Video:Sonys PS3 Vs. Microsofts Xbox 360

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Transcript:Sonys PS3 Vs. Microsofts Xbox 360

Hi, I'm Shane Murphy, your video game guru for About.com. Today we'll compare the virtues of Sony's PS3 and Microsoft's XBOX360 consoles

Both the PS3 and Xbox360 are powerhouse gaming machines, but there are some important differences you should be aware of before making the big investment in next generation gaming.

PS3 and Xbox360 Similarities

With a few big exceptions, both systems provide the same myriad of options as a home multi-media system, letting you surf the internet, stream video, play music, and chat online all at the same time.

Wifi in PS3 and Xbox360

If you're intending to use your new system as the center of your home media center, bear in mind that both Xbox360 models don't come with built in Wifi. If connecting directly to your router isn't an option, be prepared to pay $70 for Microsoft's proprietary Wifi adapter.

Blu-ray in PS3

The biggest difference is that Sony's PS3 is also a blu-ray player, so you'll be able to watch blu-ray discs in full 1080 HD on your shiny new tv.

Hardware Failures

Before moving away from the hardware of the system, we should note that the 360 has been suffering from hardware failure at somewhere between 10 and 20 percent; what people have called the red ring of death. Microsoft now offers a free three year warranty with all its 360's to cover this problem, but at best it means that you'll have to ship your 360 away for three weeks or so.

Xbox Live vs. PS3 Home

Microsoft's Xbox Live offers a robust amount of content that eclipses the PS3's Home in terms of customization of your avatar, downloadable arcade games for cheap, new trailers and demo's for games, and more.

The only drawback to Xbox Live is that you must pay a subscription fee of $5 a month to play games online, while Sony's service is free. Both services require a broadband connection, and are capable of giving you equally smooth online play. Both the 360 and the PS3 have a huge variety of games to choose from. Additionally, most of the new titles that come out debut on both systems simultaneously and are basically equivalent in terms of graphics and content.

PS3 Vs. Xbox360 Games

There are a few notable instances of Xbox360 games receiving downloadable content first or just exclusively, as in with GTA4 and the Ballad of Gay Tony.

That said, there are still big titles exclusive to each system, making for a bit of a different selection in gameplay. Series like Fable, Halo, and Gears of War are only available on the Xbox360, while Little Big Planet, Metal Gear Solid, and Uncharted can only be played on the 360.

Motion Controls

Both consoles have ambitious plans to update themselves with motion controls that will be utilized for exciting new gameplay opportunities for future games.

Microsoft is expecting to release Project Natal in late 2010 for a rumored $80. This peripheral will recognize voice commands and will responding to normal body movements, allowing you to interact with your environment without the need for a controller.

Sony's motion controller will also capture your image, and instead will allow you to interact with your game environment with a special motion sensitive remote control that the game will track as you swing it like a sword or point like a flashlight. It's expected out in Spring of 2010 and rumored to be $100 for the cameras and two controllers.

That covers the basics of each system, but you should read more online if you still can't make up your mind.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit About.com!

(Music Credit: "The Picture Is Not Complete" by D-Sailors)