Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 3
With the many different available gaming systems out there today, it’s worth evaluating all of the options if you are in the market for one. The Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii all have something different to offer, which is why the debate about systems is such an interesting one. If you are going to write a comprehensive Ps3 review, Xbox 360 review, or Wii review, you have to talk about some key categories. Strengths and weaknesses are a must, but understanding hardware capabilities and the like is important, as well. The designers of the various systems are certainly competing against one another, but they are targeting slightly different markets, too.
Ps3 Review
Over the last year, the Playstation 3 has made a lot of strides and it has become a much more realistic option for many gamers out there. Its biggest problem upon original release was the high price tag, but Sony took care of that by phasing out some of the more expensive editions and offering PS3s that had fewer features, but a much lower price. There are now $399 models of the PS3 to go along with the already offered $499 models.
One important part of any Ps3 review is a review of its core processor. The PS3 runs on a “Cell” engine, which is easily the most powerful and capable processor on the market. This means that the games have the ability to be better and it can do many more things. The speed of the PS3 is superior to the other options on the market, but many individuals feel as if some of the power of the PS3 is wasted. Game developers are not exactly developing games to fully take advantage of the system’s capability. Still, the higher end processor is a part of the draw and it opens the doors to advances in game technology in the future that the other game systems are unlikely to match.
The PS3 runs its graphics through the RSX system. Though this is not the most advanced graphics producer on the market today, it does put the PS3 ahead of the Wii in many ways. Most people feel as though the graphics on the PS3 are bound to improve with time, since the Cell processor gives the system a greater possibility for growth. As gamers have found out over the last year, the current graphics for the PS3 are slightly less than what was advertised when the system was originally released.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Some of the strengths of the Playstation 3 system have to do with its potential for improvement and the fact that it can do a lot. It plays blue-ray discs, offers music playback capabilities, and comes with enough memory to last the average gamer. Additionally, lots of titles have been developed for the console and the selection seems to be improving. Many sports games have been specifically targeted for the console, including the MLB: The Show series of games. Additionally, fans of first-person shooter games get the Rainbow Six and Gears of War options.
The weaknesses have to do with the price being somewhat prohibitive, though that is changing over the last couple of years. The untapped potential for the PS3 has to be frustrating for owners, as well.
Xbox 360 Review
When you compare the Xbox 360 to the PS3 and the Wii, you see some interesting things. One thing to know about the Xbox entry is that it has some of the best graphics of any console out there. The Xenos GPU has much higher pixel processing power, which is great for those gamers who really get into that sort of thing. Additionally, individuals have come to find that the Xbox offers a great deal of value for the price. It’s relatively affordable and also offers movie power and the playback features that have become such a huge selling point for the consoles today.
Strengths and weaknesses
When you consider the strong points of the 360, you have to point to the graphics, but it is about much more than that. The system itself comes with a really nice game selection, which includes the flagship Halo game series. Additionally, many of the most popular sports titles out there today are designed especially for the Xbox 360, which combine well with the graphics to make it a great system for people who primarily play sports games.
Another strength of the Xbox system is its “Xbox Live” interactive gaming platform. This is more advanced and runs better than the online options from PS3. With gamer tags, rankings, and all sorts of players, this is something that is always a drawing point.
Weaknesses are not necessarily large for this system. It does not have the speed or processing power of the PS3, but makes up for that with great graphics at the core. There are also many extras to buy in order to take full advantage of the system’s power.
Nintendo Wii Review
The Wii is marketed to a slightly different portion of the gaming community. It comes complete with the action console, so you actually get to participate in the gaming. This has made the console an excellent choice for people who want something a bit different or those people who enjoy the traditional Nintendo titles offered on the machine.
Strengths and weaknesses
With its mother-ship games like the Wii Fit, this is a system that has a bit more to offer. The gameplay is different, but that is a plus for many people. This particular system is attracting more and more game producers, with new things like Guitar Hero coming to the console over the last couple of years.
In terms of weaknesses, the Wii does not offer the huge power and it doesn’t offer graphics that can match the other two systems. With fewer games out there on the market, it can’t really compare with the Xbox 360 or PS3 in that area, either. In short, it’s something that brings its own appeal to the table, but lacks considerably in the areas that pure gaming lovers often demand.
