Which video game console is better: XBox 360 or PlayStation 3?

XBox 360

7 of 40

by ArtiSiN

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First and foremost let me state that as an avid gamer and proud owner of both the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles, I am very familiar with both and therefore know the ups and downs of each console. Both systems are great in their own right and have many features unique from the other that make them stand out. However, it seems that those teetering on the edge of their seats waiting for the next advance in technology and style will flock to Sony's machine, while hardcore gamers drooling over the next killer app will instinctively be drawn to the 360. A conflict of interest occurs as both Sony and Microsoft attempt to lure away each others fan base, resulting in a console war that has angry fan boys representing their console of choice bludgeoning their keyboards to oblivion with their fingertips. So in order to properly demonstrate which is the better console I will juxtapose them in three categories: hardware, software, and on-line services and play.

Let it be known that the PS3 is a remarkable piece of hardware thats potential can be seen in all its glory in Metal Gear Solid 4. This title demonstrates the raw power of the console in one of the most aesthetically pleasing games to be released this generation. There's been some talk of whether or not the 360 can pull off a Metal Gear port, with critics saying that it is highly unlikely since the 360 doesn't utilize blu ray. Although the outrageously long installation period you must go through 3 or 4 times during the game is a drawback to blu ray format, the crystal clear 1080i output is ecstasy for the eyes. Right from the package the 80GB PS3 comes equipped with wireless connection, HDMI support, 2 USB ports, Ethernet, and rechargeable controllers. However the newer 80GB PS3 is not backwards compatible with PS2 games, and the slots for the memory stick duo and SD cards have been removed. Not to be outdone the Xbox 360 keeps proving that it is on par graphically with the PS3. Games such as Gears of War 2 prove that the 360 is no slouch on the technological couch. Out of the box the Xbox premium comes equipped with HDMI support, Ethernet, HD cables, 3 USB ports, internal memory cards, and 20GB HDD. Unfortunately the controllers don't recharge unless you buy a rechargeable battery pack, and wireless play needs a separate attachment. The biggest downside to the hardware? Yup, you guessed it, the red ring of death. I've been through 3 systems myself. Hopefully the new systems smaller power supply will solve this problem. Therefore the better hardware belongs to Sony.

While the PS3 may take the cake on the hardware front it lacks the most important aspect of a gaming system - good exclusive games. Granted there's MGS4, Uncharted 1 and 2, and LittleBigPlanet; but other than MGS 4 there's no killer apps. Final Fantasy XIII was supposed to be the systems next huge title, but the Xbox 360 already annexed a copy for their platform along with Tekken 6. With the 360 wielding its superior installed base over the PS3, developers are trying to expand their profits by putting titles that were originally exclusive to Sony on Microsoft's console. Unlike the PS3, the Xbox has system selling games such as Halo 3, Gears of War 1 and 2, and Dead or Alive 4 among others. Other games such as Fable 2, Lost Odyssey, Infinite Discovery, and Star Ocean solidify the 360's status as the hardcore gamers system.

As for on-line service and play the PS3 is free and allows for Internet browsing. While the latter is cool and all until you remember that you have a computer just remember the old saying, "you get what you pay for." And there's not much to PSN. You can rent AND buy movies, which is a big plus, but there's not too much choice in the way of downloadable games. You can download demos, a few "arcade" titles, PS1 and some PS3 games though. Comparably, the 360's arcade lets you download hundreds of old classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog, and Streets of Rage 2; Community games, where gamers create and upload their own creations; some Xbox titles; demos; and exclusive downloadable content such as GTA4: The Lost and the Damned. While you can't buy movies on the 360, you do however have access to Netflix and hundreds of available movies on instant cue. On-line play on the PS3 is stale, as its trophy system is not well integrated, the GUI is bland, and access to your friends is not as rewarding as it is on the 360. The achievements system on the 360 is perhaps the biggest draw to its on-line play as it makes for greater replay value and brings back the golden days when your score was kind of a big deal. Also, the NXE's party system on the 360 allows for multiple friends to group up and chat with each other while playing the same game or across different titles, and with different gaming zones such as underground, pro, and family you can cater your on-line experiences to your liking.

While both are very good systems, one has to win. While the PS3 has the advantage on the hardware front, the software and on-line play go to the Xbox 360. With superior games and the best on-line network available the 360 is definitely the better choice of the two next gen systems. Don't be sad for Sony, they had a great run.

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