Next-Gen Console Score Card (page 2 of 10)

GRAPHICS

Everyone likes pretty pictures. Current-gen consoles like the PlayStation 2 and Xbox are still very capable (just check out PS2 stunner Shadow of the Colossus) , but lack the juice to handle HD-level resolutions to blow visual clarity through the roof.

That all changes with the next generation of consoles, each of which are decked out with a potent arsenal of high-performance RAM, lightning-fast graphics processors, and (with one exception) the ability to render their visuals at incredibly high resolutions to take advantage of the latest HD TVs.

Xbox 360

Gamers who've already scored an Xbox 360 can attest to its ability to churn out some spectacular visuals. And no wonder, considering it comes armed with custom ATI graphics hardware that rivals some of the beastly cards found in today's high-end gaming PC's. We'll let the numbers speak for themselves: the 360's 512 MB of dedicated video RAM is an advantage over the PS3's 256 MB of dedicated video RAM.

Also worth considering is the fact that developers have more experience working with the Xbox 360's graphical architecture thanks to its year-long head start. This means that developers will be taking full advantage of the 360's capabilities as they're still struggling to get a grasp of the PS3.

The Xbox 360 is adept at HD resolutions; it can natively handle 480i all the way up to 1080i, and a forthcoming software update is alleged to add true, full 1080 progressive scan support. Unfortunately, the Xbox 360 is currently held back by its analog video output; only component video and VGA. Digital DVI or HDMI output would be far preferable.

Graphics score: 4.5 (out of 5.0)

PlayStation 3

From one perspective, the PS3's technological soft spot is its graphics processor, the "RSX" chip developed by PC video card manufacturer nVidia. Though the 550 Mhz clock speed is fast enough to blow away many gaming PC setups, the RSX is missing one key component: dedicated memory. With only 256 MB of dedicated RAM, PS3 developers will have to make tough choices about what visual details to leave in (CPU-devoted special effects like rippling cloth or water) and what to trim out (huge, super-crisp environment textures and anti-aliasing, or instance) in order to make games fit into that smaller memory footprint. The games will still look fantastic, but memory useage will be a constant concern. On the other hand, the RSX chip can access the PS3's auxiliary 256 MB of system RAM, so it once again comes down to programming chops.

The PS3 can support every single TV resolution, from jagged old 480i all the way up to 1080 progressive scan. Coupled with the integrated HDMI video output (now found on every single PS3 model), Sony's betting heavily that the PS3's digital video capabilities will make for the clearest, cleanest visuals. We'd have to agree.

Graphics score: 4.75 (out of 5.0)

Wii

Graphically, the Wii is at a decided disadvantage compared to its competition. The Wii's graphics processor features a 243 MHz "Hollywood" GPU built by ATI -- that's looselycomparable to the original Xbox's 233 MHz video processor. Nintendo is playing coy with the hard technical specs, but the Wii is rumored to only feature some 88 MB of total RAM, split between graphical and system processes. This is about twice the GameCube's RAM, but less than one-fifth the total RAM found in the Xbox 360 and PS3, so it's only natural that the Wii is easily outgunned by those technological titans. The graphics will definitely be an improvement compared to Nintendo's current-gen GameCube, but beyond that, don't get your hopes up.

Furthermore, the Wii can support up to 480 progressive scan; a nice boost from cruddy old 480i, but a far cry from the 720 and 1080 support for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Don't expect any high-end digital video output, either -- for the time being, the Wii tops out at analog component cables.



Graphics score: 3.5 (out of 5.0)

DECISION



PlayStation 3

This is an extremely tight decision, as the Xbox 360's unified memory architecture was a smarter move from an engineering point of view. But at the end of the day, we think the PS3 visuals just look more, well, next-gen. That's not to say that the Xbox 360 visuals are deficient; after all, just look at the dazzling Gears of War, or the kaleidoscopic Viva Pinata.

HDMI/DVI video support was also a key advantage for the PlayStation 3, and native 1080p support is a big plus as well.

Though we gave a slight edge to the PS3 in this category, it's important to remember that many games will look identically good on both the Xbox 360 and the PS3. But when you see Lair or MotorStorm running at 1080i* via HDMI, it's hard to deny that the PS3 has a visual edge over the Xbox 360. Whether that advantage comes from the Cell CPU, massive Blu-ray storage, or just programming wizardry remains to be seen.

*corrected

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