Should I get a Xbox 360 slim 4gb or a refurbished PS3 40gb?

Definitely get a PS3. Yes, xbox 360 has a larger game selection, but PS3 have MUCH better games. Internet is free, and you get a blu-ray player. LoveFilm is also on the ps3. The ps3 has a better layout, and easy to use. You said you loved the controllers, they haven't changed much since PS1.

get a dreamcast

XboX , and the battel feild bad company 2...

Seeing as how you are an avid FPS fan, you should get the xbox 360. Much better online play, faster load speeds, and you don't have to install a game every time you get a new one, saving you a good 10 minutes.

yeah I'd say Xbox id you're more of a diehard of core gamer, specially if you plan on polaying online. you WILL have to pay for xbox lice, but the price is worth the stability in my opinion PS3 if you're more of a casual gamer, or dont plan on playing online as much. (it's free online with the PS3 but in my experience the online play and connectivity is quite buggy)

xbox if ur a big gamer, ps3 if u play casually and want an bluray dvd player

If you can pay for the online, get the Xbox. Sony has been having some really big problems lately. I have loved playstation consoles since the PS1 and still do, but the XBox controllers feel better, the game selection is larger, and the community is larger.

If you can pay for the online, get the Xbox. Sony has been having some really big problems lately. I have loved playstation consoles since the PS1 and still do, but the XBox controllers feel better, the game selection is larger, and the community is larger.

Get an Xbox360 the online community is much better plus in my opinion xboxs have a better user interface and don't get the slim you will quickly realise it is not enough space and you'll have to upgrade the HDD to 250gb more money to microsoft rather than just buying the 250gb console, also if you get a bundle you got get those games with it as they are not brand new games.