Sony PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 has been out for quite some time, but that doesn’t mean the console isn’t one of the best on the market. Even with the release of PlayStation 3, PS2 games are still being released, and games like Final Fantasy XII and Okami show that the PS2 is truly not going down without a fight. Not only does the PS2 have the largest library of games to choose from, it also offers games for all ages, not just the grown-up crowd that PlayStation 3 is catering for.
The PlayStation 2 offers games in every genre: RPG, Sports, Fighting, Action, Adventure, MMO and shooters. Games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, NFL 2k3, Metal Gear Solid: 2/3 and Final Fantasy XII really show what the PlayStation 2 is capable of. Graphically, the PS2 is a strong competitor against the Nintendo Wii. The PS2 also doubles as DVD player, and gives you online play, though, you’ll have to pay a little extra for that.
The PS2 retails for $129, making it one of the cheapest console in the mix. Though PS2 has a strong library of games, keep in mind that first-party exclusives for the console are all already out. The console is also at the end of its lifecycle, so expect the library to come to an abrupt stop next year. The PS2 is a great introduction to console gaming, but if you’re looking for a meatier console, look no further than…
Sony PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is Sony’s new top-of-the-line console. The console is streamlined, quiet, built to last and features the Cell processor. The premium 60GB console sells for $599. The console features online gaming via WiFi, 60GB hard drive, memory card slots, and HDMI support. The PS3 also doubles as a Blu-Ray player. If $599 is too steep for you, there’s also a $499 version, though, it doesn’t come with memory card slots or WiFi, and features a smaller, 20GB hard drive. One of the stronger points of the console is that it offers users to play games online for free, unlike Microsoft, who charges you to play against other players.
When you first pick up the console, keep in mind you’re going to be spending a lot of money. HDMI cables don’t run cheap and the console doesn’t bundle with component cables either. If you want to experience the console in HD, you’re going to have to pay a little more to get there. The games run for $59.99, the same price as Xbox 360 games. At the moment, the PlayStation 3 offers only a few strong titles. If you plan on picking one up, be sure to check out Resistance: Fall of Man, NFL 2K7 and Call of Duty 3. Graphically, PS3 does not have a game that rivals Xbox 360’s Gears of War, so if you’re looking for a console that’s going to impress from day one, you may want to read up on the Xbox 360.
The PlayStation 3 is really a console for the older gaming audience. Most of the exclusive games coming out for the PlayStation 3 (Lair, Metal Gear Solid 4, and Devil May Cry 4) are going to be very violent. There will be games that are suitable for youngsters, but these games will also be available for cheaper consoles like the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360, so it’s really not worth spending the extra money on those games unless you’re a die-hard Sony fan or if you want a Blu-Ray player in your living room. The PlayStation 3 also features a motion-sensing, wireless controller called SIXAXIS. The controller is lightweight, feels great and works well with all types of games. If you’re a fan of the rumble feature, you may be disappointed in the fact that the SIXAXIS does not vibrate. The motion-sensing aspect isn’t implemented in too many games, but it does work well in the games it has been featured in so far. It’s not as innovative as the Wii’s new controller, but it’s still giving users something they didn’t have before.
Since the PlayStation 3 is such an intricately structured system, it does have some bugs at the moment. The SIXAXIS controllers of the PS3 have been locking up, online browsing has caused some consoles to crash and users have also had problems with displaying the PS3 at 720p. None of these problems are big, and Sony will have them fixed by the time most consumers will have a chance to get the console.
The PlayStation 3 is more of an investment right now. Sony promises there will be more great games coming to the console, a wider selection of Blu-Ray movies and it tells us the console will be around for the next 10 years. PS3 has a lot to offer, but for anyone to see the true power of the console, Sony needs to release better games in a wider variety. Keep in mind the first two PlayStations also had rocky launches (and they turned out to be great consoles), so if your heart is set on the PS3, don’t let the bad press surrounding it stop you from getting one.
Nintendo Wii
Parents look no further: the Nintendo Wii is here. The new Nintendo console is a user-friendly, affordable and above all, fun system. Rather than going the route of Microsoft and Sony and giving users a high definition experience, Nintendo decided to stick to fun factor and gameplay instead. The Nintendo Wii hardware isn’t anything like the 360 or PS3 — the graphics look more the GameCube or PlayStation 2. Don’t be worried: what the Wii lacks in graphics it more than makes up in with its innovative wireless controller, the Wiimote.
Nintendo Wii features two separate controllers. One of them is called the Wiimote and the other is called the Nunchuk. Some games make you use both controllers at the same time, while others only require the Wiimote. Instead of hitting a button to swing a sword or baseball bat, the Wii actually makes you swing the Wiimote to mimic the movement. Every game on the console (so far) features motion detection. The Wii is actually centered around this feature, which it has fully integrated into the gameplay of every one of its games.
With the Wii, you already have a great selection of games including The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, Rayman Raving Rabbids and Madden NFL 07. The Wii also comes with a game called Wii Sports, that is suitable for all ages and lots of fun on your own, or when you’re having people over. Though the games for the Wii may sound childish, the Wii actually delivers a great experience for both adults and kids. It’s more of a social console than the 360 or PS3 as its controls are very intuitive and it’s easy for someone to pick up and play. Keep in mind it’s up to Nintendo to keep releasing games that will utilize its new controller. If games start to run dry and users end up doing the same thing in every game, the Wii could end up being a novelty console.
The Nintendo Wii retails for $250, making it the cheapest next gen console on the market. The Wii not only features free online play/browsing via WiFi, but the console also features “Virtual Console.” Users can get online and download NES, Super NES, Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 games, and play them on the Wii. The games cost a little bit of money, but nothing out of the ordinary. The Wii offers something for everyone, but there are a few things you’ll have to watch out for. Honestly, if you have a HDTV, the Wii’s graphics don’t look very good. It’s better to go buy separate component cables rather than using the composite cables that come with the console. Not only do you have to spend extra money for the cables, but they are sold out just about everywhere. There is also a shortage of controllers at the moment, so if you plan on having more than one person playing at a time, be sure to order a controller online so you can get one by the time you get a Wii.
Because of the Wii’s hardware limitations, it doesn’t have as big of a big chance of lasting as long as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Nintendo has to keep delivering games that make users use the Wiimote in different ways. Innovation is the key for the Wii. Lots of consumers fear that the Wii will be short lived and then become a novelty item. The GameCube really didn’t do it for gamers, but the Wii has had a great launch, now all Nintendo has to do is keep up the good work.
Microsoft Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 launched in November of 2005, and if you think that makes the console not up to par with the Wii or PS3, you’re sorely mistaken. At the moment the Xbox 360 features the strongest gaming library of the three next gen gaming consoles, and it’s cheaper than the PlayStation 3, selling for $399 for a 20GB model and $299 for a model without a hard drive. The good thing about Xbox 360 is that the console is HD-ready out of the box. Since the console comes with component cables, all you have to do is plug in and you’re ready to go. The bad part is, if you want to watch movies that are comparable to Blu-Rays, you need to get buy a HD-DVD add-on for the 360, which runs for $199. Another downside to the console is that the lower end version doesn’t come with a hard drive, making you fork over another $100 to get one of those. Also, the console doesn’t feature WiFi, so if you have wireless internet, you have to buy a wireless adapter for the console, which also runs for $100.
The Xbox 360 revolutionized online gaming. The Xbox Live Marketplace allows users to browse game downloads, demos, trailers, arcade games, expansions with ease. The interface is easy to use and customizable, which also adds to the fun factor. Finding your friends and sending text/voice messages is simple, and inviting others to play a game you’re currently playing is only a click away. Microsoft really set a standard for what a console should be able to do with its online capabilities, and the both the PS3 and the Wii are doing similar things now. There are a couple downsides to online gaming with the 360. The first is, you have to pay a $50 fee yearly to play against other players. Also, there’s no internet browser for the 360, though we may see one in the future.
Where the console falters, it makes up for in games. The Xbox 360 features great games like Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, Perfect Dark Zero, Rainbow Six Vegas and the extraordinary Gears of War. With that being said, you can already tell that the Xbox 360 is another console for adults. Most of these games are violent, have bad language and aren’t the best choice for your 8-year old to spend his time on. The console does have titles for everyone like Rockstar Games Presents: Table Tennis, Kameo and Burnout Revenge, but most of the defining games that make the 360 what it is are for older audiences. Another strong aspect of the 360 is its controller. The Xbox 360 controller isn’t too heavy, features rumble and just feels right when playing just about every game. The controller has been so successful that many PC gamers have gone out and bought a 360 controller to plug into their PCs via USB.
If you want to impress your friends from day one, and really show them what next gen gaming is all about, the Xbox 360 is the way to go. A user-friendly interface, great games and great controller design make the 360 what it is. Especially since the 360 is the only console to offer Gears of War, which is the new standard of what next gen games need to look like. The Xbox 360 does have some hidden charges up its sleeve, so you’ll be paying almost as much as a PS3 when you think about add ons and online play, but the experience you get from the console is more than worth it. All Microsoft needs to do now is keep releasing strong titles for the Xbox 360. Oh yeah, and where are the RPGs?
This entire article, however, is moot if you can’t find a Wii or a PS3. The 360 is available almost everywhere, right now, much to Microsoft’s benefit. However, in a recent trip to Nintendo World in New York we learned that people are still lining up at midnight to get a Wii when the store opens at 8am. There are a number of “packages” being sold online in upwards of $1000 – don’t fall for it. Parents: if you’re stuck without a Wii this holiday, pick up a few classic titles for the kids older console and grab one right after the 25th. The PS3 is impossible to find – only a few hundred thousand were made for the U.S. market, so either go 360 or pick up some classics for the PS2 to tide the little buggers over.
Next year we’ll all be Wii-ing, PS3-ing, and 360-ing. This year, we’ll be stuck outside the shop window, salivating over our electronic Red Ryders like Ralphie.
The XB360 add-on is sold for $199 USD/CAD, not $299. o.ob
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-HD-DVD-Player/dp/B000JHO4L0/sr=8-1/qid=1165244786/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-0347319-5436441?ie=UTF8&s=videogames
Just a correction, the HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360 costs $199.99, not $299.99. I think the Xbox 360 is the best gaming value and the best gaming system available.
You’re missing one potential drawback to the 360 (and the main reason I have no plans to get one.) Most of its top of the line, must have games all but require a HD TV to be played. I’ve seen many reviews of games such as Gears of War that say gameplay on standard def TV is distorted and text difficult if not impossible to read.
I have a PS2 and never paid a little extra to play online…..Do I owe someone money?
Someone didn’t proof read their article!
“The Wii not only features free online play/browsing (though the browswer has not been implemented yet) via WiFi, but the console also features “Virtual Console.””
“Honestly, if you have a HDTV, the Wii’s graphics don’t very good.”
Do you know John Patel?
Replying to guest:
Ok, but you would rather pay for a Blue-Ray player?
You need HD to fully utilize what the player is meant for.
The fact is Sony is the leader and all others are victims of Billies brain washing….Buy Sony!
My favorite line is “it doesn’t have as big of a big chance of lasting as long “.
Good points in the article but terrible writing. Learn some grammar.
While you need to buy an addition to view HD-DVD media on a 360 I’d hardly count that as a negative. It allows those of us who want a pure gaming console the ability to purchase that without be saddled with two hundred dollars of video hardware we might not otherwise want. Those who *do* want to view movies have the option of adding the hardware (and at a cost less than standalone units). The only real downside is the capacity of game discs are now much larger on the PS3; however games have been using multiple discs to overcome smaller capacity for years.
Also, you mention that if you purchase a Core unit you’ll need to pay an extra $100 for an HDD. While this is a fact, I can’t see any reason why someone would buy a Core and then turn around and buy an HDD when the Premium is exactly $100 more and includes the HDD and other extras as well.
On the Wii you might mention that it currently ONLY supports WiFi internet; if you do not have a wireless router you’ll need to go purchase one. There is a USB to Ethernet adapter coming down the pipe however.
I would also daresay the scaling issue with the PS3 is big. Dropping you to 480p instead of 1080i is a huge problem to those of us who have sets this affects (which, ironically enough, tend to be Sony televisions). It should be easy enough to fix for video playback via firmware updates that shift the processing burden to the existing hardware. For games this is a much greater issue since they cannot, in all likelihood, tolerate the increased overhead scaling would create. This is most likely why Sony backed of the initial statement of ‘We’ll fix it in firmware update’ and is going with ‘We’re aware of the problem’. It may be fixeable, but for people with affected displays it should be a huge caveat.
lol..is crunchgear outsourced as well?
Does anyone know when they’ll stop producing the ps2? I want one….real bad and only for final fantasy.
Great article! I must have read a hundred reviews of these 3 systems over the past month, and this one is the best….unbiased, thorough and funny, too. It has clarified my thinking and helped me to decide on an informed purchase. Keep up the great work!
The xbox 360 is a better buy for many reasons but to quote IGN, I think the following reason should be taken into consideration:
November 15, 2006 – As final PlayStation 3 units continue to trickle into more and more hands, additional details about how the system works and what it can and can’t do are hitting the web. The latest (rather major) tidbit is how the console treats the upscaling and downscaling of 720p titles on televisions that don’t support that resolution — specifically those that are only 1080i capable.
As it turns out, gamers who own older HD sets that feature only 480i, 480p, and 1080i resolution input capabilities will have to settle for the display quality being downsized as the game boots in its 480p mode rather than upscaling the image from its more desirable 720p mode to the TV’s 1080i. We tested this development on older HDTV sets with games designed for 720p but not 1080i — Resistance: Fall of Man, NHL 2K7, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, and Need for Speed Carbon. Sure enough, the system downshifted all four titles to 480p rather than moving up to 1080i.
The PlayStation 3’s competitor, Microsoft’s Xbox 360, does upscale 720p games to 1080i if the HD set supports the latter resolution but not the in-between and commonly-employed 720p resolution.
From what I have read this is a hardware issue that Sony has & the problem was not fixed via the latest software fix.
“The PS2 also doubles as DVD player, and gives you online play, though, you’ll have to pay a little extra for that.”
Online play is free, and eithernet jack is included in the current systems.
Games like *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3*, *NFL 2k3*, Metal Gear Solid: 2/3 and Final Fantasy XII really show what the PlayStation 2 is capable of.
THPS3? 2K3? When did you start writing this article?
“Because of the Wii’s hardware limitations, it doesn’t have as *big of a big* chance of lasting as long as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.”
lol
My Votes:
PS2 – Old hardware, obviously being phased out, avoid.
PS3 – New hardware, too-expensive, probably going to be a great choice after first rounds of price drops. If you have a 1080p television, believe that the blu-ray format will be the winner, and want to show it off, you probably have some disposable income, so go ahead and get this. Otherwise, wait a year.
XBOX360 – Great choice this holiday season for the ‘traditional’ gamer. With over 7 million units in circulation, the 360 is the current king of this generation of consoles. Starting at $299, it’s even a reasonable buy for those with a tight budget. Microsoft has recently released a free software update which allows for 1080p output. Paired with a $199 HD-DVD player upgrade, this machine, like the PS3, is great for showing off your fancy Hi-Def television. In terms of games, because of the existing user-base, expect many games to be developed for the 360 and then ported over to the PS3 and to see best performance on the 360 versions.
Wii – What can I say besides: Wii = fun. I own one of these consoles and have had more fun with friends and family with this machine than I’ve ever had with any other platform. Nintendo is really working to re-define the gaming market by providing fun games for people of all ages and experience levels. At $249 with a game, the Wii is the best value this season. This is not the machine to get if you equate graphics with quality of a game especially since there is no Hi-Def support (only 480p EDTV). With the soon-to-be free online game-play and reasonably priced selections from a back-catalog of NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, and TurboGraphx16 games, this system is also a great choice for those who want to relive the glory days of the original Zelda. With it’s innovative control scheme and low price point, I highly recommend the Wii for anyone this holiday season.
i live in Trinidad and those things are all too expensive for me I’m happy with my Nintendo DS ┬╪▄♦♦♠
the PS3 is the way to go. it might not have good games now but in about one or two years it will have some kick @$$ games. “;..;”
Regarding when Sony might stop producing the PS2, if I had to make an educated guess, I’d say they will stop producing the PS2 in about 3 to 4 years. If my memory serves me correctly, Sony stopped producing the PSone within a year before releasing the PS3. There have also been hints from Sony that a PS4 may be released around 2010. So, I would imagine they will follow the same general path by continuing to produce PS2s until the PS4 is just around the corner, then will retire it and maintain the support for the PS3 and PS4. If they stay true to their word, and support the PS3 for around 10 years, that may suggest that a PS5 could be released around 2016 or 2017, shortly after the PS3 might be retired.
http://www.stareclips.com/?Sony-PS4
Will you lot just grow up! lol. Overall, I would recommend the Xbox 360, as I already have one, there is nothing wrong with playing games on a standard tv. I have both a standard and a hd. Obviously the HD TV is better to play on but the stabdard tv is still playable.
People who are after the PS3 and criticise the Xbox about the graphics, need to realise that, if they are going to play it on a standard tv, the graphics are going to be the same so there is no point boasting about it.
Eventhough I don’t have the Wii, I strongly considering to buy it as it looks like fun. I’d rather be having fun than getting pissed of playing WWE on a 360. These are here to have fun with so just keep with it!
I want to retract what I said above, I got paid to say it. Have a good day!
I’m selling my Xbox 360 for a Atari 2600. Game play is the best. The simulated wood inlay sold me…..Good luck with your dicision.
Hate to destroy your childhood memories Paul, but Atari crapped out some pretty worthless games. A lot of them in fact.
Think the “port” of Pacman, or ET.
Call me old fashioned if you will, but none of these new generation of consoles can beat Granny’s garden on the acorn. :(
I tried, but I couldn’t read this “Article” (was it written by a first grader?) without responding. Not once was the original Xbox mentioned. It is twice as powerful as the PS2 and about the same as the Wii (but the Xbox offers the HD) and it only costs $150.
I am not a Microsoft fan by any means. I think that MS Windows is a Cancer on our society that will plague us for decades to come. But come on, the clear winner is the XBOX 360. I believe the PS3 with its limit bus through put from the Cell processor and memory will prove to be much less effective than 360’s direct pipeline in the graphics department. Not to mention XNA (the development tool all the developers love).
As far as paying for an online service any stupid retard moron that thinks a “Free service” provided by the game publisher can compare to a universal “Pay for play” service is just plain dumb! What are you, on welfare? It only cost $50 a year.
XBOX LIVE RULES!!!!!!!!
And unless you have played on it before you have no room to disagree!
I tried, but I couldn’t read this “Article” (was it written by a first grader?) without responding. Not once was the original Xbox mentioned. It is twice as powerful as the PS2 and about the same as the Wii (but the Xbox offers the HD) and it only costs $150.
I am not a Microsoft fan by any means. I think that MS Windows is a Cancer on our society that will plague us for decades to come. But come on, the clear winner is the XBOX 360. I believe the PS3 with its limit bus through put from the Cell processor and memory will prove to be much less effective than 360’s direct pipeline in the graphics department. Not to mention XNA (the development tool all the developers love).
As far as paying for an online service any stupid retard moron that thinks a “Free service” provided by the game publisher can compare to a universal “Pay for play” service is just plain dumb! What are you, on welfare? It only costs $50 a year.
XBOX LIVE RULES!!!!!!!!
And unless you have played on it before you have no room to disagree!
Damn Microsoft and their grammar/spell check I’m like a meth addict that just can’t stop using… It screwed me again. The word “cost” should read “costs.”
Damn Microsoft and their grammar/spell check I’m like a meth addict that just can’t stop using… It screwed me again. The word “cost” should read “costs.”
Damn Microsoft and their grammar/spell check I’m like a meth addict that just can’t stop using… It screwed me again. The word “cost” should read “costs.”
John – your sarcasm detector is broken.
Cheers.
Hah.. very funny… didn’t get paid to say anything. Just offering my honest opinion. Just ask my fiancee and her family. I’ve never seen more people over the age 50 interested in playing a video game for more than 2 minutes before.
I honestly recommend the Xbox 360 for people who want to play more traditional games w/ great graphics. If you are interested in fast-paced, beautiful FPS action (aka Gears of War) then I believe the 360 is the best choice (especially over the PS3). Keep in mind that games won’t be cross-platform multiplayer online. So, would you rather get online now and have a pool of 175-200k people to play with or a pool of potential players over several million. I’m sure the PS3 is a great system and I might get one, it just won’t be until next year.
Nintendo has its weaknesses, but it does also have much broader appeal. When was the last time a gaming system received rave reviews from a group of retired people? I wish Nintendo had their act together and had the online functionality enabled along with online-multiplayer games available now.
Again, just my 2 cents.
After all the hype for the weeeeeee, my prediction is it will be the next NEO-GEO. Once the PS3 hits $350 by next Christmas……NINTENDO WII R.I.P. by 2008!
Don’t forget that the HD-DVD addon for the 360 is not HDCP compliant whereas even the $500 version of the PS3 has an HDMI connection so HD movies will never outgrow the platform.
The 360 has a nasty achiles heel that could brick it for anyone who is serious about watching movies. It doesn’t get reported much, sadly. It could be a huge story for anyone with the balls to fight the Microsoft FUD machine.
No matter which one you prefer,you can buy any of them at
http://www.pogientertainment.com!
buy any of these consoles at
pogientertainment.com
How come people here are mistaking 1080i as superior to 720p? 720p is actually the ‘higher’ resolution format and much more desirable since it is not interlaced. If you need to know what resolution 1080i us – it is only 540 lines of resolution, as compared to 720p’s full 720 lines of resolution. I’d be happy to post a link to the technology if anyone is interested.
If you are serious about watching movies then do so on a DVD player. I’ve never watched a single movie on my Xbox, PS2 or Xbox 360.
Can’t resist posting a link about it. 1080i should actually be renamed 540i. 1080i is just too misleading.
http://alvyray.com/DigitalTV/Naming_Proposal.htm
R, lowblow & BroBro: Rude, rude, rude. Obviously geekboys who sit in front of their consoles all day and have no experience in civilized human interaction. Geekboys, go back to your gaming rockers and stop insulting a person for their grammar and ethnicity.
Here is a link incase anyone cares to know what 1080i is as compared to 720p. 1080i should be renamed 540i since 1080i is completely misleading.
http://alvyray.com/DigitalTV/Naming_Proposal.htm
This system doesn’t post your post right away after hitting submit, so I apologize for the double post above.
The way I understand it is, well it is kind like a zoom feature. Take for example a DVD. You can zoom to get rid to the top and bottom horizontal bars. But the problem is that you loose information on the sides when you do that (the 4:3 tv isn’t the correct dimension or aspect ratio). With 720p on a 16:9 tv, the thing that you are zooming in on is a 1280:720 signal. So to go to 1366:768, the aspect ratio is compatible with 1.067 as the multiplier or zoom factor.
This concept seems to apply to the 1080i display on a 768 line monitor. I have to assume that in order to keep the 16:9 aspect ratio you must say that a 1080 signal p or i is actually 1920×1080. So if this is true, the same scaling concept applies except instead of zooming in we are actually zooming out. Check out the Math.
1920 lines will scale down to 1366 and by default the 1080 line will scale down to 768. Now that would be how a 1080p signal could be displayed on a 768p monitor. So for 1080i just half the numbers i.e. 1080/2=540 scales to 768/2 = 384 lines. So for 1080i only 384 lines are displayed at any given time on a 1366×768 tv vs. 768 lines for 720p.
That is why I agree with the guy when he says 720p is better than 1080i.
why is the Ps2 silver ? lol you cant buy a silver Ps2 anywhere o by the way who ever wrote this article really needs to check their facts before posting because overall this article had way to many mistakes
I have been a gamer for many many many years. I’m one of those ‘over 50′ guys, but I was into the computer revolution before there WAS one. I have owned and worked on the original Apple ][ and other old machines such as Zenith, Osborne and Z-80 based systems that predated Microsoft.
So, maybe I’m an old guy, but I have told people for years and years that ‘Great Graphics’ do not make a great game. Great graphics can only make a good game better. They certainly can’t turn a poor game into a great game, just because it ‘looks’ better. In some cases, great graphics can actually be a turn-off, because, by trying to represent ‘real’ life, the graphics can stick out like a sore thumb when they fail to achieve that expectation of perfection. Surprisingly, ‘cartoon’ graphics can sometimes work better in these circumstances. We don’t expect them to be ‘real.’ Instead, we expect them to be part of a ‘fantasy’ so we don’t feel shocked when we notice that they aren’t quite real, and we can feel free to become engrossed in the fantasy without distraction.
In any case, I am primarily interested in games for the FUN that they create. After all, if they aren’t fun, then why would anyone want to play them? In addition, after many years of playing games alone, I can tell you that the funnest games are always the games that involve other people. So, what is my view on the current game console war?
I think PlayStation 3 will be a winner, but it isn’t there yet. Great graphics, yes, but there just aren’t enough games, and most of the expected games will be for lone nerds. PlayStation needs to come up with a MUCH wider variety of games, and you are probably looking a year or two years down the road before it will really be fun to play. Sorry guys. That’s just the truth. In addition, they still have technological bugs to work out, so why would you buy one now? One more thing, don’t expect the price to drop. You won’t see it fall $100 in the next year, and it might be 3 to 4 years before it drops as much as $100. It is just too complex and they are ALREADY losing money on each console. They aren’t going to drop the price and lose more. Personally, I think PS 3 tries to do too much. Sony is obviously using it to try to push people into their HD TVs and to buy their ‘Blue-ray’ HD movies. They are great, but all of that is still very expensive for most people. I advise waiting at least a year or two, then get it if it has a wide variety of games that you like.
XBox 360 has a nice selection of games, a good price, but it won’t compete technologically with PlayStation 3, in the long run. Close, but no cigar. If the biggest selling point is the technology, then XBox 360 loses. Still, if you want an HD system that you can play right now, and if the games are the ones you like, then go for it. It will still be around for at least 4 or 5 years, and the game selection can only improve even more, in coming years. But it does have a distinct lack of party games, and fun games to attract people who aren’t the hard core gamers.
Last we come to Wii. Okay, I own one. I will tell you that it ain’t so cheap. By the time you buy the basic system for $250 (they are $670 online RIGHT NOW), then add 3 more controllers (Wimotes plus Nunchucks) at about $70 a set, then add 10 games at $50 each, you will be out around $1000. A lot to spend if you just want some ‘good games’ and you aren’t a hard core gamer. But I WILL say that the games are FUN. The graphics of Wii can be upgraded (and likely will be upgraded at a future ‘Wii 2′) but the game play probably can’t be improved. It is revolutionary, different and interactive, all at the same time. As a group game, social game and party game, it won’t be topped for a long time to come. So, my verdict is that THIS is the game for people who just want to have a GOOD time. It is surprisingly easy, intuitive and engrossing, all at once. Describing it is like desribing a roller coaster ride. You have to EXPERIENCE it to really understand it.
So, my personal verdict is that it is still to early for PS 3 (which WILL be successful, but isn’t there yet), and, when it comes to the other two machines, you should buy whichever one suits your own gaming style the best. But if you like to party, get the Wii.
What’s up with the windows bashing? Another over zealous Mac fan? Is it Microsoft’s fault you keep posting twice? In terms of systems:
Xbox 360: For now, definitely a best buy. The graphics are (currently) superior to PS3’s and it doesn’t force you to waste money on Blu-Ray technology that is likely to go the way of Betamax.
Wii: Worth it, if not just for a second system. It’s the fun system and if you can measure its success by means of the DS you will note that it will school Sony’s better graphics with current sales of 3:1 just on the basis of a new form of gameplay.
PS3: It may be the best technologically but Sony has to get its act together soon or else this system will flop. I bet that it will succeed but not nearly as well as PS2 since 360 has such a lead and due to its production problems. It’ll be well worth it after a (significant) price drop.
All you gamers are idiots. Rules of gamings are.
1. PC’s rule
2. Consoles suck.
There are games that are coming out for pc’s that not even the capabilities of ps3 can run. With that said, let me explain something about cell processor in ps3. WHY GAMES SUCK FOR PS3 compared to Xbox360, ie Gears of War comparison to Resistance: Fall of Man.
The cell processors architecture requires rethinking of software programming. At this stage, not much is being developed. I don’t how many of you have read any research papers regarding this but I would suggest going to IBM website directly to find out. There is also another article in wikipedia, pdf format *direct research done. Read it then see what console really sux or doesn’t. I personally never had a console in my life but I am going to get PS3, not for gaming or videos but to make a pc out of it. With no disrespect but a lot of you don’t understand how chips work. All that dual core and quad core that are coming out or came out already is due to massive heating problems. Xbox360 produces more heat and why! Intel tried to cure their chip heating problems by putting in multiple chips because they couldn’t make it smaller without losing electrons and losing computing powers!!!! Sony has solved with this chip what Intel has been facing for many years. So next time you nubbies want to get a pc and it says dual core and quad core, think about whats going on and think CELL. Next generations electrons will all be based on cell principles. WELCOME TO FUTURE and its all CELL………..
A monkey who looked at the packaging of the 4 consoles could have written this article. Thank you for oooozing over the sony stuff. Did Sony hire you to write this? Is the original Xbox dead? It is vastly more powerful than the PS2, but I see from your writing that power only matters when comparing PS3 to the Wii or 360. And the original Xbox can be used on xbox live where you can chat and play online with friends (shocking! gasp!) And it can also do HD! up to 720p! Oh my God! Did you know that? Oh, if I have wireless internet I can’t possibly buy a 4$ LAN cord to plug in my Xbox360 to the internet! Whaaaat?
Wii has similar plans to Xbox live? How bout they have licensing for all games that were ever on a Nintendo/N64/Gamecube or Genesis ready for download? Does PS3 online have that? Or that Xbox60 probably is more backward compatible than PS3? OR that the WII is 100% backward comatible with the Gamecube.
There are no drawbacks to the cheap PS3 version? Nothing is lacking that shows up in the more expensive version? Really? If I buy an add on to the xbox 360 to make it play HD-DVD it is a similar price to the PS3! OH Drawback! Shut up, idiot. How about that the Wii is planning on expansion hardware for HD. How about those apples?
Freaking do your reasearch you corporate shill. You make me sad and disgusted.
AMEN MiniGun.
The Cell Processor is built with 1 PPE (Power Processing Element) thats your main processing unit and then ontop of that is bolstered with **8** SPEs (Synergystic Processing Elements). 1+8 = 9 cores. Intel’s top chip, the Core 2 Duo Extreme is quad core (4 cores). The problem is heat, neither AMD nor Intel can cope with the problem.
So why Sony? Well Sony didn’t do it alone, a new company called STI was created purely to develop this monster of a chip. STI stands for, and all of you know these companies, SONY TOSHIBA IBM. The juggernauts of the computing industry.
IBM is the first company to come out with a PC.
Toshiba just launched the smallest with the largest space HDD ever (1.8 inches for 100gb)
Sony, well we all know what Sony does with their sick LCDs and super fine Vaios (I’d never buy one but people like em).
So people, buy a PS3. Not now, wait for the second wave, but when you pack a Cell processor with 1080p and a blu-ray I don’t see how you could go wrong. MiniGun is correct, buy a computer, buy a PS3.
As a final side note. STI advanced the technology further and created “Blades” of Cell chips that are powering the fastest computers in the world. We’re talking scrotching fast without scrotching burns.
Cool.
I am a sony fan and I always will be but I’m sorry man i mean come on I don’t have an extra 600 just layin around i have to say that sadly I’m going to get a Wii.
SORRY SONY BUT I’M NOT RICH ENOUGH!!!!!!
PS3: It is true that Sony has made the claim that the system will last 10 years making it future proof. Keep in mind this is the same company that said it could pull off a better three territory launch than Microsoft, would have a better online service than Xbox Live, AND would graphically blow the 360 out of the water. Of course, none of these statements turned out to be true. Seeing as PC’s are already becoming more powerful than the PS3 and 360 the statement about being future-proofed is most likely false. As of right now, there have been multiple bugs/issues with the PS3 bluetooth controllers, OS, and online service. You can view this system as an investment but why not just wait a year or two for the games to come and purchase the console then? Makes no sense to purchase a PS3 right now.
360: Currently has the best next-gen gaming library and with games like Gears of War, Halo 3, Mass Effect, Alan Wake, MechAssault 3, GRAW 2, Lost Planet, Lost Odyssey, etc., it shows no signs of slowing down on delivering the hits. You do have to pay (annually or monthly) for the Gold online service but I mean come on, the price comes to about $1 a week! Right now the 360 is the obvious choice for mature next gen gaming. The only issues I have run into with the 360 is that the wireless controller will continue to draw power even when turned off, taking away from the battery life. Second, the system is rather loud when playing games. One might want to wait 6 months for a 360 with a new cpu that will (fingers crossed) significantly reduce the amount of heat generated by the console.
Wii: For starters, Nintendo did an amazing job generating hype for this console. I loved playing this system for the first week that I had it. The gameplay is straightforward and intuitive. I enjoyed playing with my 7yr old nephew and my wife. Even though my nephew still adores creating Mii’s and playing Wii Sports, my wife and I haven’t touched the system in a couple of weeks. The simple control schemes come at a price as almost every game on the system is extremely shallow and dull when compared to the games on the 360 and PS3. Personally, I have a difficult time calling this system “next-gen” when it is about as powerful as the original Xbox. If a motion-sensitive controller were released for the original Xbox no one would call it next-gen, so why do we call the Wii next-gen? There are some good games coming out for this system: Metroid 3, Smash Bros., Fire Emblem, Advance Wars, and Mario Galaxy. If you are a young or inexperienced gamer the Wii is a great purchase. If you are a more experienced, adult, and/or hardcore gamer I would stick with the 360.
PS2/Xbox: Are currently being phased out of production. PS2 if you enjoy the Final Fantasy series and other Japanese RPG’s. Xbox if you enjoy FPS/adult action titles such as the Halo’s or the Tom Clancy franchises (Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, or Splinter Cell).