Console Wars

Media:

Media includes the game format, and other functions such as video or music playback.  Though many may consider media functions not a big deal in a console, they are increasingly becoming a big part.

Xbox 360:
The 360 game disc is a modified Dual Layer DVD storing a max of 8.5GB, which developers have stated is plenty of space for next generation games especially considering downloadable content.  The 360 plays DVDs, music, videos, and shows pictures from 3rd party devices (such as camera or mp3 players) or your PC.  It also can be an extender for any Windows Media Center PC allowing it to play live or recorded TV plus other content.  In addition should wish to go further you can buy a HD-DVD drive accessory that brings you HD Movies.  Xbox Live also allows you to download HD movies and shows.  The possibilities are truly endless.  Score: 5

PlayStation3:
The PS3 game disc is based of Sony’s Blu-ray format which can hold up to 25GB on a single layer.  However, access speeds for the new format (which is currently in a format war with HD-DVD) is much slower the the 360’s drive speeds for its DVD Format.  In addition developers are not using more than 8.5GB for PS3 Games.  Customers are required to pay for a new format (which causes both the console and games to be more expensive) rather than have a choice as available with the 360 to purchase a HD Movie player accessory.  Though the PS3 also plays a host of media, it does not connect to any media centers natively for TV Playback for example.  However, the PS3 is a wonderful media console being the cheapest Blu-ray player available.  Score: 4

Wii:
The Wii also bases its game discs off the DVD format, though the console does not play DVDs.  It does however play CDs.  Nintendo has confirmed another version of the console will be released in the future that plays DVDs.  It is expected the new console will cost more making it less competitive.  Score: 2

Online Play:

Online Play lets you play against other people across the internet.  This is opposed to multiplayer games that require all people to be present in front of your TV.  In the last generation only the original Xbox has a successful online network called Xbox Live.

Xbox 360:
Xbox Live which was redesigned for the 360 continues to be the online network by which all other are measured.  Xbox Live Gold which allows multiplayer internet play costs $50 a year.  Features include a network wide gamerscore, downloadable demos, trailers, and other content.  A silver account is included free in all consoles that allows access to most content and chat but no network play.  All 360 games are required to be Live Aware.  Score: 5

PlayStation3:
The PlayStation Network is Sony’s response to Xbox Live.  Connection to the service as well as chat is free.  However, it is up to each individual game creator to enable online support as well as multiplayer functions.  Each game may charge for the online service instead of the unified price on Xbox Live.  In addition there is no network wide gamerscore such as on Live.  Score: 3

Wii:
Though the Wii will have online play thru its WiiConnect24 service, no launch games had online multiplayer support.  Score: 1

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2 Comments

  1. lol, at the moment xbox 360 is the best games console, but this is far too biased towards it. it reads like an advert from microsoft

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