PS3 vs 360: What I had to cut

Many of you may know I am writing a 360 vs PS3 article.  Unlike other articles that compare the systems I am not going to compare tech specs or games.  I am comparing the features and how people use the systems.

The article started out as an 8 page document.  I've been trimming it down by either rewording areas or getting rid of nitpicky stuff.  For example, The 360 does a dashboard update twice a year.  However, the PS3 does several updates a year.  I've had two firmware updates in the last couple of months.  The last PS3 update added bluray 2.0 support and minor upgrades like an improved web browser (it can play youtube now).  I wouldn't consider one of these techniques better than the other, it's just one way they are different.

While I think the organization of the ps3 is awkward (covered in article) game selection is cool.  The PS3 has a game list.  The game disc, demo, and downloaded games show up in one list.  The game disc is listed first, the rest of the list order can be changed.  I have it setup so last played is at the top of the list.  When you highlight a game you might get a still image as the background or a video.  You may also get sound or not.  The game's icon usually animates.  It's pretty cool.  Well, selecting LocoRoco is annoying because you get that infectious song stuck in your head!

Visually the PS3 XMB is more appealing and faster but the Xbox Dashboard has better organization.

The ps3 has printer support.  As far as I can tell it is for printing webages and pictures.  A feature probably not used much but neat none the less.

I discuss this in the article, the 360 is better designed for lan parties.  VGA resolutions, multiple profiles, variety of things make it better for the lan.  One such feature which I didn't discuss is system link.  I didn't realize system link just works until last year's lan party.  No IP address, no DHCP, no normal computer networking.  It's Microsoft's own protocol where the boxes just need to be connected to each other.  Out of the three PS3 games I have Hot Shots is either 4 players on same machine or internet (because it uses a virtual world lobby with login).  UT3 and Warhawk have LAN support.  My guess is it is IP based though.  I wonder if you can put two PS3s near each other and they can use ad hoc wireless to network.  From the looks of these web searches it doesn't look like it.  That would be bad ass.

What bugs me about the PS3 is it's voice support.  I cover this in the article but not as extensive.  The firmware update to allow private chat at anytime can not come soon enough.  However, there's a small underlying problem.  I do cover this in the article but not as extensively.  Since the PS3 controller has a internal battery, and if you are using a bluetooth headset that has an internal battery, it sucks when the battery dies.  You are given a usb cord to charge the controller, but it's only a couple feet long.  It's not long enough to reach my couch.  The controller is suppose to charge off any usb port, so I could charge off my laptop in those situations.  I found that my controller doesn't charge well when plugged into any usb port.  I'm not sure if I have a defective controller then.  With the 360 you can just change batteries.

However, I am more upset over the bluetooth.  You can use a USB headset also, but you can get bluetooth headsets on sale for $15.  I like that Sony went with an industry standard, unfortunately this standard sucks.  The quality of voice is dependent on the bluetooth device.  But if the battery fails many of the cheaper devices can not be used while charging, not like you'd want a usb cord tethered to your head anyway.  The 360's solution is more elegant.  Since it is just a speaker and mic the quality is more dependent on the controller than the mic.  Since most people use the same wireless controller voice quality is consistant.  Since the bluetooth headset is a seperate device you have to remember to turn it off.  Now, wireless 360 headsets have this same problem, but you don't need to buy that.  Where as with a ps3 if you want voice you have to buy something.

But you know what the PS3 has that the 360 doesn't, Hot Shots Golf and UT3.  Since my article doesn't a discussion on exclusive games this is where I am going to talk about it.  I do use them as examples though.  Hot Shots allows 8 people to play golf AT THE SAME TIME!  Other players will be ghosted while you play.  It makes socializing a little bit tougher but you can play with a large group.  They should have an option where if there are 4 or less you alternate.  UT3 is awesome.  I love the UT series.  Having user created maps and mutators on a console is awesome.  While the PS3 is gimped in what is can actually support for user mods when compared to the PC it's still awesome.  I am making a mutator for it.

One last thing, how may times do I have to push a button to do something?  To play a game of Warhawk I have to accept a EULA every time.  When I delete something, like a video, I am asked if I am sure but then when it is done I have to push a button to go back to the XMB.

If you could take the power and customizable part of the PS3 and combine witht he ease of use of the 360 you;d have an awesome gaming system.