View source for 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. 

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[[Image:Two.png|frame|]]

'''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



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[[Image:Three.png|frame|]]

'''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



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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. 

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'''PS3'''

[[Image:Ps3.jpg]]

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'''

[[Image:xbox360.jpg]]

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


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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

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'''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 

[[Image:killzone.png]][[Image:Godofwar.png]][[Image:Haze.png]][[Image:Metalgearsolid.png]][[Image:Resistance.png]]




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'''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

[[Image:Ninjagaiden.png]][[Image:Saintsrow.png]][[Image:Masseffect.png]][[Image:Halo.png]][[Image:Gearsofwar.png]]


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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. 

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'''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.


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'''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


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'''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.


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References

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