Sony PlayStation 3 (60GB)

May 23, 2005 09:32

4.0/5
I would say this is a powerful peice of hardware. I personally am an XBox user, and will get the 360, but the PS3 does appear to be a good peice of hardware. I am fed up with fanboys on both sides, (XBox and Playstation fanboys) giving the "opposing console" 1. This brings down the averages of both consoles to deliver an unfair representation.

- {Sephiroth}

May 9, 2006 01:36

5.0/5
I was planing not to get a PS3, because I burned so much money on Xbox360. Luckily, I had a chance to get my hands on the playable DEMO today, so LUCKY, no word can expresses my feeling. I thought even if PS3 is better than my Xbox360, it's just slightly more powerful, and the demos sony played last year are just pre-rendered CG, I was wrong, totally wrong. I couldn't believe what I saw today with my eyes, everything just looks so real, like looking in to a glass window, and the game-play is silky smooth. So, after I get back, I will start saving money for PS3.

- maxl2000

August 14, 2005 09:04

4.5/5
Does anybody find it funny how MICROSOFT is showcasing their console's graphics on APPLE processors? Microsoft, which on any other day would tell you how inferior the Apple CPU is to their own, Intel-based bedmate, is going around the world unveiling their new Xbox on a black counter which, hidden within, houses essentially two Apple G5 computers.

I'm sorry - I needed to start with that.

Specifications and technological analyses are, at best, useless. At worst, they are an insult to anyone with even the slightest capacity for independent thought. It is never about the specs, or the numbers, or the "raw power". To me, personally, the PS2 is better than the Xbox. The Xbox has a better CPU - the Xbox has a better GPU - the Xbox probably even has a better fan. But, as an avid gamer and tech guru, all of that really doesn't matter.

What does matter, in my opinion, is that the next-generation wave of consoles truly do represent a new generation. It is easy for technological systems and devices to fall into a pattern of "rehash syndrome" - updating and upgrading existing products (yesterday's products) and pretending that they therefore represent new ideas (today's products). On the brink of the release of Xbox 360, PS3, and the Nintendo Revolution, the current-gen Xbox, PS2, and GameCube are all yesterday's products.

The battle between next-gen systems is not about the numbers (though, the PS3 does boast far better specs - for those of you who actually lend weight to this fact). To me, it is about which console will truly usher in a new generation. To me, the best console is not the one that makes yesterday's tech reusable today - the best console is the one that makes tomorrow's tech attainable today. The Xbox 360 will be nice - better graphics, better design, better interface - but in reality, it is little more than an upgrade to the current-gen Xbox. Improving graphics, performance, speed - such is the "rehash syndrome" technology trap that so many developers and system designers so easily fall into.

Consider, now, the PS3. First, we have Cell. There is a lot of technical jargon that could be thrown in here, but I'll spare you (and myself). The important thing about Cell is that it redefines decades-old "theory" about what a CPU should be. Everything - from the way it queues processes, to the way it handles memory, to the way it interacts with other key components, such as the GPU - all of it is revolutionary. Indeed, it is safe to assume that Cell will be the basis for a brand new line of chipsets that truly reinvent the CPU for every device, from PC's to video game consoles to even your coffee-maker. The efficiency and, dare I say, grace with which the Cell will operate will truly open up a plethora of new, previously unseen doors through which designers can explore. Xbox, on the otherhand, is simply using a more advanced modern-day processor (again, one chiefly modelled off competitor Apple's PowerPC line). A good way to assess the performance of these next-gen systems is to compare them to current top-of-the-line PCs. The X360 will, in truth, be using a processor that rivals the best in PC CPUs (all things being equal). The PS3, however, will be using a processor that is, at present, far more advanced and powerful than any available PC CPU. PS3 will introduce a truly next-gen CPU - X360 will "reintroduce" a current, albeit slightly upgraded CPU.

Next, let us look at graphic power. The PS3 GPU ("RSX") is, at present, twice as powerful as the most advanced currently available PC GPU. The X360 GPU (a remotely customized ATI project) is about as powerful as an upper-mid level PC GPU. Sony is taking an unprecedented step AHEAD of the PC world, introducing a GPU that, for the first time in console history, will actually force PC chip-makers to play catch-up. Microsoft is merely borrowing an existing GPU and adding a few sparks. Again, in my humble opinion, this demonstrates how Sony is thinking about tomorrow, whereas Microsoft is content with the technology available today.

Finally, we'll consider media. There has been a lot of heated debates over Sony's BD-ROM format (Blu-Ray Disks, one of two rival High-Definition, Next-Gen "DVD" medias under development). Many Microsoft fan-boys have gone on record saying that they would rather stick with the admittedly tried and true DVD format then venture a risk with a new, sure-to-be proprietary format. Again, I have to ask - in the battle of "NEXT-GEN" systems, which of these formats truly offers a 'NEXT-GEN" quality? The PS2 uses DVD. So does the current Xbox. In my opinion, a next-gen console that reuses a current-gen media format is, in truth, NOT a next-gen offering. Sony has made the decision to offer over and beyond what is available today - Microsoft would like to stick with what they've got. The BD format will usher in a new generation in media presentation - a Blu-Ray disk can truly be rendered in complete High-Definition, whereas DVDs often prove incapable. Sony is looking ahead to the real next generation, while Microsoft is still caught up in the nexus of today's current generation.

The downside? Cost. Blu-Ray will cost more than DVD. Two of the most powerful GPUs stacked together will cost more than just one, good GPU. A new, reinvented CPU will cost more than a reused, unoriginal CPU. But that's the nature of technology. You PAY for next-generation technology. You PAY for thinner, faster laptops. You PAID more for DVDs than you did for VHS. You PAY for handheld computers, smart-phones, and PDA-GPS hybrids. You PAY for new technology. The offset has always been that it is generally worth it. It is better to spend a little extra money to get better, newer products. You'll spend less on the X360, but all you are getting is an upgraded Xbox. You'll spend more on the PS3, but in that case, you're getting a revolutionary new product that will truly usher in a new generation of technology. And yes, you'll pay a lot for it - it really comes down to where you want to be. Do you want to stay in this generation, or do you want to venture where the "next-gen" consoles are supposed to bring us - the future.

In my opinion, X360 will be nice - but not next-gen. PS3 will be incredible - a system worthy of being coined a NEXT GENERATION console. And keep your heads up - it's only the beginning!

- anassassinoftime

August 27, 2005 04:31

3.5/5
One thing the PS3 camp has always held over the X360 is the brand new Blu-Ray drive. Since it seems new and cool, and most people just hate Microsoft by default, this has given rise to rhetoric like "the XBOX 1.5 (har har har)" and "uses the aging DVD format."

Even though the original XBOX DVD drives were 4x to 6x I was pretty disappointed when I found out that the X360 was going to have a 12x DVD-ROM drive instead of a 16x (can you even FIND a 12x drive for sale anymore?) until I found out how slow the PS3 Blu-Ray drive was going to be. In an interview with IGN a Sony spokesperson said that there was only an outside chance of the PS3 drive being 2x, and that Blu-Ray 1x = 4.5MB/s. Even at 2x (9MB/s,) it's still almost 7MB/s slower than X360's 12x DVD drive, and over 12MB/s slower than it could have been with a regular old 16x DVD drive.

Perhaps it's time to stop adding Blu-Ray to the list of PS3's credits, and time to start asking why you're being forced to swallow a new Sony-patented format with your PS3. Its hard to agree with the point of view that Microsoft is being irresponsible by rushing the X360 to market when Sony seems to be doing the exact same thing with their console& the fact that X360 is hitting the scene first seems incidental. One would hope that Sony would add a faster Blu-Ray as soon as it's available and/or economically feasible, but what of the early adopters? Microsoft even said they might put a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD drive (if Toshibas format takes off) in later versions of the X360. This is probably because they want it to be the ultimate media center and would want to include high-def video playback if the public began demanding it, but in the interest of maintaining compatibility with older X360s, its not likely that games would ever come on these next gen disc types.

I know how everyone likes to debate which system's hardware is better, but let's face it, both systems are about the same spec-wise. It's almost as if MS got wind of the CELL processor's specs and asked themselves, now how many G5 processors do we need to keep up with this? The CELL processor hype doesnt exactly reek of emotion engine, but even hardcore PS3 supporters must have learned to take any Sony announcements with a grain of salt. Im not sure anyone really believed that the PS3 was going to come with a 160GB laptop-style hard drive like the original spec said.

Microsoft seems to be sabotaging itself (inevitably, I suppose) by releasing these mediocre X360 launch-title game play videos while Sony is pumping out their brainwashing pre-rendered CG videos. It's a shame Microsoft felt that it had to be first-out-of-the-gates with this one, launching with what are (for the most part, anyway,) souped-up versions of games which could have been on the first XBOX. It's making it really easy for the casual consumer to conclude what they already want to believe... that PS3 will be better.

One thing the Sony camp is right about, it all comes down to exclusive titles. Personally I think there will be fewer exclusive titles in this generation because of the similarity of the hardware/performance and XBOX's continued growth in the market. Still, recognizing the fact that there will be great exclusives on both sides, let's all try not bash the other guys too badly just because you love devil may cry or because you hate halo. Neither system should be voted a 1(or below 5, really)... such a baseless partisan bias should really be reserved for presidential elections.

Since I'm not especially attached to any of Sony's current exclusive franchises, I believe I'll be getting an XBOX 360. I like the fact that it comes from an American company (that's something I think people forget when they're having their little "M$" hate fests) and that it acts as a wireless windows media center extender. If Final Fantasy XIII looks really impressive, I might be forced to get a $ony P$3, too.

- offercompleted_com

November 17, 2006 06:59

3.5/5
Let me start off by saying if you bought this system just so you can have a next generation system with Blu-ray technology and price isnt a factor then you won't be disappointed. However, if you bought this system expecting it to own the 360 and give you a better gaming experience&..you will probably be disappointed.

First off, I think I should comment on something that everyone should be aware of before they buy this system. The PS3 has major issues with resolutions on older HDTVs when playing PS3 games developed in 720p. What I mean by old is, that if you have NOT bought your HDTV recently and your TV sports only 480i, 480p and 1080i inputs, your going to have issues with the PS3. What issues? You will be stuck gaming in 480p. Yes, I said 480p and only 480p. For all 720p games, the PS3 doesnt appear to have internal scaling to convert the signal to 1080i resolution. Meaning&that unless your TV supports native 720P, the PS3 will boot up in 480p mode. Well, isnt the PS3 supposed to be a 1080p gaming machine? Yes, but considering that less then 1% of all HDTVs sitting in living rooms are not full 1080p, you would think that Sony would want to accommodate the most common resolutions supported by current owners. So unless youre in the market to replace your current HDTV&. be warned. Wasnt gaming in high definition one of Sonys marketing points???

So assuming you can get past that issue, what about the games? Well the games are really next generation. No doubt from the time you pop in a game you can tell these games are next generation. If you are one of those people hoping that the PS3 would own the 360 in the graphics department&well&again you might be disappointed. The graphics are very good no doubt. However, in reality you really cant tell the difference between the games that exist on both systems. In fact, IMO, a couple of the multiplatform games look better on the 360. This could be though because some of those games could be ports and I am not sure. Even if you think that generation 2 titles will be where the PS3 sports it stuff, dont expect any huge difference between systems. You wont be able to tell the difference IMO. I guess I should have expected that knowing what developers have already been saying that for some time.

In terms of hardware, the PS3 is sleek in design. We all have that familiar PS controller that we have all have come to love. The glossy finish on the PS3 looks cool. However, the thing is a fingerprint magnet. My guess is that it will also be a dust magnet in about a week. The other thing is that the pure size of the machine seems bulky. It just seems oversized like the original XBOX did with many gamers. One of the coolest things about the PS3 is the interface buttons and the drive bay. They by far are the sweetest of any console to date. They scream next generation to me. Overall, I would say Sony did a good job with design.

What about online? Considering this was Sonys first attempt at building an online community you can't expect it to be XBOX live. Its nowhere near as good as the XBOX live community. However, give Sony some time and they will make it better and deeper.

Bottom line what do I think? For me, I factor in gaming, price, and technology. Gaming  The performance in the long run will probably be a wash with a slight advantage to the 360 right now. Price - The system is overpriced for most gamers and from a value standpoint doesnt really stack up if you mainly want the PS3 for gaming. If you want a next generation gaming, a Blu-ray player for cheap and dont mind the extra $200 then go for it. Then again, you can pick up the 360 HD-DVD drive for $199 or just enjoy next generation gaming. It's your choice. Last but not least, I just can't get over the resolution problems with the PS3. With the 360 fully capable of 1080p and having no issues with any HDTVs on the market, its a huge mistake on Sonys part. I still think Sony is a major contender this generation. However, if the PS3 does become successful in this generation, I think it has more to do with the companys past reputation then it does with the actual performance of the PS3.

So do I recommend it? Well yes and no. If you just want a next generation system and can deal with the PS3's resolution issue and some design flaws......yes. If you're wishing for a better system then the 360...then no. I just give a slight edge to the 360 in terms of overall performance and price difference at this point.

- SteelDog

December 4, 2006 02:08

5.0/5
A year from now anyone talking trash about the PS3 will stick their foot in their mouth. You can only see the true beauty of this console on a HD tv Thank you XBR3. Just think a few months down the road after all the updates/patches how much better this system will be than it already is. After configuring your ports correctly on your router the PS3 network is not bad at all. + its (free). Gaming online against others is just easy and fun lag free for me after opening correct ports. Ps3 has a great community. People complain about how their are no games, but my goodness guys look at the line up for the next 3 months down the road. Imba system. PS3 controller will always be the best controller. Cant improve prefection. I try to find reason to complain or dislike the ps3 after being a 360 owner but I cant and I cannot argue the fact that ps3 is just better than the 360. Blueray DVD player on the ps3 is much better than I ever thought it would be. Can someone say PQ. Whats funny is that after a year or two blue ray will look even better than it does now becuase there is extra space on the disc for even more detail.This is scary stuff becuase im already blown away. Sorry HDDVD owners your number is up there isnt enough space on your disk. For 600 bones the ps3 is worth it. If you add the price of all the add ons for the 360 you will pay well over 600 bucks. Sorry guys anyone trying to defend the 360 is just sadly confused and must not be a ps3 owner. Sony is paying gamers back in full.

- blklacker

November 20, 2006 05:57

3.0/5
Bought it on release day via pre-order so thankfully did not line up. Played Resistance and Ridge Racer 7 on 720p 42" Samsung DLP HDTV, Denon home theatre system - probably total about 10 hrs. Checked out the Blu-Ray movie - Talledega Nights or some such.

Sold it on eBay on Nov 20th with a bit of profit... Here's why:

Overall: Looks pretty, the controller is cool, I like the SIXAXIS acknowledgement that physical interaction is a good thing a la Wii. BUT, the game lineup is not good.

Resistance (probably best game so far) has lots of polygons but the effects like bump mapping, specular highlights, flare effects are lacking. Furthermore, there's something about the texturing that's underwhelming in both Resistance and Ridge Racer. This is NOT encouraging for those interested in graphical quality of a high end gaming machine given the price.

Some may say that these initial releases do not show the potential of the machine; I agree but it does say something about the quality to expect, especially since most games these days are cross-platform. I do also have an XBOX 360 - I'm no fanboy since this machine has flaws too - but I thought the 1st gen games there were superior and looks better (even Ridge Racer 6 looked smoother although it's nearly a year older).

I may have kept the machine for Blu-Ray capabilities (image looks great but horrible pack-in movie) but since there are barely any movies I want out, decided to cash in while the going's good. May pick up in the future if Blu-Ray catches on.

- Archimago

June 14, 2005 07:54

4.5/5
I have never been a big Sony fan to be honest. I purchased an Xbox and have be fairly satisfied with its performance, and when the new console lineup was announced I was sure that I would go Microsoft again, now all that has changed. After reading up on various websites to see the power, features and capabilities of all 3 new consoles, I realized Microsoft had dropped the ball on this one. The Sony PS3 is claiming that they will have the most realistic and amazing graphics ever seen, console or otherwise. Also, after watching the displays of demos at E3 it wasn't difficult to see that the PS3 had the upper hand in terms of visuals. The Xbox 360 will still be a great and powerful system no doubt but the visuals look only a notch above the already available graphics on the Xbox, hardly a revolution in terms of realistic, immersive worlds and characters. The PS3 also has the use of blu-ray technology which Microsoft doesn't have. These discs can hold much more data then a regular DVD making it easy for developers to put a whole lotta' game on these baby's. Also, the fact that Xbox 360 isn't likely going to be backwards compatible will hurt it immensely. I was looking forward to the Xbox 360 but to be honest it seems like their plan of releasing in time for holiday 2005 is a mistake. This rush to beat the other systems release dates could be its biggest problem. More time in development and planning could improve some of the already drastic letdowns that are expected. Hopefully the much hyped Sony PS3 will live up to its promises and specs once released that have already been seen on paper.

- ryan_t_moreau

January 29, 2007 03:36

4.5/5
Yes the playstation 3 is $500 to $600. Expensive? well if you buy an Xbox360 its $400. then buy An HD-dvd for the 360 its $200 and not as good as blu-ray. It comes out to $600. So Playstation is not so expensive when you actually compare and do research. Also, a standalone bluray player is no less than $500

Graphics will be better than 360 No doubt(sonys machine has more power) you can get more info on other websites like IGN.com (good article about PS3 this year)

Games on systems when they first come out no matter what system, i dont think they are not that good anyway. But when sony gets kicking with assasins creed in april and other games starting in march which look GOOD and will continue to improve it's definitely time to consider buying.
PS3 only games like Final Fantasy XIII look amazing and tekken series, MGS4, killzone and others are worth it.

Online on PS3, well hopefully by the end of this year they can get it up to par. Xbox360 online is better, It's microsoft.

Ps3 60 gigabyte hardrive, way bigger than 360, enough said.
According to what ive read, they are going to have good things happening by the end of this year. and third party developers love the system because they can do alot more.

Also, Rumor has it from what i have read sony might try to acquire other developers and that will help sony even more.

No doubt 360 has a good start on the market, and hey i own one. its a great system. But About the PS3, look around, compare everything about the system, hardware and prices. DONT just listen to one guy whos a sony fan and another whos just a 360 fan. Research yourself.
PS3 in my opinion is a great system and even cnet.com thinks so. Hope this info helped you out a little.

- jessev1823

May 17, 2005 11:52

3.5/5
Sony is the king of PR with little to no need for spending money they can turn key phrases such as "Xbox 360 more like Xbox 1.5" into the lazy reporters Xbox slogan. However they have always been at the top of their game when it comes to making an impact in the gaming industry. Im not usre what to truely believe Iv seen Sony in the past claim rendered footage as actualy in-game footage so im not sure if Killzone 2 will be true to nature but if so, i truely believe that with that impressive graphics aswell as the glory of Blue-Ray Ill be in an entertainment fantasy. My only loss is Xbox Live has been what i believe should be a console's online experience and with out Live I cant help but get dragged down into believeing that no console can truely inspire me without the Live inovations that Xbox provides.

- fulkcren