On the suggestion of a few family members, I'm getting a new game system this winter. The HD systems have large back libraries of deeply discounted that I can justify throwing down for a second console. Additionally I'll be getting a good discount on it too, since my step-daughter works at Gamestop and get can an extra discount on used systems. So the cost isn't even a big deal anymore, though a 360 would still be cheaper. The libraries of the games I'm interested in are almost identical too. Really the difference actually comes in with the PSN vs. XBLA games. Basically it's coming down to "do I want to play Flower or Pac-Man?"
The wild card here is I'm also debating a new PC. I need a new one for work, though really I was going to wait until next summer. But 3 really good games are coming out next year on the PC that I want to get my hands on (and maybe DC Comic Universe too). Still, a good gaming PC may be a little too pricy and games I want to play on a PC don't come out too often. 2011 really is a fluke in that regard.
Anyway I'm open to suggestions if anyone has one. No decision will be made for another 2 months, but over the past month I've literally gone back and forth on this a dozen time already and neither console (or PC) has really stood out to the point where I've said "this is it" and I'm trying to find something that would sway me.
I've considered it, and that very well may happen. My laptop just isn't the bed gaming PC in the world. Plus it's also my work computer. If I have a lot of games on it I'm not going to be real productive at work and I'm going to goof off. I know this. I've seen me do it. That's one of the big reasons why I'm a little apprehensive in going the gaming PC route.
Pac-Man >>> Flower
As far as systems to get, I highly recommend getting an Atari 7800. Seriously. It's has a ton of awesome arcade games you can play like Ms. Pac-Man, and it's backwards compatible with the mighty Atari 2600 library!
One idea. Maybe install them under a diffrent user account on windows, so you have to actively log out of your profile in order to play. Makes it a little harder to goof off that way. I think you can also restrict log-in hours, (depending on your OS), so you could even set it to not lt you log-in until after the regular work end.
Better yet, buy a second harddrive and put a separate, gaming-only installation on it. Then you have to specifically boot into it, and you keep all the DRM crap segregated.
Better yet, buy a second computer, with a second HDD, and user account, and a boat to store it down the harbor (you can find old boats fairly cheap in this economy). That way you have to drive down to the docks to play. You may have to hire someone to live in your boat though, as unattended boats are usually broken into by hobos looking for a place to sleep.
Better yet, grow a cornfield. Once tall enough, carve out a labyrinth in the stalks. Now, build electrical wiring to the centre of the maze so you can plug in your computer. Next, get a Minotaur to protect the computer. Finally, endlessly loop Guile's theme.
Well you guys were almost helpful, and I thank you for that.