Mike Bantick
Friday, 13 April 2007 19:25
Opinion and Analysis
Page 2 of 3
Features: Much easier to define, stand out features are: The Wii offers a unique controller system, Internet connectivity, backwards compatibility and with the Virtual Console, a well supported link to past Nintendo greats of the past.
On the Microsoft front, the Xbox 360 provides a superior online experience, integrated achievements system, promising linkage to Windows based PC’s to provide multimedia and communication connectivity. The Xbox 360 can also be built up in a modular fashion, with WI-FI, HD-DVD and HDD as well different online pricing options.
Sony have gone out of there way to cram as much technology into the PS3 as possible, with the Blu-ray drive being their ace-up-the-sleeve. The ability to add USB connected devices, and alternate Operating Systems and the increasingly mature online experience are highlights. Lowlights are primarily the SIXAXIS controllers feel and lack of “rumble”.
Scores on features, Xbox 360: 8, PS3: 8 and Wii: 8.
Price: When will our iTWire colleague Stan Beer get
his price cut on the PS3? Probably at around the same time those canny Microsoft marketeers approve one for the Xbox 360.
Remember we need to consider value for money in this argument, AU$1000 for the PS3, that’s it, the PS3 simply loses points for lack of options, you are paying a premium supposedly for the technology packed into the box. You can trick up your Xbox 360 to a similar price point, but because of the modular offering, you have options. The Wii is an easy choice at the AU$400 mark. Xbox 360: 9, PS3: 5 and Wii: 8
Support: Sony has heritage on its side, with commentators and industry people alike. The success of the PSone and PS2 has developers originally considering the PS3 as a no-brainer, couple this with developers commenting on the ease of making games for the PS3 –compared to the PS2 – this support should continue.
In a similar way Microsoft has garnered hard fought development support for the Xbox 360, and with a year’s head start and some kick-ass console exclusives (Gears of War, Halo etc) will also continue to pump out the major titles.
Nintendo has the benefit of a number of exclusive titles, and developing behemoths shifting resources to create titles for the Wii. Currently we are in somewhat of a drought of quality Wii titles.
The Nintendo drought will be broken as developers get to grips with the control system and its phenomenal sales will help their decision. Xbox 360: 7, PS3: 8 and Wii: 7
Next "Aesthetics,fun,future and conclusion "
