Play Station 3 Vs. XBox

Hardware

• The PlayStation 3 uses an asymmetrical processing setup, using the multi-core cell processor as its main CPU. This differs from the Xbox 360's more symmetrical Xenon processor. Software developers such as Valve's Gabe Newell have stated that the asymmetrical setup makes the PlayStation 3 significantly more difficult to program, though development houses such as Infinity Ward have disagreed. Upon its initial release, the Xbox 360 suffered a high rate of hardware failure due to a defect that caused the system to overheat. Microsoft has since redesigned the console's cooling system in an effort to combat the problem.

Features

• Both systems contain USB ports, an HDMI port for high-definition video, an Ethernet port and the ability to play DVDs. The newest version of the PlayStation 3, known as the PS3 Slim, also contains built-in Bluetooth and WiFi support, a 120 GB internal hard drive and the ability to play Blu-Ray movies. The Xbox 360 Arcade version only contains 512 MB of internal flash memory, but the more expensive Elite version contains a 120 GB hard drive.

Games

• Many popular games have been released for both systems, such asBioShock, Call of Duty 4, Rock Band and Grand Theft Auto IV. Popular games exclusive to the Xbox 360 includeGears of War, Fable II, Halo 3, Mass Effect and Left 4 Dead. Exclusive PS3 games include God of War III, Killzone 2, LittleBigPlanet, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Metal Gear Solid IV. The Xbox 360 is also backward compatible with many original Xbox games, while the PS3 Slim can play PlayStation games but not PlayStation 2 games.

Online Service

• The PlayStation 3 gives gamers access to the PlayStation Network, the free online service that allows gamers to play games over the Internet, and download movies and games to their hard drives. The PlayStation Network also gives gamers access to PlayStation Home, a virtual world where gamers create and customize an avatar that can interact with other users' avatars. The Xbox 360's Xbox Live service also allows gamers to compete online and purchase movies and games, but gamers must pay a fee for full access. An Xbox Live Gold account costs $49.99 annually.

Price

• The original Xbox 360 premium system cost $399.99, significantly less than the original premium PS3's $599.99 price tag. The difference in price allowed the Xbox 360 to gain an early foothold in the market. Recently, the price difference has narrowed, with the Xbox 360's Arcade and Elite versions costing $199.99 and $299.99 respectively, and the PS3 Slim costing $299.99.