www.gameinformer.net/systembattle3290gh
Ok. So if you're like me, you're probably still holding on to your PS2, and waiting to see if you really should get a Wii, 360, or PS3 when the funds become available.
This article is here to help you determine what system is right for you. The arguments about what system is better, are age old. Each system has a positive/negative compared to an other. Let's just go over, who has what, and what you think will help you decide.
Let's start with the X Box 360. The first thing about the 360 is the radically re-designed shape of the system. The original X Box weighed over 25 lbs, and basically no sold in Japan due to the clunkiness of the machine. Now with the 360, we get the opposite. While it is more attractive and slimmer, the 360 feels flimsy and is made with a type of plastic that feels like, if I dropped it, it would shatter into a million pieces. I also wasn't happy when I was told if I wanted HD support, I needed to purchase an HD-DVD accessory. This will probably be the downfall of the 360. The 360 was released almost a full year earlier than the PS3, and because of that, there are many more games for the 360. This probably is coming to a screeching halt though, with most companies switching to exclusively Blu-Ray.
Network 7.5-10
Xbox live comes with two options. A silver minimal price/free membership, and a gold membership. While the network flows flawlessly, not everyone can afford the gold membership, and should be entitled to the same content. Also the fact that Microsoft is planning Gold excusive games, means you may be shilling out an extra $15 just to play a great online game.
Games 9-10
This is where the Xbox shines. There are almost double the amount of titles out for the 360 than the PS3 or Wii at this point. While we can't comment on the quality of each game, the choices are spectacular.
Movies 2-10
This is probably the biggest negative of the 360. Microsoft chose to use HD-DVD support instead of Blu-Ray, and now with most film studios dropping HD-DVD, there just won't be enough movies made for the machine. Microsoft better hope the game publisher's don't go the same way, or every 360 will need a completely new drive.
Graphics- 7-10.
The HD support for the 360 works well, but doesn't look quite as sharp as it should. This could be from the games being on a HD DVD disc as opposed to a Blu-Ray a la PS3.
The Playstation 3, One year later.
Initially Sony's new PS3 had a hard time taking off. With different models to choose from at various prices, consumers just didn't know what would be enough and what to expect. Now a year later, Blu-ray reigns supreme, and the prices of the PS3 have stabilized. In 2007 the PS3 outsold the XBox 360 in the USA, and In Japan. The PS3 looks radically different from the PS2, especially if you had the slim. My PS3 is an 80G, and weighs about 20 lbs. While it is heavy, it isn't clunky. It actually feels like a "high-class" piece of machinery. One of the clear advantages the PS3 has is the option to install any OS you would like to use on the machine. PS3 will support, WindowsXP, Vista, Linux, and even Mac OS when converted properly.
Network 8-10.
Also it doesn't have the strength of Microsoft’s network, it compensates by giving away plenty of free content. Also, the fact that any multiplayer mode of any game is free, pretty cool in our book!
Games 6-10
Being released almost a year after the 360, the PS3 had some catching up to do in the games department. While it doesn't offer the selection of the 360 (yet), it does have some pretty amazing games. Also, with companies going exclusively to Blu-ray, we may be seeing this explode.
Movies 9.5-10
The PS3's Blu-ray player is one of the best features of the machine. The number of titles is increasing every week, and the quality is just superb. Blu-Ray seems to be the way of the HD future, and PS3 has a great lead in this area.
Graphics. 9-10
Again, back to the Blu-Ray support. The HD on the PS3 looks nothing short of incredible. I have a Xbox 360, and a PS3 hooked up to the same television, and there is really no comparison to the quality, and depth. The cell processor really shines here, and has minimal framerate lag.
Nintendo Wii
Nintendo decided to go a different route this time around. Not putting the emphasis on HD support, and films, and re-focused on gaming. Excellent motion sensor controllers, and some great base games make the Wii worth buying alone. The Wii is also backwards compatible with about every Nintendo system ever made. The Wii looks not nearly as sharp as the 360, or the super slick PS3. But it is a gaming machine, and its something the Wii does well. Great Machine for a party, or getting more involved in your gaming
Network- 5-10
Not as strong as Sony's or Microsoft’s, but than again, most of the content is pretty accessible and free.
Games 8-10
Nintendo comes through strong on some original titles, using your body, and the controller like it was the instrument for the game your playing.. Tennis game, swing the control like a racket,. Zelda?? Swing your sword around!
Movies 0-10
Nintendo has stated their systems are for gaming, and not watching films. Nintendo originally promised a USB add on HD DVD player, but since the fall of HD DVD, Nintendo has scrapped those plans.
Graphics 6-10
While not on the level of the 360, or PS3, the Wii does have some pretty impressive graphics. The HD-Support leaves room for improvement, but for what it is, it really isn't too bad.
