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RSS FeedWhich video game console is better: XBox 360 or PlayStation 3?
Results so far:
| XBox 360 | 55% | 689 votes | Total: 1242 votes | |
| PS 3 | 45% | 553 votes |
XBox 360
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Add to FavoritesWhen making the decision to buy a console, there are several factors to take into consideration. Both xBox 360 and Playstation 3 have their pros, but like anything, they both also have their cons.
As an owner of both consoles, it is possible to acknowledge the factors that make Playstation 3 the best pick for most individuals, but there are also factors to suggest otherwise, such as price, availability of games and backward compatibility, which xbox 360 tends to win at. There are many reasons this can be argued, and the most significant tends to be the fact that a Playstation 3 doubles as a Blu Ray player. Blu Ray is the latest movie technology, taking over from the basic DVD player. It is a high definition disc, providing far higher quality than the average quality and normal definition DVD. When Playstation 3 was first released, it was one of the cheapest Blu Ray players available, which was already a bonus for those individuals who are big movie buffs and eager to take the next step with film technology.
When it comes to actual gaming quality, there is not a drastic difference between the Playstation 3 and the xbox 360. Both are high definition capable with a suitable high definition television. Graphics are of high quality for each console, creating a whole new realistic gaming experience.
As the xbox 360 came out earlier than the Playstation 3, the variety of games available was broader initially than the Playstation 3. Although this may still be the case, the difference is quite small these days, with both consoles releasing a wide range of games to suit all tastes. Both have certain games exclusive to their console, and both are backward compatible with some existing games.
When the Playstation 3 initially came out, the first version was backward compatible with all Playstation 2 games. The Xbox 360 is only backward compatible with some games, with a patch installed onto the game. The later model of Playstation 3 is unfortunately not backward compatible with many Playstation 2 games, but will play the original Playstation 1 games and some Singstar games.
Price may a factor to consider, as the Playstation 3 still has a way to go before it is as competitively priced as the xbox 360 has become. However if you are looking for a more streamlined console, that is more visually asthetic, the Playstation 3 definitely still has this over the xbox 360. Unfortunately the xbox 360 continues to look like a massive brick, with a huge power pack, which is prone to overheating.
With so many pros and cons for both, while my preference is for both consoles, without a clear winner, based on price, game availability and backward compatibility, xbox 360 may be the winner, however both consoles are worthy additions to any gamers household.
Learn more about this author, Holly Rogers.
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PS 3
The PS3 is hands down the better system and despite costing $200 more the better value. Not convinced? Well, read on and get convinced. Lets begin with the controller.
PS3 controllers are not only wireless they are rechargeable. This means you don't have to stop in the middle of a game and rush to the store, where you have to shell out five bucks for a pack of batteries. This also means your PS3 controller isn't heavy enough to use as a bludgeon, but there are usually cheaper more effective weapons to found. And whats up with that D-pad. Everyone knows if you have a choice you never buy a fighting game for the 360, if you have a choice. The 360 doesn't even have motion sensitivity. Games like Folklore and Heavenly Sword prove that it is more than just a gimmick.
Online. Playstation network is free, Microsoft live isn't. I know many consider the fee to be minimal, but they still want you to pay. Playstation home may still not have reached its potential, but there's nothing like it on Microsoft live. There have also been efforts to make the Playstation's web browser more useful. Further proof of Sony's determination that the PS3 be seen as an entertainment system not just a game console. That reminds me.
How's that HD-DVD adapter working out for you? Once again Microsoft made it's customers pay extra for an adapter to watch movies on their 360's. This time on a failed platform. PS3's aren't much more expensive than most Blu-ray players and are cheaper than many. If you find a Blu-ray player for the $200 dollars more you pay for a PS3 you had better buy it.
Now I will admit the 360 has more games, but it's been out over a year longer. When it comes to exclusives I'd much rather play Metal Gear Soild 4, Killzone 2 or the upcoming God of War 3, than Mass Effect, Halo Wars or Fable 2.
Last, but not least there's the dreaded red rings of death. Xbox 360's have at least a 16% failure rate, but this number doesn't take into account the thousands of people who never go through all the trouble it is to send in their consoles to be fixed by Microsoft. When my friend's 360 Elite died, he went out and bought a PS3 after he learned everything he'd have to do, to send it off and wait 3-6 months for them to send it back and then hope it never happens again.
In closing if you want to buy batteries for your controllers, pay for online service, an Hd-DVD player you can't find movies for or a bunch of old games buy the 360. Just don't forget if you want a hard drive with that $200 360 you'll have to shell out another hundred plus dollars. I'm not saying the 360 isn't a good console worth owning, but I've had them both and the PS3 is just plain better.
Learn more about this author, Robert Hamm.
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Difference of opinion? Debate now.
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