The War Between Xbox 360 and PS3

[clayj]

I had tried to post this in the other thread, but it got Wastelanded. Hopefully, this thread will fare better if it's started on a more serious note.

The PS3 is losing this war so far, and losing badly.

First, 360s are available, and in quantity. There's something like 5 million of them in the world right now, and the supply chain has caught up with consumer demand and you can now walk in to any Best Buy or EBGames and buy one. PS3s in the marketplace: ZERO. Estimated time of arrival: Still unknown, maybe not until next year (in the US). There could easily be 10 million 360s out there by the time the PS3 is even RELEASED, and it'll take a while for the PS3's supply chain to catch up (if it ever does).

Second, 360s use proven technology within the console itself, and are leaving the new stuff (like HD-DVD) to appear later as OPTIONAL add-ons. This helped the 360 get out the door more quickly, and keeps costs down as consumers are not forced to buy anything more than the bare minimum. The PS3, on the other hand, incorporates an expensive Blu-Ray drive which, if you believe the rumors, doesn't work quite like it should (i.e., they're still working the bugs out) and which is going to drive up the cost of the console. Not to mention the fact that it's still up in the air as to whether Blu-Ray or HD-DVD will win the format war (or neither).

Third, the Xbox 360 is attracting a lot more game talent, especially in Japan, where a couple of popular RPGs are set to be released next week. Sony's edge in software is GONE. Not to mention, the Xbox 360's attach rate to Xbox Live is phenomenally good, at 60%. That's 3 million 360 users playing against each other, downloading games from XBLA, and downloading digital content. Sony has a LOT of work to do to prove they can match this.

The only things Sony really has going for it right now are (1) fanboy inertia and (2) we can be reasonably certain that the PS3 will be a powerful and capable console when it's released.

Of course, whether it will be BETTER than the 360 is another question. Most of the signs say it will be pretty much the same machine in terms of power and graphics. And then the question for the Sony fanboys will be, "Why'd you wait so long to go next-gen?"

[MacRumorUser]

I fear starting any thread on this mate. I'm glad the last thread was axed as it was total troll material.

I agree with you, personally I dont care who wins the war, as long as both sell bucket-loads, then I'll least be happy gaming on whatever format for a good amount of years to come on a strengthened industry.

What's wrong with having two or three v.good machines with a few differences ? Nothing, most games are multiformat these days, and an equal share are exclusives between the 360 and PS3 and Nintendo

For most, just buy whatever has the game you want on it.

Do I think Blu Ray will make a difference, to some maybe, to others no. I have no interest in it myself.

[Abulia]

The PS3 is losing this war so far, and losing badly.
It's a bit early to be declaring a winner when two of the opponents (to continue the "war" analogy) have yet to take the field of battle.

Analysts' estimates show that the 360 will dominate until 2008, when PS3 will gain enough momentum to retake the top spot.

In any event, I for one wouldn't be so quick to count out the market leader (Sony) who, at times, has controlled 80% of the industry.

[Edit] Any any post is going to be difficult to garner support when you make reference to "fanboys"; this thread will likely flame out, too.

[XNine]

It's a bit early to be declaring a winner when two of the opponents (to continue the "war" analogy) have yet to take the field of battle.

Analysts' estimates show that the 360 will dominate until 2008, when PS3 will gain enough momentum to retake the top spot.

In any event, I for one wouldn't be so quick to count out the market leader (Sony) who, at times, has controlled 80% of the industry.

Agreed. There's one VERY LARGE MARKET which you aren't taking into account here: JAPAN. The Japanese don't like the Xbox consoles. It's been shown not only by the first console, but by this one.

The PS3 has features the 360 won't, and vice versa. Both will be great in their own ways, but, if the past shows anything, the PS3 will own the market. The PSX console game in and destroyed the N64 market. The PS2 dominated the next market. I have no reason to believe it won't retake the lead. And this isn't fanboy talk, it's speculation based on proven past battles won by Sony.

I'll be buying a PS3 to sit next to my 360, that's for sure.

[eva01]

yeah this can't really be said who is losing if both of the systems aren't out yet.

And i agree the xBox will lose once again horribly in Japan

All i know is that no one i know is buying an xbox360 and is just waiting for the PS3

but as we all know i wont own either, Wii for me

[kretzy]

All i know is that no one i know is buying an xbox360 and is just waiting for the PS3

but as we all know i wont own either, Wii for me

Same here. I've always been a Nintendo boy, but even if I wasn't, there's no way I'm paying $650 for a console. It will be interesting to see the pricing the PS3 adopts.

[2nyRiggz]

War?:confused: ......there is no war when theres one player in the game......its really too early for this.


Bless

[Dagless]

Hand on heart honest prediction? Wild wild guess?

It's going to be very close this time. The PS3's high price will likely keep people back, people who could buy a 360 and a few games or a Wii and a plethora of games for the price of 1 PS3. The 360's already installed base among the 'graphics whores' will help keep an edge too.

Ak! I dunno you can't say really. Isn't the 360 doing worse than the original Xbox in these first 6 or so months? You really just can't say. Though my gut is telling me 360 will be a hot dog this generation. I just have this feeling Bungie learnt from Halo 2's bad single player.

[bowzer]

Are you kidding me?

The xbox360 is going to be get destroyed... its no where near the same graphics/processing power as the ps3 will be. PS3 is going to have online play, without having to pay-per-month... as for the addons for the xbox 360, thats annoying. I'd rather have everything in one box.

The 360's launch was really poor, the games weren't that impressive at all.

I work at a game development company - we love games here... and no one... NO ONE bought a 360.

[clayj]

Are you kidding me?

The xbox360 is going to be get destroyed... its no where near the same graphics/processing power as the ps3 will be. PS3 is going to have online play, without having to pay-per-month... as for the addons for the xbox 360, thats annoying. I'd rather have everything in one box.

The 360's launch was really poor, the games weren't that impressive at all.

I work at a game development company - we love games here... and no one... NO ONE bought a 360.So, what THIS guy is saying (http://www.xboxic.com/news/815) is incorrect?:

IGN: What is it like to program and design the game for Xbox 360 versus the PlayStation 3? We’re not looking to start a blood war here. We’re more interested in what it’s like to program for each, and what each one’s strengths and weaknesses seem to be? Also, how do you foresee the two versions differing in the final product visually, gameplay-wise, sound wise?

Magnus Högdahl: The PS3 will have a content size advantage with blu-ray and a CPU advantage for titles that are able to utilize a lot of the SPUs. The Xbox360 has a slight GPU advantage and its general purpose triple-core CPU is relatively easy to utilize compared to SPUs. I expect that it will be near impossible to tell Xbox360 and PS3 screenshots apart.I know some people want it all "in the box", but many other people want to buy only what they want to buy... so that's a matter of opinion.

[grapes911]

My PSX treated my great. My PS2 treats me great. I am sticking with Sony only because they haven't steered me wrong yet (in the video game department anyway). It will take a total bomb of a system for me to switch to someone else.

Which one is going to be better? I have no idea. Nor do I care. The systems are going to be too similar. The games will determine the winner. While I play many different video games, I primarily use consoles for sports titles and Metal Gear.

As far as I know, MGS4 is expect to be released for PS3 before 360 (if it's released for the 360 at all).

As far as sports game go, I remember someone from EA staying that the PS2 held pack the Xbox. While graphics on the Xbox were could be much better than on the PS2, it wasn't worth rewriting much of the code to get the most out of the Xbox. They just made the minimum number of changes to get each to work on their specific hardware. No matter which system is better, I assume the PS3 (or 360) will hold back the 360 (or PS3) in games released for both systems.

But about this losing the war thing. How can Sony be losing the war when they haven't even lined up their soldiers for battle? Hell, they haven't even finished training their soldiers.

[srobert]

Orange console is the best! Green console sucks! Let's not even talk about Purple console! Green console fanboys can ditch Orange console all they want but Orange console has so much more oomph under the hood. Purple console is soooo last gen. All Green and Purple console supporters that talk bad about Orange console are fanboys! And no! I don't consider myself a Fanboy. Orange console will support GigaUberHD DVDs and SuperMAcho 427:6 Widescreen aspect ratio. Lousy Purple console will only support the inferior UltraSupraHD DVDs! ROFL!!!!111oneone What? My mouth is foaming? Shut up you purple/Green-newb-fanboy!

Ok, enough joking. I will be enjoying all next gen consoles. I will appreciate their respective strengths and accept their weaknesses. I will refrain from using the word fanboy in any future argument because I think it's offensive and would probaly make me sound like a fanboy of the opposite point of view. I think that the only losers in a console war are the consumers, from all sides. Have a nice day, looking forward to play with you all, no matter what console you love the most. ________srobert

[Dagless]

Are you kidding me?

The xbox360 is going to be get destroyed... its no where near the same graphics/processing power as the ps3 will be. PS3 is going to have online play, without having to pay-per-month... as for the addons for the xbox 360, thats annoying. I'd rather have everything in one box.

The 360's launch was really poor, the games weren't that impressive at all.

I work at a game development company - we love games here... and no one... NO ONE bought a 360.

Bad post.

Firstly, as ClayJ said and as we have a topic about here, the PS3 and 360 will have identical graphics. Some devs were reportedly doubting the PS3's 1080p output on games. Which, if true, utterly destroys the "dual 1080p 120fps" claim by Sony. then again if you believed that then you are a randomly inserted silly name.

I will agree at the 360's bad launch. It's only now with GRAW, Tomb Raider Legends and 1 or 2 more games that I'm starting to take note of the 360. It was a rushed launch. It was terrible.

Mate, the kind of person who works at a game developer studio would know about the similarities with the PS3 and 360 graphics. They also wouldn't write such a terribly conceived post.

If online play is what's going to win it then Nintendo has already won. Both their systems are (or do) have a free online service. Have you even seen the number of NWC connections? It's quite insane.

If add-ons annoy you then I hope you don't have a PSP, with it's optional 4gb drive, the upcoming announced TV Tuner, GPS (was it?) and camera? I'd avoid the DS too with the M3 Adapter and PassKey. I'd like the HDD to be inside the 360 too, but ho hum. It's not exactly a portable machine. And hells if you can easily carry a PS3 with all that weight and size.

[MacRumorUser]

The xbox360 is going to be get destroyed... its no where near the same graphics/processing power as the ps3 will be. PS3 is going to have online play, without having to pay-per-month... as for the addons for the xbox 360, thats annoying. I'd rather have everything in one box.

The 360's launch was really poor, the games weren't that impressive at all.

I work at a game development company - we love games here... and no one... NO ONE bought a 360.

Yeah Right :rolleyes:

For someone who works for a 'game development company' your lack of knowledge is truly outstanding.

The words TROLLING IDIOT spring to mind. Now go to your bedroom, finish your homework and GROW UP!!! :mad:

See what you started Clayj :o

[MIDI_EVIL]

You can play PS3 online without paying a fee?

Who cares who wins the war, there's nothing stopping us all trying/buying both consoles anyway. You buy one, your mate buys the other.

They are both powerful machines, but i think the PS3 is tipped to be a tad more powerful, and it has the mega awesome hype about it, which everyone will get caught up in and buy one anyway, even if they own a 360.

I am personally waiting for the PS3, but good luck to the 360.

There's nothing wrong with competition, it actually benefits us all.

Rich.

[jaxstate]

I'm a Xbox360 type of person myself, but i'm pretty sure the PS3 will do just fine. I know people who own a 360, and i know some who are waiting for the PS3.

[zelmo]

Hard to say that the PS3 has lost a war that hasn't really been fought yet. Certainly, the Xbox 360 continues to gain momentum the longer PS3 and Wii:rolleyes: remain on the sidelines. Still, that didn't ultimately help Sega much, did it?

Pre-E3, I'm planning on getting both a PS3 and Wii:rolleyes: at launch and will probably end up getting a 360 when the price drops to $200-250 and the greatest hits games are available.

Who cares what hardware is incrementally superior in physics or graphics when they all look so good? It's always all about the games, baby.

[Dagless]

Who cares what hardware is incrementally superior in physics or graphics when they all look so good? It's always all about the games, baby.
Shh, don't tell that to the game developer in our midst.

[DougTheImpaler]

I'm waiting for the either HDD-equipped version of the 360 to drop down to $299 or the PS3 to reach that price point. I can't see spending $400 on a console, but $300 is more reasonable. Still need to spend cash for the games, eh?

[greatdevourer]

Are you kidding me?

The xbox360 is going to be get destroyed... its no where near the same graphics/processing power as the ps3 will be. PS3 is going to have online play, without having to pay-per-month... as for the addons for the xbox 360, thats annoying. I'd rather have everything in one box.

The 360's launch was really poor, the games weren't that impressive at all.

I work at a game development company - we love games here... and no one... NO ONE bought a 360. I wouldn't be suprised if your studio work is roughly equal to a friend's work at ARM head office - keeping stuff ticking over, typing stuff into a computer that someone else devised and serving drinks

[Abulia]

All i know is that no one i know is buying [game system one] and is just waiting for [game system two]
Because, as we all know, one person's ancedotal evidence is representative of the market at large. :rolleyes:

MS/Sony/Nintendo ought to just give it up now. I mean eva and his buds could care less about the 360/PS3/Wii, so its clearly a failure! :p

[Abulia]

Isn't the 360 doing worse than the original Xbox in these first 6 or so months?
No, they're actually ahead and are looking at an install base of 5 to 5.5 million by the end of June.

[takao]

i wouldn't say ps3 is the winner over 360.. nor the opposite.. so far the battle between those didn't even start yet

sure the 360 is selling at the moment.. but they could do better.. a lot ..

will the ps3 be not as "super" as many make it out to be: very likely


in the US and the UK i guess it's gonna be real close between those two
in the rest of europe ps3 will continue with a solid lead and in japan the PS will continue to wipe the floor with the xbox...

sorry but i somehow don't buy into peter moore saying "the ninety nine nights launch with 26.000 games sold and additional 1.000 Xbox 360 sold in launch week was a success"

[Haoshiro]

Well I must say this is a better start of a thread... even if we have some flaming already (MacRumorUser? ;))

Well here's my take for "pending war predictions" and the systems in general:

The Sony/PS3 Problem:

First party games. That's almost all I need to say and the rest can be derived. Many of the hot games that have come to past Sony systems and are headed to PS3 are third party.

Here are franchises that aren't (as far as I could tell) not owned by Sony but associated heavily with PlayStation: Tekken (Namco), SOCOM (Zipper Interactive), Final Fantasy (Square-Enix), Metal Gear Solid (Konami), Devil May Cry (Capcom), Ratchet & Clank (Insomniac), Kessen (KOEI), and Zone of Enders (Konami).

These games could potential switch platforms or go multi-platform and Sony would be left with little. I would not doubt these franchises stay exclusive to Sony thanks to large never-ending exclusivity contracts. Luckily for them they landed some quality hits in God of War and Shadow of Colossus.

Other games have jumped before, prior mascot Crash Bandicoot, Resident Evil, Dynasty Warriors, Ridge Racer, and Onimusha to mention a few. What happens if more do the same? Armored Core developer [From Software] is already working on Chromehounds for Xbox 360 which looks to be their best Mech game yet.

The Japanese market:

While comparisons are usually 360 vs PS3, in Japan this is much more Sony vs Nintendo. Nintendo's handheld systems have always done phenominally there and while Sony did best them with PS1 and PS2, they still did far better then Microsoft ever has.

So this comes down to PS3 vs Wii and Nintendo has a chance to duplicate the success of DS in Japan with Wii. The Japanese people seem to really attach to the more "wild" or "zaney" things and Wii definitely will stand apart there.

I really think Nintendo has the possibility of winning Japan back if DS is any indication.

Xbox 360 and PS3 this Holiday season:

My predictions is that PS3 will cost at least somewhat more then 360 by Holiday '06 and have supply problems in comparison (as most highly anticipated system launches do).

These problems will increase 360 adoption even more as people will chose the 360 due to price (parents) or just can't get a hold of a PS3 while 360 stock abounds.

This should also help Wii but it, too, could have supply issues if it is even $100 US cheaper then the 360.

2007 and beyond...

Xbox 360 will have benefitted greatly by Holiday '06, more then it's competitors and moving into '07 anticipation of the Halo 3 release will keep positive buzz for 360 as well as several other titles. The online community will be much larger then it is now and this will continue to sustain existing players and lure new players. The release of at least one high profile MMORPG will further this...

Sony, meanwhile, is set to have some of it's worst years in it's history because of all of this. I think they will still do well, but in comparison to the days of PS1/2 their market share will be significantly lower.

EDIT: Corrections and clarifications. Added missed Chromehounds mention.

[Dagless]

No, they're actually ahead and are looking at an install base of 5 to 5.5 million by the end of June.

EDIT: Ok, but a boost from now to the end of June of an extra 2 million seems a little hopeful saying its only shipped 3 million at the moment. http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/28/3-2-million-xbox-360s-sold-388-million-in-operating-losses/.
bringing its total losses to $388 million.
That must sting.

And I can't remember where I heard it, but I'm sure as hell a news site said at since their launch dates, the original Xbox sold more after the current 360's lifespan. About 1/3 more. I'd trawled Joystiq but can't find anything. Nevermind. It was probably on a forum and therefore questionable.

[plinkoman]

why does anyone care what console "wins"?

this is ridiculous, as long as your console of choice has enough support to get good games, and a good user base for online play (which they all almost certainly will), why do you care what console sells more?

i just don't get what all the fuss is about. i'm just going to buy a wii and be happy with it, regardless of whether or not it's in third. :cool:

[Dagless]

why does anyone care what console "wins"?

this is ridiculous, as long as your console of choice has enough support to get good games, and a good user base for online play (which they all almost certainly will), why do you care what console sells more?

i just don't get what all the fuss is about. i'm just going to buy a wii and be happy with it, regardless of whether or not it's in third. :cool:

I never bothered myself until other people started saying "Nintendo are teh crap!" and have these obscure beliefs about them. It's a response more than anything and it catches. You try and stand up for something you like and enjoy, it's a natural reaction. Especially as electronics get more "love" these days. Then after so much defending you keep it up. *shrugs*

[JDOG_]

I agree with you Clayj. The 360 was wise to launch at November, even if I myself am a bit irriated I'm on my 3rd 360 from defunct units. I wish they had spent a little more time getting them more stable and less volatile, but when it works right, the 360 is an incredible game machine.

I appreciate what Nintendo is doing, but I think they've totally blown the marketing momentum they had going with the Revolution name. To me, I just see the Wii as another gamecube, something that is focused around games (read: gamecube) yet doesn't deliver in terms of software. I know they say it's all about the games, but I just look at the titles gamecube has, and if they're coming out with the same software that 360 & PS2 has but at lower quality (like gamecube) I'm not going to give them business.

Give me some groundbreaking, fun games that fully utilize the system and it's hardware and I'm totally in.

Likewise, with the PS3, until I see what Sony's got at E3 (which rumors say I won't) I am remaining skeptical about the hardware and it's functionality. I know the software will be fine, but the hardware has yet to appear (concept mockups don't count).

[zap2]

Are you kidding me?
as for the addons for the xbox 360, thats annoying. I'd rather have everything in one box.

The 360's launch was really poor, the games weren't that impressive at all.




to the first
- add ons make the system cheaper which is nice to people, and it opens up more people to buying the system

The PS3 launch will likly be the same.



The PS3 is going to have the Blue-Ray, and that only trying to help sony over all, and i see it hurting the PS3(mainly because of the price) the PS- systems are starting to be to much money, i mean a handheld should not be 250 bucks with NO games, and i see the PS3 being the same thing. I'll buy a Wii and perhaps someday a 360(when Halo 3 comes out)

But i have never liked PS systems

[aloofman]

why does anyone care what console "wins"?

this is ridiculous, as long as your console of choice has enough support to get good games, and a good user base for online play (which they all almost certainly will), why do you care what console sells more?

i just don't get what all the fuss is about. i'm just going to buy a wii and be happy with it, regardless of whether or not it's in third. :cool:

I agree. I bought a PS2 instead of an Xbox because it had more of the games I wanted to play. As long as the PS3 or Xbox 360 are popular enough to last, why should I care how many people have the console that I don't? If enough games come out for the other console, I'll buy that one too. I really don't understand why people take it personally.

[bowzer]

i didnt realize my "opinion" would cause so much drama.

I don't see how Im a "trolling idoit" though, if the ps3 is released with the hardware specs its supposed to have, its simply a better machine than the 360. yea, games will be what makes the system - only time will tell that.

The work-in-progress videos of the ps3 games look alot more impressive than anything thats out on the 360 yet. I wasn't mentioning that i work at a game development place (i just do graphic design for our dvd games) because of "i know all because im in the biz" kind of thing, i just said it because its kind of odd that no one in the 50-something person gaming company picked one up.

We'll see what e3 brings...

[GFLPraxis]

why does anyone care what console "wins"?

this is ridiculous, as long as your console of choice has enough support to get good games, and a good user base for online play (which they all almost certainly will), why do you care what console sells more?

i just don't get what all the fuss is about. i'm just going to buy a wii and be happy with it, regardless of whether or not it's in third. :cool:

I'm happy as long as it gets enough marketshare that people don't find it cool to make fun of you for liking a 'kiddie nintendo system' and publishers take the system seriously.

[ninabohbina]

interesting article:


http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Might-Lose-20-of-PS-Market-Share-13126.shtml

[Dagless]

The tide really is against Sony.

-Expensive development, medium and console
-BluRay problems, lack of HD medium interest
-Late launch
-Hyperbole is failing
-Rootkit
-Much cheaper competition and a little bit cheaper competition
-People changing attitudes towards gaming (DS vs PSP)

Probably more but I can't think at 1am.
Doesn't mean they wont sell. Just saying they have a lot to fight against this time. They seemed to sail it problem-free with PS1 and 2.

[kuyu]

I have a 360, but I'll get the Wii and the PS3 before it's all over with. The Wii has me very intrigued so I'll get one at launch. But the PS3 just doesn't have me that excited.

The post about Sony's 3rd party hits was a prime example. I don't like any of those games. Nothing against them, just not my cup o' tea. The only two games that I'm looking forward to on Sony's system are GT4 and GTA. If Forza 360 is good and GTA goes multi-platform I probably won't get a PS3 for a long while.

After all if the PS3 and 360 are nearly identical (as most evidence dictates) then what's the point. I already have a 360, live, extra controllers, a friends list, some good games, etc.

But Wii looks cool as hell, even if it is a stupid name.

[clayj]

The tide really is against Sony.

-Expensive development, medium and console
-BluRay problems, lack of HD medium interest
-Late launch
-Hyperbole is failing
-Rootkit
-Much cheaper competition and a little bit cheaper competition
-People changing attitudes towards gaming (DS vs PSP)

Probably more but I can't think at 1am.
Doesn't mean they wont sell. Just saying they have a lot to fight against this time. They seemed to sail it problem-free with PS1 and 2.Exactly. It's almost the same situation as with HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray... a few months ago, a lot of people had put the last nail in HD-DVD's coffin, since Blu-Ray was so much better on paper. But now HD-DVD's out, it's less expensive than Blu-Ray will be, the video quality is basically identical (so far as we know), and there will be a large number of people buying Microsoft's HD-DVD add-on for the 360 when it comes out.

Looks like the hype machine for Sony is starting to run out of gas. Hype is one thing, but actually having a product you can use is quite another.

[2nyRiggz]

There is hype behind all machines not only the PS3 and i'm sure all the consoles will have there problems like the 360 is having.

There is no reason to rat on the bowzer dude just because he thinks.......just like the topic starter have his own remarks.

Me for one will get all the consoles because i want all i don't give a rats arse what anyone thinks......its like some people want a console to fail just because its not what they want or it seems to be a good choice.....

I see no problems for sony when they launch besides the regular problems....all that blu-ray mumbo jumbo will go right out the door.

My five cents.


Bless

[bowzer]

The PS3 vs 360 debate aside... Nintendo's Wii just sounds like its going to be really fun and innovating. I think Im most excited about that, cant wait to try it out.

[Haoshiro]

i didnt realize my "opinion" would cause so much drama.

I don't see how Im a "trolling idoit" though, if the ps3 is released with the hardware specs its supposed to have, its simply a better machine than the 360. yea, games will be what makes the system - only time will tell that.

The work-in-progress videos of the ps3 games look alot more impressive than anything thats out on the 360 yet. I wasn't mentioning that i work at a game development place (i just do graphic design for our dvd games) because of "i know all because im in the biz" kind of thing, i just said it because its kind of odd that no one in the 50-something person gaming company picked one up.

We'll see what e3 brings...

I didn't find the WIP PS3 videos all that impressive. There was the air combat game, with which little was actually going on (and no land to be seen, ait is cheap to render)... some clouds, a few fighters... nothing that dramatic. The car physics with it getting shot... a single care sitting in blank space shows very little as well.

Has anyone watched the nVIDIA demos for their cards? They often look amazing and that is because they aren't games (a lot of would-be gameplay processing is missing) and because the often feature a SINGLE character that all the processing power can be thrown in for that one entity.

I think looking at the specs and saying that, if it fulfills the specs we see on paper, it will be "better" is a bit ignorant. Has everyone forgotten the PPC vs x86 debate already? You can't compare two different architectures directly on specs alone - the hardware is designed to do things differently and thus raw specs are not comparable. Total performance in actual applications is what you have to look at (which we currently can't).

What if a piece of hardware could calculate an instruction at 10GHz, is it then better then a system that can do 2 at 5GHz, or 3 at 9GHz? Not necessarily.

So from what I've seen the PS3 has a 3.2GHz PPC [single core] CPU and 7 3.2GHz specialized SPE vector units. The Xbox 360 has a triple core 3.2GHz PPC CPU capable of 2 operations per core (6 total). This also means you have PS3 with 1 general purpose processor and the 360 capable of 6, while the PS3 has 7 extra SPEs for specific operations. These are two very different approaches that can't be compared by simple specs.

If anyone cares for a Microsoft-authored comparison... here you go:
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/617/617951p1.html

[iEdd]

It's a shame nintendo changed the name of their console because microsoft copied it for their <unnamed next gen xbox>. For any of you that don't get what I'm saying, 360&#176; = A Revolution. For the casual gamers, Nintendo's console coming out after the Xbox360 would look like Nintendo copied M$.

I see sony's Blu-Ray decision as a plus. Microsoft saying HD-DVD is an "option" is just BS. When games reach their potential, they will use more than the 8.5GB a dual layer DVD can supply, and then everyone needs to "optionally" buy a bulky(is anything microsoft not? ;)) external optical drive. Xbox360 has the 'core' going for it though. This is a cheaper option, being $500, instead of $650. I can't understand them charging $150 for a 20GB HDD though. PS3's 60GB is better, but 120/160GB drives are so cheap, they could've easily thrown them in to be more appealing.

I predict the PS3 to be $700 at launch, and X360 to drop to $600 at the same time. With Blu-Ray, better specs and bigger HDD, many people will still prefer PS3. Nintendo are excellent for affordability and the Wii may just have the right idea with any external storage device compatible.
This is just my opinion, I plan to (between me and my brother) have all 3 consoles eventually. :)

[MacRumorUser]

I see sony's Blu-Ray decision as a plus. Microsoft saying HD-DVD is an "option" is just BS. When games reach their potential, they will use more than the 8.5GB a dual layer DVD can supply, and then everyone needs to "optionally" buy a bulky(is anything microsoft not? ;)) external optical drive.

Microsoft have already stated THEY WILL NOT put games on HD-DVD. What game even comes close to utilising 8-9 GB space at the moment? Also what's the hassle having should it ever come to it, 2 discs? It's not a big deal by any margin.

I predict the PS3 to be $700 at launch, and X360 to drop to $600 at the same time.

What Currency?

I think the PS3 will be €599 or £399 ($599) at launch, simply because sony can sell at that price initially simply because the 'it's ultra hard to get one this christmas/holiday season' really does make it more desireable to some. (only have to look at what the idiots pay on ebay)

The 360 will drop big time :- Core Bundle for €249 or £179/189 and Premium Bundle for €359/349 or £249

Making it significantly cheaper than the PS3

Add on the HD-DVD drive at €119/129 or £79/89 it would still come in much cheaper than a PS3.

[iEdd]

Microsoft have already stated THEY WILL NOT put games on HD-DVD. What game even comes close to utilising 8-9 GB space at the moment? Also what's the hassle having should it ever come to it, 2 discs? It's not a big deal by any margin.

Sorry, I should've said I meant AU$. $400US~$600AU. You have a point. I do agree that Sony have taken PS3 a little too far spec wise and i/o. As for Blu-Ray, if it works properly it can't do any harm to have. Games will just start as DVD (like PS2 games started as CD). Several games could be on one disc, eg "complete metal gear solid" or something.

[Dagless]

Sorry, I should've said I meant AU$. $400US~$600AU. You have a point. I do agree that Sony have taken PS3 a little too far spec wise and i/o. As for Blu-Ray, if it works properly it can't do any harm to have. Games will just start as DVD (like PS2 games started as CD). Several games could be on one disc, eg "complete metal gear solid" or something.

Sony have said that all PS3 games will be on BluRay discs. Likely to prevent piracy.

[XNine]

The tide really is against Sony.

-Expensive development, medium and console
-BluRay problems, lack of HD medium interest
-Late launch
-Hyperbole is failing
-Rootkit


Sorry, but when someone mentions "rootkit" that ultimately tells me they don't know ****. (this isn't a personal attack, I'm just venting at the general populace who have boycotted all of Sony for this) I've said it once, I'll say it a million times: SONY BMG was responsible for the rootkit fiasco, not SONY CE. There's a large difference there. Not only that, who do you think pushed Sony BMG into making those rootkits? That's right, the RIAA.

They both have their own individual management teams, development teams, marketing teams, and thus the rest of Sony shouldn't be punished by one of its sectors that complied with those nazi's at the RIAA.

As for Bluray problems... What problems? It's not even on the market yet and people are scrutinizing it. Bluray is far more advanced and worthwhile than HDDVD by a ****ing longshot. There's a LOT of interest in HD. People who've had HD TV's and projection systems have been yearning for it. And damn near EVERYONE is buying HD TV's these days. IF you think 10 Grand is expensive to these companies that have MILLIONS for a dev kit, sorry, you're wrong. Most likely it's a tax write off anyway.

Expensive Development. And the Xbox, Gamecube, and PS2 aren't expensive? The mere fact that LINUX will be installed on the PS 3 opens it up to homebrew development which is far more cheaper than any of the other consoles. Larger game companies won't fall into this, but small dev's and people who want to make a real good game of 3-D Pong are going to use this feature.

Don't count the PS3 out. I'll bet you It retakes it's throne within a year of launch.

[mrgreen4242]

Sorry, but when someone mentions "rootkit" that ultimately tells me they don't know ****. (this isn't a personal attack, I'm just venting at the general populace who have boycotted all of Sony for this) I've said it once, I'll say it a million times: SONY BMG was responsible for the rootkit fiasco, not SONY CE. There's a large difference there. Not only that, who do you think pushed Sony BMG into making those rootkits? That's right, the RIAA.


That's all true, but you have completely missed the point. It has the SONY name on it. It is a Sony product. It says so, right on the box. It's not fear that the PS3 is going to kill you in your sleep or something because Sony is so evil. It's public backlash to actions that were taken by Sony, wether it's really the same company or not, they are both tied to that brand name for better or worse.

In short, people who defend Sony's actions because it was done by a different part of the company show me they don't know ****. They are just defending their pet console, and failing to understand that the issue isn't a technical one, or even a business one, but a problem of perception.

[jakethesnake]

My roommate has a 360 and fight night awesome game. The thing I don't understand though is why people are saying the PS3 will be too expensive. If you think about it, it comes with the following standard (as of right now might change next week): Blu-ray, HDMI, bluetooth, Wifi, a 60GB hard drive, and free online service=~$399-$499 (I think it will be on the low end personally)

The 360 has none of that standard if you think about it a wifi adaptor is $100, the HD-DVD (and the system doesn't even have a true HD output yet either Component only) will be around $200 (more or less) thats $300 extra right there plus the original $399.99 (if you want to include a hard drive and wireless controllers) that is $700 for almost the same equipment (not even going to get into a graphics debate, not worth it) then add in $50 a year for xbox live times 4-5 years thats another 200 right there.

[Dagless]

That's all true, but you have completely missed the point. It has the SONY name on it. It is a Sony product. It says so, right on the box. It's not fear that the PS3 is going to kill you in your sleep or something because Sony is so evil. It's public backlash to actions that were taken by Sony, wether it's really the same company or not, they are both tied to that brand name for better or worse.

In short, people who defend Sony's actions because it was done by a different part of the company show me they don't know ****. They are just defending their pet console, and failing to understand that the issue isn't a technical one, or even a business one, but a problem of perception.

Thats exactly what I was going to say. It's the umbrella company. Like Onizuka said, he stopped playing Nintendo when they turned Link into "a powerpuff girl". From 1 companies mistake (in his eyes) he ultimately tarred the whole company with the same brush. regardless of hardware, regardless of it's many internal game studios who didn't make Windwaker, regardless of anything else.

Rootkit=Nintentos kiddy image

Both are perceptions, both, as users, we know is mostly fabrication.

[Dagless]

My roommate has a 360 and fight night awesome game. The thing I don't understand though is why people are saying the PS3 will be too expensive. If you think about it, it comes with the following standard (as of right now might change next week): Blu-ray, HDMI, bluetooth, Wifi, a 60GB hard drive, and free online service=~$399-$499 (I think it will be on the low end personally)

The 360 has none of that standard if you think about it a wifi adaptor is $100, the HD-DVD (and the system doesn't even have a true HD output yet either Component only) will be around $200 (more or less) thats $300 extra right there plus the original $399.99 (if you want to include a hard drive and wireless controllers) that is $700 for almost the same equipment (not even going to get into a graphics debate, not worth it) then add in $50 a year for xbox live times 4-5 years thats another 200 right there.

That doesn't matter. Even if the insides contained a moving diesel engine and batmans index finger, it is still a machine to play games and watch films. You're looking at this as someone who knows about computers, about CPU's and HDD's. But people like us are far and few between, the public doesn't work like this. Which is why a lot of us brits are buying SD LCD televisions and not the HD version. For the most part they just see the same TV. Resolution, colour preproduction, progressive scan just doesn't mean anything to them. If you want to know how little people know about electronics then have a look out for the Freeview adverts. They explain how simple the technology is, how easy it is to integrate to the widest possible audience.

I agree, for what it will likely cost it's a good deal. But remember Joe Public.

[jakethesnake]

That doesn't matter. Even if the insides contained a moving diesel engine and batmans index finger, it is still a machine to play games and watch films. You're looking at this as someone who knows about computers, about CPU's and HDD's. But people like us are far and few between, the public doesn't work like this. Which is why a lot of us brits are buying SD LCD televisions and not the HD version. For the most part they just see the same TV. Resolution, colour preproduction, progressive scan just doesn't mean anything to them. If you want to know how little people know about electronics then have a look out for the Freeview adverts. They explain how simple the technology is, how easy it is to integrate to the widest possible audience.

I agree, for what it will likely cost it's a good deal. But remember Joe Public.

Yeah I agree with what you are saying completely but the one thing that compells people to buy something even if it is more expensive is the brand name, and right now the Playstation name is bigger than Xbox (could change though but I think it would take a lot of errors on Sony's part)

[Haoshiro]

My roommate has a 360 and fight night awesome game. The thing I don't understand though is why people are saying the PS3 will be too expensive. If you think about it, it comes with the following standard (as of right now might change next week): Blu-ray, HDMI, bluetooth, Wifi, a 60GB hard drive, and free online service=~$399-$499 (I think it will be on the low end personally)

The 360 has none of that standard if you think about it a wifi adaptor is $100, the HD-DVD (and the system doesn't even have a true HD output yet either Component only) will be around $200 (more or less) thats $300 extra right there plus the original $399.99 (if you want to include a hard drive and wireless controllers) that is $700 for almost the same equipment (not even going to get into a graphics debate, not worth it) then add in $50 a year for xbox live times 4-5 years thats another 200 right there.

Your numbers are a bit off here:
Xbox 360 Premium ($399):
- 20GB HDD
- Wireless Controller

"True HD" does not mean "Highest resolution possible" it is in fact 720p or above (currently 1080i/p). Xbox 360 does have true HD output and that can be achieved through component (separate R, G, B channels) as well as VGA. DVI/HDMI are not required for true HD output. Such cables could be made for 360 however, simple cables is all that is needed.

Keep in mind also that Microsoft has an amazing IT center developed exlusively for Xbox Live that hosts their many dedicated servers. If Sony does offer the service free my guess is they will not have such a dedicated facility. Also, it is very likely that while the online service is free it will either use P2P technology where PS3 players host their own games (this could be a feature of the Cell) and/or specific games will carry subscription costs independently.

Now consider how much money Microsoft loses on every 360 and reconsider thinking that the PS3 will also retail for the same price ($399) and include all those extra items (that add additional cost to the system). That doesn't even seem realistic give the "pros" you've described for PS3. Companies don't like to give things away for free you know. :)

[XNine]

Thats exactly what I was going to say. It's the umbrella company. Like Onizuka said, he stopped playing Nintendo when they turned Link into "a powerpuff girl". From 1 companies mistake (in his eyes) he ultimately tarred the whole company with the same brush. regardless of hardware, regardless of it's many internal game studios who didn't make Windwaker, regardless of anything else.

Rootkit=Nintentos kiddy image

Both are perceptions, both, as users, we know is mostly fabrication.

There's more factors to why I stopped supporting Nintendo than that, but that contributed to my decision, quite a bit.

I see your points, they are valid. But I think things are simpler than what most people are making them out to be.

As for Sony, they MAKE their own Bluray drives. So it's far more cheaper for them to include it than MS adding HD DVD. As you know, MS does not manufacture hardware at all. So the revenue loss to MS is much higher for everything they make.

[jakethesnake]

Your numbers are a bit off here:
Xbox 360 Premium ($399):
- 20GB HDD
- Wireless Controller

"True HD" does not mean "Highest resolution possible" it is in fact 720p or above (currently 1080i/p). Xbox 360 does have true HD output and that can be achieved through component (separate R, G, B channels) as well as VGA. DVI/HDMI are not required for true HD output. Such cables could be made for 360 however, simple cables is all that is needed.

Keep in mind also that Microsoft has an amazing IT center developed exlusively for Xbox Live that hosts their many dedicated servers. If Sony does offer the service free my guess is they will not have such a dedicated facility. Also, it is very likely that while the online service is free it will either use P2P technology where PS3 players host their own games (this could be a feature of the Cell) and/or specific games will carry subscription costs independently.

Now consider how much money Microsoft loses on every 360 and reconsider thinking that the PS3 will also retail for the same price ($399) and include all those extra items (that add additional cost to the system). That doesn't even seem realistic give the "pros" you've described for PS3. Companies don't like to give things away for free you know. :)

Where was I off on my numbers? I said it cost $399.99, and didn't mention anything about it not having wireless controllers. I did say the PS3 is suppose to have a 60GB HDD compared to the 20Gig one, and I mentioned bluetooth, which can be used for more than just the controllers. I do think MS is outragously overcharging for accessories. I also didn't mention a lot of thing Sony is apperently putting in the PS3 (I think some stuff will be removed like the extra hdmi, and some usb ports, and maybe since they confirmed the HDD the memory stick reader). Sony always pulls the "it is going to be so expensive......OMG IT IS ONLY $299.99 (this time add in $399.99)" it is their own little hype train, and they get everyone onboard. Would I be suprised if they made it $499.99 and left some of those features i just metioned in, not really.

[GFLPraxis]

The addition of Bluetooth (wireless peripherals, not just controllers), WiFi ($99 addon for the XBox 360), Blu-Ray (no multi-disk games, lots of bonus features), Linux (supported homebrew, limitless possibilities), and allowance of CF and SD cards for memory cards really peaks my interest for the PS3.

Plus the fact that the PS2 had more games I'm interested in than the XBox had. However, there's really not a lot of PS3 games I want yet, so I'm going to wait a year before I buy either system (but I'm strongly leaning towards PS3).

Revolution, on the other hand- I can name you five launch titles I want right now, and they haven't even released their launch lineup! Since it's the cheapest, I'm definitely buying it at launch.

[jakethesnake]

The addition of Bluetooth (wireless peripherals, not just controllers), WiFi ($99 addon for the XBox 360), Blu-Ray (no multi-disk games, lots of bonus features), Linux (supported homebrew, limitless possibilities), and allowance of CF and SD cards for memory cards really peaks my interest for the PS3.

Plus the fact that the PS2 had more games I'm interested in than the XBox had. However, there's really not a lot of PS3 games I want yet, so I'm going to wait a year before I buy either system (but I'm strongly leaning towards PS3).

Revolution, on the other hand- I can name you five launch titles I want right now, and they haven't even released their launch lineup! Since it's the cheapest, I'm definitely buying it at launch.

I hear yeah man I am really a nintendo fan at heart (got my nes at the ripe age of 4:) ) I wouldn't know what to do with myself if they moved Zelda to the Wii and had it and Metroid as launch titles, and then the possiblity of a Super Smash Bros. I would be in heaven.

[iGav]

I'm still of the opinion that if the PS3 launches before the end of this year, and it launches with a GTA, GT type title... it'll outsell the Xbox 360 by the end of 2007... regardless of delays, regardless of cost.

Looking forward to E3 next week, more and more intrigued by the hype surrounding the Wii.

[GFLPraxis]

I hear yeah man I am really a nintendo fan at heart (got my nes at the ripe age of 4:) ) I wouldn't know what to do with myself if they moved Zelda to the Wii and had it and Metroid as launch titles, and then the possiblity of a Super Smash Bros. I would be in heaven.

Well, since Nintendo promised online Super Smash Bros as a launch title at E3 2005, Metroid Prime 3 has been in development for as long as the Revolution hardware, and Zelda: Twilight Princess will let you play using the Revolution controller when played on a Revolution...it seems you'll be in heaven. :)

[jakethesnake]

Well, since Nintendo promised online Super Smash Bros as a launch title at E3 2005, Metroid Prime 3 has been in development for as long as the Revolution hardware, and Zelda: Twilight Princess will let you play using the Revolution controller when played on a Revolution...it seems you'll be in heaven. :)

It's not the revolution its the Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

[ChrisK018]

Killer apps. What does the 360 have that is truly unique? Nothing really comes to my mind (since Halo 3 is still in development), so maybe there will be five million units-- with a bunch of ports and unimpressive games.

Sony has some solid, powerhouse franchises on the way, and Nintendo has some as well, and I don't care about graphics & all that. I just want to play good, creative, and interesting new games. Heck. I don't really care about the price. I just want to play cool games, and right now the 360 does not have what I like.

I know it's a matter of taste, but I strongly feel that the Xbox/360 crowd only covers a certain portion of the gaming spectrum. The core base in Japan, the RPG dudes, and many others are all holding on... waiting for the PS3 and the Wii-- just like the MacBook and the 2nd gen MBP hold outs. Some things are worth the wait, and I think Microsoft is going to get bit on the butt despite their early gains.

[GFLPraxis]

It's not the revolution its the Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

I'm in denial :p

[jakethesnake]

I know it's a matter of taste, but I strongly feel that the Xbox/360 crowd only covers a certain portion of the gaming spectrum. The core base in Japan, the RPG dudes, and many others are all holding on... waiting for the PS3 and the Wii-- just like the MacBook and the 2nd gen MBP hold outs. Some things are worth the wait, and I think Microsoft is going to get bit on the butt despite their early gains.

I completely agree with you here. I can only take so many future sci fi settings with bald guys running around shooting everything that moves. They all look the same to me. It might be cause they are all using Unreal Engine 3, not too sure. I do think that Oblivion looks great, except for the underwater part. But even that is being rumored to becoming out for PS3 so we shall see.

[ijimk]

Well anyone who purely judges any system on just the games alone is over looking a huge part of the system. The pure reason I believe Xbox 360 will win the war with the PS3 is the online service. Sure blueray is nice but i prefer to talk to my teammates or trash talk while i am playing a game. Xbox live is solid and from what I have seen Sony is pretty far behind on this aspect of the PS3.

I don't even count Nintendo as being in this war they are targeting a totally different audience , plus i know a lot of 360 owners are goin to get a Revolution or Wii what ever its called on the release date. lets see 150-200 dollars on a system for a Wii or 600 dollars + for a system, hmmmmm not a hard decission there for the common consumer. :D

[grapes911]

The pure reason I believe Xbox 360 will win the war with the PS3 is the online service. Sure blueray is nice but i prefer to talk to my teammates or trash talk while i am playing a game. Xbox live is solid and from what I have seen Sony is pretty far behind on this aspect of the PS3.
Sony has supposedly revamped their online service. We will just have to wait. Basing the winner on online game play is foolish when we don't have a clue how the PS3's online service will be.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4834940.stm

[ChrisK018]

No doubt. The online element is clearly a benifit of Xbox & the 360, maybe Sony will have a better answer to that for the PS3, and who knows about the Wii. Maybe the remote joystick wand thing will help land airplanes. I make no claims to know what the average consumer goes for, but I suppose my previous post betrays the fact that I don't go for online games either.

If I wanted online service then 360 is a great choice, and I think lots of people have picked them up for that reason. I am not one of them; I like the one player games.

[GFLPraxis]

Well anyone who purely judges any system on just the games alone is over looking a huge part of the system. The pure reason I believe Xbox 360 will win the war with the PS3 is the online service. Sure blueray is nice but i prefer to talk to my teammates or trash talk while i am playing a game. Xbox live is solid and from what I have seen Sony is pretty far behind on this aspect of the PS3.


Except that Sony IS creating a full online service, and unlike XBox Live, all indicators point to online play being free (I expect you'll have to pay for special features like video chat that Live will have too).

Some "anonymous developers" (not necessarily the most reliable source, but whatever) claim that one of the Cell's SPE's is set aside for background video and voice chat accessible in any game at any time like the 360's dashboard.

Wait four days before deciding Microsoft's online system is superior to Sony's which hasn't even had an announced features list.

Also, consider that XBox Live may actually be a con to some people. If Sony's earlier words hold true, it'll end up that Microsoft is the *only* company actually charging money to play online. Sony will charge for 'premium content', Nintendo will charge for retro game downloads, but only Microsoft actually makes you pay money to play online.

[takao]

Some "anonymous developers" (not necessarily the most reliable source, but whatever) claim that one of the Cell's SPE's is set aside for background video and voice chat accessible in any game at any time like the 360's dashboard.


as far as i heard 1 of the SPEs is reserved for redundancy
another one for the OS and the OS can request an additional second one.. so programmers have actually more like 4-5 of the 7 to use freely .. but of course that's only what i've heard

just like 64 mb of the 256 ps3 main memory being reserved for the OS and 32mb of the 256 mb vram


anybody heard that too ?

[Symtex]

Except that Sony IS creating a full online service, and unlike XBox Live, all indicators point to online play being free (I expect you'll have to pay for special features like video chat that Live will have too).

Some "anonymous developers" (not necessarily the most reliable source, but whatever) claim that one of the Cell's SPE's is set aside for background video and voice chat accessible in any game at any time like the 360's dashboard.

Wait four days before deciding Microsoft's online system is superior to Sony's which hasn't even had an announced features list.

Also, consider that XBox Live may actually be a con to some people. If Sony's earlier words hold true, it'll end up that Microsoft is the *only* company actually charging money to play online. Sony will charge for 'premium content', Nintendo will charge for retro game downloads, but only Microsoft actually makes you pay money to play online.

free != Better. Even though Sony will enumerate tons of features, Xbox Live has been reliable and stable since Day 1. I have yet to see Sony do anything of the proportion yet.

I will wait till I actually experience the Sony network before making any judgement on it.

[GFLPraxis]

That makes me a bit uneasy about the rumor though, because 64 MB of RAM for the background OS seems like way too much, and I don't know why it would need VRAM.


free != Better. Even though Sony will enumerate tons of features, Xbox Live has been reliable and stable since Day 1. I have yet to see Sony do anything of the proportion yet.

I will wait till I actually experience the Sony network before making any judgement on it.

Yes, but give the public the option between fully functional and free vs extra features at $50 a year? Only the hardcore would take the $50. I would go with the free. It's a notable advantage.

Either way, Sony's hype (take with grain of salt) is that it'll be a XBox Live killer. We'll see in four days I hope.

[grapes911]

free != Better.
No, but it is a plus for PS3. For the time being, the 360's online service is better than the PS3's non-existant one, but we really won't know which one will be better in the long run until more info about PS3 is released or even later.

[Dagless]

Well anyone who purely judges any system on just the games alone is over looking a huge part of the system. The pure reason I believe Xbox 360 will win the war with the PS3 is the online service. Sure blueray is nice but i prefer to talk to my teammates or trash talk while i am playing a game. Xbox live is solid and from what I have seen Sony is pretty far behind on this aspect of the PS3.

I don't even count Nintendo as being in this war they are targeting a totally different audience , plus i know a lot of 360 owners are goin to get a Revolution or Wii what ever its called on the release date. lets see 150-200 dollars on a system for a Wii or 600 dollars + for a system, hmmmmm not a hard decission there for the common consumer. :D

That's what people keep saying, but in the end they are all games machines= they are all competing. The only difference is Nintendo are staying with the way games used to be (against the Revolution-ideology of change) with fun little titles. Sony and MS are striving towards realism in a media that doesn't even demand it. There are 2 competitors in this competition; Sony and Microsoft versus Nintendo. Especially if they get a chunk of the non gamer. that is a tremendous amount more than the gamer section. Remember; game players are in the minority.

[Dagless]

No, but it is a plus for PS3. For the time being, the 360's online service is better than the PS3's non-existant one, but we really won't know which one will be better in the long run until more info about PS3 is released or even later.

Using that theory then even the NES has a better online system than the PS3! Or the Gameboy Colour!
I'm interested to see what Sony bring up for this online service. I just have this feeling it's all going to be rushed and have a cheap feel to it. Maybe they've been developing it for years, but it just feels like "we're going to copy MS's system" doesn't fill me with confidence. I'd like their own system, totally fresh and new. Something slowly built up to perfection rather than a huge leap into the dark. I mean, has anyone here actually used Sony's software? MusicStage (is it called?) was possibly the worst transfer application ever, barring Phillips JAVA app some years ago. Their PS2 DVD player etc.

[Abulia]

Yes, but give the public the option between fully functional and free vs extra features at $50 a year? Only the hardcore would take the $50.
And you don't consider people that would plop down over $500 for a console and games "hard core?"

:rolleyes:

[Haoshiro]

Sony definitely wants everyone to think it's going to be so expensive because the hardware is "so amazing". I recall last E3 Sony saying they wanted people to 'save up many weeks to afford it' and how 'just one of graphics cards retails for $500 and PS3 will be twice as fast!' or something along those lines.

Of course, if you know you are going to sell out of your initial stock, why not charge a high price ($500+); you'll still sell out and your first batch won't hurt your profit near as much. The dedicated fans will think it's worth every penny since they get all these "extra features included". Early adopters will sink that money in a heartbeat.

As for 360 games being all the same, or 'sci-fi shooters with bald guys', that's funny. I mean, sure there are games like Halo 3, Too Human, etc... but haven't you noticed a lot of FPS games do tend to be sci-fi themed (regardless of platform)? The future settings make it plausible for crazy overpowered guns, etc.

But to me that's like saying all Nintendo games are cute fluffy kids games. It's just not true, just an image. All the systems have a good variety, but I think 360 has a much better variety so far (or at least pending) then Xbox 1 did.

[Haoshiro]

Yes, but give the public the option between fully functional and free vs extra features at $50 a year? Only the hardcore would take the $50. I would go with the free. It's a notable advantage.

Either way, Sony's hype (take with grain of salt) is that it'll be a XBox Live killer. We'll see in four days I hope.

But that is only <$5/mo for the online service and they back it with a data center especially built just for Xbox Live. If only a few features/games cost a few dollars a month on the "free" Sony service it will cost as much or more per month/year.

Sony seems to be able to do hardware wonderfully, but to expect them to pull something better then Dashboard and Xbox Live out of their company seems rather hopeful.... unless they highered Apple. ;)

[GFLPraxis]

And you don't consider people that would plop down over $500 for a console and games "hard core?"

:rolleyes:

I'm talking about once the system is mainstream, not the early adopters.

And BTW; an XBox 360 would cost me $500 to play games online, because I require WiFi.

[GFLPraxis]

Sony definitely wants everyone to think it's going to be so expensive because the hardware is "so amazing". I recall last E3 Sony saying they wanted people to 'save up many weeks to afford it' and how 'just one of graphics cards retails for $500 and PS3 will be twice as fast!' or something along those lines.


This is an exagguration to make it sound expensive though. See, the fact is that the graphics card they referred to was $500...back THEN, right after it had launched. The XBox 360's graphics card is also about on the same level of power as the PS3's. Sony just wants you to think you're getting good value ;)

[Haoshiro]

This is an exagguration to make it sound expensive though. See, the fact is that the graphics card they referred to was $500...back THEN, right after it had launched. The XBox 360's graphics card is also about on the same level of power as the PS3's. Sony just wants you to think you're getting good value ;)

Exactly, in fact from everything I've read comparing straight GPU to GPU (excluding all other hardware) 360 edges out PS3 by a small margin and includes more programmable features.

But the point remains that I think Sony could overcharge the initial batch of systems and sell them just fine, then lower it later. In general I don't think this would hurt them in anyway. Joe Public would probably even see it as a sign that it really is WAY better then the 360. If they sold for $200 above 360, and then 6-12 months later dropped the price to only $100 above, they would not only remain seen as the technology leader but also make consumers much more willing to fork over "only an extra hundred" for such a "better machine".

In summary, I think Sony could not only overcharge for their system by a $200 price point above 360, but I think they could do so and 1) Still sell out and 2) Gain favorable public perception all at the same time. Gotta love marketing! :)

[hondaboy945]

I personally can't wait until I can get my hands on all of the systems. Wii (Zelda, Metroid, Mario), Xbox 360 (Halo, Oblivion), PS3(MGS4, GT4,5). All systems have a game that I want to play. I am currently going to school for Video Game and Simulation Development, and find that it is a great time for game variety.

That's just my 2 cents.