LJ, you should contact BirdBrain, he's the games guy.

Next question.

Playstation or x-box?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

Can I download pirated games for either or both of these?

Thanks

You have several choices here. The older X-Box 360 and Playstation 3 are both popular. The only difference is the availability of "unique" games which are only available on one console or the other. However, most of the popular games are available on both consoles. I think I actually prefer the X-Box 360, but that's me. I think the controller has better ergonomics (I've got big hands). They've also come out with the new X-Box One and PS4, so it depends what you want to spend. There are relatively few games on the market for these newer generation consoles. Copied games are probably impossible to get at the moment, meaning big $$$ for games. It would probably be wiser to get old consoles (360/PS4) and upgrade to the newer ones later on. Others with better info could correct me, but I think X-Box is easier to play pirated games online (vs the PS). That's what the ladies at Gaming World told me. But for offline use, they have tons of 5$ games for both consoles. I assume you mostly want it to be a LAN-gaming type experience? Or will it also be hooked up for online gaming?

As for projectors, the info above was correct. You need a very dark room and a proper projector screen for proper viewing experince. Cost of bulbs is also a big drawback. That being said, I'm not sure if kids (young?) would really mind a lower-res projector. Playing on a huge screen is always fun. Especially multiplayer games. You only really notice crappy resolution over an extended period of time, or if you regularly play on a high quality HD screen right before or after. You'd have to get big-ass TVs to make the multiplayer gaming experience any fun IMO. But a mid-range projector in a dark-ish room is pretty cool. So I'm not sure if the projector idea should be completely discarded just yet.

In the PS3/Xb debate, online is the main key. X-Box requires you to pay to play online. A subscription. AND if one 14 year old starts acting up on there and gets your account banned you can't just whip up another account... your credit card is linked to it and the ban sticks.

At least with PS3 you can just make dummy accounts and wipe them/make new ones if any crap like that ever happens.

I think it's way harder to play pirated games with the ps3 though. Might be wrong though. And I think the ps4 will require $$$ to play.

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote:I think it's way harder to play pirated games with the ps3 though. Might be wrong though. And I think the ps4 will require $$$ to play.

They crack the PS3 at the shops for $40 just like an X-Box. Thing is, once it's cracked you can't play online... it will undo the crack or just not play.

Personally I never cracked mine when I had it. I enjoy online play too much.

Offline play, just networked between the machines/consoles.

Basically a machine where I can get a game and have one to say 4 people playing together in the same room.

Computer games I think can do this and I think you can download lots of pirated games.

I do not mind paying $5 for a game, but $50 .. ouch.

thanks for the feedback.

I am thinking of teenagers for this room, but I guess even 9 year olds play games.

LaudJohn wrote:Offline play, just networked between the machines/consoles.

Basically a machine where I can get a game and have one to say 4 people playing together in the same room.

Computer games I think can do this and I think you can download lots of pirated games.

I do not mind paying $5 for a game, but $50 .. ouch.

thanks for the feedback.

I am thinking of teenagers for this room, but I guess even 9 year olds play games.

Honestly... there really aren't many good 1 player offline games that will engage western preteens significantly. group play over a lan might be fun... but requires having a group who all want to play at the same time. and with each other... current kids aren't like that much anymore, mostly because they have these systems themselves and are accustomed to online play/etc.

i've always frowned on running a business (or an aspect of business) on pirated material. you're profiting, in part, on their labors without giving them their due. personal use is one thing, but professional use should be done professionally.

Can't be arsed reading the last post so I apologize if this has been said.

Xbox 360 and play station 3 can have fake games if chipped. It really depends what age of kids you are looking at entertaining.

I love halo on the xbox and final fantasy on the play station but if you That is for early to late teens. If you are looking at a younger demographic I suggest the Wii. Much better for younger kids and if you get the right games will entertain the teens as well.

yeah, the wii is a good call. more of an all ages thing, and relies less on online play to actually be entertaining.