The PS3 has a hardware advantage but it isn't "huge."
Besides, hardware means crap right now. What makes a console great is the games. Due to the high cost of producing a game it will -- 90% of the time -- be sold on both PS3 and X-Box 360 (and probably Wii, too). The developers are not going to but a hell of a lot of effort into exploiting that hardware advantage that the PS3 has.
I think the hardware advantage also evaporates when you compare it with things that users actually want to do, especially talking about online stuff. It's got no hardware advantage there. So your avatar can look all cool, but that doesn't make it interact with the online world any better.
Sony's playing severe catchup in the online aspect of consoles. Personally, I think they don't have the chops to overtake Microsoft in that area. Nothing they've done has indicated that they can.
I can't really say much about the Wii online, because I don't really have one, and others can comment on it much better. The thing I wonder is why you have to have some hard 16-digit or whatever code to identify others, instead of some other naming scheme.
True, the games are going to drive it, but it's a pretty big advantage in raw processing power (hence the 2.5x cost difference) and in the long run that's probably going to make a big difference.
Never underestimate developers' propensity to write titles that tax the limits of the best system without caring much how it's going to run on other systems.
Never underestimate developers' propensity to write titles that tax the limits of the best system without caring much how it's going to run on other systems.
Raw processing power is nice, but it can also be very deceeptive. Sony has a hell of an uphill battle here, Dave. I really think they've shot themselves in the foot. The cost of the PS3 is prohibitive for a lot of people, especially when you can get pretty much all of the same games with BETTER graphics (plus Halo 3 when it comes out) for a few hundred cheaper.
Yes, right now the XBox 360 has better graphics. This is because the developers have been working with it longer. I am sure the PS3 will catch up and might even (eventually) exceed the XBox 360 in some areas. But I really fear that by then it will be far too late.
Sony's playing severe catchup in the online aspect of consoles. Personally, I think they don't have the chops to overtake Microsoft in that area. Nothing they've done has indicated that they can.
Dude, does your paycheck say "Microsoft" in the corner?
The PS3 has only been out for, what, 5 months? The typical console cycle is 5 years. It's way too early to calling the PS3 DOA in the online department. Already, with PlayStation Home, you're seeing Sony offer something Microsoft can't touch! And given the crazy popularity of Second Life I can't help but think Sony might be on to something.
I think Sony learned a hard lesson with Microsoft's X-Box Live and they're ready to play ball with the PS3. They also have the advantage of improving where Microsoft failed with their online component. And there are plenty of things to complain about with X-Box Live.
I'd give Sony 1-2 years before I'd say anything definitive about any aspect of the PS3. Sony didn't win the last two console cycles because they're dumb. They worked for it and I believe they're heady to compete with Microsoft in that arena. Could they lose? Sure. So could Microsoft.
But, as Jesse noted, it's all about the games. If the games aren't there any console would lose. X-Box Live ain't that great if there aren't a selection of games you'd want to play on it.
Sony has shown it can bring the games in the past. Online component or no. An online feature is just that - a feature. Speaking for myself I couldn't care less about online capabilities. I want games. If the X-Box had games I wanted I buy it. They don't. The Nintendo Wii does. The PS3 is going to have them eventually (I'm looking at you Metal Gear Solid 4).
PlayStation Home is an innovative first step into the online console world. They've piqued my interest with it. They've not sold me, not at all, but I like where their head is at. Let's see what else they've got.
3.8.2007 8:28pm
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
Besides, hardware means crap right now. What makes a console great is the games. Due to the high cost of producing a game it will -- 90% of the time -- be sold on both PS3 and X-Box 360 (and probably Wii, too). The developers are not going to but a hell of a lot of effort into exploiting that hardware advantage that the PS3 has.
Sony's playing severe catchup in the online aspect of consoles. Personally, I think they don't have the chops to overtake Microsoft in that area. Nothing they've done has indicated that they can.
I can't really say much about the Wii online, because I don't really have one, and others can comment on it much better. The thing I wonder is why you have to have some hard 16-digit or whatever code to identify others, instead of some other naming scheme.
Never underestimate developers' propensity to write titles that tax the limits of the best system without caring much how it's going to run on other systems.
Raw processing power is nice, but it can also be very deceeptive. Sony has a hell of an uphill battle here, Dave. I really think they've shot themselves in the foot. The cost of the PS3 is prohibitive for a lot of people, especially when you can get pretty much all of the same games with BETTER graphics (plus Halo 3 when it comes out) for a few hundred cheaper.
Yes, right now the XBox 360 has better graphics. This is because the developers have been working with it longer. I am sure the PS3 will catch up and might even (eventually) exceed the XBox 360 in some areas. But I really fear that by then it will be far too late.
I really had no opinion on the new systems until I learned that our Xbox 360 can let me watch any movie I have on another computer.
And the resolution is better than expected.
Dude, does your paycheck say "Microsoft" in the corner?
The PS3 has only been out for, what, 5 months? The typical console cycle is 5 years. It's way too early to calling the PS3 DOA in the online department. Already, with PlayStation Home, you're seeing Sony offer something Microsoft can't touch! And given the crazy popularity of Second Life I can't help but think Sony might be on to something.
I think Sony learned a hard lesson with Microsoft's X-Box Live and they're ready to play ball with the PS3. They also have the advantage of improving where Microsoft failed with their online component. And there are plenty of things to complain about with X-Box Live.
I'd give Sony 1-2 years before I'd say anything definitive about any aspect of the PS3. Sony didn't win the last two console cycles because they're dumb. They worked for it and I believe they're heady to compete with Microsoft in that arena. Could they lose? Sure. So could Microsoft.
But, as Jesse noted, it's all about the games. If the games aren't there any console would lose. X-Box Live ain't that great if there aren't a selection of games you'd want to play on it.
Sony has shown it can bring the games in the past. Online component or no. An online feature is just that - a feature. Speaking for myself I couldn't care less about online capabilities. I want games. If the X-Box had games I wanted I buy it. They don't. The Nintendo Wii does. The PS3 is going to have them eventually (I'm looking at you Metal Gear Solid 4).
PlayStation Home is an innovative first step into the online console world. They've piqued my interest with it. They've not sold me, not at all, but I like where their head is at. Let's see what else they've got.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.