasty
Click to expand...
I'm fine with 720p DVD's on a cheap Phillips DVD/Divx player with Progressive Scan on. Will Xbox look that much worse?
Click to expand...

Well, imagine playing Half Life 2 (or whatever 3-4 year old game you can think of) at 720x480 on a 24" LCD monitor with a native res of 1920x1200, and that's what 480p from an XBox will look like on your TV. Complete ass, I assure you.
 
C

Crucial

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,026
0
71
Why is this even being debated? Just get a 360. It's hands down the winner over PS2 and xbox1. Forza 2 is great and you can still pickup the original Forza and all the others that are out there.

<q>Price is a concern of course, but more important is the bang for the buck I get in terms of the quality of games, including the graphics quality.</q>

The 360 will look AWESOME on your bigscreen and the others will look like crap.

/thread
 
R

Randum

Platinum Member
Jan 28, 2004
2,473
0
76
Racing-DEFINITELY go with the 360-I am a racing fan, and the 360's racing library covers it all.
First and foremost, FORZA 2 is hands down one of the best games I have played, if you like cars, and like racing, and YOU MUST HAVE xbox live-this game is phenominal, and the steering wheel is no joke-faster lap times, better racing with it.

Then you have the need for speed titles, fun as hell, good arcade racing.

Test Drive Unlimted-great crusiing game, fun online too!

Project Gotham racing-AWESOME!

MotoGP series, 06 and 7 is coming-good motocycling racing game


I would say forza 2 and the wheel alone are enough to push you over the edge.

THe ps3 will have it eventually but just not yet. I say get a used 360, a wheel on ebay and forza 2 and you are set!
 
vi edit

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,344
126
FYI - in the console forum there is a pretty good feeling that the 360 prices will be dropping in the next week or two.

Premium should be around $350.
 
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