Xbox 360 vs PS3 Side by Side Comparison

Performance and Power

Xbox 360

While there are four main packages of the Xbox 360, they are all going to have mostly the same specs except for the hard drive size. The Xbox 360 runs a 3.2 GHz triple-core Xenon processor designed by IBM. Does that mean it's fast? Yes sir. The graphics are powered by ATI's Xenos card which is a 512 MB graphics hog. Not bad at all. Depending on the version you get, you may get a hard drive with space of 20 GB, 60 GB, or 120 GB. There are also 64, 256, or 512 MB memory cards available.

PS3

The PS3 is also running an IBM-designed processor called the Cell microprocessor. It essentially runs 7 processors (but only six are used by the system, the other is used by the operation system) for pure polygon and processing power. The graphics chip is an NVIDIA "Reality Synthesizer", which uses 512 total MB of memory for the chip. Just like the Xbox, you can get various models with different storage capacities ranging from 20 GB to 120 GB.

Online

Xbox 360

Xbox 360

The Xbox's online service is run by Xbox Live. Players create "Gamertags" and the games can match you up with your friends or randomly with other Xbox players. There are usually plenty of people online to play games with, even some of the older games that appeared to run their course. Memberships range from the free silver (which does not include online play) to Gold which, of course, has a number of cool features. Besides multiplayer gaming you can also visit:

• Xbox Live Marketplace—download extra content and promotional services
• Xbox Video Store—download Hi-Def movies to the Xbox's hard drive
• Xbox Live Arcade—play retro games or some small 3rd party titles that can be downloaded to the hard drive

PS3

PlayStation 3

In the Xbox 360 vs PS3 side by side comparison, PS3's online service is lagging a little behind. The gaming service is free, but does not have the numbers online that Xbox Live has. You can also get Playstation points to buy virtual games that download to the PS3's hard drive to play. Game prices range from $5 to $15 dollars.

Peripherals

Xbox 360

There are a standard assortment of peripherals for the Xbox, but nothing that makes you say hey, that's pretty cool. There's a webcam available as well as high end gaming headsets. You can get dance mats and exercise mats. You can also customize your Xbox 360 with faceplates that fit over the front of the console.

PS3

When it comes to add-ons, the PS3 is just about as advanced as the Xbox 360. Neither console can beat the Wii when it comes to fun peripherals. You can add a camera (Eye-Toy), dance mats, and hard drives. The coolest peripheral, if you can call it a peripheral, is the ability to use the PSP in conjunction with the PS3. For example, you can play Madden 09 on the PS3, then continue your season and play games on the PSP and transfer the schedule, wins, losses, and stat updates back and forth.

The Games

Xbox 360

The games are where the Xbox 360 shines. Halo, Ghost Recon, Dead or Alive, Gears of War: enough can be said right there. There are numerous games available and that's not including the over 450 original Xbox games that you can play on the 360.

PS3

There aren't as many games out there for the PS3, but what is out there looks phenomenal. They get the licenses too, like Elder Scrolls, Sonic, and Heavenly Sword. The games just look fantastic. You can play your older Playstation games on the PS3. Yes, that includes all the way back to the PSone.

Xbox 360 vs PS3 Side by Side Comparison

So with the Xbox 360 vs PS3 side by side comparison, did you figure out which one you're going to buy? Oh, you're going to get both of them? Good luck finding the time to play them without making the other jealous.