Feature
|
Xbox 360
|
PS3
|
Advantage
|
Support for HDTV
|
Yes
Xbox 360 Premium ships with a cable that can connect to
regular TVs (composite) or HDTVs (component). The Xbox 360 Core ships with a
cable for connecting to regular TVs (composite/S-Video). A VGA cable is also
available for connecting to HDTVs.
|
Yes
However, both PS3 SKUs ship with composite cables. A
separate HDMI cable must be purchased to enable HDTV connections. Not all
HDTVs have HDMI connections.
|
Xbox 360
|
Game Graphics Quality
|
There has been a lot of speculation in the press
concerning the numerical crunching capabilities of the PS3 cell processor.
The techno geeks have written a lot about Sony’s overstatements concerning the
number of teraflops available to developers. In the end there is a
consensus that the specialized PS3 Cell has only a slight potential performance
advantage over the triple core CPU in the Xbox 360 that is more then offset by
the way games are actually built and the programming tools available to Xbox 360 developers that Sony has failed
to provide to PS3 developers.
Most importantly, graphic capabilities are going to be largely based
on 1) the graphics processing unit (GPU) not the console’s central processing
unit (CPU), and 2) available graphics memory. The Xbox 360 has a more powerful GPU and more graphics memory.
|
Xbox 360
Currently on a side-by-side comparison games that play on
both units look better on an Xbox 360 (see 1Ups.com
side-by-side comparisons). But only marginally, and this may change as
programmers get used to the PS3. It should be noted that PS3 game
graphics do NOT match the pre-rendered “demos” shown at recent
electronic/gaming conferences. Some PS3 games are only
playing in 720p and are still suffering framerate issues (see below).
|
Game Graphic Standards (720p, 1080i/p)
|
All games support 720p and 1080i. 1080p capabilities have
recently been added to the units and some developers are rumored to be
enabling 1080p game play.
|
The PS3 is designed for 1080i/p, but some games only play
in 720p. Games that only play in 720p will display in 480p on HDTVs that do
not support 720p (e.g., if you have a 1080i/p HDTV that does not have 720p
support. This is a MAJOR issue - 720p games play in 480p on some HDTVs.
The PS3 cannot scale!
|
Xbox 360
If Sony ever fixes this scaling problem (and they’ve not
committed to such a fix) this will still not be a draw. Some PS3 games are
being produced in only 720p. The machine currently does not provide an
adequate frame-rate for high-graphic games in 1080i/p.
|
Game Selection
|
Over 150+ games
|
20+ games
|
Xbox 360
In addition, many PlayStation exclusives are no longer exclusives on
the new generation of consoles (e.g., GTA, Assassins Creed, Metal Gear Solid
(maybe), Virtua Fighter 5, etc).
|
Game Load Times
|
Uses a standard DVD for game playback. Data density is
low, but disk speed is high, resulting in a very high data transfer rate and
low load times
|
Uses a Blu-Ray DVD for game playback. Data density is
high, but disk speed is low, resulting in a low data transfer rate and high
load times. Some game designers are compensating by pre-loading portions of
games onto the hard drive
|
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 data transfer rate is over twice that
available on the PS3. Online forums are reporting substantially longer
load times for games on the PS3.
|
Backwards Game Compatibility
|
Limited
Microsoft initially indicated that the Xbox 360 would not be
backwards compatible, but has continually been adding to the growing list of
Xbox games that will play on the Xbox 360.
Xbox games look better than ever thanks to upscaled visuals and the
addition of anti-aliasing. Some games even play in 720p.
|
Limited/Poor Quality
While promising 100% backwards compatibility, some PS2 and
PS1 games will not play correctly on the PS3. Game saves can be transferred
from a PS2 to a PS3 using an optional memory adapter. However, PS2 games have terrible visuals on the PS3.
Multiple posting on YouTube can be found showing the difference.
|
Xbox 360
The larger backwards compatibility available on the PS3 is offset by
the poor graphics reproduction of many games. Old games on a Xbox 360
look better then they did on the original Xbox.
|
Online Game Support
|
Yes
Unified presences across all games.
Private/Public Chats
Reputation
Achievements
However, must pay to play against/with others (there is an
advantage in this approach as a player’s reputation is tied to their ID on
the system, an ID that costs to change)
|
Yes
No charge (from Sony) regardless of level of service
No single standard with which developers must comply.
Servers are left to individual game companies to maintain, which means they
will be, at best, inconsistent and, at worst, horribly undependable and
features-dry
|
Xbox 360
Xbox Live is a mature service that Sony has failed to
replicate. Volumes could be written regarding the differences, but Microsoft
has the winning formula here.
|
Multiple Online Users |
Yes
Multiple online profiles may be logged in at once. |
No
There’s also no way to have two or more users logged in at the same time,
such as when you’re playing a multiplayer game. |
Xbox 360 |
Internet Browsing
|
Limited
Access to information on Xbox Live and browsing if
connected to a Media Center PC
|
Yes
Surf the internet using the PS3 internet browser.
|
PS3
|
Support for High Definition DVD
|
Yes
Microsoft sells a HD DVD drive that can be added to a Xbox
360 if a user is interested in High Definition movies
|
Yes
The PS3 ships with a Blu-Ray player. This is not an
option. You get a Blu-Ray player whether you want one or not.
|
Draw
However, see below regarding supported resolutions on
playback. If you have a 720p HDTV the PS3 Blu-Ray playback is going to be in
480p (i.e., look like a regular DVD). In addition, PS3 1080-24 playback does
not currently work correctly.
|
Infrared Remote |
Yes
The Xbox 360 has an infrared port that the Microsoft remotes, 3rd party
remotes, and Universal remotes can use to control movie and video playback.
It integrates well with existing home theater systems. |
No
This is one of those decisions that makes no sense. The PS3 is
supposed to be an entertainment center...yet it has no infrared port.
Only Bluetooth. So it is NOT compatible with just about any remote
sold. There are infrared and even a few UHF remotes, but no Bluetooth
remotes (except from Sony) |
Xbox 360 |
Support for High Definition DVD playback on 720p HDTV
|
Yes
HD Movies look spectacular on a 720p HDTV
|
No
720p playback is not supported. If your HDTV does not
support 1080i/p then playback will be at 480p (standard DVD resolution)
|
Xbox 360
|
Support for High Definition DVD playback at 1080i/p
|
Yes
However, the current cable type (component) on the Xbox 360
does not support the digital rights standard (HDCP) that studios can (none
have) enable that restricts playback to 720p if a HDMI or DVI-HDCP connection
isn’t present. 1080p does not currently work on some Sony HDTVs. In
addition, some 1080p HDTVs do not support 1080p input via component or VGA.
|
Yes
However, playback in 1080-24 is not currently properly
supported. Sony has promised a firmware update to fix this issue (December
2006). No support for 1080p via component or VGA. DVI "kinda"
supported with a HDMI to DVI converter (works on some systems, not on
others)
|
Slight edge to PS3
Many older HDTVs do not support HDMI. Xbox support
for older HDTVs is a plus, but mainly wasted as most older HDTVs don't
support 1080p. If studios ever start enabling HDCP on HD DVDs Microsoft
will have to come out with a HDMI connector for the Xbox 360 or the advantage
will go to the PS3.
|
Support for downloadable Movies and TV shows
|
Yes
Movies are available for rent and TV shows for purchase if an Xbox 360 is
connected to a network.
|
No
Sony has indicated they plan to provide this support in
the future.
|
Xbox 360
|
Wireless Controller
|
Yes
Batteries are replaceable with either disposable AA batteries
or with a rechargeable set. Rechargeable batteries can be recharged in a
charging station or with a long recharging cable.
|
Yes
However, the battery is non-removable. When it will no
longer charge the controller will have to be thrown away. In addition, when
charging is required the controller must be plugged into the console – a
short cable is provided.
|
Xbox 360
|
Rumble/Motion Sensitive Controller
|
Rumble
Feedback via the controller. Fire a gun, take a hit and
you feel it.
|
Six Axis Motion Sensitive
Not a Wii controller. So far the games don’t make very
effective use of this feature. It was added late so maybe as developers get
used to it they will do something spectacular like the Wii. Recent forum
reports of PS3 controller "quirkiness" are disappointing. Who wants to
be kicking ass in a game and have your character do "things" you didn't
direct. Get used to it on the PS3.
|
Xbox 360
|
Price
|
$299, No Hard Drive
$399, 20 Gigabyte Hard Drive
|
$499 ,20 Gigabyte Hard Drive
$599, 60 Gigabyte Hard Drive, Built-in WiFi, Built in
memory card reader
|
Xbox 360
|
Rip CDs
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Draw
Both consoles can rip CDs to their
Hard Drives and download CD information from the Internet if connected.
|
Store Pictures
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Draw
|
MP3 Player Support
|
Yes
Supports iPod, Zune, and most USB connectable MP3
players. Note: iTunes DRM protect content will not play.
|
Limited?
Music on memory cards can be played back on the more
expensive PS3. General MP3 player support available.
|
Xbox 360
|
Media Center Support
|
Yes
TV, Video, Pictures, and Music stored on a Media Center PC
on the same network are available on the Xbox 360 (it acts as a Media Center
Extender)
|
No
|
Xbox 360
|
Play Music/Pictures/Video from networked PCs
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Draw
Video, Pictures, and Music stored on PCs on the same network are
available to the gaming consoles.
|
In-game Music Support
|
Yes
Music ripped to the Xbox 360’s hard driver, on attached
MP3 players, on Media Center PCs, and on regular PCs or Macs can be played
back during games (replacing in-game soundtracks).
|
No
|
Xbox 360
|
Handheld Game Unit Support
|
No
|
Limited
Some PS1 games can be downloaded via the PS store,
transferred to a memory stick (on the more expensive PS3 only), and loaded onto
a PSP for play. In theory a PSP can be used for other features (e.g.,
rearview mirror in auto racing games) in PS3 games.
|
PS3
|
Ethernet Port |
Yes |
Yes |
Draw |
WiFi |
Yes
Optional.
A/B/G WiFi Standards |
Yes
Built-in to more expensive model. Not available in cheaper model
B/G WiFi Standards |
Xbox 360
While having the WiFi built-in on the more expensive PS3 is nice, being able
to add it to either Xbox 360 is a great option. The Xbox 360 also
supports more WiFi standards. In addition the Xbox 360 configuration
is easy and straight forward. There have been numerous complaints
concerning the PS3 WiFi configuration |
Linux O/S Support |
No |
Yes |
PS3
However, current versions running on the PS3 do not properly support the
Cell processor and it runs about the same as a 800 MHz Intel based PC. |
Support for user developed games |
Yes
Microsoft has release the XNA developer's kit for end-user game development |
No |
Xbox 360 |