Digital Sportspage Blog

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.

Some would argue that the resurgence of Nintendo, the ‘fall’ of Sony, and the stable performance of Microsoft represents a ‘golden age’ in console wars where we have 3 viable choices in market. I wouldn’t. While I appreciate choice, and many of the features found in this round of consoles, this is clearly the WORST generational shift for my beloved hobby…

Why?

Simple. We have 3 unique systems, relatively high price tags, plenty of exclusive games and features, and a system to match every decor. We also have 3 fundamentally CRIPPLED machines to choose from. Allow me to explain.

XBox 360
Positive: Largest game library, excellent graphics, superb online experience.
Negative: No HD movie playback (built-in), Limited game storage (conventional DVD 9GB), LOUSY RELIABILITY.

Wii
Positive: Unique Motion controls, Nintendo exclusives, great casual games
Negative: Sub-par graphics, virtually no online system, tons of crapware trying to capitalize on the success.

PS3
Positive: Powerful architecture, Blu-Ray for games/movies, Backwards compatibility (most). Reliable.
Negative: Crappy online system; poor framerate/graphics on ports.

Notice anything. The systems have done such a good job of differentiation that each provides something unique, yet simultaneously robs the gamer of a ‘full’ experience. You can’t get great graphics, HD playback/storage, stable and consistent online play and unique controls in ONE system. You need all three. If you think it’s always been like this; you’re wrong. The XBox in the last round had graphics, online, games and equivalent controls - the only thing you lost was a few PS2 exclusives. The Playstation in the round prior had graphics, games and controls (even liberally borrowing analog control from the N64). The Genesis prior to that had the graphics, games etc. to match the SNS. The original Nintendo stood apart with its features, and so on. Only in this round are the sacrifices made in one console to glaringly evident as features in another.

Had the 360 been reliable and used a larger storage disk, it might have been perfect. If the PS3 had decent online play (I can’t get through a game of MLB 07 or March Madness without disconnects) and fewer buggy ports, it might be the answer. If the Wii had modern graphics and an online eco-system of any kind, it might win. As is, you have to have all three if you want the full experience. I’ve got 2/3 now, but might have to add a 360 again just to get solid online play. That’s a pricey and unfortunate situation when I have 2 other consoles that SHOULD be ready to satisfy my needs.

Enough of my rant.