Xbox 360 Versus PlayStation 3--Consumer Console Versus Gamer Console -- Page 2

Although the 360 looks inferior to the PS3 in terms of sheer hardware capabilities, Microsoft's console stands out from Sony's with its mass market appeal. Serving as a game console, Tivo, one-stop source for on-demand media (MP3s, movies, music), video chat service, the Xbox 360 seems far more versatile than the PS3--potentially drawing in a much more diverse audience. Slides even showed the console to be potentially compatible with rival electronics such as the iPod and PSP. Sony by contrast didn't focus much on the media functionality of the console; it did show its compatibility with a whole slew of CD and DVD formats, but the PS3 doesn't seem to have DVD burning functionality.

Microsoft's big investment for the Xbox 360 is online with Xbox Live, and Microsoft showed itself to be better prepared for out-of-the-box network features. While a lot of the presentation rehashed what had previously been announced, J Allard also expanded on the marketplace functionality, saying that gamers can potentially sell their goods to other gamers online (custom T-shirts, car parts). Sony's explanation of its online functionality was relatively brief, the only revelation being the use of an Eyetoy-like device for HD IP camera. While Sony may come out with more concrete information about online, for now Microsoft has shown to be more forward-thinking with respect to online gaming.

Still, in the end Sony stole the attention for the day. Microsoft's spark was clearly fizzling when it made its surprise announcement toward the end of its press event about working together with Square Enix& to bring Final Fantasy XI (of all games, one that's already been released on PC and PS2) on the 360. Comparing that to the announcement of Final Fantasy XII being released on the PlayStation 3 (not to mention Metal Gear Solid 4 and Devil May Cry 4), it seems Japanese developers are still holding their cards closer to Sony.

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