Xbox 360 and PS3 graphics go head to head

It's a debate that spawned well before the next-generation of gaming even began. Fast-forward to present day, and you'll find that jury still seems to be out on which console provides the better graphical experience.

While console fanboys would have you believing otherwise, the truth is that there really is no dramatic difference in the majority of multiplatform games on either the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3.

That said, CNET sister site Gamespot has re-examined the controversy in their third look at comparing the graphics on both consoles. Quite possibly the most in-depth comparison to date, Gamespot used games such as Grand Theft Auto IV, The Orange Box, and Rainbow Six Vegas 2 in their testing.

Now that you have all the evidence laid out neatly in front of you, what do you think?

[cplus1]

ps3 sucks

[M_cKade]

cplus1 is an idiot. You cant just say the PS3 sucks. Give reasons. 1. Xbox 360 sucks because its controller takes batteries. 2. RROD!!!!!!!!!! 3. No motion control. 4. Name a good game on the 360 that isn't a shooter. 5. It has a disc tray. 6. It is louder than my dad's high powered CHAINSAW. 7. six exclusive 360 titles have come to PS3, ( Lost Planet, Oblivion, and soon Bioshock) 8. Xbox Live cost money. 9. The hard drive storage is too small. (except on the elite) These are true reasons on why the Xbox 360 sucks. All of the consoles have said they want to be the entertainment hub for our living rooms. The only one that has done that is the Playstation 3. It can play games, DVDs, Blu-ray, CDs, Stream music, videos, photos through a wireless connection. (The Xbox you have to buy the wireless adapter) PS3 has one included. PS3 is the superior console.

[kylebuttermore]

i agree M_cKade , i don't even understand how people can say the 360 is better, the only thing it has that ps3 doesn't is in game media/communication that is coming to the ps3 in 2.4, and a little better online, but its not worth $60 per year! plus the ps3 is worth like $700, its sold cheap and sony just makes the rest of the money on games.

[Interpolnyc]

it seems like there are a couple of things to notice here, after reading and checking out the graphics comparason, and attempting to set aside any bias that i may have, i think 360 is on top, for now, where as in the next year or two, its age will begin to show, at which time a new microsoft console will probably join the fray, and attempt to grab some of that non-gamer market like the wii. however the 360 has a more attractive price point, and when it comes to graphics, is the average person going to want to shell out a min of 300 for a 360, or a min of 400 for a ps3, when the graphics on the ps3 are barely better, if any? however in another year or two, that extra blu ray space is going to give it the obvious edge. but at least for now, penny for pixel, the 360 is better. in my opinion. however round 4 will be a completely different story, i imagine.

[SonicV4]

They both lose.

[ledesmkv]

M_cKade, here is my counter to this never ending debate.
1. Who cares? Buy rechargables. What do you do when the internal battery of the PS3 controller when it goes bad?
2. I really have no retort on this one... the newer hdmi "pro" models seem to have worked out all the kinks though.
3. Who cares about motion control? Features that suck are worthless. Gimme one game where that feature is awesome. You know what's awesome? A rumbling 360 controller.
4. Name a good game on PS3 that isn't a shooter.
5. This is a negative? OK... um... PS3 is shiny and easily smudged.
6. I got nothing on this one.
7. Yeah, like sloppy seconds, PS3 got those games WAY after XBox360. XBox360 has gotten PS exclusives from the start (ex. GTA IV)
8. XBox Live does cost a whopping $1 a week for online play that is head and shoulders above PS3... so I guess you got me there... If you can't afford $49 a year, then you probably shouldn't buy an XBox 360 and use the money to buy stuff like water and food.
9. I have a 20GB HD and I really don't use it at all. Others will disagree, but I really don't care about hard drive size.

P.S... I own a PS3 too, and I will definitely agree that it is an awesome piece of equipment that has endless techy possibilities. But I use it as a Blu-ray player. I told myself I'd buy a game when an exclusive comes out thats worth while, but so far that hasn't happened. Maybe Metal Gear? When it comes to gaming, the XBox360 is king!

[jaypugh]

M_cKade,

I'm sorry but I have to agree with ledesmkv on this one. When it comes to GAMING the 360 wins easily for me and ledesmkv pretty much laid out why.

The truth be told I've owned my PS3 for a week and it is still in the box. The only reason I bought it was because I bought a new 1080p TV that gave $50 off the PS3 so I couldn't resist. How would you know if it hasn't been out of the box? My brother has owned a PS3 for several months and I've played his...well.. a little. In all honesty he has done nothing but complain about the PS3 being one of the worst purchases he has ever made since he got it. Other than Resistance there isn't a game worth playing that hasn't already been out on the X-box for a long time. Even Resistance is weak. The gameplay feels like Call of Duty 3 as we now enjoy that awesome gameplay of COD4. The only game I have in my must buy list for the PS3 so far is the new Metal Gear Solid game. I'm sure it won't disappoint.

Interpolnyc -
the one thing that I will have to disagree with you on is the advantage of the disc space for the PS3 being an edge in the future. Unless games turn into full length movies the space just isn't needed and therefore neither is the extra HD space, although I certainly don't mind the extra space. I would LOVE to buy into how the PS3 will take advantage of the space but let's be realistic. Games really don't take that much space. I've yet to hear from a SINGLE developer complaining about a DVD (8.5GB) not being enough for a game! Not ONE! With all game systems that come out you have the CLAIM to be BETTER IN THE FUTURE because of (fill in the blank). The PS2 claimed it's ultra clever and super fast designed chipset would revolutionize games after the developers got a handle on things. It didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, the PS2 had some great games but the graphics never stepped up to a nother generation of graphics like Sony claimed they would with the KEY developers in their pocket to try to make it happen. I can still remember the Dreamcast having arguably better graphics despite its downfall due to the weight that the Sony name had come to carry. You can look at EVERY system and find supposed expandability or usable CPU, RAM, Disc Space, etc. and you will continually see the same thing. After launch the games improve after a year or two but they don't morph the system into something new and powerful. Incremental improvements.. Lastly, when 80% or more of the games are multiplatform do you really think they are going to do a PS3 version from scratch to take use 3 times the amount of space. As a developer part of the job and beauty of coding is to keep it condensed. Nope, my bet is that you will see VERY FEW IF ANY games really show any advantage due to the extra disc space. The one advantage I will give the PS3 is that all systems have a HD. I can still remember Halo 2 loading chunks of the game onto the HD to save on load times. The PS3 will show the same advantage and this was a mistake by MS to pull the HD and sale a bare bones system.
Well, I get my new TV in a few days and I'll use my PS3 for what it is really good for at the time... Playing blue-ray movies.

[MacDork]

Uhh.... the study's flawed for the same reason that Windows is the same on every piece of intel hardware -- it's unoptimized code.

[hamerhead_12]

Once developers actually begin to DESIGN games for all the PS3's cores, and stop making REALLY BAD ports (Orange Box) then we will see a clear winner.

When it happens.

[gunhead]

I already stopped thinking about an eventual console war winner. There will be no winner this time. Just 3 different consoles with comparable market shares. If you are all about the games you'll buy Xbox. If you want more of a media center, player and console, you'll go with PS3. And if you really dont care about graphics and see the motion sensor remote as a breakthrough piece of thechnology then go ahead and buy yourself a Wii (it's also much cheaper).

[gunhead]

I already stopped thinking about an eventual console war winner. There will be no winner this time. Just 3 different consoles with comparable market shares. If you are all about the games you'll buy Xbox. If you want more of a media center, player and console, you'll go with PS3. And if you really dont care about graphics and see the motion sensor remote as a breakthrough piece of thechnology then go ahead and buy yourself a Wii (it's also much cheaper).

[ChancreSore]

Seriously, CNet, this is all you got? An item I saw on xbox-scene on Monday? It's getting pretty old seeing links to other people's stories as well as the amateurish opinion pieces that have been on the main page here lately.

It used to be I'd come here and there would be loads of reviews and genuine news pieces. It seems odd to me that you have FEWER reviews now than you did a few years ago. Maybe new tech devices just aren't hitting the market like they did years ago. /sarcasm

Also, enough car reviews. If you have features on specific tech of a car, go for it. But I'll go to edmunds if I want a car review.

As for 360/PS3...I have a 360, my bro has both.

1. Sony: Update the controller design already. It feels cheap, and it's just not that comfortable. It was a huge jump from Super Nintendo. But it's time to evolve.

2. Your streaming music in games is a joke. On my 360 I can stream music from my PC and the playback never stops, not even when switching games. I can also stream music while playing any game I want.

3. Friendslist: I'm not much of an online gamer, so this is more being annoyed by Sony's arrogance than anything. There is no excuse for not having a simple, integrated, across-the-board way to manage buddies.

4. Online Dashboard: Sucks. It looks like a poorly done web page. Yeah, yeah, "Home" is on it's way. I'll believe it's not more unfounded Sony hype when I see it.

All that said, I'm sure the PS3 plays games just fine, and will come out with some worthwhile exclusives. Just seems to me the difference in the game on the screen between the PS3 and 360 won't ever be too far apart. That's what makes the details in the console all the more important. The 360 wins the details hands down. Well, but for the *cough*red*cough*ring*cough*of*cough*death*cough. But I think extending the warranty takes care of that as well as can be realistically expected. Also, I have a launch system and have never had any problems.

[ChancreSore]

One more thing, CNet...When I put a carriage return/line feed in a post, accept it! (Meaning when I hit <enter> to start a new paragraph, make it stick.)

[Tec Consumer]

I don't think either one "sucks" - the issue really is which is BEST.

I have both and I can't really tell. I was impressed with 360 when I got it (i.e., COD4, Gears, Orange Box, etc.). It played faster and smoother than I expected, with lots of fine detail, but the draw distances (especially in gears) were waaaay weaker than I thought they should be. The backwards compatibility was nothing special, but that might be due to the Original xBox?s problems.

I was even more impressed with the PS3 (40GB)---as a Blu Ray player. The surround sound came through more natural than anything I've ever heard at home (on a mainstream Onkyo 7.1 system). Quiet scenes in Die Hard didn't require turning the volume up. I was totally disappointed when I popped in GTAIV and it wound up crashing several times. I had to reinstall the game, which meant losing all of my progress!!! After that it worked fine. The biggest problem (aside from the crashing on GTAIV) is that it overheats in a smaller size compartment in flat panel TV stand. Even worse, during movies it sounds like a leaf blower. I actually have to open the door and turn it a quarter turn to the left to vent it when its running.

I heard all the complaints about 360 making noise and crashing -- so I waited until the Falcon system came out before buying. If I would have known PS3 suffers from almost the exact same problems, I would have waited for the 'Falcon' PS3 to come out.

The only direct comparison I can make is GTAIV. The shadow detail and texturing on 360 looks better (ATI Card!!!). But it plays much faster on PS3 with a slightly more cartoonish anti-aliased look (nVidia Card!!!).

PS3 is more useful for me w/the free Blu-Ray player because I watch a lot of movies -- I'm not into online gaming so I know I?ll be using my 360 a lot less. As a gaming system 360 takes it because of all the titles and xBox live. As a Blu-Ray player, PS3 will be it until standalones are in the $200 or less range.

As far as gaming goes, neither one comes close to living up to the past two years worth of hype. Wii still wins out there.

[Tec Consumer]

I don't know about wii being so much cheaper. It costs $250.00, add an extra Wiimote and Nunchuck and you got another $60.00, bringing the total up to $310.00 before tax and rechargeable batteries. I got a pack of 15 minute rechargeables for $50.00.

GRAND TOTAL $360.00 w/NY tax = $390.15!!!

xBox 360 -- $349.99 w/NY tax = $379.30 (I admit I use the rechargeables I got for my wii for my 360, too).

40GB PS3 $399.99 on SonyStyle.com, sign up for SonyStyle Visa Card and get $100.00 off your first purchase, free shipping tuesday through thursday -- GRAND TOTAL w/NY Tax = $433.39 - $100.00 --- GRAND TOTAL = $333.39

For me, the Wii was the MOST EXPENSIVE console. PS3 was cheapest!!!

Don't believe the hype!

[Jagosix]

All of you have some valid points as to what console you prefer and why. We all like different cars for different reasons. The only difference are the FEATURES that come with the machine. For example, The X360 has
1. In game Music/ Custom soundtrack - you can play just about any music format available today while you're playing any game (X360 or Xbox1). That music can be played from; the HDD, Memory Card, USB devices, IPod, or streamed through the network from your PC (Windows, Linux, MAC). The PS3 can play music, but not like the X360 can.
2. In game menus. The X360 had this feature from day 1. No matter what you're doing on the X360, playing a game, watching a video, Listen to music etc. you can always hit the guide button on the controller and do whatever you need. It's very convient. SONY supposed to add this feature for the PS3.
3. XBLIVE - Come on People, we all know that currently XBOX Live is the BEST online console service. I know some of complain about paying for service ($4.25 monthly). Wow, that's a lot of money. IF you think SONY can maintain the same amount of users that's on Xblive without some sort of compensation then you're dreaming.
I would go on but what's the point. People will like what they like. If you like X360, PS3, or Wii, Then enjoy what they offer for each of the consoles.
Now something I would love to see. A game we can compete on that's on different consoles. I would love to see a call of duty game where PS3 & X360 players can compete against each other online no matter the console. Just a thought.
Have fun :).

[isykal]

TechConsumer, you added an extra set of controllers and batteries to the total cost of the Wii when you didn't do so to the total cost of the XBox 360 and PS3. Most Wii games are cheaper!

Also, your price of the PS3 includes discounts and stuff. Funny how with all the discounts, the PS3 still flops hard. By the time they start using Bluray technology to the fullest in creating PS3 games, the Microsoft will have put out a new Xbox.

[Mikeybabes]

Back in the days of Nintendo and Sega, there was none of this bad-mouthing of the other format, if you liked the format then you bought it and that would be it. Now it seems everyone wants single formats, my console's better than your console, almost as if getting everyone to buy their console will gaurantee it will get more games and more exclusives.
No one seems to take the view that monopolies end up being bad for the consumer. If you have one single console maker consumers will be fleeced. In the console world everyone portrays Sony as being the evil corporation, but seem to have entirely forgotten that once MS dominates a market they typically adopt anti-consumer strategies (Windows?!). Yes they have traditionally been the underdog, but let's not forget the one reason they got in in the first place - to make money.
If you like your 360 and I like my PS3 can't we agree that having the two consoles ultimately enriches us both. Hell I might even buy a 360 myself, but at the moment I still believe - and this is a personal opninion - there are not enough genuine 360 exclusives to warrant the purchase.

[SuddenFlame]

On the topic of exclusive games to the PS3. There is some great ones!! Resistance: Fall of Man awesome game (don't see that one on the 360)! Heavenly Sword (Another exculsive game)! Time Crisis series (PS3 only once again). Kill Zone I hear they are making a second one (Once again PS3)! And the largest title so far- Final Fantasy XIII (absolutly can't be played on the Xbox 360 for it doesn't have motion controls! So it does have a neat purpose). Many of the large famous titles continue to be Play station only! What does Xbox have for large well known titles? Halo and Gatham racing. anything else? and for the price of the PS3 and what you get it's will worth the buy. (and doesn't have a history of catching on fire)

[andersenm08]

Look developers are not going to spend extra time and money to make their PS3 version games look that much better. It simply does not pay for them to do that. Where you will start to see the PS3's graphical edge over the 360 is when it comes to exclusives. That is where developers will take the time and money to take full advantage of the system. Look at upcoming games like Killzone 2, and MGS4. Trust me, once you start seeing all the great exclusive games rolling out for the PS3, people will start to take notice that PS3 has the edge. Not to put down 360. 360 has amazing graphics and games along with the best online service. In the end people will be looking at the quality of the games a whole. Graphics are only one of those aspects that attract people to a good game. So while PS3 has the edge over graphics, it won't make a difference as long as 360 continues to roll out great games.