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Okay, I don't want to start a flame war, but can someone in an objective and as unbiased manner as possible explain to me the overall differences between the PS3 and the 360, as well as why I've heard the PS3 is supposedly superior? Right now, I'm heavily leaning towards a 360, even though I'm not really much of a multiplayer fan. Let's just say games like Mass Effect have me excited to buy a 360. However, I do like the full backwards compatibility for the PS3 right from the start, whereas only 300 or so titles so far are backwards compatible on the 360.

I ask this because I don't really know anything about cosole gaming (before my recently bought and modded Xbox, I've only ever owned a SNES).

Thanks, fellas.

C-net Australia has a pretty good overview of the core systems.  Note that all prices are in Australian dollars.

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<strong class="a2">Xbox 360[/b]
Read review
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Microsoft's next generation console, the Xbox 360, launched in Australia in March 2006. With a strong line-up of games and almost a year's head start on its competitors, the 360 is in a top position to seriously challenge the PlayStation's gaming dominance.

 

• Australian release date: Already released locally
  
• Available in two bundles: the Xbox 360 System (RRP AU$649) and Xbox 360 Core System (RRP AU$449). Click here for more details.
  
• Processor: IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical 3.2GHz
  
• Graphics: 500MHz custom ATI Graphics Processor with 10MB of embedded DRAM
  
• Memory: 512MB GDDR3 RAM and 700MHz DDR
  
• Hard Drive: 20GB included with Xbox 360 System.
  
• Inputs: USB 2.0 x 3, Wi-Fi adaptor slot, Ethernet
  
• Outputs: Composite on Core System; Component on Xbox 360 System
  
• Controllers: Wireless
  
• Disc media: DVD
  
• Backwards compatability: Limited Xbox backwards compatibility. For full list of games, click here.

 

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<strong class="a2">Sony PlayStation 3[/b]
Read preview
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Sony’s built the PlayStation 3 with a definite eye on the future -- and it has a high price tag because of it. Can it maintain its lead in the gaming arena with its new console?

 

• Australian release date: 17 November 2006
  
• Available in two bundles: Base model (RRP AU$829) features PS3 with a 20GB hard drive. Upgrade model (RRP AU$999) features 60GB hard drive, built-in 802.11b/g wireless, card slots and HDMI output
  
• Processor: Cell Processor PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
  
• Graphics: RSX @ 550MHz
  
• Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz
  
• Hard Drive: 20GB in base model, 60GB in upgrade model
  
• Inputs: USB Front x 4, Rear x 2 (USB2.0), Memory Stick standard/Duo (in upgrade model), PRO x 1 (in upgrade model), SD standard/mini x 1, CompactFlash(Type I, II) x 1 (in upgrade model)
  
• Outputs: HDMI out x 1 in upgrade model, AV multi out x 1, Digital out (optical) x 1
  
• Controllers: Wireless
  
• Disc Media: Blu-ray, DVD
  
• Backwards compatibility: Yes. With PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games.

 

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<strong class="a2">Nintendo Wii[/b]
Read preview
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The Nintendo Wii (which used to bear the code name of Revolution) boasts the ability to play any title from Nintendo's back catalogue. Will that be enough to make it competitive against the powerful PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360?

 

• Australian release date: Late 2006
  
• Processor: IBM-developed CPU
  
• Graphics: ATI graphics chip
  
• Memory: TBA
  
• Inputs: USB 2.0 expansion ports, and built-in support for Wi-Fi Internet access.
  
• Outputs: TBA
  
• Controllers: Wireless
  
• Disc Media: DVD
  
• Backwards compatibility: Yes. With GameCube, NES, SNES and Nintendo 64.

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I own a 360 and I love it.  I have no interest in the PS3.  It's not beacause I don't like Sony or anything (I own many fine Sony electronic products) it's just I don't care for the Playstation games. 

My personal take:  I'm really a PC gamer at heart, and the Xbox, and now the 360, has more games that appeal to my type of games.  I'm not so much into happy-go-lucky platformers or Japanese gaming.   Give me games like Halo, Gears of War, BFMEII, Mass Effect, Splinter Cell, Star Trek: Legacy, Mech Assault, etc.

I strongly recommend you check the game libraries of the various systems and see if the games call to you.  An easy way to do this is just browes a rental site like www.Gamefly.com, they've got the existing and upcoming titles for all systems there.   All three of the new systems are going to look great.  For some folks it is about brand loyalty, and they will stick with theire fav.  For others, it will come down to price and games.

On backward compatibility, the 360 has a really cool unsung feature with X-box live: Arcade.  I've been spending a lot of time playing arcade clasics like Gauntlet, Dig Dug, Joust, Time Pilot, Street Fighter II, etc.  These are EXACTLY the same as the origianal games, but many allow you to play togeather over live. 

I think the 'nostalgia' thing is big, and I think that will probably help the Wii out a lot.

 

It's the game types. If you like Japanese style RPGs, then get a PS2. I mean a PS3

Seriously, if backwards compatibility works completely for PS3s and you like the PS2
library as well as the Japanese type games, then get the playstation.

That would be why I'd work overitme to afford one.

However, if you like the multiplayer, action twitch happy games, get the Xbox 360.

Finally, if you need more TACTILE feedback than the rumble pack, the Wii looks pretty
good.

I agree, it dosn't matter how good the systems are technically, its all about the games, and with most 3rd part developers releasing on both (if not all) the systems the only reason to go for a specific machine is for the exclusives (ie GoW, ninja gaiden 2 or sigma, halo, bioshock (drool), metal gear solid etc etc)

It doesn't mention the Wii's strongest point, which is is it's unique interface.

I've got mixed feelings about that interface, I can't wait to see it and try it, but I wonder how fast the 'neato' factor will fade.

Example: Marvel Ultimate Alliance (amazing game, btw) has been release on a bunch of platforms, including the Wii. But on the Wii, you'll need to physically move the controller to get your hero to spin. Will that be fast as spinning a thumbstick? Won't your wrist/arm get soar after about 5 minutes?

Not sure... Still, full points to Nintendo for inovation. I really would like to try one.

The Wii is in a class by itself and probably should not be a part of this discussion. Nintendo has specifically stated that it is not looking to compete with Sony or MS for the "gamer" market. I read an article recently that said Nintendo was so blown away by the market dominance of DS that they want to keep exploring that market instead of the "gamer" market. Nintendo is basiclly aiming for anyone who dosent give a crap about bleeding edge technology and is more interested in a new direction of game interaction. More "non-gamers" bought the DS and will buy the Wii then us "gamers" will.

More on topic: I am not necessarily in market at the moment for either system , but the $600 price tag (sears and toyrus christmas toy book listing)on the PS3 about made my heart stop. Those games better be damn good.