From Fanboy to Respectful

It wasn't long ago that I would cruise through the news stories at N4G, paying close attention to everything that was Microsoft and chastising everything Sony.  Being a longtime XBOX fan (owned both systems at release) it came as second nature to me.  My system was supreme and there was no topping the might that was XBOX.  With constant jeers in forums and comments calling me a fanboy, I wore my allegiance like a badge of honor...until that fateful day.

It was a cold and wet Sunday morning (could have been overcast, but for this blog setting, it works) when I was looking through the previous nights news posts on the many different gaming sites.  I came across a few stories on the upcoming titles of the PS3.  Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, Metal Gear Solid 4 (which was already out and receiving rave reviews).  I had recently just gotten my semi annual bonus from work, so I figured what the hell, I'd buy the 80 gig PS3 as a little gift to me. 

On my way to Best Buy, I couldn't help but feel the utter hopelessness of betrayal.  XBOX, the device I had championed for, was being neglected and I was changing sides.  These feelings quickly subsided after playing the first chapter of MGS4.

In retrospect though, buying the PS3 wasn't betraying anything.  The idea of a fanboy is ludicrous to say the least.  The only fanboys who should be taken legitimately are the ones who also own the system they are trashing.  Now that I have a PS3, I can say things like "PS3 has a much more mature community both online and offline" and "360 has the best online component of all systems."  I own both systems, have experienced both sides and came to my conclusion.  Before, I was just a rambling fanboy who thought the 360 was the best because, well, because I owned it.  Nothing more, nothing less. 

So, the next time you are sitting in the N4G forum and you see a blatant act of fanboyism, remember that he may just be jaded...because he can't afford to buy the other systems.