In Retrospect: PS3 vs. Xbox 360… Which System Won?

In light of E3 and everyone declaring Sony and the PS4 the new system to beat in the next-next gen console war (Next-gen^2 if you will), people seem to be forgetting that we’re judging the systems on a conference. Literally people talking and showing pre-rendered game play. Let’s take a step back and instead of deciding a winner of something only a select few have their hands on why don’t we declare a winner with the current gen systems? Kids have been debating this topic in YouTube videos and IGN’s message boards for years and all it ever amounts to is a lot of blustering and pre-pubecent rage.

That’s right fanboys, it’s Xbox 360 vs. PS3… Which system is is better?

Now to be fair: “better” is a relative term. It really depends on what you’re looking for from a system. So I’ve broken down a few categories we can all agree are important to me:
System ease/Controller, Exclusive games, Online Play, Graphics and Units Sold

Ease/Controller

Xbox 360: While I think having an avatar is a waste of time, I understand unlocking in-game awards to customize your avatar. It’s like a visible achievement. Beyond your avatar, the menu system on the 360 is easy to navigate. If nothing else there is too much too look at. To many tabs and sub-tabs can slow finding exactly what you’re looking.

The controller is arguably the best console controller on the market. Although the d-pad could use improving and it has unnecessary attachments (remember the QWERTY keyboard they sold?) its a stellar controller.

**Oh wait… PS3 had that too**

PS3: The menu and navigation system on a PS3, while easy enough to maneuver is seriously lacking. A bland purple background? Check. Each time you move it makes and annoying beep noise? Check (I’m aware 360 does this as well but the *ding* noises aren’t as annoying). 

The controller as mentioned above isn’t terrible… but it could be improved. I feel awkward holding a controller that feels too small for my hands. Tilt controls are always wonky and simply not as much fun (I’ll take a rumble pack over tilt any day).

Winner – Xbox 360

Exclusive Games

Xbox 360: 

Halo, Gears of War…Those Burger King games?

**Worth that 1.99 Used**

PS3:

Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid, Ratchet and Clank, God of War, Infamous, Killzone, Little Big Planet, Gran Turismo, Heavy Rain, The Last of Us and so on.

Winner – PS3

Online Play

XBOX 360: Big negative here is charging 50 bucks a year when PS3 is free. But honestly 50 a year for everything including streaming Netflix and HBO Go (which let’s face it 4 people are connected to one person’s Netflix right?) and online gaming isn’t a bad deal. Also Microsoft Points…?

PS3: Free online. Internet and certainly more freedom than an Xbox. Let me say this. Whenever I go over to someones house to play a game online… It’s never on a PS3. That means something.

Winner – Xbox 360

Graphics

I like the Xbox as much as the next guy. But this isn’t a contest. The PS3 is a superior system.

 **Doesn’t matter, still a terrible game**

Winner – PS3

Units Sold

Not going to separate this section either. Does that amount of Units Sold really contribute to which system is better? More people went to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen than Fight Club which movie is better?

Winner – Nintendo Wii

Alright, fair is fair. To me, Microsoft and the 360 won this generations console war. The bigger point I’m trying to make is this: Let’s not judge the consoles now. Sure Xbox One sounds terrible right now but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed later. It’s not even available for several months so let’s wait and pass judgement at the end of it’s cycle not before it even begins.

Also why is everything a battle? 

Let me know what you think? Does it make sense to claim a victor of the next-gen^2 console wars  before you even get a hold of them? Is the 360 better than the PS3? Let me know what you think!