Critical Assessment and Comparison of Next Generation Systems

[MattyGasCar]

In this thread I hope to look at each of the next gen consoles in terms of power, features, and games and provide a comparison of the Next Gen consoles based on each of those terms. It’s a long read. Feel free to point out mistakes, bias, or additional information (with link for proof) and I’ll edit/add it in.

Updated: 05/20/05

Technical Specs:

PS3 http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=4955
• It will support Blu-ray (54 GB), DVD±R/W, CD-R/RW, SACD
• Backwards compatible with the PlayStation 2 and original Playstation
• One 3.2GHz Cell processor - 7 cores - total system performance rated at 2.18 teraflops. 512KB L2 cache
• 256MB system RAM 3.2GHz, and 256MB GDDR VRAM at 700MHz
• 550 MHz Nvidia “RSX” (More powerful than 2 6800 ultras)
• Support for 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p
• Built in Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11B/G
• There will be a 2.5-inch hard drive (laptop size)
• Bluetooth support with up to seven wireless controllers
• Memory Stick Duo slot, SD and CF slots
• Six USB 2.0 system ports
• 1xOptical Sound Out, 2x HDMI outputs, 1x AV multi channel output
• Dolby 5.1, DTS, LPCM

Xbox 360 http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox360/factsheet.htm
• Uses Dual Layer DVDs (9 GB), compatible with CD-R/RW, DVD±R/W, MP3 CD, WMA CD, JPEG Photo CD.
• Backwards compatible with “top selling” games (which aren’t specified)
• 3.2 GHz IBM Power PC Processor with 3 cores. 1 teraflop performance. 1 MB L2 cache.
• 512 Ram
• 500 MHz ATI card, 10 MB of embedded DRAM (details: http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=Nzcx )
• Support for 720p, and 1080i, and anti-aliasing
• Built in Ethernet, Support for 802.11A/B/G (must be purchased separately)
• 20 GB Hard Drive, Detachable and upgradeable.
• 2.4 GHz RF wireless controllers , support for 4 controllers
• 2 Memory card slots
• 3 USB 2.0 Slots
• Multi channel surround output (5.1 minimum), standard and High Definition video output.
• 32 bit Audio processing, 256 Channels, 48KHz 16-bit audio

Revolution http://www.gamesarefun.com/e3/journal.php?id=33
• Will use Dual layer DVDs (9 GB) and Gamecube Disks, and support DVD playback. (and other DVD content)
• Nothing official on power but said to be 2-3 times more powerful than Gamecube
o Some have pointed out that Nintendo underestimates their tech-specs to put the focus on the games. For example the Xbox specs are higher than Gamecube’s, but the Gamecubes graphic power is nearly equal to the Xbox (at least in the games we have seen)
• Backwards compatible with Gamecube, and ability to download and play entire library of Nintendo games. (price and other details not mentioned)
• Leaked Specs are as follows: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=8658

the console will boast four 2.5Ghz IBM G5 [supposedly not the same G5 in Macs, but the PPE derivative] Custom cores, with 128KB of level 1 cache and a 512KB shared level 2 cache, while the graphics will be powered by a dual core ATI RN520 chipset, with 16MB of on-board eDRAM for the frame buffer.

• Built in wireless 802.11 B/G
• 512 MB on-board flash memory. It has an option to add SD memory cards
• Will use wireless and ‘unique’ controllers
• Also supports 4 Gamecube controllers and 2 memory card slots (picture here: http://www.planetgamecube.com/media....t&id=238&seq=2)


Power Comparison:

As we look at each system’s tech specs the most powerful is the PS3. The Cell processor just out processes the Xbox 360’s. They are both 3.2 ghz, but I think the cell architecture and 7 cores gives the Cell the edge. As well as more than twice the teraflop (however useful that is) power rating. The revolution specs show a 2.5 ghz 4 core processor with more L1 cache than 360 but less L2 cache. If this is accurate it is still a very powerful system, and given Nintendo’s track record, my guess is that it will be very close to equal power with the 360 and possibly surpassing it in some areas. We don’t have all the details on the video cards but from the sounds of things the Nvidia RSX in the ps3 will be the most powerful, although not in every respect, and that the Revolution’s will be close or similar to Xbox 360’s.

We have seen real in game footage from the PS3 and Xbox 360, many people have said that some of the more impressive PS3 videos are pre-rendered and therefore look better than what the ps3 may actually be capable of. Even so I wouldn’t doubt the PS3’s power, and I think that it is important to note that games often start to look better later in a consoles development cycle as they start pushing its limits. It is important to note that ps3 can run Unreal Engine 3 in real time and did look amazing. Of course so can the 360. We have not seen any Revolution footage or screenshots. Overall I think that all of the next gen systems will look great, the ps3 may be the best, but that doesn’t mean it will so far surpass the others that they are not comparable. Sony is good at hyping up their graphics, Killzone 2 might not look quite that good, but it will be close.

-Full powered Xbox 360 Dev Kits supposedly do not ship till june, perhaps some of the less impressive titles will look better before release.
-Small details in the Killzone 2 video suggest that it might be ingame (randomly spawning enemies as would be seen from in-game gameplay - see the Killzone 2 thread for details) Again, nothing is for sure.


Media format and playback:

-This time all the systems will be able to play DVD’s
-Xbox 360 supports mp3, wma, and photo CDs which is kind of cool I guess.
-PS3 can play Blueray (possible playback of future HD-DVD or related format)

Wireless:

-The 360 requires you to buy a wireless adapter while the other two systems have them integrated. All have wireless controllers (will talk more about controllers later)

AV Output:

-PS3 has the best audio/visual outputs with the 2 HDMI and optical outputs. It also supports blue ray. If Sony succeeds in uniting HDDVD and blueray the PS3 will function as a player of that format. This is a bonus if you have a HD TV, and 5.1 surround system, as movies may begin coming out on a future format like HDDVD or blueray. Sony also supports 1080p, having the highest HD resolution of the next gen consoles.
- Xbox 360 will have high def output, probably through component cables like xbox.
-Revolution has said nothing about high def support.

Multimedia:

-Xbox 360 has the most media center functions, mp3 ripping/playback, photo viewing, networking with your PC to stream or transfer media like videos, songs, pictures. Also has a media center remote to easily control all of these features. Upgradeable hard drive allows for larger storage of such media. It will connect to mp3 players (ie: ipod) and other digital devices (ie: psp) A lot of content will be available to download/purchase online and stream/download to the machine.
- PS3 will be able to play digital music, digital audio, view photographs, and have video communication. And the ability to do these things during gameplay (annoucned at the press conference) They dont have their GUI system worked out like Microsoft but I think the PS3 has potential to include nearly all the Xbox 360 multimedia features if Sony plans to do so.
-The PS3 has the most slots for flash memory supporting CF, SD, and Sony Duo. How the PS3 take advantage of these we don’t know yet,
-The PS3 will likely have connectivity with the PSP, and Revolution with NDS
-The PS3 will have an online "Cell Storage" service for storing media. http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/05...s_6126423.html

Online Play:

-Xbox 360 has most online features (at least announced at this point) In terms of stat tracking, friends, seamlessly transferring between online content and games, video chat. A free service will offer the basic features, and a pay service will have more.
-PS3 and Revolution have free online services for playing games online. Nintendo also has the ability to download the entire library of Nintendo games. Both ps3 and Nintendo will probably have some other content available online, but not to the extent that 360 will.
-Revolution will have free online for all first party games (nothing offical from 3rd party yet)
-Nintendo DS uses online service provided by GameSpy, no details if Revolution will do the same.

Backwards Compatibility:

-PS3 is backwards compatible with ps1 and ps2.

-Xbox 360 is compatible with the ‘top selling’ Xbox games. They do not specify what games this includes: if it means almost all except some obscure ones, or if it means almost none except the most popular ones. My assumption is that they will do their best to emulate the majority of the popular games (especially those with sequels on 360) and not spend time getting the emulation to work with other games. Because they probably don’t want some half-working emulated games they will probably set it to only play games that work perfectly with it.
More Details: http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=5034

-The Revolution has the ability to play GC games, but also download and play every Nintendo system game ever. They didn’t expand on this very much, but did talk about the 2 billion game library showing pictures of NES, SNES, and N64 (sorry no virtual boy) Exact details on price (the link below indicates that there will be a cost) and if every game will be available to dl at launch is unknown. Knowing that the Revolution has 512 MB internal flash memory, games would probably be downloaded to that, while that is large enough to hold several N64 games, and a large amount of SNES or NES games. It definitely isn’t enough to download every Nintendo game ever and have them all on your console wherever you go. Will you have to download a game each time you want to play it? Will there be other storage options? Also will you be able to play online MP with those games?
-More Details: http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=5038
-Only first party Nintendo games are confirmed to be downloadable, but Nintendo is talking with 3rd party devlopers to make those games available as well.

Controllers:

-The PS3 controller is very similar to the dual shock ps2 controller in basic layout, but is more crescent shaped and has longer grips. I’m assuming it’s comfortable and will get used to it fast. And undoubtedly a 3rd party remake of the dual shock 2 will come out for ps3. They also use Bluetooth wireless and supports up to 7 controllers. Controllers will be rechargeable through USB ports. Battery life was supposed be around 24 hours. The PSP will also be able to be used as a controller.

-Xbox 360 controller is basically the same as the Xbox controller s, but the black and white buttons are now on top and the start and back buttons are in the middle. I think these moves were good. It makes it less cluttered when hitting/finding buttons. And is a more even layout. Uses 2.4 ghz RF wireless, at launch they will use batteries, but later will have rechargeable controllers. Support for 4 controllers. Retractable USB cords. And compatibility with Windows Longhorn PC’s.

-Revolution controller. No details yet, other than wireless. Supposed to be “revolutionary” and change the way you play games. Rumors involve gyro technology, touch pads, pressure sensitive buttons. Nothing is confirmed. We do know that the revolution has ports for 4 Gamecube controllers (seen in linked screenshot above)

Games:

Games are the most important part of the console, Nintendo stresses this. Microsoft stresses the multimedia connected experience, they don’t deny that games are the main purpose and importance of the system, but their focus seems on the multimedia while leaving gameplay up to developers. Nintendo is concerned with game play primarily. Sony seems to be stressing graphics, this will convince most people to buy PS3, Sony will use graphics and hype to sell their system.

Even though Nintendo is focused on games, Microsoft on multimedia, and Sony on graphics, that doesn’t mean Nintendo will have the best games (although they will have great games), 360 will have awesome games even if it’s a multimedia machine, and PS3 will have great games even if the system is hyped. Let’s look at what we know about the next gen games.



-Xbox 360 - Key Games: Halo 2.5, Halo 3, Perfect Dark Zero, PGR 3, ES4: Oblivion, Ghost Recon 3, Call of Duty 2, Gears of War, UT2007, Quake 4, Condemned, Dead or Alive 4.

These are all great games, however Oblivion, GR3, CoD2, UT2007, Gears of War, and Quake 4 will all be on PC, and on PC has the potential to look better with future upgrades as well as mods, which will play a huge part in some of those titles.
Perfect Dark seems to have less than spectacular graphics, but we will see what it’s looking like closer to release. (supposedly only running at 30% of 360's power)

Limited backwards compatibility will add a few-several Xbox 1 titles.

Halo 3, DoA4, and PGR3 are the big Xbox franchise games and all will be great I’m sure.

Other games announced include: Fable 2, Amped 3, Full Auto, Prey, Dark Sector, NFS Most Wanted, EA Sports Games, FF Series, Splinter Cell game, Tony Hawk American Wasteland. Test Drive Unlimited, Kameo.




-PS3 – Key Games: Killzone 2, MGS4, Vision Gran Turismo, Motor Storm, Tekken, Devil May Cry 4, Warhawk, GTA Next.

These are all great looking games, many are highly anticipated sequels to current series. The fact that all of these are exclusive to PS3 is huge. From the looks of this PS3 will keep pretty much all of the PS2 exclusive series. Except of course Final Fantasy which is now coming to 360 as well.

All ps2 and ps1 games are compatible.

Other games include: Dark Sector, EA Sports games, Killing Day, Mobile Suit Gundam, Ni-Oh, Formula One, Heavenly Sword, The Getaway 3, UT2007, Condemned, FF series. And I’ve seen ES4: Oblivion as a possible title as well. As well as plans for a future Soul Caliber game, with Soul Caliber 3 being ps2 exclusive will Soul Caliber become a Sony exclusive series?



-Revolution- Key Games: none conformed yet but expect sequels to Mario, Smash Brothers, Metroid, Zelda, Mario Kart, Star Fox, and Mario Party. Well we do know there will be a Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles’s game.

The revolution may have games that are revolutionary, or have simply amazing gameplay, we don’t really know yet. Expect some great Nintendo games that continue their best franchises. Lets hope for better 3rd party support this time around.

Backwards compatibility with Gamecube, and ability to download every Nintendo system’s game ever makes for a huge library. = Awesomeness.



Games Review:

Its probably safe to assume that the games that normally come out on all three systems will continue to do so. Games such as: EA sports games, Need for Speed, Tony Hawk, Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy games, Medal of Honor/Call of Duty, Time splitters and many more. Xbox 360 has a lot of these titles listed, of course it is coming out this year, while the other systems still have a while, many of these games will probably be announced, or at least sequels to them will be announced for the next gen systems.

The Key games I listed for the systems are the main franchises that each system will have. From what we have seen Xbox 360 has the weakest selection of unique games. Sony and Nintendo will be stronger in that area. More than half of the games listed for Xbox 360 are either already coming out on PC or other systems, or will most likely be released on other next gen systems given those series’ track record.

If you take PC out of the equation all the systems are pretty much equal in terms of games. Its more up to which franchises you are a fan of. The 360 is compiling a large amount of quality games with multimedia features, it is almost an alternative to the PC; offering great PC games and console games, and multimedia functions you can already do on your PC. The PS3 seems to be keeping its strong franchises and in my opinion has a better mix of console games. Nintendo revolution you can count on awesome first party Nintendo games, and the regular multi-platform games, other than that we don’t know yet. Again this is just the first wave of games, we dont know what new great franchises will be started on this gen, and on what system. Expect awsome unique games we dont know or expect to be released on each system. And althought I show the 360 as having the weakest selection (because of PC) that doesnt mean it will always be this way. Game selection can always change.


That concludes my assessment of the Systems, I have tried to fairly show the strengths and benefits of each system. Hopefully you can use this as a comparison of the features of the systems and help decide which one is for you. Of course more information about all of the systems, especially the Revolution will be released, I’ll try to add and modify this page to fit with information that is released. Feel free to suggest mistakes or places of bias, or add more information (with link for proof) and I’ll update it.

Cliffs:

Xbox 360 Pros:
-most multimedia features
-very powerful
-best online services
-coming out first
Xbox 360 Cons:
-Too many PC games, not enough unique games
-wireless adapter costs extra
-wireless controller needs batteries (for now)
-Limited backwards compatibility

PS3 Pros:
-most powerful next gen system
-sequels to best ps2 franchises
-supports most number of controllers
-best AV connections
-BlueRay
-Backwards compatible with ps1/ps2
PS3 Cons:
-Hyped
-Might be very expensive

Revolution Pros:
-Probably be very similar in power with other next gen systems
-First party Nintendo games
-backward compatible with GC and download entire Nintendo library
-will most likely be the cheapest of the next gen consoles
Revolution Cons:
-least multimedia features
-possibly no HD support
-we don’t know enough about it yet.

[redhotfanboy]

man it would take me 6 months of trips to mexico to get 1 PS3 game

I do have to say the PS3 looks the most impressive, that thing just has power

[[H]orny]

Excellent read

Good Job

[TheDude]

Quality thread - will read again

[jas0nh]

Damn good job man... Very informative.

[x3r0n]

holy fuck CONTENT

[nyat]

Originally Posted by [H]orny

Excellent read

Good Job

qfmft

the ps3 looks

[otapnam]

you forgot lack of third party support for revolution, otherwise great thread

[Visor37]

A+ thread, congratulations.

[DemonNite]

good thread but u missed out GTA NEXT for PS3! that surely will be a key game for launch even (altho i got bored of the series im sure lots of ppl havent)

[odd]

Originally Posted by Visor37

A+ thread, congratulations.

+++++

[flipside]

Awesome thread....Bump for huge effort which actually doesn't appear to be fueled by crap-info

[MattyGasCar]

Added info for GTA Next which has been confirmed for PS3 http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614665p1.html

In regards to lack of 3rd party development for Revolution I think its too early to say for sure. Many more may sign on.

[Dan Soki]

All I have to say is whichever system can satisfy my 2D fighting and old school beat-em up needs...........I'll buy.

[mikemckee]

Great thread, should be stickied for now maybe?

If you could find some pictures/link to more that'd be nice (of the consoles I mean).