The Xbox 360 from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 from Sony are at the cutting edge of current generation Streamyx consoles. Both are major competitors, yet the PlayStation 3 (or PS3) is considered to be significantly more expensive than the Xbox 360. Here in the UK the mid-range PS3 80GB retails for 299 whilst the mid range Xbox 60GB retails for just 169 - a huge different by anyone's standards and something the Sony console is often criticised for. On the surface they both look comparable. Each console has a built-in hard drive of comparable sizes (80GB for the PS3 vs. 60GB for the Xbox 360), both make use of wireless controllers, both contain DVD drives, both have Ethernet network ports and both are able to play the latest generation games at up to 1080p resolution. Surely this Computer Network Support lead the average consumer to conclude that the Xbox 360 really is better value than the PS3? If all you want to do is play the latest games on your own (without multiplayer gaming) and maybe play the odd DVD then, yes, the Xbox 360 surely is the most cost effective proposition. But there is more to it than this. There are many other considerations to take into account, many of which may not be apparent at first and most of which have cost implications that may challenge the notion that the Xbox is the best value option.
The first difference is network connectivity. Both consoles have wired Ethernet connections but not every house (probably most houses in fact) has a wired network, especially in the location that you want to put the console. The ability to connect wirelessly to your network and to the internet may be a great advantage and the PS3 comes with wireless connectivity built in. To add this feature to the Xbox would cost you around 55 for a wireless adaptor.
The second difference is the cost of multiplayer gaming over the internet. Sony offers this feature for free via their PlayStation Network but on the Xbox a subscription to a service called Xbox live is required. A twelve month membership would cost around 35.
The third major difference is the ability to play hi-definition movies. The PS3 contains a built in Blu-ray drive allowing you to play such films straight out of the box. The Xbox does not provide such a facility. There was an Xbox add on that could be purchased to enable you to play the now defunct HD-DVD high definition format but since Toshiba pulled the plug on the format the drives and the films are no longer available. If you owned an Xbox and wanted to play the latest hi-definition movies then a separate Blu-ray player would need to be purchased at a cost of at least 160.
A fourth difference is the issue of games. Most are available on both platforms but some (such as the upcoming Gran Turismo 5) are only available on one of the platforms - the PS3 in this case. Whether this is important depends on your gaming requirements. Of course, there may be future games that are only released on one platform, but as such details are not known at this time it is not something that can really be debated.
So the question of whether the Xbox offers better value would depend on your own personal requirements surrounding the above points. If you need wireless connectivity and want to play online then the cost difference is much closer. If you also wanted a Blu-ray player then this would give a clear advantage to the PS3. When it comes to making a purchase I hope this article will help you in making your decision. Whichever console you choose I hope you enjoy it.
Mac Jones is a prolific gadget collector and runs one of the leading web resources for free Tmnet Streamyx His website contains guides and tips on receiving free gadgets as well as the latest gadget news and reviews. Make sure you claim your free PS3 or free Xbox today - visit gadgets-4-free.
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