Group 4:Kimberly Thatcher, Freddy Vlot, Joseph Vo, Michael Walker --- XBOX vs. PS3

Introduction
These two consoles are major competitors in the video game industry. Both these console target the same age group, teenagers to adults. Both focus on fighting, racing, and first person shooter games. Both systems have features that make them appealing to the targeted age group. But also, both systems have flaws that hinder their performance. Video gamers are likely to have one system, both systems, or are looking to buy one. Our question is which one is better?

Hardware / GPU
Both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 are comprised of the latest hardware technology in terms of gaming consoles. Both had engines that were specifically designed for each system. They both try to maximize the amount of memory storage and the speed of their proceessors. Both are highly advanced in this area, but nonetheless differ from each other.



PS3

Has CPU know as the cell broadband engine 8 cores that run at 3.2 GHz each: 6 used for games, 1 dedicated to the OS and Security, and the 8th isn't used

PS3 uses a GPU called reality synthesizer

Processes at 550 MHz

PS3 memory: main- 256 MB	   video- 256 MB

Memory bandwidth: 25.6 GB/s

Storage: 80 GB, 160 GB		  1080p for movies/ blue ray 720p for games L2 cache: 512 KB



Xbox 360

Xbox 360 has a triple core CPU (similar to computer CPU)

Runs at 3.2 GHz

3 core processor

GPU know as Xenos

Processes at 500 MHz

Xbox 360 memory: 512 MB shared

Memory bandwidth: 22.4 GB/s

Storage: 256 MB, 60GB, 120GB, 1080p for movies and games

L2 cache: 1MB

After comparing both system's hardware components, it is PS3 that has a clear edge over Xbox 360 in most areas. However, when looking at graphics, the two systems tend to have similar quality but the Xbox 360, definitely has better graphics and therefore an edge over PS3. This probably will not be the case in the future as the PS3 will be drastically improving visually as developers are just understanding the PS3 system, while Xbox is at its maximum visual capacity.

Features / Looks
Looks are comprised of the actual visual aspects of the console itself. The PS3 is very sleek, and the Xbox is very plain. However, the Xbox allows the user to change the face plates, allowing the user to express their personal style. In terms of features, this includes mainly the assessories that come with the system and the assessories that a user must purchase. But it also includes the features that the system present themselves, such as their online support systems.

PS3



Controllers: Up to 7 wireless controllers able to be connected Light/Small, 6 axis technology, 75 foot wireless range Charges in 15 min with a USB to system, lasts 30 hours

WiFi ready -free, always on

6 USB ports

Backwards compatibility: No

Extensibility: Yes

Plays CD’s, MP3, DVD: Yes

Blu-ray movies internal higher definition

Online support: PSN Free

Xbox 360



Controllers: Up to 4 wireless controllers able to be connected Heavier/ Bigger, 30 foot wireless range Uses AA batteries (rechargeable), last 40 hours

WiFi adaptable -free, needs network adaptor ($100)

2 USB ports

Backwards compatibility: Yes

Extensibility: No

Plays CD’s, MP3, DVD: Yes

HD-DVD external player (bought separately)

Online support: Xbox Live -$60 for a years subscription

The PS3 does have more features built into the console than then the Xbox 360. This leads Xbox gamers to have to buy accessories in order to have some of these features. However the online game play of the Xbox makes up for the difference. Xbox live is significantly better than the online game play of the PS3 and is a major part why people purchase Xbox’s. However, looks is just a matter of opinion so, therefore for the features/ looks section the PS3 and Xbox 360 are pretty even.

Discs / Games
Discs include the new high definition technology or either Blu-ray and HD disks. Both system incorporates one of these two new technologies. Each of system usually carry the same games, however, they are some differences in titles and amounts

PS3

PS3 uses Blu-Ray as it’s disc format

Uses blue laser instead of red

Allows up to 50 GB of data, meaning no problems with space

Has exclusive games that Xbox doesn’t

332 titles for PS3



Xbox 360

Xbox 360 uses DVD-ROM as its disc format

Holds up to 15GB

Has more games out then PS3, but has been on the market for a longer time

Has exclusive games that the PS3 doesn’t

453 titles for Xbox



The PS3 does have a slight advantage when it comes to the disks because it has a Blu-ray player. Blu-ray has an edge over HD discs, not only in quality but in the fact that Blu-ray won the "High defintion war" and is now the primary high definition disc sold in retailers. PS3 also has an advantage over the Xbox 360 because of the significantly bigger space available on the console. But, in terms of games, the Xbox's games are more favorable then those of PS3. This may be due to the fact that they focus on first player shooter games such as Halo and Gears of War. When comparing both systems, again we see for the disks/ games sections the PS3 and Xbox 360 sections that they are pretty even.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PS3
There are many advantages and disadvantages of both systems. The below information outlines the some important areas that distinguish these two consoles from each others and from other gaming systems in general.

Advantages

Low rate of failure - ~3%

Incorporates newest technology -has Sony’s best blu-ray player

Better processor and memory storage

Built in wireless card

Free online system

Extensibility -users can download new software off the internet -automatic updates remove bugs Exclusive games -little big planet, uncharted, killzone etc.

Disadvantages

Technical Problems: -Overheating (however does not result in dead console) -Yellow Light of death

Costs more to manufacture -160 GB: $840.35 compared to selling cost of $599, losing $241.35 -80 GB: loses $306.85

Console is fairly expensive

Burn marks on discs

Online system is fairly simple and does not pose many benefits or features

Advantages and Disadvantages for Xbox 360
Advantages

Xbox Live -Allows gamers to connect with friends, talk, send messages, use MSN, marketplace allows you to buy games of all types, displays personal information (ex. gamer score), displays avatar, etc.

Exclusive games -Ex: Gears of War 2, Halo 3 etc.

Backwards compatibility -can play 300 original Xbox games

Cheaper the PS3 -starts from $199-399

Disadvantages

Technical Problems: -Red ring of death (Microsoft has acknowledged problem and extended 							warranty) -Overheating (Can render the console dead, Has tried to be counteracted 						by intercoolers) -Burning Discs (caused by systems laser) -Loud fans

Older versions actually cost more to manufacture -Older Elite models went for $399, but actually cost $525 resulting in a 			loss of $126 -Newer models make profit

High rate of failure -16.4% first year failure rate

Online subscription is not free -minimum of $60/ year

Conclusion
PS3 or Xbox 360?

The answer to this question is that both system have their pros and cons.The type of gamer that is looking to buy one of these consoles will decide which console is better. Those who enjoy lots of online/ friend game interaction should buy the Xbox 360. Those who want to pay less for their console should also buy the Xbox. Gamers who care about single player playability and blu-ray capacity should buy the PS3. Also, those gamers who need the superior features that the PS3 offers should buy the PS3. Ultimately, the type of gamer that is buying the console will decide which system is better.

References

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