Multi-Platform Games, Which One?

[Aton7]

If you want to buy a game that is on multiple consoles, how do you decide on which to get? For example Mega Man X collection on PS2 or GameCube? I'm talking about this strictly from a collecting perspective. I'm working on my list of games to get and this has come up multiple times for me. I'm curious to see how other collectors choose.

[Superchop]

For me I wait till there's a few comparisons out on the internet and see which I like more.  In terms of old games im sure there are comparisons with pros and cons.  You can just go through a few and then decide which seems to fit your tastes more. 

Also one other thing to consider is what controller you like more.  Ps2 and gamecube controllers are pretty different so it also comes down to which you're more comfortable with.

[Megatron]

I really think it depends on the consoles you're talking about as well as the games.  A lot of multisystem games are quite on par with each other, especially today.  There are a few exceptions - Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 is far superior to the 360 version.  Where Bayonetta is far less glitchy on the 360.

The older the consoles, the more the distinction becomes.  Most people seem to prefer Super Nintendo over Sega, and the PS1 to the N64 (for better cutscenes and gameplay)  

You spoke of the 6th generation (PS2, GC, XBOX)...of those three, it depends on what is most important.  
Graphics XBox > Gamecube > PS2
Control  PS2 > Xbox > Gamecube
Sound  Xbox > Gamecube > PS2

Outside of these issues, it mainly becomes about the game itself.  Mega Man Collection (not X) for instance had terrible remixed sound on the PS2, but the classic NES music on Gamecube.  But the GC reversed the controls and made A shoot and B jump.  Where PS2 kept it the same scheme as the original.  Not sure if they modified the X Collection at all.

If you aren't going to PLAY the games, and just collect them, then I recommend going for whatever version you think would look better with your collection.  For this generation, I tend to focus on Xbox 360 because I like the way they look better than the PS3 cases on my shelf.  Also, now I tend to collect more PS2 than XBox because I have so many PS2 games that it just looks more impressive.

[wiggy]

Most often I pick based on the controller. In the case of MMX collection, PS2 all the way.  Xbox vs PS3. I pick the 360 9 times outta 10.  And so on.

[madrocsz]

For me it's flat out which system I enjoy more. In the Mega man connundrum, I loved the gamecube.

As far as current gen games, I mostly buy for PS3 however I enjoy some xbox exclusives, that said I am a bit weird about it and ill give you an example. Bioshock and Mass effect. I loved both, got them for the xbox due to exclusive and beat them, Since then I now own them for PS3 and beat those as well, yet I still own both copies for each system lol

[Dr.Agon]

personally it doesn't matter to me, I have all the consoles anyway, so if its on my list I'll buy it, regardless of which system it's on

[Arseen]

Xbox over PS2/gamecube, X360 over PS3/Wii/WiiU.

SNES over everything.

[sheep2001]

I find it quite funny how everyone likes different consoles over others.

For me PS3 over 360
PS2 or Dreamcast, then NGC then XBox
For 2d fighters SNES over Megadrive, but for SHMUPS/brawlers Megadrive over SNES
Coleco over Atari
Amiga over ST
Speccy over C64

its like being in the school playground all over again
lol

[Blueprint]

personally it doesn't matter to me, I have all the consoles anyway, so if its on my list I'll buy it, regardless of which system it's on

Likewise i agree with the doctor  but if i can find the same game cheaper on a different console i will favor that console game over the pricier version. For example bonk's adventure on the turbografx is dirt cheap compare to nes version. Don't get me wrong i would love to own the nes version but i can't justify the price of the nes version when i can buy a turbografx and the game for a fraction of the price.

[Mick Dundee]

I primarily game on my 360. (my first of the current (?) gen) I find 360 games easier to find used and generally a little cheaper than their ps3 counterparts.

 I just weeded out my ps3 games of 360 doubles to free up room and have some credit towards a WiiU. I only want certain older games, so it usually isn't a choice.
I collect RPGs, and they weren't very multi-platform back then. I think all py PS3 collection is exclusive or has something a little different than the 360 versions. For example, Star ocean and Eternal Sonata have extra content...so I keep both.

[AxelSteelBMX]

Coming from a strictly collecting standpoint, I'd say it's very subjective. If I'm collecting games from a series that goes multiplatform I'll generally gravitate towards the system that has the most games in that series for it, since system-exclusive games do still happen every now and then. However, even though there were 5 Mega Man games on the PS2 compared to 4 on the GameCube, I broke up my purchase decisions based on in-game content. I went for Mega Man X Command Mission on the GameCube over the PS2 due to the GBA functionality in the treasure radar (despite the save data cross-compatibility with MMX8, a PS2 exclusive). I also initially bought the GameCube version of Mega Man Anniversary Collection because of the video interview with Inafune on-disc. (I later sold all copies of both the Classic and the X Collections because I already own the originals and, speaking as a Mega Man fan, the Collections are total garbage no matter what system they're on.)

Just in case my rambling didn't help, here's the run-down on what I think in your case: I would recommend that, except in the case of system-exclusive games, you prioritize collecting for the system you like best. In the case of true non-preference, go with the version of the game with more appealing features (if there are any differences between them). In case all versions of the game are otherwise identical, either flip a coin, go with the most comfortable controller, or get whichever version is cheapest and/or most readily available with little hassle.

[Nacho3]

For me, it usually comes down to which system I had as a kid or which I had first in the case I owned more than one in a generation. So: NES, SNES, N64, Gcube (although I owned Dreamcast first, too bad it died so quickly), 360. There are a few exceptions when an entire series is not available on one system I like to get them all on another instead. For this generation I use my 360 for most games, PS3 for exclusives and HD collections and Wii/Wii U for Nintendo games.

[shenske]

Like many people my decision on platform depends on a few things. I try to keep the series together on one platform. For example i buy all of my Metal Gear games on playstation since that is what i first bought the games on. 

I also make decisions based on what i feel the controller is best suited for. (At least for this gen)
Fighters - PlayStation3
Shooters - XB360
Sports - XB360

If it doesn't meet any of that criteria then i usually pick the game on which controller is most comfortable. This generation its the 360 and the next will be the PS4. I was lucky enough to get some hands on time with both next gen systems and there controllers. Overall i was very impressed with the PS4 controller (coming from a guy who like the 360 > PS3 controller(.

If you guys have any questions about the controllers please let me know and i'll do my best to answer them 

[sheep2001]

I hope that doesn't mean I don't like the ps4 controller.  I hate, yes HATE the 360 controller.

[shenske]

Its not a big departure from the Dualshock design. It just fits in the hand a bit nicer and you don't have to regrip to use it. The joystick just slightly moved closer to the buttons and i feel its a great improvement. It just puts a bit less strain on your thumbs.

My main grip with the One's controller is the RB & LB are very uncomfortable to reach without regripping the controller.