If you get your xbox 360 now there shouldn't be problems,i've had mine for a year and half and never had problems,but this might be cause i don't play as much,which keeps it cool,but my friend has had he's for 2 years and his is still workin and he logs major hours on his,so i don't think there's nothin wrong with the 360,you have to pay to play online but that's only $50 a year which i think is better then the ps3 online,,and i got a ps3 also and i like my 360 more,the game selection for the 360 is better but sony is about to have a major break through a few ps3 only titles comin out, i forgot what they were but lol yeah they comin out..lol..it's all what you want man,don't listen to these sony riders r microsoft riders,im not nether i just don't play my ps3 cause i think it was a rip off,but i got it incase a few games come out i actually wanan play,and i just bought madden 09 for the ps3 and when hookd up to HD all the graphix r the same for both systems...If you go with the 360 enjoy the larger game selection ,if you get the ps3 enjoy the free online play...it's all up to you..