skidmark

OK, so I'm not exactly a geezer, but past the typical demographic for a gamer. I play some PS3 when I visit my son (several states away) but I am tired of getting smoked in one-on-one.

That said - would the PS2 represent the best value as a "trainer" platform to learn gameplay, strategy, controller handling, etc.? I'd rather not spend the full load on the PS3 (since the PS4 is around the corner). Games also seem to be cheap and easily available.

What says the collective?

Raul3

Get an Xbox 360 or a PS3.

There are no new consoles around the corner for at least a couple of years, most people think.

DRG

It would help to know what kind of games you guys play together, especially for "training" to learn gameplay and strategy. Some game genres have become more advanced in gameplay from last gen, and if your goal is to keep up, a PS2 might not help you out.

cruzness

The current generation of consoles will have a longer shelf life than consoles in the past. There is no new console coming for at least 3-4 years. You will get your money's worth with whichever of the 2 better consoles you choose. PS3 or Xbox is the way to go. Let us know what you decide.

Groucho

What others have said. The PS4 is most certainly not around the corner, especially with the recent release of the Move peripheral.

Also, if you're looking for a "trainer" platform, you're better off with this generation. Games today hold your hand much more than they did in the past.

skidmark

His current games have been CoD Black Ops, and we've played Borderlands. I can kick his butt at Move Disc Golf, though - thirty extra years of fligning frisbees come in handy ;-)

I'm not looking to get ahead of him, just to try to make some new neural connections.

cruzness

Well the logical choice would be to get a PS3 so that the two of you could play together online

Groucho

That's got to be awkward, to be called a "****" by your own son.

cruzness

try some of the less douchey games too.

musick

this

and this

that was funny

skidmark

It's not gay if you don't make eye contact ...

skidmark

Well, his REALLY less douchey games involve M4s and CQB shotguns. Live fire.

al_bundy

Get a ps3. A lot of good older and cheaper games out there as well as used. If a ps4 comes next year then it will have a very limited selection of games and they will all be $60 for the first two years

chuckd21

Yep, get a PS3. Maybe you can get one used from Gamestop or Craigslist.

Anubis2005X

Agreed, plus PS3 is getting a slew of HD enhanced games from the PS2 generation, which I've been enjoying greatly.

orangecrush

I would defintaly go this route. If you are playing modern shooters like COD:BO, you will not benifit much from playing PS2 era shooters. The problem with shooters is that sometimes just having fast reflexes can give you a big edge, so age is not your friend.

starman9000

Yep, get the PS3.

cruzness

but you can make up for it by playing tactically smart

FatTony

This is the most obvious answer, but it's also worth noting that Sony has stated in the past that the PS3 is expected to have a 10-year lifespan, so it's still got about 6 years of life left in it. Not only that, but it also doubles as a Blu-ray player and a Netflix streaming device. Just go for the PS3.

skidmark

Well, I already have enough BRs. Considering that I let go of all the $100 off deals, what should I look for in a used PS3?

orangecrush

Personally, I'd be inclined to look for a deal on craigslist. Sometimes you can find really, really good bundles from college kids who need to buy books or beer.

skidmark

OK, I'm sold. Any quick 'n' dirty tests to check for a bad unit (or other RROD-type defects to watch for)?


Thanks all for your help!

musick

I would stay far away from any used PS3's .... JMO

kgrogers1979

Amazon Warehouse is a great place to shop for used stuff. I just bought a PS3 slim 160 GB for $220 off there a few weeks ago that was in "like new" condition. It didn't even look like it had been used at all. A lot of the "like new" condition stuff on the Warehouse is just people that made an impulse buy and then returned it without ever actually using it. There is a huge thread on cheapassgamer.com about the Amazon Warehouse, which is where I first heard about it.

orangecrush

this is good advice if you don't want to get a used unit.