Never should have bought a 360

[AgustusM]

Now, I am not one of those guys that needed an XBox 360 so bad they I paid some crazy price for the first release, I waited and got one earlier this year when they started to become available.

I did, when all was said and done shell out over a grand. The premium system was only $400 but by the time I got 4 wireless controllers, charge and plays, remote and about 5-6 games it was over a grand.

Now, I don't play or allow my kids to play first person shooters - so it is pretty much all sports games. I think we have a driving game and that is about it in the 360 category. My primary games are Madden, NCAA and MLB2k6.

So far the only games on here that I felt like there were worth it are Tiger Woods 06 and Fight Night. In fact it was playing fight night at a friends house is what convinced me to buy the system in the first place.

Now Madden 06 was nice to look at but a sham of a game with so little to offer, but at least for that one - I knew what I was getting into, again from playing at a friends house. But my 8 year old LOVES playing Madden and I decided to indulge him.

the other games I bought NBA Live was weak, NBA 2k6 wasn't much better, NHL 2k6 was a lot of fun but suffered from 2k crash problems that they completely ignored. MLB 2K6 also had he crash problem, but at least for that they issued a patch which has fixed it and makes it my 3rd favorite game on there.

This week I got NCAA 07 and right out of the box was pissed that the campus challenge thing in the OLD gen stuff was missing. Now today my son and I are in the middle of a great game and we get the infamous "dirty disk" error. Needless to say the disk is SPOTLESS having come out of the case on tuesday and straight into the system and hasn't been removed once. and we have only played 3 games total. ARG:mad:



when all is said in done, I don't think I have ever wasted as much money as I have on this system.

[albionmoonlight]

I think that my days of buying consoles are past, but if I was ever tempted to buy one, the fact that NEW GAMES continue to crash NEW SYSTEMS would be the deal breaker for me.

To me, systems have to be able to play crash free right out the box. This stuff I hear about overheating and disk errors and games needing patches . . . it will keep them from getting my money. (Which, as I noted, they probably were not getting anyway, but still.)

[spleen1015]

Are you against letting your kids play Oblivion? Have you tried any of the downloadable games on XBOX Live Marketplace?

I don't think you know about all of your options.

[bronconick]

And I'm reminded of why I try to wait a year or two before picking up a new system.

Edit: I don't really think Oblivion is appropriate for an 8 year old.

[AgustusM]

Are you against letting your kids play Oblivion? Have you tried any of the downloadable games on XBOX Live Marketplace?

I don't think you know about all of your options.

I bought Oblivion and I did let my son play it, but then the "friend" from the original post borrowed it 2 months ago and I haven't seen it since! :mad:

He only played for about 30 minutes and I remember the rats scaring my daughter, but she is kind of wuss.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't let my 8 year old play Oblivion. Also, I'll repeat that despite getting my system on launch, I've never had a crash/freeze despite playing 8 hours in a sitting on the weekend. The only exception is Madden 06 with downloaded rosters that had too many injuries to Jets' players.

[AgustusM]

Edit: I don't really think Oblivion is appropriate for an 8 year old.

too graphic? can you elaborate.

I only saw a few minutes of it and it seemed "OK" and I tend to be pretty strict on what I allow them to watch/play. But like I said it was only the very beginning - one of the main reasons I let my buddy borrow it was I wasn't sure if I was going to let them play it.

Plus the 8 year old is the oldest - I also have a 7,6, and 9 months (oops!)

[Eaglesfan27]

too graphic? can you elaborate.

I only saw a few minutes of it and it seemed "OK" and I tend to be pretty strict on what I allow them to watch/play. But like I said it was only the very beginning - one of the main reasons I let my buddy borrow it was I wasn't sure if I was going to let them play it.

Plus the 8 year old is the oldest - I also have a 7,6, and 9 months (oops!)

Demonic, very violent scenery. Also, there are some other mature themes in the various sidequests. Also, there is some sexual innuendo in some of the quests. Personally, I wouldn't let my kids play it unless they were a mature teenager.

[AgustusM]

Demonic, very violent scenery. Also, there are some other mature themes in the various sidequests. Also, there is some sexual innuendo in some of the quests. Personally, I wouldn't let my kids play it unless they were a mature teenager.

thanks, I am glad you posted that. I will just let my friend keep Oblivion then.

[Terps]

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't let my 8 year old play Oblivion. Also, I'll repeat that despite getting my system on launch, I've never had a crash/freeze despite playing 8 hours in a sitting on the weekend. The only exception is Madden 06 with downloaded rosters that had too many injuries to Jets' players.

No lockups or freezes here since launch day except with MLB 2K6 which froze on like everyone's system.

[wade moore]

And I'm reminded of why I try to wait a year or two before picking up a new system.

This is me at this stage... I just don't quite have the need to be on the cutting edge, plus I just dropped a lot on my new PC so that I could play PC games...

When all is said and done, with development as it is now, my PS2 NCAA/Madden will be basically on par with the 360 except not quite as good graphics.. that's fine for me...

Now next year could be another issue, but by then I should have a better idea of the hardware, etc situation....

[A-Husker-4-Life]

I just bought one for NCAA07 and Dead Rising.. I heard about the heating problems so I purchased a Intercooler fan for the back. Man, the 360 puts out alot of heat, you have to make sure that it has plenty of breathing room. Also, the power brick get extremely hot so make sure that it's off the carpet and it has plenty of air too.

[ISiddiqui]

I got an Intercooler as well. My brick is on the carpet, but hasn't overheated any. I have no complaints about my 360 and am having a blast so far with it :D.

[SackAttack]

Guys, just so you realize, the intercooler does void your warranty if it doesn't have Microsoft's seal of approval.

I don't know if that would also affect any outstanding extended warranty plans.

[Vince]

He only played for about 30 minutes and I remember the rats scaring my daughter, but she is kind of wuss.

Not exactly sure as to why, but this statement is absolutely hilarious to me.

[bselig]

I bought a 360 when it came out and I can't really recommend it to others. The flow of games has just been really slow so far. I really like the system itself, but it just hasn't produced much I want to play yet. Should change when I try out NCAA 07 and Dead Rising though.

That said, I can't say I'm really upset with having bought it, since I can't resist a new console and would've bought it no matter what.

[ISiddiqui]

Guys, just so you realize, the intercooler does void your warranty if it doesn't have Microsoft's seal of approval.

I don't know if that would also affect any outstanding extended warranty plans.

How would the Intercooler void your warranty? It's just a snap on fan!

[Marc Vaughan]

I've got a 360 and I have to admit its doing a very expensive immitation of a DVD player 99% of the time and the other 1% of the time I'm generally playing Live Arcade games which could easily be running on a 486 .... go figure ;)

[spleen1015]

What about Tony Hawk? I think an 8 year old would enjoy that. It might be too hard for some of the things, but I think they would have a blast.

[SackAttack]

How would the Intercooler void your warranty? It's just a snap on fan!

E. EXCLUSIONS FROM LIMITED WARRANTY

This Limited Warranty shall not apply and Microsoft has no liability under this Limited Warranty if the Xbox Product:

* is used with products not sold or licensed by Microsoft (including, but not limited to, non-licensed games and game enhancement devices, adaptors and power supply sources) or which are otherwise not compatible

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/ZZZ+old+channels/howto/system/xbox360/warranty-xbox360.htm

Doesn't matter whether or not the non-licensed product caused the damage. The use of it voids the warranty.

That said, IANAL, so I don't know how well that particular clause in the warranty would hold up in court, nor whether such clauses have been challenged in particular jurisdictions in the past.

Use of the Intercooler if it's non-approved or non-licensed voids the warranty, but whether or not you could pursue legal action to have Microsoft honor the warranty despite such usage is beyond the scope of my knowledge.

[spleen1015]

They have no way of knowing whether or not you used it. It just snaps on the back.

[SackAttack]

They have no way of knowing whether or not you used it. It just snaps on the back.

I'm not going to argue whether or not they know or could find out if you used it.

I only bring it up because people sometimes say things they shouldn't when dealing with customer service, and this is one thing that Microsoft could shoot a user down for if they call needing warranty help.

Be aware of your potential warranty status if using it. That's all I'm saying.

[Franklinnoble]

Wow. My wife would kill me if I spent $1000 on a gaming console....

... because I would put the gun in her hand and ask her to spare me a life of insanity.

That's just crazy. I mean, I could see a hundred bucks. Maybe two, if it's really nice... but, damn. That's out of control.

Thank you for this cautionary tale. I'll be sticking with computer games.

[Raiders Army]

I think the 360 was worth it. Fight Night was worth the $400 for my wife to get involved in video games again. :)

The only game that has locked up on me is Madden 2006. I haven't had any problems with NCAA 2007 (knock on wood) yet.

[ISiddiqui]

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/ZZZ+old+channels/howto/system/xbox360/warranty-xbox360.htm

Doesn't matter whether or not the non-licensed product caused the damage. The use of it voids the warranty.

That said, IANAL, so I don't know how well that particular clause in the warranty would hold up in court, nor whether such clauses have been challenged in particular jurisdictions in the past.

Use of the Intercooler if it's non-approved or non-licensed voids the warranty, but whether or not you could pursue legal action to have Microsoft honor the warranty despite such usage is beyond the scope of my knowledge.

That passage is incredibly broad, it can (concievably) be applied to a power strip. I believe the passage is supposed to refer to instances were the console fails as a result of one of those accessories (or if such accessory alters the internals of the product).

[Coop]

Get Geometry Wars.

[Philliesfan980]

I had one but ended up selling it. So far it looks like I haven't missed too much (although EaglesFan27 really has great things to say about CHoops and NBA2k).

I guess it has to do with the complexity of the games these days, but I don't remember consoles ever having so many technical problems as they do today. I realize that many people are just fine, but there are a significant number of people who are realizing problems.

I agree that the lack of titles is disappointing. its been what.. 9 months since launch, and the titles don't seem quite "there" yet. Nothing has been earth shattering, but maybe that will come in the next year.

[Eaglesfan27]

There are 4 games for the 360 (not counting arcade) that I think are great:

NBA 2k6
College Hoops
NCAA 2007
Burnout Revenge


I can understand how people are disappointed there aren't more great games out there or even very good ones, but those have me happy with my system. However, if I didn't have the disposable cash readily available, I might be more disappointed with the system. Oh yeah, I also think Hitman is very good.

[kingnebwsu]

From the NCAA thread on what happened to me today...

(after I played & won my first "instant classic")

But then I exited out of the game and it froze...giving the crappy 360 dirty disc error with the big red X. I have it ventilated but don't have any extra cooling items. I rebooted the game and I got the red X again. I then put in something else and it worked fine. Also, yesterday when I put Chromehounds in, I got the "please put this disc in an Xbox 360 console" message, which I'd never seen. Also, a week ago my game completely froze in the third quarter of NBA 2k6.

Sound like my 360 is going on the fritz eh? Glad I bought the $50 extended warranty from Best Buy cuz I knew this would happen sometime, just not like 3 months after I got it.

Anyway, I'm gonna try and beat N. Illini again on my dynasty. 360 owners can catch me online under the name Kingneb. I may be on Fri. night and Sun.

I'm still shaking my head that the game f'in froze before I had the chance to save it. Argh.

[jbmagic]

There are 4 games for the 360 (not counting arcade) that I think are great:

NBA 2k6
College Hoops
NCAA 2007
Burnout Revenge


I can understand how people are disappointed there aren't more great games out there or even very good ones, but those have me happy with my system. However, if I didn't have the disposable cash readily available, I might be more disappointed with the system. Oh yeah, I also think Hitman is very good.


You forgot Oblivion too.

[Eaglesfan27]

You forgot Oblivion too.

I was just going over my personal list, and I've only ever played Oblivion on the PC.

[TroyF]

There are 4 games for the 360 (not counting arcade) that I think are great:

NBA 2k6
College Hoops
NCAA 2007
Burnout Revenge


I can understand how people are disappointed there aren't more great games out there or even very good ones, but those have me happy with my system. However, if I didn't have the disposable cash readily available, I might be more disappointed with the system. Oh yeah, I also think Hitman is very good.



Adding to your list:

PGR3 is a solid game.
Call of Duty is good (also on other platforms)
Perfect Dark Zero is a great MP game.
Oblivian is solid (again, on the PC)

[TroyF]

Wow. My wife would kill me if I spent $1000 on a gaming console....

... because I would put the gun in her hand and ask her to spare me a life of insanity.

That's just crazy. I mean, I could see a hundred bucks. Maybe two, if it's really nice... but, damn. That's out of control.

Thank you for this cautionary tale. I'll be sticking with computer games.

I've heard this type of stuff all the time and I can't possibly disagree with it more.

Like anything else, it's out of control if it's not important to you. I have friends who spend hundreds of dollars on smokes a year. Some spend thousands of dollars on skiing, golf, fancy new cars, stereos, expensive vacations, fancy clothes, art, baseball cards, rare Lp's, concerts and God only knows what else. I don't drink, smoke, ski, take high end vacations, buy a lot of CD's or DVD's, go to the movies a lot. . .

I like playing video games. I have a limit to where I'd go. If I'm already enjoying other things, I won't spend $1,000 on a game system. I likely won't get a PS3 at launch because of this. But that may change. If I see something I like, I may end up buying one a month after launch. I make no promises. Thing is, that $1000 will be more than made up for me by the time all is said and done. It's a single ski season for some of my friends. While they are putting sticks on their feet and gliding down a mountain, I'll be warm as hell and playing my video game. :)

It's priorities. I'm very content with my costly hobby.

[A-Husker-4-Life]

Any "Dawn of the Dead 1978" fans...??? Check out Dead Rising, it should be a fun zombie killing game.. It's to bad they didn't include Co-op play but it should be fun anyways, comes out in august..

[Raiders Army]

I've heard this type of stuff all the time and I can't possibly disagree with it more.

Like anything else, it's out of control if it's not important to you. I have friends who spend hundreds of dollars on smokes a year. Some spend thousands of dollars on skiing, golf, fancy new cars, stereos, expensive vacations, fancy clothes, art, baseball cards, rare Lp's, concerts and God only knows what else. I don't drink, smoke, ski, take high end vacations, buy a lot of CD's or DVD's, go to the movies a lot. . .

I like playing video games. I have a limit to where I'd go. If I'm already enjoying other things, I won't spend $1,000 on a game system. I likely won't get a PS3 at launch because of this. But that may change. If I see something I like, I may end up buying one a month after launch. I make no promises. Thing is, that $1000 will be more than made up for me by the time all is said and done. It's a single ski season for some of my friends. While they are putting sticks on their feet and gliding down a mountain, I'll be warm as hell and playing my video game. :)

It's priorities. I'm very content with my costly hobby.
Too true.

[Philliesfan980]

Have to echo what Troy said, its really just about decisions about how YOU want to spend your money. People make fun of me all the time because I don't go out to lunch every day at work, but rather brown bag it. To me, I don't feel that going to Ruby Tuesday's and spending $12 (with tip) for a mediocre sandwhich is a good use of my money. But I wouldn't hesitate to spend $120-150 for a quality dinner for two. Its really just your value of things.

[spleen1015]

I've heard this type of stuff all the time and I can't possibly disagree with it more.

Like anything else, it's out of control if it's not important to you. I have friends who spend hundreds of dollars on smokes a year. Some spend thousands of dollars on skiing, golf, fancy new cars, stereos, expensive vacations, fancy clothes, art, baseball cards, rare Lp's, concerts and God only knows what else. I don't drink, smoke, ski, take high end vacations, buy a lot of CD's or DVD's, go to the movies a lot. . .

I like playing video games. I have a limit to where I'd go. If I'm already enjoying other things, I won't spend $1,000 on a game system. I likely won't get a PS3 at launch because of this. But that may change. If I see something I like, I may end up buying one a month after launch. I make no promises. Thing is, that $1000 will be more than made up for me by the time all is said and done. It's a single ski season for some of my friends. While they are putting sticks on their feet and gliding down a mountain, I'll be warm as hell and playing my video game. :)

It's priorities. I'm very content with my costly hobby.

Well said. I would much rather take a week off of work and spend it playing video games instead of skiiing, sitting on the beach, or going to Italy.

It is all about what you enjoy and what you perceive to be important to you.

[Crapshoot]

I've heard this type of stuff all the time and I can't possibly disagree with it more.

Like anything else, it's out of control if it's not important to you. I have friends who spend hundreds of dollars on smokes a year. Some spend thousands of dollars on skiing, golf, fancy new cars, stereos, expensive vacations, fancy clothes, art, baseball cards, rare Lp's, concerts and God only knows what else. I don't drink, smoke, ski, take high end vacations, buy a lot of CD's or DVD's, go to the movies a lot. . .

I like playing video games. I have a limit to where I'd go. If I'm already enjoying other things, I won't spend $1,000 on a game system. I likely won't get a PS3 at launch because of this. But that may change. If I see something I like, I may end up buying one a month after launch. I make no promises. Thing is, that $1000 will be more than made up for me by the time all is said and done. It's a single ski season for some of my friends. While they are putting sticks on their feet and gliding down a mountain, I'll be warm as hell and playing my video game. :)

It's priorities. I'm very content with my costly hobby.


"". I spend easily that much on books in a year, or eating out. We all have our vices, and there's no harm in indulging it if you can afford it.

[Sweed]

I've heard this type of stuff all the time and I can't possibly disagree with it more.

Like anything else, it's out of control if it's not important to you. I have friends who spend hundreds of dollars on smokes a year. Some spend thousands of dollars on skiing, golf, fancy new cars, stereos, expensive vacations, fancy clothes, art, baseball cards, rare Lp's, concerts and God only knows what else. I don't drink, smoke, ski, take high end vacations, buy a lot of CD's or DVD's, go to the movies a lot. . .

I like playing video games. I have a limit to where I'd go. If I'm already enjoying other things, I won't spend $1,000 on a game system. I likely won't get a PS3 at launch because of this. But that may change. If I see something I like, I may end up buying one a month after launch. I make no promises. Thing is, that $1000 will be more than made up for me by the time all is said and done. It's a single ski season for some of my friends. While they are putting sticks on their feet and gliding down a mountain, I'll be warm as hell and playing my video game. :)

It's priorities. I'm very content with my costly hobby.

Very well said. It's all about the hours of entertainment you get for your buck.

[Passacaglia]

Get Geometry Wars.

There's a game called Geometry Wars? That sounds so cool!

Anyway, I just moved recently, and while going through storage, I dug up my old PS1, and am happily playing Final Fantasy 7. I'll get through that game eventually!

[Franklinnoble]

I guess... I got a wife, three kids, and a mortgage. Most of my money goes to home improvements and stuff we can do as a family. I'd feel pretty selfish blowing that kind of cash on a game system.

[TroyF]

I guess... I got a wife, three kids, and a mortgage. Most of my money goes to home improvements and stuff we can do as a family. I'd feel pretty selfish blowing that kind of cash on a game system.

And that's great for you. When I get married and have a family, I'm sure some of my priorities will change as well. I won't give up video games. It's what I enjoy doing and I'm not going to "quit" them for anyone.

But will the video game hobby mean I get a cheaper car, eat out less, etc? Sure will. Understand, I'm not slamming you because you choose not to do it or that you think the price is too high for a new console. When I have kids, they'll come first too. But I don't think the prices are outlandish. On a per hour basis, my XBox 360 has probably already paid for itself. Were Sony to have had a per hour charge on the PS2, NCAA 2004, God of War and the GTA Series could have cost me 300 or 400 EACH.

To each his/her own. :)

[MizzouRah]

Well, I just bought a 360 at Gamestop along with VGA cables and NCAA 2007.. I can't wait until my new monitor gets in!!!

MuhAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAA!!!

[Passacaglia]

On a per hour basis, my XBox 360 has probably already paid for itself.

What does that mean?

[Eaglesfan27]

I've heard this type of stuff all the time and I can't possibly disagree with it more.

Like anything else, it's out of control if it's not important to you. I have friends who spend hundreds of dollars on smokes a year. Some spend thousands of dollars on skiing, golf, fancy new cars, stereos, expensive vacations, fancy clothes, art, baseball cards, rare Lp's, concerts and God only knows what else. I don't drink, smoke, ski, take high end vacations, buy a lot of CD's or DVD's, go to the movies a lot. . .

I like playing video games. I have a limit to where I'd go. If I'm already enjoying other things, I won't spend $1,000 on a game system. I likely won't get a PS3 at launch because of this. But that may change. If I see something I like, I may end up buying one a month after launch. I make no promises. Thing is, that $1000 will be more than made up for me by the time all is said and done. It's a single ski season for some of my friends. While they are putting sticks on their feet and gliding down a mountain, I'll be warm as hell and playing my video game. :)

It's priorities. I'm very content with my costly hobby.

Well said. I have friends who spend much more money on golf and other costly hobbies. Video gaming is my costly hobby, and I don't spend much money on other hobbies (I have other hobbies they are just relatively inexpensive.) My wife is cool with that. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Any "Dawn of the Dead 1978" fans...??? Check out Dead Rising, it should be a fun zombie killing game.. It's to bad they didn't include Co-op play but it should be fun anyways, comes out in august..

I'm not usually a fan of shooter type games, but this one is definitely on my radar.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, I just bought a 360 at Gamestop along with VGA cables and NCAA 2007.. I can't wait until my new monitor gets in!!!

MuhAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAA!!!

Congrats, Todd.

[Bee]

What does that mean?

I think his XBOX 360 has a job at the local grocery store bagging groceries, but I'm not positive.

[MizzouRah]

Congrats, Todd.

Thanks!! I'm excited big time.. should have ordered my monitor sooner though. :(

[spleen1015]

Thanks!! I'm excited big time.. should have ordered my monitor sooner though. :(

You're going to hook it up before you get the monitor though, right?

[jbmagic]

Thanks!! I'm excited big time.. should have ordered my monitor sooner though. :(


In the meantime, can you just hook it up on your pc monitor while you wait.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Well, I just bought a 360 at Gamestop along with VGA cables and NCAA 2007.. I can't wait until my new monitor gets in!!!

MuhAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAA!!!
what kind of monitor you get?

[MizzouRah]

Monitor is HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU NEWEGG!!!!!!

Oh Pumpy..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014105

[Pumpy Tudors]

Oh Pumpy..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014105
LLLLLOOOOVVVEE IT!

[jbmagic]

Monitor is HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU NEWEGG!!!!!!

Oh Pumpy..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014105

I love it too. Very nice.

We know what Todd is doing this weekend. Its NCAA time. :)

[spleen1015]

I am going to hook mine up to my monitor and see what it is like. I pretty much have the same monitor.

I need one of those RCA converters for sound though. :)

[MizzouRah]

Oh yeah... run and play kiddies.. daddy has some work to do!

[TroyF]

What does that mean?

It's how I judge my game purchases. If I spend 60 bucks on a game, play it for 6 hours, it cost me $10 an hour for the game. That would be a pretty average game. The same 6 hours in the theatre would have cost me around 40-45 bucks. (assuming I didn't buy any popcorn or drinks)

Between myself and my friends, I think we put in something like 200 hours into NCAA 2004 for the PS2. I'm looking at a per hour cost of 25 cents on a 50 dollar game. Obviously, that's sensational.

I haven't played the XBox 400 hours yet, but I'm getting pretty close. I'm certainly over 300 hours. Even adding the costs for games and accessories, the system is costing me about 3 - 4 bucks an hour at this point. Pretty cheap hobby as far as I'm concerned.

[rkmsuf]

It's how I judge my game purchases. If I spend 60 bucks on a game, play it for 6 hours, it cost me $10 an hour for the game. That would be a pretty average game. The same 6 hours in the theatre would have cost me around 40-45 bucks. (assuming I didn't buy any popcorn or drinks)

Between myself and my friends, I think we put in something like 200 hours into NCAA 2004 for the PS2. I'm looking at a per hour cost of 25 cents on a 50 dollar game. Obviously, that's sensational.

I haven't played the XBox 400 hours yet, but I'm getting pretty close. I'm certainly over 300 hours. Even adding the costs for games and accessories, the system is costing me about 3 - 4 bucks an hour at this point. Pretty cheap hobby as far as I'm concerned.

You should look at dates/sex that way to determine your optimal scenario.

[Passacaglia]

It's how I judge my game purchases. If I spend 60 bucks on a game, play it for 6 hours, it cost me $10 an hour for the game. That would be a pretty average game. The same 6 hours in the theatre would have cost me around 40-45 bucks. (assuming I didn't buy any popcorn or drinks)

Between myself and my friends, I think we put in something like 200 hours into NCAA 2004 for the PS2. I'm looking at a per hour cost of 25 cents on a 50 dollar game. Obviously, that's sensational.

I haven't played the XBox 400 hours yet, but I'm getting pretty close. I'm certainly over 300 hours. Even adding the costs for games and accessories, the system is costing me about 3 - 4 bucks an hour at this point. Pretty cheap hobby as far as I'm concerned.

I like Bee's answer better. I understand that it has a low dollars per hour cost, but I don't see how that translates to "paid for itself."

[TroyF]

You should look at dates/sex that way to determine your optimal scenario.


Struggling badly there at the moment.

[TroyF]

I like Bee's answer better. I understand that it has a low dollars per hour cost, but I don't see how that translates to "paid for itself."

My free time is how the scale is judged. What could I do with my free time that I personally would enjoy as much that would be cheaper? You can't say sex, because with my current slump, the cost to incident ratio is off the charts.

I'm a speed reader, so even buying a book doesn't compete with video games for cost/enjoyment. IMO, it's paid for itself now. YMMV.

[sabotai]

I like Bee's answer better. I understand that it has a low dollars per hour cost, but I don't see how that translates to "paid for itself."

I think he means if he had spent those 300 hours doing other things for entertainment (going to movies, renting movies, playing pool, going to a bar, etc. etc.), he would have spent far more than he did on the video games. Hence the money he would have spent but didn't "paid" for the system and games.

[Franklinnoble]

My free time is how the scale is judged. What could I do with my free time that I personally would enjoy as much that would be cheaper? You can't say sex, because with my current slump, the cost to incident ratio is off the charts.
.

Maybe this has something to do with all the time you spend playing video games? ;)

[rkmsuf]

Maybe this has something to do with all the time you spend playing video games? ;)

He has to bring his cost structure down.

[John Galt]

IMO, it's paid for itself now. YMMV.

The TroyF business model:

Step 1: Play video games
Step 2: ????????????????
Step 3: Profit

;)

At least it doesn't involve a mobile hurricane-proof water-powered vehicle filled with 50 people, pets, and computers.

[TroyF]

Maybe this has something to do with all the time you spend playing video games? ;)

No, just really horrific luck actually. I go out with someone who I like, they don't like me. I go out with someone and can't stand them, and they keep calling me.

John,

Good business model. I'm comfortable with it. Just remove #2 and change #3 to "have fun" and I'm good. :)

[bselig]

Blowing $500 or whatever on a console isn't a huge deal because, assuming you only get one, it's a once in every 4-5 years expense.

Spending $1000 at launch is shaky though, simply because there typically isn't enough good stuff worth buying at launch.