PS3 vs. Wii: Power Takes On the Fun Factor
Friday, December 1, 2006; Page WE49
If you're into video games, Christmas definitely came early this year. Not only did Sony release the PlayStation 3, but Nintendo launched its new console system, the Wii. Both have a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and media functionality, so picking one over the other is a difficult decision. (And let's not forget about the Xbox 360. Having already been on the market for a year, it has the most impressive list of games, and the Xbox Live Marketplace just keeps getting better and better.) So which system is right for you? Is it time to upgrade?
PlayStation 3
Out of the box, the PlayStation 3 is one impressive piece of hardware. With its sleek shape and glossy black finish, the PS3 would definitely look nice in anyone's living room. Adding to its allure is touch-sensitive power and eject buttons -- all you have to do is gently brush your finger against it and the PS3 powers on. And like the Xbox and the Nintendo Wii, the PS3 can stand vertically or lie horizontally.
  The powerful PlayStation 3, with its multimedia functions, is much more than a game player. (Sony Computer Entertainment Via Bloomberg News) |
There are two versions of the PS3, a 20GB version and a 60GB version.
While the 20GB PS3 is all black, the 60GB PS3 has a nice chrome trim accent. Under the hood of the PS3 is the 3.2GHz Cell processor -- custom built using a single PowerPC-based core with seven processing units working together -- the most powerful console to date. The graphics are handled by an Nvidia GeForce 7800 GTX graphics card. Compared with the Nintendo Wii, the PS3 is definitely more powerful.
A key component to the PS3 is the optical drive. Instead of using a conventional DVD drive (as does the Xbox 360), Sony decided to go with a Blu-ray drive. What is Blu-ray? Blu-ray discs can hold more than 50 gigabytes of data (compared with four to eight gigabytes on DVDs) -- making games deeper and more lifelike. Movies on Blu-ray are in true HD formats and have more visual clarity than conventional DVDs.
In terms of media functionality, the PS3 truly shines. On the front of the PS3 there are four USB ports. These can be used for controllers, thumb drives, USB keyboards and other accessories. The PS3 even has built-in Bluetooth. Not only can you connect as many as seven controllers to one console, you can even use your Bluetooth headset for your cellphone with the PS3 -- so you can chat with other gamers while you're playing.
On the higher-end 60GB version, there is a built-in multi-format memory card reader that can read all of Sony's memory sticks as well as compact flash cards and SD/MMC cards. The 60GB version also has built-in WiFi.
On the back of the PS3 you'll find an Ethernet port, an HDMI output, optical digital output and a PlayStation A/V output for analog audio and video. If you have component cables for your PS2, those will work just fine with the PS3. But to truly enjoy the PS3 in all its glory, you will want to go with HDMI. Via HDMI you'll be able to experience the PS3 in full 1080p resolution -- the way it was meant to be played.
The PS3 also has a new controller. Similar in shape to the PS2 controller, the new SixAxis controller is unique in its execution. Just by tilting the controller in any direction, it senses the motion and incorporates that into a game. For example, while playing a game of Madden football, just jerking the controller forward made our player run with more force and break through tackles. As a bonus, the SixAxis controller is wireless. On the negative side, it doesn't have the rumble capabilities that the PS2 controller has.
Once you boot up the PS3, you'll hear the familiar sound of an orchestra tuning before the start of a concert, then you're brought to a user interface that may or may not be familiar. If you have a PSP, you'll feel at home. The PS3 uses the same style of cross media-bar interface as is used on the PSP. Categories such as Photo, Music, Videos, Games and Network are immediately recognizable, and almost anyone can navigate the PS3. Starting a game is as easy as sliding it in (much like a Mac) and waiting for it to boot up. Compared with the Wii's interface, the PS3 is much easier to use.
But what sets the PS3 apart from the Wii and the Xbox 360 is what it can do with digital media. For starters, it is by far the cheapest Blu-ray player on the market. While most Blu-ray players are between $1,000 and $1,800, the PS3 is about half that. In addition to Blu-ray movies, the PS3 can display pictures from a DVD or CD, and read pictures from USB thumb drives, a PSP and most digital cameras. The PS3 will even create slide shows of your pictures and display them in full HD resolution. You like music? The PS3 can play back MP3, AAC, ATRAC and WAV files. You can even surf the Internet with its built-in Web browser. Just plug in a USB keyboard and mouse, and you're ready to roll.
Oh, yeah, the PS3 plays games, too. With a solid launch lineup, PS3 owners have more than enough games to keep them busy. Whether you're into action, racing, sports or adventure, there is something for everyone on the PS3. And don't think your old games are obsolete; you can play those on the PS3 as well. Virtually all games made for the PS2 and PSOne systems are compatible with the PS3.
