XBox 360 vs PS3

Now that Microsoft has launched its Xbox 360, it is Sony’s turn to show the video-gaming world what it has to offer in the high-tech world of new consoles.

Sony has observed the Xbox’s release in America on Nov. 22 and Europe on Nov. 29 with great interest. It vows to use Microsoft’s marketing ploy of limiting stock to every store, creating what it perceives to be greater demand.

One Sony official went so far as to say that when the PlayStation 3 is released this spring, Sony will not disclose which stores will be selling the product and some of the stores selling the console will be stocked with 10 consoles or less.

Technically speaking, it appears the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are running neck-and-neck with each having a feature the other does not match.

Both consoles incorporate wireless controllers. The Xbox has the integrated wireless technology of 2.4 GHz (common in WiFi technology), while the PS 3 utilizes Bluetooth. The 2.4 GHz frequency has a greater range and data transfer rate than Bluetooth. The PS 3, however, supports up to seven wireless controllers, while the Xbox 360 can only use four.

The memory for both systems is similar at 512 MB. They each have sufficient graphics bandwidth and memory space. The graphics output of both, although each incorporates different graphic cores, is equally impressive.

The PS 3 has dual drive for CDs and DVDs just like the Xbox 360, but it does not match Microsoft’s overall digital media format. The Xbox 360 is similar to a PC with the ability to play MP3s and display JPEG photos as part of a slide show, if the user wants.

The PS 3 delivers the latest in DVD technology with its Blue-ray format, which allows for discs that can hold about 54 GB each. Xbox 360’s dual-layer DVD format can hold about 9 GB worth of data this is common in today’s DVD technology. The increased amount of storage space in the PS 3 will create a better picture while watching a DVD movie.

The Xbox 360 is not as advanced in terms of media support as is the PS 3. The Xbox 360 has two memory card slots and three USB ports that accommodate memory sticks and the iPod, for example. The PS 3 has six USB ports, a memory-stick slot and digital-camera memory slot. Sony also saved space for a removable 2.5-inch hard drive.

If you do not want to lose your old video games because of the new console, the PS 3 is the route to go. The PS 3 is backward compatible with all PlayStation 2 games, while the Xbox 360 can only play a limited about of Xbox games.

The Xbox 360 has the edge in an important built-in feature: the ability to play against someone else live online with its Xbox 360 Live Service.

Finally, when looking at the games themselves, the better of the two might be in the eye of the beholder. Each console has tremendous games in terms of graphic quality.

Although the PS 3 has yet to be released, Sony has unveiled Metal Gear Solid 4 and Devil May Cry 4 at different video game shows. They have also exhibited Factor 5’s Lair, the next-generation Sonic the Hedgehog, Warhawk and Resident Evil 5. The visuals and game-play mechanics reportedly were very impressive.

Microsoft hired high-profile Japanese game developers to design some of its Xbox 360 games, including Mistwalker, Square Enix, Namco and Capcom. The result is some of the best developed games in video-game history that cater to the full industry ranging from sports games to adventure games.

The smart choice for a family that can use the device for more than video games is the Xbox 360 because of its stereo and visual presentation compatibility. For the hard-core gaming enthusiast and technologically in-tuned person, the PS 3 might be the best avenue to take. The user can show off the most advanced DVD technology in between playing games.

In looking at the total picture, the gamer will not be disappointed – system crashes not withstanding – choosing either the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. The decision might come down to what the user currently has, either the Xbox or PlayStation 2, because of the familiarity and confidence in the product.

Thank you to Javier Moralas for this X box 360 vs ps3 article