Out on the market for almost the same amount of time, after being released several years ago, the standard version of the Xbox360, also known as core unit and the Playstation3 (Fig.1) are the most expensive video gaming consoles available today. Depriving from a very old, original SEGA, the very first video gaming machine, they have much more too offer in many aspects. New features such as more reliable game speed at better graphics resolutions are the major improvements made by the gaming industry. Since the first generation SEGA was released that set off an unstoppable emerge in the detail of video processing the two consoles have gone very far (Anton Shilov). Experts on the subject still argue which of the two is the better console. While both systems are offer great values the Playstation3 makes a better choice due to its price to hardware ratio, the amount of features and dependability.
Fig.1. The Playstation3 console
The Price of each device changes with the version selected when purchased. Each console has multiple versions, with different price tags. Comparing the standard Xbox360 and the Playstation3, they are both priced at four hundred dollars after several price drops, and the better model of Microsoft’s Xbox360, named Elite, is now also available at the same price due to hardware failures in the older core units (More than Games). Both consoles are widely available bundled with games and other accessories, depending on the location of purchase. However, the blu-ray drive included in the price of the Playstation3 sets the two clearly apart in the “price to hardware” ratio. Even though they are priced at the around the same amount, Sony provides more value for the money and is the reason why the Playstation3 wins the price battle.
The hardware of each device differs in many ways, from the processor, to the graphics card adapter for video resolution, and disc drive for playback. “Xbox, originally engineered by Microsoft, has many parts that are based off a relatively fast computer”, Shimpi Anand suggests in his article on the Xbox360. The 3 core processing unit is actually very similar to one of a computer (Shimpi Anand 1). However Playstation3’s 8 core processing unit is designed entirely new and uses one core only as a back-up (Playstation3). The Xbox is running at a speed of 3.2 GHz with each core operating at that same rate (Shimpi Anand 2). It is the time to transfer rate and depending on the speed of the processor, applications require different lengths of time to load. Xbox has a very powerful processor, yet cannot compete with 8 cores, 7 continuously operating at 3.2 GHz just like the Xbox. Thinking of the processor as a brain, the Xbox simply put has a lower IQ than the Playstation3 and requires a split second more time to process thoughts. Altogether, Sony’s new approach with more cores powers its console with two times the speed of the Xbox360. While the Xbox360 comes with a better graphics adapter, that is faster and better for game-play, the Playstation3 makes up for the small difference with its 8 cores. Both systems are providing extremely nice graphics resolutions, though the Playstation3 even out-battles Microsoft’s system with their integrated blu-ray capability compared to the standard DVD-9 format included in the Xbox360 that does not support HD resolution to enhance the full power of their graphics card adapters. While the Xbox is very powerful in its graphics capabilities, the inability of the use of better televisions to their full extent is not made possible with the standard Xbox360. Today, over 30 percent of consumers are not aware of this and Microsoft has released a new edition to battle this issue, featuring an Hd-dvd drive (Klepek Patrick 1). Compared to the Xbox360, the Playstation3 wins the graphic battle as well. Equipped with a blu-ray drive, it is not only the better bang for the buck, but also the first player at the price offered. At its release date in 2005, a standard blu-ray drive cost around eight hundred US dollars. Sony mastered this task providing their platform with the ability to step ahead and be ready for new steps towards better gaming. Thus it is also more advanced in the variety of features offered (Fisher, Ken).
As one significant feature, the blu-ray capability is not the only feature exclusively available on the Playstation3. Xbox misses out on features such as build in wireless adapters, free online game-play, bluetooth and usb connectivity. First, the Playstation3 takes care of the usual wire mess, by connecting directly to the internet comfortably from the wireless adapter build in the front of the unit (Wikipedia PS3). The Xbox360 on the other hand, offers a wireless adapter to purchase for a whooping one hundred US dollars that doesn’t appear too friendly towards their consumers (Fisher, Ken). Also, the lack of an online service, at no additional monthly cost or subscription, makes the Xbox360 less likeable for average person as well as the gamer community. There are two general types of accounts, available on the Xbox to connect to online services. Silver accounts which are free, and gold accounts that require a monthly subscription. “A Live Silver account does not generally support multiplayer gaming; however, some games that have rather limited online functions already, (such as Viva Pinata) or games that feature their own subscription service can be played with a Silver account”, Gettys, Jim W states on Wikipedia.org in his addition to the article. It is sad that Microsoft seems to include the feature, but sells it separately creating higher revenues charging the consumers month after month to continue playing online. The Playstation3 entered the field of online gaming late, but impressively stronger than Microsoft connecting users worldwide at speeds as fast as the Xbox, at no additional charge (Rob Fahey). Bluetooth powered controllers included in Sony’s console are remarkably better than the standard wireless controller the Xbox360 offers. The response rate technically is the same, yet bluetooth connections appear to be the more reliable connection type. Even though there are usb slots available on Microsoft’s power machine, it does not have enough of them to enhance the console further. Not only does the Playstation3 offer twice the speed, but also twice the amount of usb ports available (Anand Shimpi).
The most important consideration when it comes to decide between the two is the dependability of each console. The manufacturers both offer a limited warranty that is either one or two years and can be extended. A major flaw with the Xbox360 is the so called “ring of death”. The red ring will start flashing when a failure in the hardware causes the core units to overheat, damaging the console. “An estimated 16.3 percent of all core units are affected by this technical error”, Jim Gettys states, “and is very unpleasant but repaired for free by Microsoft after sending the unit in (1)”. This unpleasant finding makes the Xbox360 less appealing. Only half of one percent of units sold from Sony, according to the technical consumer reports 2009 are affected by any technical issue including nonspecific hardware failures (Anton Shilov). Even though the official consumer reports state that both consoles are within the normal range of failures, the Xbox360 is definitely not as robust.
While both consoles are equally good in many aspects on the first impression, the closer look reveals many differences in the two. Even though the better product is relative to the observer, exclusive game titles or certain features may decide who wins the battle. But when considering the technical facts, Playstation3 not only has just as much to offer as the Xbox360, but introduces new technology while doing so. The different themes used by each maker are individually good and in the end it is still the personal preference that decides whether it is going to be the Xbox360 or the Playstation3.
References:
- Klepek, Patrick. “NPD: 30% of Xbox 360 Owners Aware of HD Graphics.” Ocotber 29th 2009. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3161833 2009 UGO Entertainment,Inc.
- Shimpi, Anand Lal. “Inside Microsoft's Xbox 360” Ocotber 29th 2009. http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.aspx?i=2610 1997-2009 AnandTech, Inc.
- Fisher, Ken. “Sony's PS3 gamble: should the optical revolution have been optional?” October 29th. http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2006/05/PS3-gamble.ars Ars Technica © 2009 Condé Nast Digital.
- Fahey, Rob. “PS3 Online: How It Works” Ocotber 29th 2009 http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/a_ps3online_131006, 1999-2009 Eurogamer® Network Ltd.
- Gettys, Jim W. (2005-09-17). “More than Games” October 29th. http://www.xbox.com/enAU/hardware/xbox360/morethangames.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360
- Shilov, Anton (2006-07-18). “Playstation3” Ocotber 29th. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3
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