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Wii, XBOX 360 or
PS3 Video Game
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guide VIDEO
GAME
CONSOLES and
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Wii, XBOX 360 or
PS3 Video Game
Console?
Read the top
guide VIDEO
GAME
CONSOLES and
FIND WHAT
YOU'RE
LOOKING
FOR!
continued from page 1 5 Star Video Game Guide
page 2
titles on the market, Rockstar would have only
allowed the game to go exclusive if it thought
there was money to be made. By going multi-
platform, Rock star has already signaled publicly
what many developers have been saying
privately-- the next generation will see Microsoft
and Sony on equal footing. Of course,
exclusives will be hitting each system. Sony has
already announced GranTurismo 5, Kill zone 2,
Devil May Cry 4, and Metal Gear Solid 4; these
games are all system sellers, but Microsoft hasn’
t been holding back either. On the Xbox 360
release calendar are the highly anticipated
Gears of War, Forza2, Chrome Hounds, Mass
Effect, and the sequel to one of the world’s best-
selling franchises, Halo 3. Though both systems
have a number of franchise sequels on their
release lists, it’s interesting that the PlayStation
3 is heavier on the numbered titles than the
Xbox 360. (For more on the hottest upcoming
games, see our Best of E32006 Awards.) Want
to buy an XBOX360, PSP or PS2 game system?
& both systems support backwards compatibility,
though how the two do so varies. With the Xbox
360, Microsoft has supported a limited number
of Xbox titles via emulation. Not all games run,
though those that do tend to run well. And
because it's software support, the compatible
games list has increased since the system's
release. For the PlayStation 3, Sony originally
announced that it too was going to go the
emulation route, but last year it promised
compatibility with its entire PlayStation catalog. A
tall order to be sure and the current rumors out
of Japan have indicated the attempt might have
been a bit much, even for Sony. Japanese
magazines are now reporting that the
PlayStation 2 chipset will be integrated into the
PlayStation 3hardware in order to run previous
titles, much like the PlayStation 2contained the
original PS one hardware. Perhaps the most
confusing part of the whole next-gen shootout is
knowing how to display the image. Gone are the
days of one simple video connection. Now you
have to know the difference between
component, VGA, HDMI, and more. While it may
seem like a lot of jargon, knowing how
everything works together is important if you
want to get the most out of your new game
system. Of course, both the PlayStation 3 and
the Xbox 360 will display on a standard TV, but
doing so severely limits the benefits of the
improved visuals. To truly appreciate the higher
fidelity in the picture, you’ll need a hi-def
display. Want to buy an XBOX 360, PS3, PSP or
PS2 game system? Component -- This is the
most common type of hi-def connection. Nearly
every HDTV on the market supports a
component input and both the Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3 output with it. Component can
support resolutions up to however; very few
displays can handle that resolution. VGA -- Most
commonly seen on computer monitors, VGA
connections are also on some mid-range and
high-end HDTVs. Supporting a wider variety of
resolutions than component, VGA allows an old
computer monitor to double as a hi-def display.
It's a cheap way to get the most out of your
system, without springing for a proper HDTV.
The Xbox 360 supports VGA with an optional
cable. PlayStation 3 support for VGA is
unknown. HDMI -- Considered the future of AV,
HDMI is a single cable that carries both audio
and video on a single cable. In some ways it's
similar to the old days of a single RF cable, but
the image and picture over HDMI is crystal clear
thanks to its all digital interface. HDMI also
supports HDCP encryption, which may become
a necessity if you want to ensure playback of
HD-DVD and Blu-ray movies in hi-def. The $599
PlayStation 3 60GB model supports HDMI, but
the lower priced option doesn’t. The Xbox 360
does not currently support HDMI. Both the
PlayStation 3and the Xbox 360 can play DVD
movies, but the question on everyone’s mind is
how do they handle the next-generation
formats? Microsoft has announced a HD-DVD
add-on for the Xbox 360, set to be available by
the time the PlayStation 3 launches this fall.
With no confirmed price, many are guessing that
the cost of an Xbox360 plus the HD-DVD add-on
will equal that of a PlayStation 3.So which is
better? Neither. Both HD-DVD and Blue-ray
have the capacity to display the same high
definition movie encoding format that is being
used. Both are backed by different industry
groups and both are vying to be the dominant
format. Unfortunately, this is one area where
marketing is going to come into play, as much
like the VHS vs. Betamax war, the winner will not
be decided on technical merits, but on the
selection of movies. That said, if you are
planning on purchasing a game system to watch
movies on, the PlayStation 3 60GB has an edge
at this point. Not because of Blu-ray, but
because of its HDMI output. Both HD-DVD and
Blu-ray support the Image Constraint Token.
ICT is designed so that movie publishers can
require their films only be displayed over an
encrypted HDMI connection. This is done in an
attempt to reduce piracy. Want to buy an XBOX
360, PS3, PSP or PS2 game system? a movie
with ICT support is played back through another
connection, such as component or VGA, its
maximum resolution will be cut down thoroughly
a quarter of the original size. The end result is
you'll be watching animage that looks like a
standard DVD, rather than hi-def. Unless
Microsoft includes a HDMI port with the HD-DVD
add-on, the Xbox 360 will be incapable of
displaying any films that require ICT in their full
resolution. Likewise, the PlayStation 3 20GB will
never be able to display them. While some
studios, such as Sony Tristar, have promised
that the first hi-def releases will not require ICT,
the fact remains that this could change at
anytime. Quite simply, you do not want to
purchase a system with the primary purpose of
playing hi-def films unless it has HDMI. Unlike
the last generation, where Sony clearly held a
commanding lead, the next generation of
gaming is going to be a much closer race
between the behemoths of Microsoft and Sony.
Though there were many skeptics last fall, the
past eight months have shown the Xbox 360 to
be a very capable system and more than
powerful enough to challenge the PlayStation 3.
Microsoft also believes it will have 10 million
units in the global marketplace before Sony
even leaves the gate. So the question becomes:
Which system do you buy? Want to buy an
XBOX 360, PS3, PSP or PS2gamesystem? You
want a great platform to play the highest end
games right now, then the Xbox 360 is the only
choice to go with. Xbox Live is an extremely
impressive online service, while the software
catalog already contains some must-buys and is
rapidly expanding. If you want a system that
doubles as a next-gen movie player, then you
need to wait. The PlayStation 3 60GB is the only
game system with a confirmed HDMI output and
the only one guaranteed to playback all Blu-ray
movies in full resolution. Until we hear more from
Microsoft, the Xbox 360can't promise to run HD-
DVD content at its intended resolution. Bear in
mind that even with a steep $599 price tag,
early adopters will often snatch up all initial
shipments. This means that unless you pre-
order, chances are good the only place you'll be
able to find the PlayStation 3 in November is on
eBay (at an insanely high cost).Finally, there's
the cost-conscious consumer that simply wants
to play games and doesn't really care about
media center features or hi-def movies. If you
fall into this category, there’s always the Way!
Nintendo’s unique platform is the only one
coming in at a confirmed sub-$250 point, with a
sophisticated motion-sensing controller, and a
proven track record of being inventive with new
technology. By Adam P. Want to buy an XBOX
360, Wii, PS3, PSP or PS2 game system?
Comparison Console and PC gamers have long
been divided into two camps. Sure, there are those of us
who play on multiple (cont on pg 3)
GO TO PAGE 3
page 2
titles on the market, Rockstar would have only
allowed the game to go exclusive if it thought
there was money to be made. By going multi-
platform, Rock star has already signaled publicly
what many developers have been saying
privately-- the next generation will see Microsoft
and Sony on equal footing. Of course,
exclusives will be hitting each system. Sony has
already announced GranTurismo 5, Kill zone 2,
Devil May Cry 4, and Metal Gear Solid 4; these
games are all system sellers, but Microsoft hasn’
t been holding back either. On the Xbox 360
release calendar are the highly anticipated
Gears of War, Forza2, Chrome Hounds, Mass
Effect, and the sequel to one of the world’s best-
selling franchises, Halo 3. Though both systems
have a number of franchise sequels on their
release lists, it’s interesting that the PlayStation
3 is heavier on the numbered titles than the
Xbox 360. (For more on the hottest upcoming
games, see our Best of E32006 Awards.) Want
to buy an XBOX360, PSP or PS2 game system?
& both systems support backwards compatibility,
though how the two do so varies. With the Xbox
360, Microsoft has supported a limited number
of Xbox titles via emulation. Not all games run,
though those that do tend to run well. And
because it's software support, the compatible
games list has increased since the system's
release. For the PlayStation 3, Sony originally
announced that it too was going to go the
emulation route, but last year it promised
compatibility with its entire PlayStation catalog. A
tall order to be sure and the current rumors out
of Japan have indicated the attempt might have
been a bit much, even for Sony. Japanese
magazines are now reporting that the
PlayStation 2 chipset will be integrated into the
PlayStation 3hardware in order to run previous
titles, much like the PlayStation 2contained the
original PS one hardware. Perhaps the most
confusing part of the whole next-gen shootout is
knowing how to display the image. Gone are the
days of one simple video connection. Now you
have to know the difference between
component, VGA, HDMI, and more. While it may
seem like a lot of jargon, knowing how
everything works together is important if you
want to get the most out of your new game
system. Of course, both the PlayStation 3 and
the Xbox 360 will display on a standard TV, but
doing so severely limits the benefits of the
improved visuals. To truly appreciate the higher
fidelity in the picture, you’ll need a hi-def
display. Want to buy an XBOX 360, PS3, PSP or
PS2 game system? Component -- This is the
most common type of hi-def connection. Nearly
every HDTV on the market supports a
component input and both the Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3 output with it. Component can
support resolutions up to however; very few
displays can handle that resolution. VGA -- Most
commonly seen on computer monitors, VGA
connections are also on some mid-range and
high-end HDTVs. Supporting a wider variety of
resolutions than component, VGA allows an old
computer monitor to double as a hi-def display.
It's a cheap way to get the most out of your
system, without springing for a proper HDTV.
The Xbox 360 supports VGA with an optional
cable. PlayStation 3 support for VGA is
unknown. HDMI -- Considered the future of AV,
HDMI is a single cable that carries both audio
and video on a single cable. In some ways it's
similar to the old days of a single RF cable, but
the image and picture over HDMI is crystal clear
thanks to its all digital interface. HDMI also
supports HDCP encryption, which may become
a necessity if you want to ensure playback of
HD-DVD and Blu-ray movies in hi-def. The $599
PlayStation 3 60GB model supports HDMI, but
the lower priced option doesn’t. The Xbox 360
does not currently support HDMI. Both the
PlayStation 3and the Xbox 360 can play DVD
movies, but the question on everyone’s mind is
how do they handle the next-generation
formats? Microsoft has announced a HD-DVD
add-on for the Xbox 360, set to be available by
the time the PlayStation 3 launches this fall.
With no confirmed price, many are guessing that
the cost of an Xbox360 plus the HD-DVD add-on
will equal that of a PlayStation 3.So which is
better? Neither. Both HD-DVD and Blue-ray
have the capacity to display the same high
definition movie encoding format that is being
used. Both are backed by different industry
groups and both are vying to be the dominant
format. Unfortunately, this is one area where
marketing is going to come into play, as much
like the VHS vs. Betamax war, the winner will not
be decided on technical merits, but on the
selection of movies. That said, if you are
planning on purchasing a game system to watch
movies on, the PlayStation 3 60GB has an edge
at this point. Not because of Blu-ray, but
because of its HDMI output. Both HD-DVD and
Blu-ray support the Image Constraint Token.
ICT is designed so that movie publishers can
require their films only be displayed over an
encrypted HDMI connection. This is done in an
attempt to reduce piracy. Want to buy an XBOX
360, PS3, PSP or PS2 game system? a movie
with ICT support is played back through another
connection, such as component or VGA, its
maximum resolution will be cut down thoroughly
a quarter of the original size. The end result is
you'll be watching animage that looks like a
standard DVD, rather than hi-def. Unless
Microsoft includes a HDMI port with the HD-DVD
add-on, the Xbox 360 will be incapable of
displaying any films that require ICT in their full
resolution. Likewise, the PlayStation 3 20GB will
never be able to display them. While some
studios, such as Sony Tristar, have promised
that the first hi-def releases will not require ICT,
the fact remains that this could change at
anytime. Quite simply, you do not want to
purchase a system with the primary purpose of
playing hi-def films unless it has HDMI. Unlike
the last generation, where Sony clearly held a
commanding lead, the next generation of
gaming is going to be a much closer race
between the behemoths of Microsoft and Sony.
Though there were many skeptics last fall, the
past eight months have shown the Xbox 360 to
be a very capable system and more than
powerful enough to challenge the PlayStation 3.
Microsoft also believes it will have 10 million
units in the global marketplace before Sony
even leaves the gate. So the question becomes:
Which system do you buy? Want to buy an
XBOX 360, PS3, PSP or PS2gamesystem? You
want a great platform to play the highest end
games right now, then the Xbox 360 is the only
choice to go with. Xbox Live is an extremely
impressive online service, while the software
catalog already contains some must-buys and is
rapidly expanding. If you want a system that
doubles as a next-gen movie player, then you
need to wait. The PlayStation 3 60GB is the only
game system with a confirmed HDMI output and
the only one guaranteed to playback all Blu-ray
movies in full resolution. Until we hear more from
Microsoft, the Xbox 360can't promise to run HD-
DVD content at its intended resolution. Bear in
mind that even with a steep $599 price tag,
early adopters will often snatch up all initial
shipments. This means that unless you pre-
order, chances are good the only place you'll be
able to find the PlayStation 3 in November is on
eBay (at an insanely high cost).Finally, there's
the cost-conscious consumer that simply wants
to play games and doesn't really care about
media center features or hi-def movies. If you
fall into this category, there’s always the Way!
Nintendo’s unique platform is the only one
coming in at a confirmed sub-$250 point, with a
sophisticated motion-sensing controller, and a
proven track record of being inventive with new
technology. By Adam P. Want to buy an XBOX
360, Wii, PS3, PSP or PS2 game system?
Comparison Console and PC gamers have long
been divided into two camps. Sure, there are those of us
who play on multiple (cont on pg 3)
GO TO PAGE 3
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BUYER Tip! Our
Site is updated
hourly.
Visit us daily to
get the best deals!