Whether I am discussing video games with friends or browsing forums online, it is obvious there is a love hate relationship between Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 fans. Each proclaims their console is the leet sauce and that all should bow before the awesome power it exhibits. Here at PlanetXbox360.com we decided to take an objective look at which system we believe won out in 2008. Using Sales figures, hardware specifications, the four best exclusive titles of 2008, and online capabilities we determined the winner, read on to find out!
Popularity:
Consoles have been battling it out since the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. Yes I know there were other consoles before these, but competition was extremely prevalent in the 16-bit era. The Next-Generation systems are no different. Sales Reports are released throughout the year and the respective winners make their announcements during press meetings. So, between the Xbox 360 and PS3, the heated rivals, who is the popularity victor? Let's take a look at the numbers and find out.
According to Wikipedia the worldwide sales figures look like this:
The Xbox 360: 25 Million, as of November 25, 2008
Playstation 3: 16.84 million, as of September 30, 2008
Conclusion: In the popularity contest, the Xbox 360 is the decisive winner. There is no way the PS3 could make up 8+ million units in two months or pass them by the end of the year since the Xbox is still selling consoles. This doesn’t mean that the Xbox is the best system because it sells more, but it does say a lot about how consumers feel towards each console. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Console_wars#United_States_sales_figures_2
Hardware:
System specifications can be a bit hard to grasp. My personal fail-safe, bigger numbers means better results. Here is a chart comparing both systems specs.
The most important components are the processor, memory, and GPU. These are the core of the systems that determine the potential each system has for graphics and frame rate. The developers play a big role too; they develop new Intellectual Properties, i.e. game engines, which utilize each system to its full extent. Taking a look at the numbers you can see the PS3 has an edge over the 360. While their processors run at the same speeds (3.2 GHz) the PS3’s memory runs at a faster speed than the 360’s. It has 256mb dedicated at the same speed of the processor while the 360’s 512mb runs at 700mz. The PS3’s Graphical Processor Unit (GPU) is a bit faster than the 360’s as well with a 50 MHz edge.
Each consoles HDD varies as well. The Xbox 360 has a hard drive designed specifically for the 360. The PS3 uses a standard size PC hard drive that can be replaced by opening the PS3, allowing memory capabilities of 300+GB. Opening the PS3 does void the warranty though, so proceed with caution. Search google for how to do this modification at your own risk.
While the systems specifications run close the PS3 pulls away from the Xbox 360 with the ability to function as a Blu-Ray DVD player. The optimal picture and sound quality offered by Blu-Ray coupled with the defeat of HD-DVD is a one two punch that could send the Xbox 360 Reeling.
Conclusion: The PS3 is the decisive winner here. Slightly better specifications, a replaceable hard drive (this makes the hard drive cheaper too), and Blu-Ray capabilities make the PS3 a force to be reckoned with.
