I’ve had my Sony PlayStation 3 for a couple of weeks now. While I cannot say that I wish I had never gotten it, I can say that I am currently disappointed with this system.
It really doesn’t matter what message board or forum you visit, you’ll find people comparing the PS3 and the Xbox 360. And there will always be someone asking which is better. My response was always the same, “it depends on what you want it for.”
That opinion is now drastically different. After owning both systems, I will say that in my opinion the Xbox 360 is certainly better. The PS3 has the potential, but no one is really utilizing it. Why??
First off, when the PS3 first came out it was the cheapest Blu-ray player around. That is no longer the case. Right now a PS3
Most of the games that are available for the PS3 are also available (or will be) for the Xbox 360. Sure, there are some PS3 “exclusive” games, but only a few of them are worth talking about. Besides that, both the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360 carry more exclusive titles.
One thing that really frustrated me about the PS3 is that it (well, certain versions of the PS3) cannot play PS2 games. The Xbox 360 can play a number of original Xbox games, and the Nintendo Wii is backwards compatible with ALL GameCube games. Sony really failed in this area.
With both systems hooked up to a standard definition (SD) TV via S-Video, I really cannot tell much of a difference in the graphics. Sure, both still look good.
Both consoles have an achievement system, which basically tacks how well you do in a game. Every Xbox 360 game that I have played has had achievements, however it doesn’t appear as if every PS3 game has them… oh yeah, and they are “trophies” on the PS3.
Additionally, the PS3 doesn’t make it easy for you to show off your trophies. Xbox 360 users can simply link to their Xbox profile (here’s mine) or use a free site like MyGamerCard.net to show off their stats. PS3 users don’t have anything like that. Sure, there are sites like PlayFire.com that allow similar features to MGC.net, but you have to register and the service isn’t automatic… or even verified. Perhaps something better will come along if Sony gets the PlayStation Home service working.
I will say that I’ve been very happy with the PS3 as a DVD/Blu-ray player. I love the way the Blu-ray menus work and the new features it brings over standard DVDs. It really is a lot nicer than I expected it to be.
Though I do have one gripe about the PS3 as a DVD/Blu-ray player and that is the PS3 remote. It’s a bluetooth remote and not IR. I had originally planned on getting a universal remote so I could combine all of my remotes (TV, Xbox 360, TiVo, and cable box) into one. Because Sony went a non standard route here, I’ll still have at least 2 remotes.
One thing that I do like about the PS3 is that when it is not being used for gaming and movies you can run Folding@Home on it and help try to find a cure for cancer and other diseases. Mine is currently crunching away for team #12772, OverclockersClub.com.
It’s a shame really, as the PS3 is a nice system. There just isn’t much reason that I an see that warrents getting a PS3 over an Xbox 360. Sony have have one the Hi-Def format war, but it’s losing the console war.