Episode II: Attack Of the Consoles
So Microsoft annouced today about the new X-Box as the Sparring partner to Sony’s PS3. They have called it the XBox 360, I can only presume this is because they keep going round in circles. 
The first thing that grabs my attention is that it is suspected that games on the current X-box will not play on the 360, thats classic Microsoft tactics, it does not matter that you have spent all this money on previous products, YOU MUST UPGRADE AND ALL PREVIOUS SOFTWARE IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH OUR NEW SYSTEM!
I admit I am biased as I am a follower of Playstation, and the 360 will be ahead on Sony in terms of release, but there lies another danger for them, once released they have set the Benchmark that Sony will be able to leap over.
Lets not forget the technology that Sony are using in the PS3, far out does Microsofts effort.
I know I have not mentioned Nintendo’s competitor, that because I class Nintendo as consoles for children under 8 and what ever they unleash will be only in direct competition with Fisher Price products.
Still lets look at the facts as the stand at the moment.
Xbox is a distant second in console sales behind the PlayStation 2, in a market that analysts predict will be worth $11.3bn (£6.1bn) in five years’ time.
and lets hear from the first person to have a go on a 360 ms Robertson,
“Microsoft think they can be market leaders,” said Ms Robertson. “That would be an astonishing thing to happen. Sony would really have to drop the ball.”
I still see the 360 being the Betamax to PS3’s VHS.
G.I 
May 13th, 2005 at 6:48 pm
I agree that Sony WILL out do Microsoft,without breaking a sweat in fact.The PS3 has the advantage that it will play all previous playstation games,giving it a HUGE back catalogue of games,already an advantage.
Its a shame about nintendo,i have a gamecube,and its not bad,but its not taken seriously,because its just not getting the games that it needs to keep it going,except mario kart,which RAWKS.
I will be waiting for the PS3,it will be worth the money and wait,Sony hasnt disappointed before.
May 17th, 2005 at 7:15 pm
“The PS3 has the advantage that it will play all previous playstation games,giving it a HUGE back catalogue of games,already an advantage.”
Why would you buy a new console to play old games?
Anyways… having studied both the Xbox 360 and PS3 design Ive concluded they each look snide, both in colour and shape. Although the Xbox controllers dont like quite so gay as the PS3 :p
Technically the PS3 looks like it might have the edge but its hard to say without being able to see the machine in action. Im not overly excited as yet since the best Xbox games Ive played have come out in the last 18 and I feel the machine still has lots to offer. With that said Im always in the mood to spend a lot of money on myself so no doubt Ill buy an Xbox 360 at some point over the Xmas/NY holidays.
Nintendo’s Revolution machine is something of a mystery given theres very little news about it, other than the company desire to expand its market. Could be the dark horse…
May 17th, 2005 at 7:55 pm
Having now seen pics of the Revolution I conclude that it looks like a biscuit tin.
May 18th, 2005 at 11:33 am
Nintendo should stick to hand helds like the Gameboy, but alas, I think its days are numbered as the PSP is sure to hand it its ass!
The Revolution does look sleek, but still, I predict Sony will be still at the top by the end of next year and both the 360 and Revolutions will have some crazy deal where you get a free Plasma screen in an effort to shift more units.
GI
May 18th, 2005 at 7:17 pm
I’ve had a look at the marketing and specs for the PS3 and XBox 360. The first monster fact I will point out is that both companies are lying about the specifications and power of their consoles. We hear the same garbage everytime a console is released. The PS3 has one advantage over X Box 360 in that it will play Blu-Ray discs which can hold around five times as much data as a double layer DVD disc. This will quickly become the preferred optical format and be essential once HDTV reaches the UK early next year. DVD’s will become obsolete, especially boxsets or flipper discs, whatever you want to call them.
The XBox 360 has an advantage in that it has a large hard drive and seems to be aiming for the media centre market. This concept has great advantages as well, especially when you look at the compatibility with PC’s and ease of recording and erasing tv shows without fiddling about with optical discs.
The best thing that could happen is that both consoles are successful. Competition means cheaper prices and innovation which can only benefit everyone.
May 18th, 2005 at 7:41 pm
Nintendo made evolutionary leaps with their SNES and Gameboy machines, theyve clearly been left behind in the current market but their new effort could be interesting.
At least its nice to see a *games* company making a *games* machine.
October 3rd, 2005 at 10:45 pm
I can not wait to play the xbox 360 I bet it is going to be way better than the PS3.
October 4th, 2005 at 12:21 pm
yeah, well I’d wait off until late next year, you will probably find them in bargain bins whilst PS3’s sore high on the shelves of all good retailers
GI