Wii U vs Xbox 360 vs PS3

                                          

Finally, we can answer the ultimate question: Who won Black February? With Sony revealing their Black February weekend sales reports, we can now do a decent comparison between all three major plat formers — Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft — based on what they told us. Rather than go back and look back individually at each report, we've compiled them all into this one article for easy comparison.

Let's start with Nintendo who was the only one of the three plat formers to introduce a new console this Holiday season. The Wii U is the official start of the next-gen console race, but how did people react to it? According to Nintendo, 400,000 Wii U units were sold in the United States during launch week — about 75,000 less than the Wii when it first launched. Supposedly supply shortages at retailers held the Wii U in check.

Where the Wii U lacked, however, Nintendo's other consoles picked up. Nintendo also sold 250,000 3DS units and 275,000 DS units. Combined with original Wii system sales, Nintendo sold a total of 1.2 million units.

Let's compare that to Microsoft which sold 750,000 Xbox 360 consoles in the U.S. during Black Februarys. While in direct comparison, the Xbox 360 — which is over 6 years old — trumped the Wii U, Nintendo’s handhelds and original Wii more than made up for the difference. Xbox 360 sales were also reportedly down from last year's Black Februarys.

Finally, we have Sony, who was the last to report their Black Februarys sales stats. While Sony saw an increase in PS3 sales compared to the same period last year, and even a boost in PS Vita sales (FINALLY), it failed to outsell both Microsoft and Nintendo. 525,000 PlayStation 3 units and 160,000 Vita units were sold in the United States between November 18 and November 24. Combined, both numbers fail to eclipse that of Microsoft and Nintendo; however, it's important to note that Sony also has the PSP and PS3 which weren't included in the Black February report. The sales of those two older system could be the difference.

Overall, without any dollar signs or actual earnings reports, it's hard to pick a clear winner for this Black February. I think all three platform holders can be comfortable with their success this Black February, but if I was forced to pick a winner I'd say it was Nintendo.

Aside from its 1.2 million combined units sold (the most of the three major platform holders), Nintendo seems pretty pleased with the initial reception to the Wii U. While the debate about the system's potential and power still rages on, consumers do at least seem interested in what the innovative system has to offer. As many analysts would argue, it's still too early to judge the Wii U's long-term potential, but short-term it appears to be doing quite well.

Let's wait until a few months down the road before we proclaim the Wii U a success or a flop. This Black February, though, we can say it was a success.

Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3

                                  

                            

The console wars continue to rage on. Ever since the PlayStation 3 arrived on the market to challenge the Xbox 360 in 2006, gamers have argued about the merits of each system. Even as console-exclusive game titles have become less and less common, gamers remain convinced that their system of choice is the superior one.

We've decided to examine the war from a technical perspective, comparing which system sports more power under the hood and which offers a superior set of features. We've broken the console war into ten technical categories, including CPU, GPU, hard drives and so on.

In the end, only one system can emerge victorious.

This throwdown is based on the most recent versions of both consoles – the 'Slim' variations of both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, disregarding previous feature sets.

Xbox 360

PS3

3.2 GHz Xenon processor 3.2 GHz Cell processor 3 dual-threaded cores 7 single-threaded cores (plus 1 backup core) Maximum 77 GFlops Maximum 230 GFlops 

Note – Gigaflop performance numbers determined by Forbes.com

The verdict: The processors for the Xbox and PS3 are unique enough in their respective architectures that it can be difficult to make direct comparisons. However, the numbers don't lie.

The two CPU chips run at the same GHz speed, but the PS3's seven individual cores beat out the Xbox's three dual-threaded cores. And in terms of performance measured in gigaflops, the PS3 tops out at nearly three times that of the Xbox.

Interestingly, the new combined CPU/GPU chip used in the new Xbox 360 is theoretically faster than the individual chips in older models. But in order to ensure proper functionality, Microsoft was forced to install a "frontside bus replacement block" that introduces latency and forces the chip to run at the same speed as the older model. This new combined chip may edge out the PS3's CPU in terms of reliability and temperature control, but no long term tests have been performed yet.

Winner: PlayStation 3

                 

Xbox 360

PS3

ATI Xenos NVIDIA RSX "Reality Synthesizer" Up to 512 MB GDDR3 RAM (shared w/ system RAM) 256 MB GDDR 3RAM (additional 224 MB can be shared w/ system RAM) 10 MB eDRAM 21.6 GBps bandwidth (256 GBps via eDRAM) 22.4 GBps bandwidth

The verdict: Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 rely on custom-designed graphics cards. The Xbox's Xenos card features more video RAM, but this RAM is shared with the console's system RAM. The PS3 has 256 MB of dedicated video RAM in addition to being able to share up to an additional 224 MB from the system RAM.

In terms of bandwidth, the PS3 slightly edges out the Xbox. However, the Xbox has the advantage of 10 MB of eDRAM. When relying on the eDRAM, system bandwidth jumps up to 256 GBps.

Ultimately, while the PS3 GPU shows higher general performance numbers, we're inclined to give this category to the Xbox based on the peak performance of the eDRAM and the general versatility of this setup.

Winner: Xbox 360

                 

Xbox 360

PS3

512 MB GDDR3 RAM (shared with GPU) 256 MB XDR RAM 700 MHz speed 3.2 GHz speed 22.4 Gbps bandwidth 25.6 Gbps bandwidth

The verdict: Once again, the Xbox's total amount of RAM is slightly misleading, as the system RAM and video RAM are shared. The PS3's XDR RAM is also far more fast and efficient than the Xbox's GDDR3 RAM, running at a speed of 3.2 GHz compared to 700 MHz.

Final bandwidth numbers prove PS3 is the victor in this category.

Winner: PlayStation 3

                         

Xbox 360

PS3

250 GB HDD or 4 GB SSD 160 or 320 GB HDD 5400 rpm 5400 rpm User replaceable w/ proprietary HDD User replaceable w/ standard HDD

                                  

The verdict: One of the changes made to the Xbox 360 'Slim' is that arcade models now include a 4 GB SSD drive for data storage rather than requiring gamers to rely on memory units. With the PS3, a hard drive is included in both models. The HDD units in both consoles are largely similar, both running at 400 rpm and now offering several hundred GB of storage. The high-end PS3 models offers a 320 GB HDD compared to the Xbox's 250 GB version.

However, the PS3's true advantage is its support of standard 2.5" SATA notebook hard drives. Users can upgrade the PS3's hard drive with drives that have higher capacities and faster rpm speeds, while the Xbox only supports Microsoft's proprietary HDD model.

Winner: PlayStation 3    

                    

Xbox 360

PS3

12x read speed (DVD) 8x read speed (DVD), 2x read speed (Blu-ray) 7 GB disc space 25 GB disc space

The verdict: The Xbox and PS3 have their own advantages when it comes to disc drives. The Xbox has a significantly higher DVD read speed than the PS3. Comparing the Xbox's DVD read speed to the PS3's Blu-ray read speed, the Xbox maxes out at 15.85 MBps on a single-layer disc while the PS3's maximum is 9 MBps. However, the difference in speed is reduced when the Xbox reads dual-layer discs.

While the PS3's disc drive runs somewhat slower than the Xbox's, it does offer the significantly higher storage capacity that comes with Blu-ray. Current PS3 discs have 25 GB to offer, and a new dual layer format is in the works that may increase this number to 33.4 GB. For most gamers, this storage boost will be far more important than read speed.

Winner: PlayStation 3

                      

Xbox 360

PS3

Native 720p resolution, OS supports up to 1080p Up to 1080p resolution Composite, component, VGA, & HDMI connections Composite, component, & HDMI connections

                           

The verdict: With both the current models of both consoles now including standard HDMI ports, the Xbox and PS3 are largely comparable when it comes to video connections. The PS3 outclasses the Xbox in terms of maximum resolution.

While the Xbox's menu screens support 1080p display, Microsoft only requires its games to support 720p. The PS3 features a significant number of games that support 1080p. That's to say nothing of the PS3's support for Blu-ray movies and the growing focus on 3D gaming.

Winner: PlayStation 3

                     

Xbox 360

PS3

Analog – Dolby Pro-Logic II Analog – Stereo Digital – 5.1 Dolby Digital Digital – 5.1 Dolby Digital & 7.1 LPCM

The verdict: For gamers relaying on analog sound connections, the Xbox has the advantage of offering Dolby Pro-Logic II in addition to standard stereo. But for those with digital connections, the PS3 wins the day by offering both 5.1 Dolby Digital surround and 7.1 LPCM surround.

Winner: PlayStation 3

                    

Xbox 360

PS3

5 USB ports, Kinect port 2 USB ports, Bluetooth 2.0 7 max controllers (3 wired and 4 wireless) 7 max controllers

                          

The verdict: The current PS3 Slim has two USB ports compared to the Xbox's three. Additionally, Sony has removed the Compact Flash and SD card support seen in older models while the Xbox offers support for memory units that can transfer game data and saves.

Despite these advantages on the Xbox, the PS3 still emerges victorious in this category thanks to its support for Bluetooth 2.0.

Winner: PlayStation 3

                      

Xbox 360

PS3

100 MBps ethernet 1 GBps ethernet Built-in wifi connector – up to 802.11n Built-in wifi connector – up to 802.11g

                              

The verdict: When it comes to network capabilities, gamers need to ask themselves whether they intend to rely on a wired ethernet connection or wireless. The PS3's ethernet port is significantly faster at a capacity of 1 Gbps. Both consoles now include built-in wifi support. However, the Xbox 360 'Slim' supports 802.11n technology, while the PS3's adapter only supports up to 802.11g.

Given the increasing prevalence of wireless Internet, the Xbox has the larger advantage here.

Winner: Xbox 360

                  

Xbox 360

PS3

Support for many original Xbox games via software emulation Support for PSOne games via hardware emulation

The verdict: Gamers hoping to rely on current consoles for backward compatibility will find that neither the Xbox 360 nor the PS3 offer full support for past systems. The 360 supports a significant portion of the original Xbox catalog. However, because the 360 relies on software emulation, performance can be spotty and unreliable at times. The PS3 supports original PlayStation games via hardware emulation, resulting in far fewer technical problems.

Unfortunately, while early PS3 models offered software emulation for PS2 games, newer models do not. The Xbox carries this category thanks to its support for a larger percentage of the Xbox's back catalog.

Winner: Xbox 360

 Final winner: PlayStation 3 

6 Reasons To Buy An Xbox 360 Instead Of A PlayStation 3

The Xbox 360 sold like hotcakes during Black Friday week. Despite the fact that Microsoft’s console is nearing its eighth birthday, the system still has a lot to offer, even with the next generation of gaming systems on the not-too distant horizon.

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So why buy the Xbox 360 over Sony’s PS3? Here are six reasons.

1. Xbox Live is more secure than PSN

It’s true that the PlayStation Network is free and that you’ll need to pay to access online features with Xbox Live. But the old adage remains true: you pay for what you get. Xbox Live remains a more secure platform than the PSN, subject to far fewer hacks and other problems.

And while the paid PlayStation Plus service is certainly a great value, the fact remains that if you have security concerns the Xbox 360 is the better of the two. No network is going to be perfectly secure, of course, but Xbox Live has never seen a month-long hack in which tens of millions of users were affected.

2. The Xbox 360 controller is better, especially for shooters

It may not come with a rechargeable battery pack or cable, but the Xbox 360 controller does fit much more comfortably to the shape of the human hand. The thumbsticks also respond with more accuracy than those on Sony’s DualShock controller, making the Xbox 360 a far better fit for anything that requires pinpoint precision, such as first-person shooters.

There’s nothing wrong with the PS3 controller, of course, but I find the layout and grip on the Xbox 360 controller is a tiny bit more intuitive, though it’s quite possible that children and people with smaller hands might prefer the slightly more compact offering from Sony.

3. Better exclusives if you like shooters

I’m not a huge fan of shooters, whether third or first-person. This makes me lean more toward the Sony exclusives like Demon’s Souls and LittleBigPlanet. But if you’re a fan of shooters, Xbox 360 is the only place to go for the Halo franchise, or the Gears of War games. Likewise, even cross-platform shooters will have a more robust online community on Xbox Live than PS3.

Meanwhile, even though the Killzone games on PS3 are decent shooters, there’s just not anything equivalent to the big dogs on Xbox 360 for gamers with a penchant for shooting at one another.

4. Cross-platform games have more problems on PS3

If anything, this seems to be more of an issue now than in the past. Games like Skyrim on the PS3 have game-breaking bugs. But many other games in recent months have had similar, though less enduring, problems. Users of many third party games have reported lag, freezing, game crashes and other problems.

This is likely due to the fact that the PS3 is more difficult to develop games on, especially for cross-platform third party titles. While developers who devote all their time to Sony exclusives can produce remarkable results, cross-platform releases often struggle on the PlayStation 3.

5. In the US, your friends are more likely to have an Xbox 360

To put it simply, the PS3 dominates globally but the Xbox 360 is the machine of choice here in the US. This means you’re more likely to have friends playing online Xbox 360 games than you are to have friends playing online PS3 games (though, obviously, this depends on your friends.)

While Xbox has never made a huge splash overseas, it manages to appeal to American gamers, and certainly makes the choice here, for online gamers especially, a no-brainer.

6. Integration with Windows and Windows 8

Finally, if you want to network your console to your Windows-based PC or your Windows Phone, the Xbox 360 is the way to go. While you can link the PS Vita to your PS3, it’s trickier to network Sony’s console with your home PC. To be fair, Microsoft could do a much better job making this process easier themselves, but with their SmartGlass technology and Windows 8, linking all your Windows products together will be easier than ever.

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All that being said, I think the “console wars” are silly. This piece is a companion piece to my earlier post “6 Reasons To Buy A PlayStation 3 Instead of an Xbox 360.” It’s not that I’ve changed my mind. Truth be told, there’s many reasons to buy either one of these consoles. They both have many wonderful qualities and many shortcomings.

The number one reason to go with either the PS3 or Xbox 360 is the exclusive titles, and that really boils down to a matter of taste. There are many great exclusives on both systems, but gamers will never agree on which are the best.