timtadams
05-04-2009, 06:28 AM
WHICH IS BETTER?
I have decided to start off by saying that I prefer the PS3. However, i am not saying, like most die hard fans that the other console is crap. I have decided to outline some pros and cons of the two consoles (who cares about the Wii, even if it does sell more, cause thats not what people like to argue about ;)).
PS3
Developed by: SONY
Released: November 11, 2006 (in Japan)
Number in series: 3
PROS:
Plays Blu-ray content, thus can serve as a Full HD 1080p (progressive) movie player, along with Full HD sound (7.1 channel). In fact the quality of Blu-ray playback often exceeds that of many current dedicated Blu-ray players
Free online play
Sleek and sexy design. Slot loading, neat sensitive power and eject buttons (not sure how they actually work) and shiny black casing, including silver features such as logo, strip, and buttons.
XrossMediaBar (XMB for short). Clever design and easy to navigate. Available with limited functions during game play.
Blue tooth connectivity with PSP. Useful for data transfer. Also means you can use PSP as a controller.
Supports USB keyboard and mouse.
Full web browsing functionality
Text chat with friends, including in game, even across game titles
Music player with some good visualizations
Wireless connectivity built in
Very quiet
You can connect your controllers/headset using standard USB connectors when you want to charge them
Cons:
Inability to play music in game because Microsoft decided to patent the ability.
The controllers battery packs are not replaceable, so after a many years when the batteries degrade you must buy a whole controller. However this is not much of a con as i have had 4 controllers for a few years and the battery life is still superb. Also, many devices such as Ipods have inbuilt batteries and are much more expensive. So i guess it isnt something too bad.
Freezes once a blue moon. This is not really a problem since it has only ever happened to me about 5 times in the 2 years ive had mine.
You cannot use a normal keyboard or mouse for gaming. This makes them useful for chat and web browsing only.
Xbox 360
Developed by: Microsoft
Released: November 22, 2005 (in USA, Mexico and Canada). This was actually much later than the planned launch date.
Number in series: 2
PROS:
Can play the obsolete HD DVD. Although this is kinda redundant. Also you have to buy an add-on drive. So this i would say is a con if you actually bought one since it would be a bit of a waste. Unless you scooped a gazillion HD DVDs when they were giving the leftovers away.
Can output 1080i (interlaced) video. (unsure of audio quality output)
Ability to play music in game. This is a big one for me.
According to Azzer the menu is way better than PS3, but so far hasn't given any reason why
I cant really comment on the Dashboard menu used by the 360 as i havn't really used it. Those who do have one, is it easy to use? Including in game, are there any problems with it?
What about web browsing?
CONS:
Early, and even not so early models were susceptible to hardware failure. Some of the arcs around the power indicator would remain red lit. This was sometimes named the "red ring of death" as if you got this your machine was dead.
Also, an Air Cooler Fan is available since the cooling capabilities of the console by itself can not adequately cool itself. Overheating was the main cause for the failure of many Xbox consoles. The cooler is not too expensive but it would conflict with the aesthetics a little as well as take up more room.
You must buy a $30 adapter to use a keyboard and mouse with the system. I saw the device that does it and it looked like you could only connect the keyboard and mouse that had the old multi-pin connections, and not USB...am i wrong on this altogether? Not sure on how this keyboard/mouse stuff works. Don't know why anyone would care anyway.
PRICE:
Im not going to bother with working it all out now, but when you take certain things into consideration, you will find that price difference is there for a reason.
Firstly, the Xbox 360 is cheaper. Here are some reasons:
To use wireless, which i do on my PS3, means you have to buy a $100 adapter for the Xbox (maybe it is cheaper now)
The cooler which is necessary for older models, not sure about the new ones, could cost you about $40
The PS3 features a blu-ray player. Normal players cost about the same price as a PS3 so this is a big one. Even though there is no way for the Xbox to play Blu-ray, take the HD DVD add-on drive for example. This would have cost about $200, maybe a bit less now.
Add these together and you get $340. Which i think more than compensates for the price difference. In my opinion, the price difference is well worth it. But maybe not if you dont want blu-ray. Even though i don't have Blu-ray movies, when they become cheaper, and i buy a Full HD TV it will get its use.
GRAPHICS QUALITY:
This is a big one that most people like to get into. Firstly, while i am a PS3 fan, i do believe that the graphics on the Xbox may be slightly better. That is my honest opinion. I've seen screen shots, and it looks like the Xbox has slightly better contrast of colour and definition. I must add that the difference is minimal, and both consoles are great. And you probably couldn't tell the difference unless I lined the two together on the exact same motions.
Even though many people get so passionate about this point, i hardly think it is point on which you would want to make the decision on console preference as they are both so similar.
ONLINE:
Apparently Xbox is better, but PS3 is free, which i would prefer. This is probably because I only use the online capabilities for online play, and it works fine for me.
TITLES:
At first PS3 lacked many titles. Now there are plenty, but im guessing there are still more for Xbox. Still, as both have plenty, it doesnt make much difference at this point. There are titles specific to certain consoles, such as Gears of War, Halo, Killzone 2 and Resistance. There are of course others as well. I know i like a bit of Ratchet and Clank. So both have some awesome games, and I wouldn't prefer one over the other for certain titles.
LONGEVITY:
We cant say for sure, but the Xbox was pron to malfunction resulting in death! Also the first Xbox is dead. Its rival the PS2 is still selling, with tonnes of games. The PS2 is the most sold console ever. If these trends are reflected in these consoles then the PS3 would be a more worthwhile investment since you would still be able to buy games/accessories for it. However this is just speculation.
LAST COMMENTS:
I guess it looks a bit skewed towards the PS3, but as you may have noticed, i couldnt comment on some areas for the Xbox. It would also be good to have some unbiased opinions from some people who own both, like Pinpower. Yes i remember that, you have mentioned it a couple of times :P For example, comparisons on graphics, online functions (is Xbox better online? If so, is it worth the cost?) as well as the menu styles. Which looks better? I think PS3 does, looks awesome with the waves and different themes. Also which is easier to navigate, from main menu as well as in game. And anything else I missed.
And an interesting point, did you know both consoles were initially sold at a loss? SONY and Microsoft planned to make their money on the peripherals, as well as try to gain market domination.
[edit] and it would be good if people gave reasons for why something is better, rather than just, "xxx is better" just for comparison.
PS3 FTW!
Disclaimer: sorry Twigley for not making a 100% serious thread on how to improve the game
I have decided to start off by saying that I prefer the PS3. However, i am not saying, like most die hard fans that the other console is crap. I have decided to outline some pros and cons of the two consoles (who cares about the Wii, even if it does sell more, cause thats not what people like to argue about ;)).
PS3
Developed by: SONY
Released: November 11, 2006 (in Japan)
Number in series: 3
PROS:
Plays Blu-ray content, thus can serve as a Full HD 1080p (progressive) movie player, along with Full HD sound (7.1 channel). In fact the quality of Blu-ray playback often exceeds that of many current dedicated Blu-ray players
Free online play
Sleek and sexy design. Slot loading, neat sensitive power and eject buttons (not sure how they actually work) and shiny black casing, including silver features such as logo, strip, and buttons.
XrossMediaBar (XMB for short). Clever design and easy to navigate. Available with limited functions during game play.
Blue tooth connectivity with PSP. Useful for data transfer. Also means you can use PSP as a controller.
Supports USB keyboard and mouse.
Full web browsing functionality
Text chat with friends, including in game, even across game titles
Music player with some good visualizations
Wireless connectivity built in
Very quiet
You can connect your controllers/headset using standard USB connectors when you want to charge them
Cons:
Inability to play music in game because Microsoft decided to patent the ability.
The controllers battery packs are not replaceable, so after a many years when the batteries degrade you must buy a whole controller. However this is not much of a con as i have had 4 controllers for a few years and the battery life is still superb. Also, many devices such as Ipods have inbuilt batteries and are much more expensive. So i guess it isnt something too bad.
Freezes once a blue moon. This is not really a problem since it has only ever happened to me about 5 times in the 2 years ive had mine.
You cannot use a normal keyboard or mouse for gaming. This makes them useful for chat and web browsing only.
Xbox 360
Developed by: Microsoft
Released: November 22, 2005 (in USA, Mexico and Canada). This was actually much later than the planned launch date.
Number in series: 2
PROS:
Can play the obsolete HD DVD. Although this is kinda redundant. Also you have to buy an add-on drive. So this i would say is a con if you actually bought one since it would be a bit of a waste. Unless you scooped a gazillion HD DVDs when they were giving the leftovers away.
Can output 1080i (interlaced) video. (unsure of audio quality output)
Ability to play music in game. This is a big one for me.
According to Azzer the menu is way better than PS3, but so far hasn't given any reason why
I cant really comment on the Dashboard menu used by the 360 as i havn't really used it. Those who do have one, is it easy to use? Including in game, are there any problems with it?
What about web browsing?
CONS:
Early, and even not so early models were susceptible to hardware failure. Some of the arcs around the power indicator would remain red lit. This was sometimes named the "red ring of death" as if you got this your machine was dead.
Also, an Air Cooler Fan is available since the cooling capabilities of the console by itself can not adequately cool itself. Overheating was the main cause for the failure of many Xbox consoles. The cooler is not too expensive but it would conflict with the aesthetics a little as well as take up more room.
You must buy a $30 adapter to use a keyboard and mouse with the system. I saw the device that does it and it looked like you could only connect the keyboard and mouse that had the old multi-pin connections, and not USB...am i wrong on this altogether? Not sure on how this keyboard/mouse stuff works. Don't know why anyone would care anyway.
PRICE:
Im not going to bother with working it all out now, but when you take certain things into consideration, you will find that price difference is there for a reason.
Firstly, the Xbox 360 is cheaper. Here are some reasons:
To use wireless, which i do on my PS3, means you have to buy a $100 adapter for the Xbox (maybe it is cheaper now)
The cooler which is necessary for older models, not sure about the new ones, could cost you about $40
The PS3 features a blu-ray player. Normal players cost about the same price as a PS3 so this is a big one. Even though there is no way for the Xbox to play Blu-ray, take the HD DVD add-on drive for example. This would have cost about $200, maybe a bit less now.
Add these together and you get $340. Which i think more than compensates for the price difference. In my opinion, the price difference is well worth it. But maybe not if you dont want blu-ray. Even though i don't have Blu-ray movies, when they become cheaper, and i buy a Full HD TV it will get its use.
GRAPHICS QUALITY:
This is a big one that most people like to get into. Firstly, while i am a PS3 fan, i do believe that the graphics on the Xbox may be slightly better. That is my honest opinion. I've seen screen shots, and it looks like the Xbox has slightly better contrast of colour and definition. I must add that the difference is minimal, and both consoles are great. And you probably couldn't tell the difference unless I lined the two together on the exact same motions.
Even though many people get so passionate about this point, i hardly think it is point on which you would want to make the decision on console preference as they are both so similar.
ONLINE:
Apparently Xbox is better, but PS3 is free, which i would prefer. This is probably because I only use the online capabilities for online play, and it works fine for me.
TITLES:
At first PS3 lacked many titles. Now there are plenty, but im guessing there are still more for Xbox. Still, as both have plenty, it doesnt make much difference at this point. There are titles specific to certain consoles, such as Gears of War, Halo, Killzone 2 and Resistance. There are of course others as well. I know i like a bit of Ratchet and Clank. So both have some awesome games, and I wouldn't prefer one over the other for certain titles.
LONGEVITY:
We cant say for sure, but the Xbox was pron to malfunction resulting in death! Also the first Xbox is dead. Its rival the PS2 is still selling, with tonnes of games. The PS2 is the most sold console ever. If these trends are reflected in these consoles then the PS3 would be a more worthwhile investment since you would still be able to buy games/accessories for it. However this is just speculation.
LAST COMMENTS:
I guess it looks a bit skewed towards the PS3, but as you may have noticed, i couldnt comment on some areas for the Xbox. It would also be good to have some unbiased opinions from some people who own both, like Pinpower. Yes i remember that, you have mentioned it a couple of times :P For example, comparisons on graphics, online functions (is Xbox better online? If so, is it worth the cost?) as well as the menu styles. Which looks better? I think PS3 does, looks awesome with the waves and different themes. Also which is easier to navigate, from main menu as well as in game. And anything else I missed.
And an interesting point, did you know both consoles were initially sold at a loss? SONY and Microsoft planned to make their money on the peripherals, as well as try to gain market domination.
[edit] and it would be good if people gave reasons for why something is better, rather than just, "xxx is better" just for comparison.
PS3 FTW!
Disclaimer: sorry Twigley for not making a 100% serious thread on how to improve the game