Lunchtime Discussion: Loyalty
Are you loyal to your consoles?
Published: 12:00, 06/07/2010 by Kris [Halbpro].
44So other a month ago I got an email from jimmy-google with a rather good Lunchtime Discussion about his loyalty to Sony. Genius that I am, I completely forgot about it until last night. So here it is, for all to see. Enjoy! Oh and if you have an article of your own you can get hold of me from the staff page.
It was a Saturday afternoon in February about 13 years ago. The birds were singing in the trees. The sun was shining. The light reflected off the glossy box in my hands as I headed home. I sat down in my parent’s front room. Carefully pulled back the grey tabs. Slowly slide out each element in turn. Placed them in position. Opened the top. Removed the fresh film from the smaller clear plastic box. Took the circular black shiny piece out and popped it in place. And then flicked the power switch. The beautiful chimes started and it began.
That was the day. at the age of 14. when I got my hands on my first Playstation and my loyalty to the Playstation brand and Sony started. Within a couple of years my Dad had begun to refer to me as a Sony snob. I chose Sony MP3 players over iPods (I have one now but I still feel a bit dirty using it and I miss my old sleek Sony one which I swear has better sound quality). My mobile’s have been Sony for years (I think I’d pass out of a PSP Phone was released). My video camera is Sony and my TV would have been if I’d had the money (my 3D TV will certainly be Sony). Since the Playstation I’ve bought each Sony console at Launch (even the PSP Go which I love). I’ve had has a PS2, PS3 and PSP all die on me but I still go back to Sony.
Looking back on it my decision to go with all things Sony wasn’t that bad a choice but it wasn’t a perfect one either. The biggest problem is that I know it wasn’t based on logic.
My irrational loyalty stretches far beyond games. I’ll see a film just because a certain actor is in it, even if I know the film will be awful. I’ll buy an album I know I won’t listen to because I’ve bought every other album by the same band. My brain knows it’s stupid but I can’t help it. I’ll keep buying Sony, watching Simon Pegg films and buy Divine Comedy albums.
So the question is quite simple. What irrational loyalties do you have if any and how far have they taken you?
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06/07/2010 at 12:03
Member since: Aug 2009
Im the same, im loyal to Sony, ever since the PS1, I have brought a PS2, PS3 and a PSP. Whereever possible, i buy a product [camera] Sony.
So jimmy, i know how you feel :)
06/07/2010 at 12:57
Member since: Dec 2009
Always stick with Sony for consoles. I have also owned a PS One, PS2, PSP and PS3. Have a habit of sticking with brands that I trust with most electronic purchases.
TV’s = Panasonic (never had a problem with one yet – touch wood)
MP3 = Apple (Not the best I admit but love the design and amount of accessories available)
Phones = Nokia (They just always seem to work)
06/07/2010 at 14:40
Member since: Aug 2008
I have had all the Sony gaming devices as well, but its more down to the fact that Sony seem to get it right each time, more than me just getting it due to the badge on the front.
The PS1 blew everything out of the water, i had N64 and dreamcast, then sold both after a week of my PS1. Then the PS2 came out, and i sort of knew that it was going to be great because of the 1st one. It didnt have any real competition for graphics, also played DVD’s and did 5.1. So day one purchase.
Then came the delay of the PS3. It had me wavering, thinking about a 360 as i was ready for the next gen, but i held out and got the PS3. And once again it was worth it! BluRay, HDMI, web surfing, digital card readers, wireless internet, 4 USB’s, online gaming and wireless pads straight out the box!
It’s that constant stream of new tech that Sony put into the consoles that keeps it at the top in my eyes, and the will to push new ideas and methods, thats why i’m slowly turning into a Sony only gamer.
Next up for me after seeing my 1st 3DTV, 3D gaming, and guess who’s pushing it?
06/07/2010 at 15:54
Member since: Nov 2009
Me too, unless I can’t afford it. Darn Sony, you ain’t cheap.
06/07/2010 at 12:06
Member since: Forever
I’m quite similar. I’m a huge Sony fan, and have been since the days of the original Playstation. As a consumer, I just feel that Sony offer the best products. Simple as that. I simply prefer the Playstation over the competitors. I’ve owned an iPod, and now own a Sony MP3 player. Not simply because it’s Sony, but because it’s the best MP3 player I’ve ever used and can afford. I do feel a sense of loyalty to the brand, and would always stick up for Sony in an arguement if I felt it was justified. The reason I’m loyal however is not just because “it’s Sony, I’ve always been a fan”, it’s because they justify my loyalty by releasing amazing products.
06/07/2010 at 12:07
Member since: Forever
Loyalty is not irrational. It is one of the most important facets of our lives and without it we’d all be dead or alone. When it comes to consoles however, I play my PS3 the most because I like it the best. If a game goes multiplatform does it bother me? Only it if will affect the quality of the title, otherwise it’s great.
06/07/2010 at 12:07
Member since: Forever
Apple!!
I would gladly give a Kidney to Steve Jobs if he needed one.
06/07/2010 at 12:15
Member since: Jul 2009
If you can just teach him how to design a new iPhone without signal issues you get to keep your kidney!
06/07/2010 at 12:22
Member since: Feb 2009
I like Steve because of what he did for Pixar but as I hate touch screen devices with a passion I’d rather ram his itouch/phone/pad devices somewhere they shouldn’t be.
06/07/2010 at 12:09
Member since: Forever
I’m loyal to SEGA, although they have tested my patience with ruining Sonic in recent years
I feel nothing towards Sony though… If SEGA, Ninty or MS released a console with Blu-ray movie playback – I’d probably jump ship in a heartbeat.
I never owned an original PlayStation, and only got on board with the PS2 late in the game when the Dreamcast folded – I enjoyed the PS2 though and have still got loads of good games for it.
I’ve got a PSP2000 but I don’t really see the point in it… its got great games which are best played over a period of time on a sofa and not whilst your mobile… Minis help with this, but why spend £4 when you can get something better for free or 59p on the iPhone
I’ve had 3 PS3′s in 3 years… 2 due to breakdown & the 3rd due to the fear of breakdown… I’m just not that into PS3 gaming other than a few core gaming experiences
06/07/2010 at 12:16
Member since: Aug 2009
Really? Not to be rude but why spend so much of your time/write articles/report on a website that is -mainly- dedicated to PS3 when the Blu-ray function is the only thing keeping you in the PS3 camp?
Seems odd to me…
06/07/2010 at 12:18
Member since: Forever
Often wonder the same thing… But every now and again something amazing happens and the high almost reaches initial high and keeps me coming back for more
06/07/2010 at 12:26
Member since: Aug 2009
Fair call. Hope you stick around for a while anyway, I do find most of your comments informative and interesting, you seem to know what you’re talking about most of the time :)
I am a PS3 guy but since i bought my 360 the other day i really have come to respect what a good job they have done with it… its seems a lot more community orientated than the PS3… I seriously hope that Sony introduce some big things regarding PS Plus as currently it kinda seems like a bit of a waste of money… compared to what you get when you pay on Xbox… Xbox avatars are worlds in front of sony… haha
06/07/2010 at 13:38
Member since: Mar 2009
I write for TSA and don’t even own a PS3.
06/07/2010 at 14:20
Member since: Feb 2009
Does anyone at TSA own/enjoy their using a PS3?
06/07/2010 at 18:32
Member since: Forever
Yup, love it!
Lovefilm have just sent me Capote Blu-ray and I love Philip Seymour-Hoffman
07/07/2010 at 08:23
Member since: Aug 2009
Yeah but you have owned a PS3 raen, you told me above :D
Otherwise it’d be like top gear hiring a kid who has never driven before to do car reviews…
06/07/2010 at 12:31
Member since: Dec 2009
@cc_star
Ive always thought that you werent head over heels where sony was concerned….
Just a vibe – everyones entitled to their opinion though as it kinda depends on our experiences and views.
Loyalty, well I fell in love with Playsation when i was a kid. My best mate had one with Street Fighter Alpha, after that I was sold…
My Snes was traded in whilst I shed a tear and Turbo, Castlevania, Probotector and Mario Kart were prised from my clutches in return for loading times, scratached disk and memory cards, which at the time felt like a step back after Cartridge Gaming.
Once the PS1 hit its stride with the likes of MGS, SP, RESI I was hooked.
The games that sony bring to the table are always good, fresh and different. I feel as though they always try to deliver what we want [my humble opinion].
Am I a fanboy, nope as i see great games for other consoles and pc – but the sony way just suits me.
I intend to complete Gears 3 on my bros launch 360 – lol – yes launch, but that shows how little its been played. I wont buy another 360 as i had a newbie RROD on me first switch on.
Wii – well dont need to now move is on the horizon…
Good article though, as its got me thinking….
06/07/2010 at 14:47
Member since: Aug 2008
“Am I a fanboy, nope as i see great games for other consoles and pc – but the sony way just suits me.”
Exactly what i feel. If Sony fits what i want, then why change??
06/07/2010 at 12:53
Member since: Jun 2009
Loyalty to SEGA completely baffles me! I can’t remember the last ‘top notch’ gaming experience they provided me with!
06/07/2010 at 13:03
Member since: Forever
It comes from having a Master System, Master System 2, Megadrive, Megadrive 2, 32X, MegaCD, Saturn & Dreamcast, and playing 100′s of great games across them all.
All except my first Master System were bought on launch day… I’m basically in holding formation until a Dreamcast 2 is announced ;)
Oh, and software-wise yes they are trying my patience with some not very great games, but Valkyria Chronicles is one of the best games this gen, as is Yakuza 3
06/07/2010 at 13:10
Member since: Dec 2008
Condemned, Alpha Protocol and bayonetta, in my opinion, are exelent or near exelent.
06/07/2010 at 18:06
Member since: Jun 2009
I too have fond memories of SEGA gaming, had a Master System, Megadrive and a Saturn, and they provided me with some fantastic gaming! To be honest, if SEGA were to release a new console and it held it’s own against MS & Sony hardware I’d seriously consider it.
06/07/2010 at 13:40
Member since: Mar 2009
Have a huge amount of loyalty for Sega, only company that really has me in terms of electronics or gaming. Master System and Mega Drive pulled me in completely, they’re the reason I play games at all.
06/07/2010 at 14:46
Member since: Aug 2008
Mastersystem and Megadrive got me into gaming, and my Dreamcast was great, just didnt take. If Sega released dreamcast 2, i would definitly think about getting one along side my PS4, but it would have to be VERY special.
06/07/2010 at 12:11
Member since: Oct 2008
No loyalty here & why should I? I just the buy what I think is the best in my eyes.
I have a range of products from different manufactures.
06/07/2010 at 12:11
Member since: Aug 2009
i am a sony bitch too…
sony tv, surround sound, laptop, phone, ps3…
but i recently sinned. i bought a 360… haha i feel like a dirty hoe… but i still love my ps3, ftw of course.
06/07/2010 at 12:14
Member since: Jun 2009
I’m not loyal to any company or console, because I know that they won’t return the loyalty. I bought a PS1, PS2, and a PS3 on launch day, but when my PS3 caught the dreaded YLOD, Sony did nothing. The only reason why I own a Playstation is because I generally enjoy the system, but my ownership of a Playstation wouldn’t stop me from going out and buying a Nintendo or Microsoft product.
06/07/2010 at 12:17
Member since: Jul 2009
I’m loyal but to no detriment. I’ve enjoyed the Sony brand for console gaming and still haven’t bought an Xbox. I just like the way Sony roll and that’s about it. Then again, if enough great games came out the Xbox (and I was all up-to-date with PS3 titles) I would’ve considered getting one. Seems silly to be so loyal that you miss out on great games elsewhere.
06/07/2010 at 12:26
Member since: Feb 2009
I’ve looked at getting a 360 but I couldn’t justify the cost for the few games I was interested in, though somehow I felt I could justify buying a second ps3. Sometimes my brain makes no sense.
06/07/2010 at 12:27
Member since: Jun 2009
But to enjoy other games you have to buy other consoles then money gets all to involved. So maybe money is the answer to loyalty, i know i can only afford 1 console so i make my choice and stick with it
06/07/2010 at 12:52
Member since: Feb 2009
Money has a big thing to do with it but sometimes you can always find that bit extra when its something you really want (no matter what the reason)
06/07/2010 at 13:03
Member since: Jun 2009
Nah i cant still afford a xbox to play mass effect 2 yet
06/07/2010 at 14:22
Member since: Feb 2009
Gears of War is the main 360 game I want to play.
06/07/2010 at 12:18
Member since: Jul 2009
I’m not loyal to sony since I have a Panasonic TV, a HP laptop and an Apple iPod. But, I am loyal to PlayStation, I’ve had 1, 2. 3 and PSP. I will never go to XBox, though I do think it’s a good console!