PS3 Vs 360 Review
Sony Playstation 3 Vs. Microsoft Xbox 360
Alright, so everyone is arguing which is better, PS3 or 360. Many reviews you will see will be done by someone who favors one over the other and only includes good facts about 1 and not the other. I myself do not own either, however, I have played both many times, and have enough facts (coming from playstation's and xbox's websites) to give you a review of, not which is better than the other, but which is better for you. I will be comparing the two in 5 categories, specs, features, graphics, games, and price practicallity and reliability, then end with a summary and my opinion. I will list references at the end. Oh and if you'd like to skip the stuff you've probably already heard, just go to the summary and my opinion part.
-Specs
PS3:
CPU Cell Broadband Engine, 3.2 GHz, 7 cores
GPU RSX 550 MHz
Memory 256 MB XDR Main RAM, 256 MB GDDR3 VRAM
Storage 2.5 Serial ATA 40 or 80 GB Hard Disk Drive, Upgradeable
360:
CPU Custom IBM Power PC-based CPU, 3.2 GHz, 3 Cores
GPU Custom ATI Graphics Processor 500 MHz
Memory 512 MB 700 MHz GDDR3 RAM
Storage 20 to 120 GB Hard Disk Drive
Going by specs, the PS3 is more powerful, the processor has 7 cores vs 3, the GPU is 50 MHz higher, the Hard drive is upgradeable (being able to use any PC one, It says on Xbox's site that theirs is upgradeable, but I'm not sure if it's only to 120 GB like I've heard) the Memory is the same, but split into 2, main RAM and video RAM. Even though the specs are higher for the PS3, I've played games out for both consoles, and each version looked and ran relatively the same. I believe the PS3 has higher capabilities, and some games eventually will show it, but no two games are enough of a difference to argue.
-Features
PS3:
Blu Ray Drive
Game installs
Free online play
Memory card reader (SD, Memory Stick Duo, etc.)
Built in WiFi
6 USB ports
Built in Power supply
Web browser
Can plug in a keyboard
Photos, Music, Videos, Games
and PSP
-Controller Features
Up to 7 controllers
Sixaxis
New Dualshock 3 has Sixaxis and rumble
360:
Quality online play
3 USB ports
Music
Custom Playlists in every game
Customizable Face plates
Can buy videos
DVD Drive
External HD DVD Drive
-Controller Features
Up to 4 controllers
Rumble
Again the PS3 has a lot going for it, in features. the Blu Ray Drive is built in, and provides the best definition and space on a disk vs the DVD drive, and the external HD DVD drive (which I don't see a point for that) Game installs on the hard drive to prevent loading screens, Free online play is nice, however the 360's online play is a better quality and doesn't cost too much. The memory card reader is a cool feature, especially if you have the PSP, making it easy to transer files between the two. Built in WiFi, unlike 360 you have to buy a wireless card. 6 USB ports vs 3, Built in power supply, which is why the power cable for the PS3 is similar to a computers. A web browser (which i dont know if 360 has one so i apologize if it does and for not including that) for looking at websites is also cool. You can plug in a keyboard so you can type with that instead of using the controller. Lots of multimedia so you can store your photos, music, videos, and games. Also a fact many people seem to forget is that Sony has a portable system (PSP) which can be plugged into the PS3, which xbox is lacking. The 360 doesn't have as many features, but it does have cool ones, like the customizable face plates, and the custom playlists in every game (which i think is awesome) can put music on the HDD to listen to, and also you can buy videos online to watch on it. The Playstation controller also has more to offer than the 360's, since you can use up to 7 (although I have yet to see a game that uses more than 4) the sixaxis is a cool feature, i find it quite difficult to use, but that's why it's not manditory and can be turned off within the game. People who say the sixaxis sucks are most likely 360 owners who, I guarantee, would say it's cool if the 360 had it. Which of course then the same would be said about PS3 owners would say it sucks. The point being is if you don't like it, you can always turn it off, and quit your bitching! the sixaxis lacked rumble until the announced the dualshock 3 which does both sixaxis and rumble. The 360's controllers only have up to 4, and can rumble, that's about all to them. Not saying they aren't good, they do all they need to, and seeing as how hardly any games use more than 4 controllers anyways, the 360's controller really only lacks the sixaxis feature.
-Graphics
Ok, short section here, not much to this one.
PS3:
480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolutions
Xbox:
720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolutions
So both consoles are similar in this category. the PS3 has 50 MHz higher GPU, and the Blu Ray capabilities would make the PS3 the winner here. But honestly, I noticed so little difference between the two, that it's not worth arguing. Because really, the 50MHz and Blu Ray isn't going to add much difference, and like I said before, the PS3 is better looking at specs, but overall is the same.
-Games
Another short section again, I'm going to list 3 exclusives from each of the two, then 2 games released on both here.
PS3:
God of War
Resistance
Gran Turismo
360:
Halo
Gears of War
Mass Effect
On Both:
Grand Theft Auto
Call of Duty
Here both systems have their fair share. The PS3 has God of War, Resistance, and Gran Turismo, while the 360 has Halo, Gears of War, and Mass Effect. So it's just a matter of opinion for which you prefer. Grand Theft Auto, I say, fits the PS3 more than the 360, I'm going by I like the feel of the game better with the playstation controller vs the xbox controller, I always did. Call of Duty on the other hand, I say fits the 360 more than the PS3, as do many shooters. If you noticed the 360 seems more shooter oriented and the PS3 is more miscellaneous i suppose you could say. But either way its based on your opinion.
-Price, Practicallity, $ Reliability
So i'm not going to list anything here, just going to write. The PS3, I say, is at an unreasonable price, especially for the fact you have to spend the whole $500 just so you can get backwards compatability (which is a must for me, if I'm getting one). The 360 isn't much different if you're comparing the highest end models from each, but if you just want a simple hard drive and not worrying about color (besides you can change faceplates) then you can spend way less money and get all you need. The 360 apparently doesn't play all games from the Xbox, but I would imagine it plays all the good games you would want anyways. As far as the PS3 goes, it's too much for something that should be able to play PS2 and PS games no matter what model. For practicallity, think of it this way, the PS3 has more built in stuff, for not much more, but make sure you're going to use all that if you're going to buy it for that. The 360 has the practicallity here it's got what you need, and you can always buy add ons (but depending on what, could end up more expensive than the PS3). When the 360 came out, I heard of a lot of people sending theirs back, having overheating problems, or red ringing. My friend's 360 would restart at random times. But once he got his fixed from Microsoft for free, I haven't heard him complain again, and I've heard of less repair issues lately. The PS3 I've heard of more annoyance issues, losing connections, and some tasks not performing properly every now and then. So here I'd say minus the previous 360 troubles, the 360 is the more practical choice.
-Summary
PS3:
Highs: Performance, features, free online, loads of multi media, blu ray, web browser, up to 7 controllers, sixaxis, downright cool system.
Lows: Expensive, some features could be more reliable, not used to full potential, not a lot of exclusive games.
Verdict: If you have the money, and will use all the built in stuff, get one (and pick me up one while you're at it).
360:
Highs: Practical, not as expensive, more exclusive games, pleanty of features, quality online service.
Lows: Online monthly fee, lacking some built in features costing extra, only 4 controllers.
Verdict: It's got all you need to enjoy your favorite new games, as well as many old Xbox games.
Well this is the summary of highs and lows, this is more to help you pick which to buy, less than to compare which is better. When comparing the two for buying, think which controller you like better, remember that's going to be what you use for every game you get for it, so I'd at least make sure you like that design. Also, think of any exclusives, or any games you prefer on one or the other, If neither matters, get what makes sense for your money. I like to put it this way, the 360 is a hatchback with a 4 cylinder engine and has good stereo system. While the PS3 is a large SUV with a V8 engine, has high definition audio system, 3 rows of seats, and a dvd player. Now lets say you're the one going to be in the vehicle most of the times, with an occasional family member, sure the SUV has the room, engine, and the dvd player, but if all you're hauling is your breifcase to work, whats the need for all that, when you can spend less for a vehicle that hauls enough to take a load of wood on your occasional camping trip. Both vehicles are going to go on the same roads arent they? so in that case, get the more practical hatchback. But if you have a job that requires a lot of hauling, and you have a large family going on trips quite often, maybe then you should consider the large SUV with the V8 and all that room plus nice features. Oh and if you're already planning on getting a Blu Ray player, last time I checked they weren't much cheaper than a PS3, so then you might as well get one in that case. Hope that helped sum up which you should get. Maybe even help you get a car too!
-My Opinion
I'm going for the PS3 myself, I prefer Grand Theft Auto on Playstation controller, it's my favorite game so I'd want it on what I think is best. Also I recently was introduced to the God of War series, which now I'm addicted to checking for news on GOW3 and the hopeful GOW film. I already have a PSP so I can connect the two. However, if Sony keeps up the crap with charging $500 just so I can play my PS2 games, they can go to hell as far as I'm concerned. I was excited to see a headline on Gamespot saying $399 80GB PS3, then I read that it's just the 40GB with a larger Hard Drive. For the last time Sony, I don't give two craps about how big the HDD is when I can always upgrade it, I want the features of the 80GB now, at a reasonable price. I have noticed how Sony is the last and is very very slow at dropping their prices. Either way, I'm going to eventually get both PS3 and 360, I'm hoping, and I'll pick up a WII probably also, because weather you pick PS3 or 360, there's no arguing that the WII is cool as hell. I reccomend to wait after something is new, let the company fix the bugs, and for the price to drop, that way you get the better version, for cheaper. I've had problems with Sony products before, my old PS2 doesn't work now (messed up after playing movies) the disk drive makes an odd noise and some games freeze up now, who knew something could break performing a function it was designed to do? and my old PSP the wireless quit on me, and came up with an internal error, I've notice many people experience this. So my sister picked up a new PS2 and I have the new slim God of War PSP, if either quit something on me again, that's the last time I'm buying anything Sony. I also say nothing beats a computer, well besides the fact I hate computers, despite the fact I work on them all the time. But with a computer, well you know you can do damn near anything on it. You can customize the performance (which could be quite expensive) any way you like. Most games come out for the computer anyways, and if they don't, someone, somewhere is going to know how to play any game from any system on a computer, and it'll just take a bit of searching to find the instructions.
Well that's it, hope it helped you, hope I didn't offend anyone. I expect to see all sorts of positive responses, negative responses, neutral responses, no responses, and responses that explain how there will always be people saying positive, negative, neutral things or nothing at all, and it's just a cycle. yeah yeah, you all know it.
The End >:(

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References:
PS3 Specs
360 Specs
Wikipedia
How Stuff Works
Gamespot