I have both systems, got the PS3 the year it launched and got the 360 roughly around 3 - 4 years after my PS3. They're both good systems, but honestly I spend more time playing my PS3 than I do my 360 as it's somewhat collecting dust right now. As far as the game selections go, they're relatively even and you can still find similar experiences with the exclusive titles on both consoles. Since you don't seem to really care about the specs of both systems, I'll just give it to you straight. It really depends on what your wants are for your games and overall entertainment. From the sounds of it, since you're really more concerned about shooters, sports and free to play online, with all good conscience.. I'd have to suggest the PS3.<div>
</div><div>Many people say that the 360 controller is better for shooters and to a certain extent I can kind of understand where they're coming from, but since I've gamed with practically every Sony console up to this point and have pretty big hands, the PS3 controller has just felt like it belongs in my hand more. 360's is rather ergonomic but I can't go long rounds of gaming with it, but of course that type of preference is unique from person to person. As far as sports games are concerned, to be honest... I really do not play that many sports games, but if I were to consistently purchase a sports title it would more than likely be MLB: The Show as a previous poster already stated can only be purchased on PS3.</div><div>
</div><div>As far as game recommendations... some of the shooters that I've enjoyed best are:
The Uncharted Series - There are 2 out currently with a 3rd on the way by the end of the year. You don't exactly have to play these games sequentially and if you choose not to... go with Uncharted 2 all the way. 1 is fun, but 2 is quite possibly one of the best games to be released this generation. Also to note, the first doesn't have a multiplayer component as the 2nd and 3rd do.</div><div>
</div><div>Killzone Series - I haven't played 3 yet, but I've heard good things as I plan to work my way to it eventually. 2 is fun, but it got a little annoying in certain instances. The controls in 2 also take a little getting used to but from what I hear (and what I at least felt in the demo), the controls in 3 feel much better.</div><div>
</div><div>Ratchet & Clank Future Series - Since you have kids they (and you as well) may enjoy this as it's 3rd person platforming action adventure shooter with rpg elements. It seems rather cartoonish but it's still pretty fun.</div><div>
</div><div>inFamous Series - Technically it's a shooter.... Best way to look at it is a super hero style sandbox game that plays like a 3rd person shooter. Quite honestly, this is one of my favorite series this generation and I try to recommend it every chance I get.</div><div>-----------</div><div>these are Sony exclusives with quite a few other exclusive shooters that you *may* want to look into but it's kind of hard to recommend them such as:</div><div>Resistance Series (loved the first, but it's rather outdated now. really did not like the second but I will at least check out the third. Halo style shooter.)</div><div>Socom 4 (I have a real hard time recommending this as it killed the Socom series I once loved, but you never know who may or may not like it)</div><div>Warhawk (real cheap, but has a heavy focus on flight combat with some elements of ground combat. I doubt this is what you'll be interested in however)</div><div>-----------</div><div>
</div><div>Multiplatform shoorters:
CoD Series: As much as I've grown to despise this series, it's successful for a reason. It's really easy to pick up as it's arcady style helps people not used to playing more competitive shooters feel as if they're able to compete against the world.</div><div>
</div><div>Battlefield Series: On the other end of the spectrum of CoD and one I find rather enjoyable. Takes teamwork in order to be competitive. If you're wanting to go Rambo on a regular basis, this is not the shooter for you.</div><div>
</div><div>Red Dead Redemption: One of my favorite games to be released this year. A sandbox 3rd person shooter (TPS) that does a good job capturing the wild west with a decent narrative. A nice online component as well that can be competitive to an extent but probably not one that will take up too much time.</div><div>
</div><div>Also, I haven't played Dead Space or Borderlands but I've always heard good things about both franchises so I feel it would be nice to throw their names out there as well.
Lastly (forgive me for the length by the way), as far as the online debate is concerned... I really don't see that much difference between both communities and quite frankly don't think the $50 is worth it for XBL. I've been a rather competitive online player for years (even before PS2 and Xbox) and as far as the level of competition is to be found on both consoles...they're relatively even. You'll find trolls, biggots, kids that want to be cool, noobs and pretty damn good players on both systems. The price of admission does nothing to weed out individuals that may take away from the fun that could be had. The only real difference that you may find between the two is the mic usage which weighs heavily in the 360s favor. This could be a double edged sword when you think about it, but other than that both online experiences are fairly even when looked atcomparatively. Microsoft has been doing this longer and has a bit more structure and organization in some instances, but it's not really too much that warrants $50 to me honestly.</div><div>
</div><div>Again... sorry for the length, but hopefully this helps you out with your decisions. If you have anything you'd like to ask me about the subject, don't hesitate to do so as this is a subject I feel I'm rather versed in.</div>