PS3 Kicks it Up a Notch
Playstation 3 Takes Over in the Next Generation Console Wars 2008
A look into the battle for sales between Playstation 3 and XBOX 360 and the reasons Playstation is taking the lead.
Since the day Sony released their "next generation" console, the Playstation 3, they have been out-sold by Microsoft's video game giant, the XBOX 360. However, at the close of the first quarter in 2008 Sony's PS3 is consistently out-selling the 360.
Technical Specs
Some say the PS3 has always been a better machine and is just beginning to receive recognition of that. A side by side comparison of the console's technical specifications shows them to be very closely matched. The PS3 has a faster graphics core (550 MHz vs. the 360's 500MHz) but the XBOX 360 has a higher cache (1MB compared to PS3's 512KB). They both have 512MB of RAM and both support the use of wireless controllers. Although both systems boast high definition capabilities XBOX 360's highest setting is 1080i, where as the PS3 goes one notch higher to 1080p.
Online Services
Sony has also been developing something to battle the XBOX 360's most popular feature, XBOX Live. XBOX Live is a service provided by XBOX for online gaming. It provides gamers with dedicated servers to play all their favorite games. A friend's list which automatically informs gamers which of their friends are online and what game they are currently playing. The ability to challenge random people from around the world, or just to invite their friends to a more private game. Gamers can also download demos and videos for upcoming games. The service is all offered for the price of $60 per year. A price which has been unanimously voted extremely fair and worth every penny.
How does Sony intend to compete with XBOX live? They intend to offer all the same services and make them all completely free.
High Definition
The biggest reason most people believe sales have risen for the Playstation 3 is the victory of Blu-Ray DVD over HD DVD. The XBOX 360 offered an attachment drive, available for purchase, capable of playing HD DVDs. The Playstation 3 comes complete with a Blu-Ray DVD player already installed. Most consumers who were trying to decide between the XBOX 360 and the Playstation 3 found it a much easier decision once the Playstation was the only system for which high definition DVDs were available. Even more, at the price of $399, the Playstation 3 is one of the most affordable Blu-Ray DVD players on the market.
The Next Challenge
With the XBOX 360 currently conquered, Sony is now the number one-selling high-definition console. However, they'll need to make further leaps and strides in their technology and popularity if they ever hope to dethrone the king of all console sales, the Nintendo Wii.
