I didn't switch consoles, but 2005 marked the first time I got another console in addition to a Nintendo one when I picked up a 360 to supplement my future Wii (excluding the Dreamcast that I bought in 03, which I don't really count since Sega the hardware manufacturer isn't around any more, and I mainly got it because it was super cheap at $99. It was right before Sega bit the dust and went to full desperation mode).
Anyway, I decided to pick up a Xbox 360, first and foremost for the third party games I knew Nintendo wouldn't likely be getting. I was wavering between a PS3 and 360 for my complimentary console to the Wii, but eventually ended up on 360 because of PS3's outrageous price. The other reasons:
- Rareware (at the time, they were still somewhat of a highly regarded company and were still one of my favorites)
- Gears of War looked amazing
- I'm no graphics whore, but let's face it, I did crave some top of the line horsepower for my videogames, at least to see what it was like, and Wii didn't seem like it was going to offer it.
- The online seemed solid
- Halo franchise
