Sony PlayStation 3 vs Microsoft Xbox 360
Official pictures of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360:
The next generation of consoles have been announced this week (I'm not including the Nintendo Revolution due to the sad name, probable focus on younger gamers and lack of network and media capabilities). Sony and Microsoft's visions are quite similar as you'll see. Microsoft have given a few more details particularly about integration with Xbox Live and working as a Media Center Extender, but I've managed to piece together a quick comparison below between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. I'll try and update it as more details become available.
Sony PlayStation 3 --- Microsoft Xbox 360
Release date:
Spring '06 --- November '05 (simultaneous launch in America, Europe and Japan)
Controllers:
Up to 7 Bluetooth wireless controllers, or up to 4 wired USB controllers --- wireless up to 4, or wired USB (note: no more proprietary controller connectors)
Processor:
custom IBM chip running at 3.2Ghz --- custom IBM chip running at 3.2Ghz (but strangely different - benchmarks show Sony may have the edge here
Memory:
256Mb system RAM, 256Mb video RAM --- 512Mb shared system/video RAM
Graphics:
native 1080p HD support using nVidia RSX --- 720p and 1080i HD support (both use 16:9 aspect as standard and can output digitally to HD displays and normal standard def too)
Ports:
6 x USB 2.0, Memory Stick Duo, SD and CF memory card slots --- 3 x USB 2.0
Optical drive:
Blu-ray (future DVD format), also plays DVDs, SACDs and CDs --- DVD and CD
Hard Drive:
removable 2.5" HD (capacity not specified yet) --- removable and upgradable 20Gb hard drive
Backwards Compatibility:
All PS1 and PS2 games --- some Xbox games, done on title-by-title basis
Connectivity:
Gigabit ethernet, 802.11b/g Wi-fi built-in, bluetooth --- 100/10 ethernet, wi-fi (optional)
Multi-player gaming:
A new 'PlayStation World' service offering subscribers (cost?) a similar experience to Xbox Live --- free Xbox Live Silver service with option to go for paid Gold service.
Style:
Available in silver, white and black --- available in white but front faceplate can be replaced with custom designs
Peripherals announced:
A high-def wireless video camera allowing 'Minority Report' style control of games - like the EyeToy on heat --- video camera, memory cards (not much point due to built-in removable hard drive), replacable face plates to customise console, infrared remote (included?), wi-fi module
What will be interesting is how easily the two connect up to other devices. Microsoft have shown a diagram with a tantalising glimpse of an iPod on it, but no details yet. Also they've expressed how easily the Xbox 360 will speak to Windows XP computers (particularly those running Media Centre) but no mention of Mac support for either console. PS3's various memory card slots and USB ports bode well for those with digital cameras and pen drives, as I imagine you'll be able to run slideshows of images stored on external devices. PS3's inclusion of wi-fi is obviously there for linking to Sony PSPs, but will be interesting to see whether you can stream media from other sources.
Verdict? Too soon to tell. The fact that Microsoft announced first and will ship first doesn't necessarily mean it will win in the long run - the battle between Nintendo DS and Sony PSP in the handheld market showed that people were willing to wait and see. But the timing of Microsoft's release (just in time for Christmas shopping in all major markets in the world) combined with some big title announcements (Final Fantasy, Quake 4, EA Sports - all with Xbox live support) could give Microsoft the edge. That simultatneous international release will be interesting. On the other hand, Sony have a much larger existing customer base and have crucial 100% backwards compatibility in their new console. Style-wise, I'd have to say the Xbox 360 and controller look great, whereas the PS3 and controller may take a bit of getting used to (although I do like the use of the Spider-Man font on the side of the console!). Pricing has yet to be announced, but based on pure hardware, the Sony console looks like it will cost more to make. Retail prices will all depend on how heavily both companies allow the software to subsidise the hardware costs (remember - Gilette make tons more money on razorblades than on razors).
What do you think?
Related links:
The Register: Sony details PlayStation 3
The Register: MS unwraps Xbox 360
Official Xbox 360 specs
Gamespot coverage including full specs
Engadget: E3 Day 1 inc. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Xbox 360 @ Joystiq.com
PlayStation 3 @ Joystiq.com
The next generation of consoles have been announced this week (I'm not including the Nintendo Revolution due to the sad name, probable focus on younger gamers and lack of network and media capabilities). Sony and Microsoft's visions are quite similar as you'll see. Microsoft have given a few more details particularly about integration with Xbox Live and working as a Media Center Extender, but I've managed to piece together a quick comparison below between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. I'll try and update it as more details become available.
Sony PlayStation 3 --- Microsoft Xbox 360
Release date:
Spring '06 --- November '05 (simultaneous launch in America, Europe and Japan)
Controllers:
Up to 7 Bluetooth wireless controllers, or up to 4 wired USB controllers --- wireless up to 4, or wired USB (note: no more proprietary controller connectors)
Processor:
custom IBM chip running at 3.2Ghz --- custom IBM chip running at 3.2Ghz (but strangely different - benchmarks show Sony may have the edge here
Memory:
256Mb system RAM, 256Mb video RAM --- 512Mb shared system/video RAM
Graphics:
native 1080p HD support using nVidia RSX --- 720p and 1080i HD support (both use 16:9 aspect as standard and can output digitally to HD displays and normal standard def too)
Ports:
6 x USB 2.0, Memory Stick Duo, SD and CF memory card slots --- 3 x USB 2.0
Optical drive:
Blu-ray (future DVD format), also plays DVDs, SACDs and CDs --- DVD and CD
Hard Drive:
removable 2.5" HD (capacity not specified yet) --- removable and upgradable 20Gb hard drive
Backwards Compatibility:
All PS1 and PS2 games --- some Xbox games, done on title-by-title basis
Connectivity:
Gigabit ethernet, 802.11b/g Wi-fi built-in, bluetooth --- 100/10 ethernet, wi-fi (optional)
Multi-player gaming:
A new 'PlayStation World' service offering subscribers (cost?) a similar experience to Xbox Live --- free Xbox Live Silver service with option to go for paid Gold service.
Style:
Available in silver, white and black --- available in white but front faceplate can be replaced with custom designs
Peripherals announced:
A high-def wireless video camera allowing 'Minority Report' style control of games - like the EyeToy on heat --- video camera, memory cards (not much point due to built-in removable hard drive), replacable face plates to customise console, infrared remote (included?), wi-fi module
What will be interesting is how easily the two connect up to other devices. Microsoft have shown a diagram with a tantalising glimpse of an iPod on it, but no details yet. Also they've expressed how easily the Xbox 360 will speak to Windows XP computers (particularly those running Media Centre) but no mention of Mac support for either console. PS3's various memory card slots and USB ports bode well for those with digital cameras and pen drives, as I imagine you'll be able to run slideshows of images stored on external devices. PS3's inclusion of wi-fi is obviously there for linking to Sony PSPs, but will be interesting to see whether you can stream media from other sources.
Verdict? Too soon to tell. The fact that Microsoft announced first and will ship first doesn't necessarily mean it will win in the long run - the battle between Nintendo DS and Sony PSP in the handheld market showed that people were willing to wait and see. But the timing of Microsoft's release (just in time for Christmas shopping in all major markets in the world) combined with some big title announcements (Final Fantasy, Quake 4, EA Sports - all with Xbox live support) could give Microsoft the edge. That simultatneous international release will be interesting. On the other hand, Sony have a much larger existing customer base and have crucial 100% backwards compatibility in their new console. Style-wise, I'd have to say the Xbox 360 and controller look great, whereas the PS3 and controller may take a bit of getting used to (although I do like the use of the Spider-Man font on the side of the console!). Pricing has yet to be announced, but based on pure hardware, the Sony console looks like it will cost more to make. Retail prices will all depend on how heavily both companies allow the software to subsidise the hardware costs (remember - Gilette make tons more money on razorblades than on razors).
What do you think?
Related links:
The Register: Sony details PlayStation 3
The Register: MS unwraps Xbox 360
Official Xbox 360 specs
Gamespot coverage including full specs
Engadget: E3 Day 1 inc. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Xbox 360 @ Joystiq.com
PlayStation 3 @ Joystiq.com
posted by marvbloke at 10:04
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