Console differences

[Michaelius]

My opinion as a person whose gonna buy next gen in two or three weeks time:

PS3:
+ blueray player
+ people opinion about amazing upsalling of dvd titles
+ BC with PS1, and chance that in the future old PS1 classics which currently charge rediculus prices on e-bay will be available
+ ability to use any HDD (read cheap ones too )
+ free multiplayer gaming
+ incoming games like Disgea 3 and Valkyria Chronicles that look like proper console games and not some dumbed down FPSes, also it looks like there will be more turn based rpgs here than on x360
+ lot more region free games (means cheap import due to euro:dollar exchange ratio)
+ works with PSP which I might get in the future
+ quiet
Huge minus- not enough games at this moment
- comes with obsolete sis-axis pad

X360
++++ much bigger game library
+++ lot of RPG incoming (can't help it I'm rpg and strategy freak)
+ I've heard it has good upscalling for DVDs
+ arcade SKU is very cheap
- I pay 60euro for game and then have to pay more to play it online (WTF? )
- only black SKU is elite version which costs on par with PS3
- i feel uncertain if it can last years considering RROD affair
- only MS overpriced HDD allowed

Wii:
+ some potential with innovative controlers
- not enough wii only hardcore games
- more expensive than X360 premium in europe for something that is GC++
- most core games are gamecube legacy and i can get GS for like 30-40 euro if i want.
- never were Mario fan

So since i must have console for Soul Calibur IV launch I'm getting PS3 now, X360 closer to end of year (hopefully there will be new SKU then) and Wii once they star selling at current PS2 prices (becouse that's what's it worth)

 

[stevedave]

Makai Wars was canceled I think and also Arc the lad III should come to America too on the PS3.

 

[saintrobyn]

I started the last PS3 / Xbox 360 comparison thread and it went oh so well.

Here are some of my pluses and minuses, I own all three systems.

Playstation 3
+ Blu Ray - My wife convinced me that we should pickup a PS3 because of this feature.
+ Ratchet and Clank series - Yes I love this series so it is a big plus for me.
+ Media streaming
+ Quiet - I never noticed the noise of my 360 until I got a PS3. I am a computer nut, I'm use to fan noise.
+ Free Online play.
+ DVD upscaling is flawless
+ All but the 20GB model have built in WiFi
+Can use "exact change" when buying off the PSN store.
- Online not as robust as Live - Hopefully it will get stronger in the future.
- Media streaming has some problems with some Xvid files that the 360 can play.
- No IR port - I can't integrate it with my Harmony remote without a $50 hack.
- Game library is weak at the moment, but will get better in the future
- Completely removed the backwards compatibility on the 40GB model
- Game and Demo downloads have to install after being downloaded.

Xbox 360
+ Live is an extremely stable online network
+ Huge game library
+ Guitar Hero III controller works with Rock Band
+ Media support for Xvid files is better on the 360
+ Controller can run on AA batteries
+ Can be used as a Media Center Extender
- Loud fans
- Can't have a sub account on the Live Gold Master account on the same 360. Wife has to have Live Gold if she wants to play Uno on Live.
- HDD is not standard in the system.
- Have to buy WiFi adapter.
- Need to use points to make purchases

Wii
+ Nintendo exclusive IP's
+ Great party games that the whole family can play.
+ Gets me up off the couch and moving - Every little bit helps.
+ Motion control
- Friend Codes
- No Hard Drive
- Need to use points to make purchases
- No Hi Def support - Only goes up to 480P

 

[Psychotext]

As a lover of downloadable games I'll say that one major advantage XBLA has over Wiiware and PSN is that every single game has to have a demo. I find it really hard to buy Wiiware / PSN games unless I've seen a ton of reviews (and even then I've been disappointed a couple of times).

 

[saintrobyn]

As a lover of downloadable games I'll say that one major advantage XBLA has over Wiiware and PSN is that every single game has to have a demo. I find it really hard to buy Wiiware / PSN games unless I've seen a ton of reviews (and even then I've been disappointed a couple of times).

That is a definite plus that I forgot to put down. I wouldn't mind if they were just timed demos like what Nintendo put on the SSB: Brawl disc.

 

[axia55]

I have a slightly different take/question about this debate. I am in the process of building a new PC for Video Editing. The only game system I have now is a PSP. I am looking to be able to play sports games (Madden, Baseball, love Hot Shots Golf on the PSP) and the occasional shooter (COD 4, Halo 3 type). My options are:
-Spend $300 on "gaming" components for my new PC (PC has no good sports games, but does have COD4, other good shooters).
-Spend $400 on a PS3 or 360 to play all the new sports games plus COD4, Halo 3, etc...

If it weren't for the lack of sports games, I think the PC would be the obvious choice. Any opinions?

 

[Psychotext]

If it weren't for the lack of sports games, I think the PC would be the obvious choice. Any opinions?

I think asking for a PC vs console opinion around here is probably more risky than a console vs console opinion.

 

[wtburnette]

I have a slightly different take/question about this debate. I am in the process of building a new PC for Video Editing. The only game system I have now is a PSP. I am looking to be able to play sports games (Madden, Baseball, love Hot Shots Golf on the PSP) and the occasional shooter (COD 4, Halo 3 type). My options are:
-Spend $300 on "gaming" components for my new PC (PC has no good sports games, but does have COD4, other good shooters).
-Spend $400 on a PS3 or 360 to play all the new sports games plus COD4, Halo 3, etc...

If it weren't for the lack of sports games, I think the PC would be the obvious choice. Any opinions?

I guess it depends on how much you want to play sports games, personally. I enjoy shooter games better on the PC, but if sports games are your big thing, I'd stick with the PS3 or Xbox360. If there are similar games on the PS3, I'd probably choose that over the Xbox360 just because of the BluRay player option as well.

 

[saintrobyn]

I have a slightly different take/question about this debate. I am in the process of building a new PC for Video Editing. The only game system I have now is a PSP. I am looking to be able to play sports games (Madden, Baseball, love Hot Shots Golf on the PSP) and the occasional shooter (COD 4, Halo 3 type). My options are:
-Spend $300 on "gaming" components for my new PC (PC has no good sports games, but does have COD4, other good shooters).
-Spend $400 on a PS3 or 360 to play all the new sports games plus COD4, Halo 3, etc...

If it weren't for the lack of sports games, I think the PC would be the obvious choice. Any opinions?

I would say go with the PS3 and here are my reasons:

• You can download games for your PSP through your PS3.
• Hot Shots on the PS3 is great.
• You already stated that you like sports games and that consoles have the better selection.
• If you are video editing you can stream your content to the PS3 and see how it will look on a television. Might be a useful feature to you.
• Yes, PC's are better for shooter but I find them as fun on a console as well.

Hope this helps you out.

 

[Psychotext]

Yeah, there are some cool little features if you have both a PS3 and PSP.

 

[Crighton]

I have a slightly different take/question about this debate. I am in the process of building a new PC for Video Editing. The only game system I have now is a PSP. I am looking to be able to play sports games (Madden, Baseball, love Hot Shots Golf on the PSP) and the occasional shooter (COD 4, Halo 3 type). My options are:
-Spend $300 on "gaming" components for my new PC (PC has no good sports games, but does have COD4, other good shooters).
-Spend $400 on a PS3 or 360 to play all the new sports games plus COD4, Halo 3, etc...

If it weren't for the lack of sports games, I think the PC would be the obvious choice. Any opinions?

I would also like to suggest the PS3 for you. Like others have said you get some neat functions out of you PSP as well as a good variety of Sports titles. One thing that is still in much more need of expansion though is the Shooters that allow you to use the Keyboard and Mouse. UT3 works in this fashion very well and I hope more will be following suit soon. but if you don't have a BR drive specked into you $300 PC upgrade budget then the PS3 is going to add even more value to the bargain as well as the simple fate of PCs. That $300 budget you have is going to pop up again and again while the life cycle of the new consoles are going to keep it a single time investment toward hardware for all the latest games out there.

 

[theNoid]

There's no need for this thread. There's 3 types of gamers. You're either a 360 fanboi who thinks halo rox and ps3 is teh sux or you like both PS3 and 360, but prefer PS3. And there are some who don't care either way as long as the games are good.

Or.. I own a 360 and dont care for or cannot justify the cost of PS3 for a few games. I also have a fairly good gaming rig as well. When I want to play PS3 I go to my friends house for a few hours and I get my fill.

 

[idividebyzero]

Or.. I own a 360 and dont care for or cannot justify the cost of PS3 for a few games. I also have a fairly good gaming rig as well. When I want to play PS3 I go to my friends house for a few hours and I get my fill.

What is there to play on PC if you already have a 360? All I can think of is Valve stuff and the super rare PC exclusives like Crysis and the eventual strategy game every now and then. Almost every PC game these days is just a 360 port.

 

[Psychotext]

Almost every PC game these days is just a 360 port.

RTS / point and click adventures rarely make it to the consoles. As do the MMORPGS.

 

[wtburnette]

What is there to play on PC if you already have a 360? All I can think of is Valve stuff and the super rare PC exclusives like Crysis and the eventual strategy game every now and then. Almost every PC game these days is just a 360 port.

I love action RPG's and can't stand JRPG's, so consoles are out for me. That's a big reason for me to game on a PC, even owning a PS3 and Xbox360.

 

[Technoob]

What is there to play on PC if you already have a 360? All I can think of is Valve stuff and the super rare PC exclusives like Crysis and the eventual strategy game every now and then. Almost every PC game these days is just a 360 port.

all blizzard games, including wow, Age of Conan, Warhammer online, Stalker, EVERY RTS game there is, the witcher, crysis, any FPS game you want to have fun with not suffering from analog shit controls, neverwinter nights, any of the above games that get their longevity extended through mods, upgrades, tweaks. Is that enough or should we go on?

 

[wtburnette]

Okay, let's try to keep this focused on consoles and leave the PC discussion to other threads. I know, I'm as much to blame as anyone, but let's get back on track.

 

[idividebyzero]

Okay, let's try to keep this focused on consoles and leave the PC discussion to other threads. I know, I'm as much to blame as anyone, but let's get back on track.

If PC's are a reason why the PS3 might be more worthwhile than a 360 then I fail to see how its getting off track from the main point of the thread. The "difference" is that the PS3 and Wii dont share as many games with the PC like the 360 does.

To me it seems like the PC gets all the best 360 games as well as a number of exclusive FPS's that beat the pants off of console FPS's, and strategy games of course (there hasnt been a good strategy game in a really long time though, but starcraft2 and red alert 3 look great so far). On the other hand PC's never (to my knowledge) get PS3 games unless the game is already multiplatform on the 360 like Assassins Creed. Having a PS3 and 360 makes sense, but having a 360 and a gaming PC? That seems redundant to me, they share so many games that you might as well save some cash and get a different console instead.

 

[Psychotext]

Having a PS3 and 360 makes sense, but having a 360 and a gaming PC? That seems redundant to me, they share so many games.

When there's people here posting about owning a console because of 1 or 2 games then any notion of redundancy kinda goes out the window.

 

[wtburnette]

Of course, I'm guessing people with both an Xbox360 and PC might play a certain genre on the PC and others on the Xbox. Just my guess though. I wouldn't know as the Xbox360 we have is my son's...

 

[bigdogchris]

oh sigh

That's the way it is, sorry. There is so much PS3 hate in the area that I live it's not funny. It gets zero attention at game stores and you're lucky to even find one set up. Everyone loves 360 and it pisses me off.

 

[Technoob]

That's the way it is, sorry. There is so much PS3 hate in the area that I live it's not funny. It gets zero attention at game stores and you're lucky to even find one set up. Everyone loves 360 and it pisses me off.

sighing at your logical fallacy, which is not cured by your explanation.

 

[morpheus9394]

Instead of listing Pros and Cons, I will tell what is it like to own and use the PS3, 360 and a high end gaming PC.
Being a hardcore gamer I've own both PS3 and 360, both bought at launch, plus I have had a gaming PC since the DOS days. The 360 is my number gaming platform at the moment. I will tend to buy most multiplatform games for the 360 because
1) I prefer the controller
2) All my gaming friends own 360s, so for online gaming it makes more sense for me to get the 360 version
3) I prefer Xbox Live to PSN or PC online gaming because Xbox live makes everything so easy and it is feature rich.
4) PC gaming still does not have that hassle free feeling that you get when playing games on a console and that comes from someone who has been working in IT for 20yrs and knows PCs inside and out.
5) Apart from High resolutions, alot of multiplatform games look not better on PC that they do on 360 or PS3. The days of exclusive AAA PC titles like Crysis seems to be gone forever.
6) Until recently most multiplatform games look or run better on 360 or are released on 360/PC first when compared to the PS3 release.
7) I am a big racing game fan, and most of the best racing games are on 360.
8) I will tend to play FPS and RTS games on PC and all over games on consoles, because of the mouse/keyboard thing
9) Recently PS3 releases have been getting alot better. I bought the PS3 version of Burnout because it looks and ran SLIGHTLY than the 360 version.
10) Metal Gear Solid 4 is incredible. Well worth owning a PS3 for but the PS3 needs alot more AAA titles to give it the edge over the 360.
11) I love RPGs and the 360 has and will getting more RPGs than any next gen console.
12) The triggers on the PS3 are crap and are very uncomfortable after long use, especially for driving games.
13) I own a huge collection of DVDs and divx movies. I can't see myself buying all those movies in BluRay format. It is just not worth it. Plus I am willing to bet my left nut that in 2 or 3yrs time another super HD format will come along and knock the socks off Bluray.
14) PC gaming is VERY expensive. My 8800GTX cost £400 when I first bought it. I could buy a 360 and Wii for that.
15) Alot of developers are leading on consoles and porting to PCs afterwards, which means the PC version is not pushing that shiny new graphics card or quad core processor in your PC. And it means the PC version is delayed for a few months.
11) Being a family man with a full time job, I find console gaming allows for "a quick session" gaming which suits me better at this point in my life.
12) Being highly competitive means achievements mean alot to me. Being able to compare achievements with friends and have bragging rights means alot.
13) Games and demos tend to be released earlier on the 360 and in my experience download alot quicker too (machine machines are using Ethernet NOT wireless)

I love gaming, always have always will. I wish I had time to enjoy all my gaming machines equally but unfortunately I don't. If I were ever stranded on a deserted Island (with a broadband connection) the 360 is the machine I would to keep me company - as long as it wasn't TOO hot

I hope that helps.

 

[BladeVenom]

5) Apart from High resolutions, alot of multiplatform games look not better on PC that they do on 360 or PS3. The days of exclusive AAA PC titles like Crysis seems to be gone forever.

Better resolution makes a game look better. In addition to far superior resolution, a PC gets better AA, AF, further draw distance, and better effects.

The second part of that is just not true. There are plenty of exclusives in development. I could list a hundred. Age of Conan just came out, Spore is on it's way with the creature editor already out, Starcraft 2, Dragon Age, Ground Branch, Empire Total War, etc,
If you want a list http://www.systemwars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69169

7) I am a big racing game fan, and most of the best racing games are on 360.

The realistic ones are on the PC.

14) PC gaming is VERY expensive. My 8800GTX cost £400 when I first bought it. I could buy a 360 and Wii for that.

That's such a bad argument in so many ways; there is absolutely no reason to spend that much on a video card. Very good cards can be had for a lot less. Right now $140 gets you all the video card you need. PC games also cost less, and go on sale sooner.

15) Alot of developers are leading on consoles and porting to PCs afterwards, which means the PC version is not pushing that shiny new graphics card or quad core processor in your PC. And it means the PC version is delayed for a few months.

Yes, but if they do a decent job of porting it over, it will look better, have better controls, and be moddable.

11) Being a family man with a full time job, I find console gaming allows for "a quick session" gaming which suits me better at this point in my life.

I find it's easier to have a quick session when I don't even have to leave my desk to play a game. Save points and quick sessions don't get well together either, luckily most PC games let you save anywhere.

 

[Psychotext]

I find it's easier to have a quick session when I don't even have to leave my desk to play a game. Save points and quick sessions don't get well together either, luckily most PC games let you save anywhere.

...and some of us would rather get away from the PC now and again. It's sad really, but I spend so much time at a PC that I just don't find gaming on a PC as enjoyable any more.

It's no fault of PC gaming of course, it's just an issue with me.

 

[wtburnette]

...and some of us would rather get away from the PC now and again. It's sad really, but I spend so much time at a PC that I just don't find gaming on a PC as enjoyable any more.

It's no fault of PC gaming of course, it's just an issue with me.

I run into that myself at times, due to my profession (desktop support). There are weeks that go by sometimes that I don't boot up my home computer. Doesn't happen often, but sometimes I just don't want to touch a computer when I get home. Oddly, that doesn't make me favor consoles any more during those times. I just pick up a good book or head outside...

 

[morpheus9394]

Better resolution makes a game look better. In addition to far superior resolution, a PC gets better AA, AF, further draw distance, and better effects.

- I am not saying that the PC version doesn't look better because in most case the PC version does look better but the difference is not a great as it used to be.
I have a 24" widescreen monitor and I run all my PC games at 1920x1200 and yes the games look great but in order for games to look and run smoothly at that resolution you need a very high end PC. The console versions of the game still look very good and run smoothly and the console will only cost you £150 for 360 or £300 for PS3. High end PC will cost £600plus

The second part of that is just not true. There are plenty of exclusives in development. I could list a hundred. Age of Conan just came out, Spore is on it's way with the creature editor already out, Starcraft 2, Dragon Age, Ground Branch, Empire Total War, etc,
If you want to a list http://www.systemwars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69169

- Yes I know there are alot of exclusive PC titles. I am not disputing that fact. Its the big AAA PC exclusive titles. Games that will make you want to go out and buy a PC. I remember this time last year, PC gamers will planning their next upgrade for Crysis. The excitement was great. But now there is alot more hype about up and coming console games.

The realistic ones are on the PC.

- True, but you need lots of time if you want to play a serious racing game plus you need a decent wheel.

That's such a bad argument in so many ways; there is absolutely no reason to spend that much on a video card. Very good cards can be had for a lot less. Right now $140 gets you all the video card you need. PC games also cost less, and go on sale sooner.

- If you want to play games in high resolutions with AA & AF with max detail a $140 video card is not going to do the job well. Plus you need a decent motherboard, good CPU, 2gb ram (especially if you are running Vista). All that lots doesn't come cheap. Definitely not console cheap.

Yes, but if they do a decent job of porting it over, it will look better, have better controls, and be moddable.

- That is true but by the time it comes to the PC, I would have already finished the console version and a few extras is not enough for me to play the game again. Mass Effect is a good example. The PC version is more than a port. It is a great game in its own right and alot better than the 360 version but I have so many great games to play and so little time so i don't really want to play the same game twice, especially a story driven game like Mass Effect.

I find it's easier to have a quick session when I don't even have to leave my desk to play a game. Save points and quick sessions don't get well together either, luckily most PC games let you save anywhere.

Don't get me wrong. I love my PC and I spend more time on it than both my consoles plus I spend all my work day using a PC but I am finding at the moment console gaming is just more fun. The only recent game that I chose the PC version for was Race Driver Grid as it looks and runs VERY smoothly at 1920x1200 with 4xAA & 16XAF and beats the console version easily.

 

[Crighton]

I do like the points that people have been pointing out when it comes to what system you want to pick. The major one it seems to me is the genre of game you prefer.I know that I really like RTS games. I cannot find even one on the PS3 right now. When sid myers civ comes out I may try it but I would rather play it with Keyboard and mouse support, ( Not sure if this is already in the game )

It seems that the Majority of PC games are games that work best with a KB/M like RTS and MMORPG games. I know there are many of those games being slated for release on the consoles but I will have to wait and see what the interface is like before I actually buy one of them myself.

 

[Psychotext]

For RTS PC is really the only choice.

 

[morpheus9394]

PC is the home of RTS games because of the level of control the mouse and keyboard gives you.

 

[The_Law]

PC is the home of RTS games because of the level of control the mouse and keyboard gives you.

QFT

It actually makes me wonder why they don't release one for the PS3 (or 360 for that matter) that uses the KB+Mouse. I love RTS games but my crap computer can't run much these days.

 

[Psychotext]

It actually makes me wonder why they don't release one for the PS3 (or 360 for that matter) that uses the KB+Mouse. I love RTS games but my crap computer can't run much these days.

Oddly enough they've just decided to indefinitely delay C&C: RA3 on the PS3 - Which is very odd given it could have used a keyboard and mouse.

 

[The_Law]

Oddly enough they've just decided to indefinitely delay C&C: RA3 on the PS3 - Which is very odd given it could have used a keyboard and mouse.

That blows. I haven't played a good RTS in quite a while.

 

[saintrobyn]

When sid myers civ comes out I may try it but I would rather play it with Keyboard and mouse support, ( Not sure if this is already in the game )

Have you tried the demo yet? It is out on PSN and XBL. It is fantastic and feels a lot like a cross between Civ 1 and 2 in feel with some of the enhancements from the later ones thrown in.

I was very apprehensive about this game, Civ on the computer is my drug of choice. I have been playing them since they first came out. I am extremely pleased with the console outcome and will be buying it on the day of release for either the 360 or the PS3. It depends on which system my brother picks up so that we ccan go head to head.

 

[BladeVenom]

- If you want to play games in high resolutions with AA & AF with max detail a $140 video card is not going to do the job well. Plus you need a decent motherboard, good CPU, 2gb ram (especially if you are running Vista). All that lots doesn't come cheap. Definitely not console cheap.

I think a 9600GT or HD 3870 provides enough detail; either one certainly provides a lot more detail than any console.

I'm assuming most people on a tech forum forum already have the rest of the hardware. I know I do. Besides a midrange PC nowadays isn't that much more expensive than the most expensive console selections. The MG4 Bundle costs almost as much as a basic gaming PC.

 

[wildfire99]

If you want to play games in high resolutions with AA & AF with max detail a $140 video card is not going to do the job well.

Though this (common) argument is based on a poor assumption. Even a lowly 8800GT (now $140) will run things just fine at 1920x1080 for many games without AA. And if you really want the "console experience", then you need to crank that down to 1024x768 or less and turn on AA. Then you're comparing apples to apples, and suddenly you're getting that easy 60fps experience even at 4xAA. We seem to subconsciously expect so much more from PC gaming than consoles that such a thing itself should be a clear indicator of why PC gaming should be respected.

I don't see the 360 or the PS3 playing games at 1920x1080 with 4xAA, so why do we expect the PC to as well when comparing the lot?

 

[Psychotext]

1024x768

Technically 1280 x 720 but yes, that's right in the case of most games.

 

[Gott]

I bought a PS3 because it'll be my blu-ray player and I do enjoy MLB The Show series - also, they do come out with GTA and such games.

 

[TechHead]

See.. we can have a civilised conversation without much intervention from the mods.
Keep it on topic, keep it clean.

 

[Michaelius]

Though this (common) argument is based on a poor assumption. Even a lowly 8800GT (now $140) will run things just fine at 1920x1080 for many games without AA. And if you really want the "console experience", then you need to crank that down to 1024x768 or less and turn on AA. Then you're comparing apples to apples, and suddenly you're getting that easy 60fps experience even at 4xAA. We seem to subconsciously expect so much more from PC gaming than consoles that such a thing itself should be a clear indicator of why PC gaming should be respected.

I don't see the 360 or the PS3 playing games at 1920x1080 with 4xAA, so why do we expect the PC to as well when comparing the lot?

Well also you could connect PC to TV LCD for the same effect as console and play those games at 1366x768. And i think you wouldn't be hitting as many framerate drops with 3870 or 8800 gt (or rather none at all) as ps3 or xbox360 and all of that with maxed settings.

Generally speaking the only reason for me to buy console in first place were exclusive games.