Digital Sportspage Blog

In my last post, I ranted about the Wii, and how its runaway sales success hasn’t yet translated into runaway developer support/innovation. To clarify, I’m a fan of the Wii (which is why I bought one!), I just want to see developers tap its potential and not just release poorly translated PS2 ports. So, who will win the next-generation war this time around?

I own both a Wii and an XBox360, so that should tell you something about my preferences. But here’s the kicker…the PS3 will once again be crowned console king once the ballots are fully counted in 4-5 years. Huh? Isn’t the PS3 the much maligned, over-priced, underwhelming piece of gear that the press, gamers and bloggers have taken turns bashing since its launch? Yep, that very one. How will it topple the media-darling Wii and the online-sublime 360? In a word: Compromise.

I’ve tinkered with a PS3, investigated its specs, and toyed with the idea of buying one. Here’s what I know:
- PS3 Negatives:
* Graphics equal to or worse than 360 thusfar.
* $600 Price Tag
* Imperfect online ecosystem (Home still and unknown).
* No Rumble in controller
* Poorly implemented motion control in Sixaxis
* Some resolution/scaling issues
* Fewer exclusives
* Difficult to program for
* $600 Price Tag

So, how does it win? Here are the positives:

- PS3 Positives:
* Most powerful architecture. The PS3 CAN do more if programmed correctly.
* Built-in Hard Drive
* Sony Brand
* Backward compatibility (PS Store)
* High Def Movies (Blu-Ray)
* Gadgets galore (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, media readers etc.)
* Sony Exclusives
* Japanese Support
* Soon (relatively speaking) to be lower price tag
* Design/Aesthetic

What the lists above point out is that the PS3 wins on Compromise, or rather the LACK OF COMPROMISE. The average gamer (non-hardcore) hasn’t yet entered the next-gen world, and likely won’t until this holiday season at the earliest. Assume for a moment (a safe assumption given recent news about Blu-Ray drive manufacturing etc.) that the PS3 price point is at least $100 lower by this Christmas. The average gamer, with Sony’s name fresh in his mind compares his options…

Wii - Innovative and fun controls, but doesn’t have the graphics punch that will scream next-gen. Lacks Playstation exlcusives and adult-orientated games. Limited online capability, no High Def support at all. A great SECOND system, I buy it for the kids, my wife etc., but I want a true next-gen machine.

360 - XBox Live sounds cool, but I’ve heard that these things break down a lot. Good graphics, and HALO…But, no HD movie playback (which would be nice to go with my new HD set0) and I have pay extra for Wi-Fi etc. Cheaper, and equal on many counts, but I’ll stick with the Sony brand for a little bit more $.

PS3 - Free Online gaming, HD movie support, all the extras included, motion sensitive controls, excellent graphics, an epic library of Ps1/2 games to play, Sony’s brand, and a slick, sexy machine.

See, with the PS3 you get a next gen graphics experience, HD movie playback built-in (with Blu-Ray leading the war), lots of cool extras, free online play and home, and a taste of motion control. With the 360, you give up motion control entirely, give up HD playback, give up wireless. With the Wii, you give up next gen graphics, give up movie playback at all, give up online… The PS3 forces you to make the fewest compromises. It may not be as immersive as the Wii, or as well conceived as XBox Live, but it does offer a taste of everything. Assuming a reasonable price point, and given the legacy of Sony’s consoles, the decision (for the average gamer) is clear.

The Wii could still win in total hardware sales if they can keep the momentum up, but Sony will eventually take in the most cash (more games sold = more money). Sony has time to make things right.

Microsoft is the guy I wanted to root for in this race, but to be honest, my vision of the 360 is soured by the incredibly poor reliability of the product. If the world was aware just how many of these suckers fail, MS wouldn’t sell another unit. I’m on my 2nd, but I look at it like a ticking time bomb. I love it - love the games, graphics and XBox Live, but I’m probably going to pick up a PS3, which by most accounts is QUIET, RELIABLE, SEXY, INTEGRATED and mostly on par with what the 360 offers (and superior in other ways).

I admit my last 2 rants are tinted by the experiences I’ve had with the Wii and 360, but I feel the tug of the PS3 for the first time, and I don’t think I’m the only one…

PS> Blogs are meant to be ’stream of consciousness’ in my mind, so forgive my long ramblings or the bold prognostications I ‘virtually vomit’. It’s the general sentiment that matters. Talk amongst yourselves.