2008 Woodie Awards
Console Wars
Our esteemed geek experts break down the pros and cons of the game systems
Jay Donde and Soheil Rezaee
Issue date: 5/27/08 Section: A&E
Sony Playstation 3
Pros: Would you kill for a Playstation 3? Some people would. In fact, some people did - that's how hotly anticipated this Sony game system was shortly before its arrival. Now, while the Nintendo Wii may be a console that's fun for all ages, when it comes to hardcore gaming, the debate is really between the PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.
So what's the PS3 got going for it? Primarily, it has a whole lot of information capacity. Both the PS3 and the Xbox 360 are souped up in terms of processing power, but the truth is the average gamer really won't be able to distinguish between the two. What the average gamer might notice, however, is that since the PS3 comes with a built-in Blu-Ray reader, PS3 games can store up to 50 gigabytes of audiovisual characters, maps, settings and scenarios. The Xbox 360 can only accommodate games storing up to 7 gigabytes. You can buy an Xbox adapter that will push this up to 30 gigs, but it'll cost you a cool Benjamin.
Cons: PC World put the PS3 at No. 8 on their list "The Top 21 Tech Screw-ups of 2006." That should be a pretty clear warning. Most critics fault the PS3 for its hefty price tag and its lack of top-notch, exclusive games. As for the price, believe it or not, Sony was actually losing money by selling the console initially at $599. The cost of production for the 60 GB model was $840 per unit. There is still a dearth of must-have games for the PS3, but that should change later this year with the premiere of "Metal Gear Solid 4" and a couple of "Final Fantasy" sequels.
Alternative Uses: For those scientific altruists out there, Stanford University is allowing PS3 owners to contribute some of their systems' processing power to the Folding@home project, which performs simulations and records data on protein folding dynamics.
Nintendo Wii
Pros: The Nintendo Wii is a gaming console for those of us who don't necessarily enjoy spending hours pretending to be futuristic commandos in virtual post-apocalyptic worlds. Yes, it's somewhat less powerful than the PS3 and Xbox 360, and yes, its graphics are presented in lower resolution, but a fact's a fact - the Wii has sold more units than either of its competitors. Why's that? Well, the answer is simple: It's fun. The Wii is the most interactive game system ever. With numerous accessories, such as the Wii Wheel and the Wii Remote, players can really get into the game. Want to play a round of "Mario Tennis"? Forget about hitting little buttons. Work on your forehand, because the Wii remote's motion detectors enable you to actually, literally, physically play tennis against your opponents. Better yet, invite a few friends over, pop in "Super Smash Brothers Brawl" or "Wii Sports" and interact with not only your television, but with some real live people (gasp).
Pros: Would you kill for a Playstation 3? Some people would. In fact, some people did - that's how hotly anticipated this Sony game system was shortly before its arrival. Now, while the Nintendo Wii may be a console that's fun for all ages, when it comes to hardcore gaming, the debate is really between the PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.
So what's the PS3 got going for it? Primarily, it has a whole lot of information capacity. Both the PS3 and the Xbox 360 are souped up in terms of processing power, but the truth is the average gamer really won't be able to distinguish between the two. What the average gamer might notice, however, is that since the PS3 comes with a built-in Blu-Ray reader, PS3 games can store up to 50 gigabytes of audiovisual characters, maps, settings and scenarios. The Xbox 360 can only accommodate games storing up to 7 gigabytes. You can buy an Xbox adapter that will push this up to 30 gigs, but it'll cost you a cool Benjamin.
Cons: PC World put the PS3 at No. 8 on their list "The Top 21 Tech Screw-ups of 2006." That should be a pretty clear warning. Most critics fault the PS3 for its hefty price tag and its lack of top-notch, exclusive games. As for the price, believe it or not, Sony was actually losing money by selling the console initially at $599. The cost of production for the 60 GB model was $840 per unit. There is still a dearth of must-have games for the PS3, but that should change later this year with the premiere of "Metal Gear Solid 4" and a couple of "Final Fantasy" sequels.
Alternative Uses: For those scientific altruists out there, Stanford University is allowing PS3 owners to contribute some of their systems' processing power to the Folding@home project, which performs simulations and records data on protein folding dynamics.
Nintendo Wii
Pros: The Nintendo Wii is a gaming console for those of us who don't necessarily enjoy spending hours pretending to be futuristic commandos in virtual post-apocalyptic worlds. Yes, it's somewhat less powerful than the PS3 and Xbox 360, and yes, its graphics are presented in lower resolution, but a fact's a fact - the Wii has sold more units than either of its competitors. Why's that? Well, the answer is simple: It's fun. The Wii is the most interactive game system ever. With numerous accessories, such as the Wii Wheel and the Wii Remote, players can really get into the game. Want to play a round of "Mario Tennis"? Forget about hitting little buttons. Work on your forehand, because the Wii remote's motion detectors enable you to actually, literally, physically play tennis against your opponents. Better yet, invite a few friends over, pop in "Super Smash Brothers Brawl" or "Wii Sports" and interact with not only your television, but with some real live people (gasp).
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