15 replies to this topic

[Tim Ve]

Hey,

Tell me what you think is the best console out there right now...
I have an arctile about the consoles (just copy it)
It 's a lot to read but you don't have to read it;

PSP:
Sony have entered the handheld console market with the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable). The PSP is what it says, a PlayStation compacted to the size of a handheld. This is shown by its supreme power of two 64-bit chips, which out powers its main rival the Nintendo DS. The Nintendo DS however is very different. It has many features that the PSP does not have, including folding out (used in the GBA SP). This time to reveal two separate screens that can be very useful to spread the information between them. Also there is a touch screen feature which can be seen as unnecessary - but a welcome addition.

The Sony PSP uses a UMD (Universal Media Disc) which means this disc can be used all around the world and does not have restrictions regionally which hampers the use of DVD-style discs, like in the PS2. This also means that music and video can be played, increasing the PSP's functionality.

There are many games titles that are available for the PSP. Some confirmed are Gran Turismo 4 Mobile and Metal Gear Acid.


DS:
The Nintendo DS - the next generation of handhelds from Nintendo is the best yet, with the introduction of a dual touch screen, giving the ability for the user to have, for example a birds-eye view of the map or course in the bottom screen and the standard view in the top screen. This gives increased awareness of opponents, giving a more competitive edge. In addition, the touch screen means navigation through menus is easier and is a nice touch, although pressing buttons isn't that hard!

It's rival is the Sony PSP. Packed with functionality the PSP is a system for most purposes such as storage etc., but with the Nintendo DS, it has its functions built-in for one reason only, and that is gaming. It has IEEE, bluetooth and wireless LAN connection capabilities which allows gameplay with anyone, anywhere (provided that a broadband connection is available).

The Ninendo DS comes in 4 colours, either silver, black, light blue or pink, the pink and light blue launched with Nintendogs to lure a wider range of gamer (including girls - a target audience that hasn't been explored much by console manufacturers in the past).

In January, Nintendo announced plans for the Nintendo DS Lite, designed to be a sleak, slimmer version, in the "Wii" design, as well as removing all the minor character flaws that the fans of the original Nintendo DS experienced. The Nintendo DS Lite is 42% smaller, 21% lighter and a lot brighter (adjustable) than its original. Also, a little button and feature rearranging on the pad provides better usability and functionality for the gamer. The battery has a life of 5-19 hours depending on the level of luminosity you decide to use. It comes in one of four colours: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Black and Crystal White (at European release only black and white are available - however black is exclusive to Europe for this initial period). A much sturdier hinge is in place, which was somewhat fragile in the original, and a more durable, scratch resistant touch screen is used.


XBOX 360:
Microsoft has revealed its new console, the Xbox 360. As can be seen from the picture opposite, the console is smaller, curvy and more stylish than the console before it, with the addition of the PS2 feature of being able to stand vertically or horizontally.

The Xbox 360 can be customised using a variety of faceplates to suit your style or furniture.

As can be seen from the specs, the Xbox 360 boasts a custom-built IBM PowerPC CPU running at 3.2GHz with memory at 512MB RAM. The graphics chip is a custom-built ATI chip capable of advanced antialiasing and shader effects. This means that the Xbox 360 will have the processing power to deliver true 720p and 1080i wide-screen HDTV images for all of its games - similar to what the PS3 can achieve.

Microsoft are set to continue and improve their Xbox Live feature, being available in silver and gold tiers, with the addition of a new feature: Xbox Live Marketplace where users can access a multitude of demos, maps, skins etc. for download. However, there are no details of an additional cost for this service.

Probably the most interesting feature of the Xbox 360 is the Media Center Extender where you can stream video, audio and photos from networked PCs running Windows Media Center Edition. also media can be streamed from portable music players, digital cameras, and Windows XP PCs. Also the Xbox 360 will have a video camera attachment, possibly similar to Sony's Eye-Toy.

Currently the Xbox 360 retails for around ?200. You can have the choice of whether to buy your system with a 20 GB hard drive - its necessity is up for scrutiny but is a useful addition for caching etc.


PS3
Finally, here is the latest console from Sony. The PlayStation 3 is powered by the "Cell processor", which is boasted to be 35 times more powerful than the PS2 (the fine details of the CPU are displayed opposite).

Its graphics is powered by an NVidia graphics chip called an RSX ("Reality Synthesizer") which operates at 550 MHz core clock with over 300 million transistors, and is claimed to be more powerful than two GeForce 6800 Ultra cards put together.

Comparing the PS3 to the Xbox 360 as far as specifications are considered is near impossible, due to the fact that the GPUs and CPUs are constructed differently. The RSX has a smaller number of pipelines than what the Xbox 360 boasts. But this could mean that they are more powerful - so its difficult to comprehend. The new Nintendo Wii is an even harder comparison, once the full details are released, this can be compared.

The controllers on the PS3 will not be redesigned, infact the controller will look similar to the existing PS2 DualShock controller, but have the ability for wireless (Bluetooth) technology and have a motion sensor, with 6 degrees of freedom (all as standard). They can accommodate up to 7 players at one time, also additional controllers can be connected to one of up to 6 USB 2.0 ports available (front x4, rear x2). Also, PSP owners will be able to connect their handheld gaming device to a Wi-Fi port as either a controller or an additional screen, perhaps even for viewing tactical information in game.


The system is available in 3 colours shown above; white silver and black. The media format that the games will be stored on is called Blu-ray. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 25 GB - roughly 5 times more storage than a standard single-layer DVD. The Blu-ray drive will support all Blu-ray formats (BD-ROM/BD-R/BD-RE) and be backward compatible with current CD and DVD formats to enable PS2 games to be played.

The online facility, as with the Xbox 360 is an important factor. The PS3 has connection via Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) x 3 (input x 1 + output x 2).

Latest news states that the PS3 will come with the choice of a non-removable 20GB or 60GB hard drive, giving a retail value of ?499 (?341) or ?599 (?410) respectively - which is quite considerable compared to the varied figures being banded around. Also note that the 20GB version has no HDMI ports and no WiFi, which cannot be upgraded (unlike the Xbox 360 which can). This means with the cheaper version, the maximum resolution will be restricted to 1080i (the max with HDMI ports being 1080p). Having a resolution of 1080p is by far the smoothest and clearer picture, therefore the 60GB is recommended. What should also be priced in is a 2nd controller (?40) and couple of games (?100), which gives an overall total of ?550!


Wii:
To the next generation of Nintendo consoles comes the Wii. An altogether improved package crammed full of interesting features, all in a diminutive and stylish case.

Wii could be seen as a somewhat rediculous name, but it does have many things going for it. As explained by Nintendo, the Wii, pronounced as "we", denotes that the console is for everyone. As well as the fact that it is universally recognised and remembered, and has a distinctive "ii" to indicate the unique controllers that exist for the Wii. Not only that, how ever much you criticise the name, you will surely always remember it (if that's all they're after then they've done a good job!).

The Wii, is small and discrete (size of three DVD cases stacked on top of each other), ideal for the home rather than the bulky and overwhelming solution by the main competitors, the PS3 and the Xbox 360.

The standout feature of the Nintendo Wii is its unusual controller. Known as the "Wiimote", it has motion sensors that enable the user to input directly with the wave of the controller (e.g. used in tennis, golf or fishing). The Wiimote also plays sound and includes force feedback, allowing the user to experience rumbles, to mimic feelings experienced during the game. If required, the Wiimote can be hooked up with to an analog stick, making the "Nunchuck controller".

An additional feature to the Wii is its ?virtual console? software, which enables the user to use a download service to play retro console games from such consoles as the NES, SNES, N64, Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) and the NEC TurboGrafx-16. These can be stored on flash memory cards (512 MB) which is ample for a collection of games (also a hard drive can be plugged in via USB if more storage is necessary). Furthermore, the Wii has backwards compatibility with GameCube games allowing GameCube discs to be placed directly in to the console. To facilitate backwards compatibility, the console also comes with a retro-styled gamepad. As well as all this, the Wii comes with ports to connect original GameCube controllers (one of the most ergonomic standard controllers around).


Please give some feedback about the consoles.

Thanks,
Haven

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[Mystical]

I like XBOX because for the soul reason that Microsoft Developed it ! Also I have a thing about Microsoft...

[Tim Ve]

I hope it 's not Windows XP, Vista or other OS from Microsoft...

I agree that Microsoft is the best one in making stuff like Word - Excel
- MSAccess - Powerpoint -  ...

I prefer also the Xbox 360 (value/price)

- 100 posts! -

[avispa_987]

the best console is WII because the controls are perfect and interesting

[Nec]

I like the Wii. People complain about the graphics and the controller, but I dont see anything wrong with the graphics and the controller feels natural. The biggest selling point with the 360 and PS3 is graphics. So far, the only games that I like on the 360 is Gears of War and Call of Duty games. Halo 3 is going to be great too. The only reason I would get a PS3 would be for LittleBigPlanet. Only game that interests me.

[nano]

I'm PSP my love (L) xD

The best console is PS3, very good Graphics

[Matty B]

Yes but THE BEST CONSOLE EVER.... Nintendo... No not wii but the Nintendo (original) ... Other than that XBOX cos i can put ALL MY NINTENDO emulators on there!!!

[Omega-D]

Doesn't anyone remember the gameboy!!!

I remember staying up 24 hours straight due to my Pokemon addiction!  It is the most addictive game.

But out of those options though.....I'm gonna go with X-Box/X-Box 360.  It is awsome to play, and very easy to pick up.  Connectivity (X-box live) is good, it can play your music.  All in all I am going to have to go with X-Box/X-Box 360.

-Omega-D

[Terry H]

I have to say, PSP is the best for handhelds, and PS3 for home

But as we all know PC is the best....but its not a console

-Terry

[Dell970]

Wii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matty B]

use the tiolet next time

*cleans up mess*

[mxdd]

i like the xbox but the wii is fun to play

[jerrod]

PS3, then I would say 360, then PSP.

The nintendo is only where it is at because of Sony, when they worked together on the Super Nintendo.

[elnaz1010]

i know you are going to lough at me but the best console WAS

ATARI


ah, childish time and childish life

[Santi]

The best console for me is the PS2 (still got one and play on it, hehehe); look, is the most selled console, it has a bunch of great games, it has very good franchises, and is compatible with my beloves PSX!
For the consoles you mentioned, I choose the XBOX360; it's the best in quality/price ratio; graphics are awesome and is not so expensive

Edited by Santi, 15 August 2010 - 11:26 AM.

[gamer]

i think is playstation 1
because its many funny game ex tomba, bishi-bashi, crash bandicoot, etc this game not release for next gen console.