Next-Gen Consoles Thread

[hummer0328 6]

Date: 5/17/2005 10:44:22 PM
Author: Captain_Heath
If what I am seeing form Killzone 2 and other titles is truely real time gameplay and not CG, I'll be getting a PS3. I know it is only the first day of E3, but the Xbox 360 is yet to impress me, while the PS3 has amazing tech demos and cool console design. I just don't care for PS controllers


To me it looks like the 360 is too wrapped up in online services, which means absolutly nothing to me seeing as how I can't get broadband. Maybe I am speaking too soon, but it looks like the PS3 might be on my desk instead of the 360...

quote>
My guess would be that most anything that isn't actual gameplay footage, is simulated footage of what the PS3 is capable of.

[Mayor of Tempest Lake 34]

mostly pre-rendered stuff.

[golfbunny 7]

Just thought I'd point out that the nintendo revolution is backwards compatible with NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube...i'd buy it just for that.
and if you look at http://www.e3insider.com/photos/fullSize/PS3%20-%20vertical%20front.jpg
you'll see that the controll ports seem to be standard usb?

[your_adress_here 11]

I don't care what other people say, I'm getting the Xbox 360.

[MayorVieira 1]

Nintendo does it again... the Revolution is looking better than both the PS3 and the Xbox360 (the Gamecube also looked great, despite not being the best machine inside). Like Golfbunny said, the backwards compatibility with all the previous Nintendo systems is a great thing... enough to make me want one.

Between all the game pictures hummer posted, my favorite is gotta be that new rally game (motorstorm). I love racing games... especially rally games. And talk about realistic damage and particles system!

[Dolfan348488 0]

The the backwards compatiblity thing doesnt mean much....considering.....how many people actually kept all their NES, N64, ect. games when the the PS2 and Crapbox orginally came out, and the Gamecube didnt feature reverse compatibility? I know i didnt. I sold all my N64 and SES stuff...

[hummer0328 6]

Date: 5/18/2005 8:19:30 AM
Author: MayorVieira

Nintendo does it again... the Revolution is looking better than both the PS3 and the Xbox360 (the Gamecube also looked great, despite not being the best machine inside). Like Golfbunny said, the backwards compatibility with all the previous Nintendo systems is a great thing... enough to make me want one.

Between all the game pictures hummer posted, my favorite is gotta be that new rally game (motorstorm). I love racing games... especially rally games. And talk about realistic damage and particles system!

quote>
Actually, those are PS3/XBox 360 games. Couldn't find any Rev. pics at the time and I didn't want to double post. Sorry, but if gamespot is correct, the Rev. isn't nearly as powerful (by a long shot) as the PS3. And considering the size of the design and the fact that Nintendo is still concealing the Rev's specs, gamespot's prediction is probably pretty accurate.

[MayorVieira 1]

Dolfan, how much did you get for each NES game you sold? I for one found it much better to just keep them... besides, games from the old Nintendo platforms will be downloadable for the Revolution.

hummer: I figured those were Xbox360/ PS3 games. I was just talking about the outside look of the Revolution.

[hello_SC4 1]

Date: 5/18/2005 4:42:02 AM Author: golfbunny Just thought I'd point out that the nintendo revolution is backwards compatible with NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube...i'd buy it just for that. and if you look at http://www.e3insider.com/photos/fullSize/PS3%20-%20vertical%20front.jpg you'll see that the controll ports seem to be standard usb?

quote>

Actually PS3's controllers will use Bluetooth connectivity with up to 7 controllers (PS3 party, anyone? ), those 4 ports are just normal USB 2.0 ports, there are 6 of them, 4 in the front and 2 in the back.

 

Anyway, all of my games are PS2, so backwards compatibility only matters for me with PS3, and it's been confirmed, so I'm happy.

[EAGCE 2]

Date: 5/18/2005 9:03:38 AM
Author: MayorVieira

Dolfan, how much did you get for each NES game you sold? I for one found it much better to just keep them... besides, games from the old Nintendo platforms will be downloadable for the Revolution.

hummer: I figured those were Xbox360/ PS3 games. I was just talking about the outside look of the Revolution.

quote>

Yeah, like MayorVieira said, the old Nintendo games will be downloadable. You don't actually put them into the system. Except for GameCube, you can put those into the system.

[hummer0328 6]

I managed to watch the Sony E3 Conference last night. I am now pretty positive that the PS3 is capable of rendering all of that stuff in real time. If you have a high speed conection I recomend downloading the rather large 1GB Sony E3 Conference from Gamespot.com. They show some very good examples of the real-time rendering power of the PS3. The Unreal Engine is a great example. First, it looks just like other PS3 real-time movies that you have seen, such as Killzone 2. Then they play the movie, pause it, and are able to move the camera around in the paused enviroment. After watching the conference I'm ready for a PS3 now, not a year from now!

[Captain_Heath 18]

Here is a post from the Gaming forums on deviantART [LINK] I really like this b/c it is pretty unbiased and gives the specs on the PS3 and 360. Sorry for the size


CPU: Cell (1 PPC + 7 units) vs X360 Cpu (three PPC cores)

X360 advantages and disadvantages
- much easier to program for 3 symmetric processors than an asymmetric processor
- strong single thread performance, but can only run limited number of threads
- multithreading is difficult to program for but NO WAY near as hard as for the cell
- Best described as a jack of all trades approach

Cell Advantages and disadvantages
- The cell is a massively parallel vector processor
- excellent for running multiple floating point tasks such as (game engine, encoding and decoding video)
- Difficult to program for -- ALL software has to be optimized
- Poor single thread performance
- NO hardware Branch prediction, Extremely poor at running complicated branched code (like A.I. code)
- Highly specialized approach, the cell is first and foremost an MULTIMEDIA processor that is best suited for HDTVs and a gaming consoles processor second. It offers extremes -- very good at running game engine, very poor at A.I. code.



GPU:

Today's top of the line 6800ultra has 16 pixel pipelines and 6 shader pipelines and is made up of 222 Million Transistors

X360 advantages and disadvantages
- ATI's next gen GPU (the R500) has a as unique architecture -- UNIFIED vertex/shader and pixel pipelines. It has 48 of these units that are automatically assigned a function
- Easier to program for but has a less higher theoretical peek than independet pipelines
- 10MB framebuffer that allows for Free anti-aliasing but limited resolution to 720P. For higher resolutions you upsample
- Unknown number of transistors (look for this number in the future)

PS3 GPU:
- officially stated to have 300 Million transistors with fixed pixel and vertex pipelines. Numbers not disclosed. If 6600GT is about 160 Million transistors, the 6800ultra 222 Million -- it is very likely that the PS3 GPU has 24 pixel pipelines and about 10-12 shader pipelines. I find it very easy to believe that the this GPU will be about twice as powerful as a 6800Ultra
- independent pipelines are faster BUT are harder to program for



Memory:

X360
512Mb of unified DDR3 memory with is shared by BOTH the GPU and CPU. Flexiablity is the obvious advantage. Disadvantage is that they have to be shared. Game developers can split the memory any way they like 50:50, 30:70 etc

PS3
256MB XRD for the cell
256MB DDR3 for the GPU

advantage is that the each has its own faster memory but each is limited to 256mb. While the CPU in the X360 can have a max of 512mb, the cell is stuck with 256mb.


Bandwidth:

X360

[Mayor of Tempest Lake 34]

>Multi-types of flash memory slots (SD, memory stick etc)

Why is this thing in here... I think digicams and camcorders have their own A/V out already...

>Dual ethernet
I can understand one... but two? you want a router with that?

>two HDTVs
Maybe for stores -- but I don't think anyone will be generous enough to shell out 2 HDTVs at the moment, especially at the same place.

and the cost of making one? $1000? $800? $1500? Arm+Leg? Soul?

[The_Dalai_Llama 15]

Date: 5/18/2005 8:27:25 AM Author: Dolfan348488 The the backwards compatiblity thing doesnt mean much....considering.....how many people actually kept all their NES, N64, ect. games when the the PS2 and Crapbox orginally came out, and the Gamecube didnt feature reverse compatibility?  I know i didnt.  I sold all my N64 and SES stuff...

quote>

Actually, for some people, the Revolution's backwards compatability is a godsend since many of us sold our games because our systems, particularly the NES systems, broke down or the games became unplayable.  Buying a used system didn't help for me since it works only when it wants to.  The Revolution will solve the problem and then some.

[hummer0328 6]

I bet my grandma would enjoy the Revolution.  She absolutely loves to play old NES & SNES games!  Plus she would also have a nice system for when the grandkids come over!

[your_adress_here 11]

Date: 5/25/2005 1:22:35 AM Author: hummer0328 I bet my grandma would enjoy the Revolution.  She absolutely loves to play old NES  SNES games!

quote>

First time I've heard of a video game-playing grandma...

[hummer0328 6]

Date: 5/25/2005 7:53:15 AM
Author: your_adress_here

Date: 5/25/2005 1:22:35 AM Author: hummer0328 I bet my grandma would enjoy the Revolution.  She absolutely loves to play old NES SNES games!

quote>

First time I've heard of a video game-playing grandma...

quote>
I know! I remember when I was a little kid coming to see her. She would always help me through Super Metroid. She still has her SNES with about 20 various games. She is pretty good at them too!

[your_adress_here 11]

Date: 5/25/2005 12:35:10 PM Author: hummer0328

Date: 5/25/2005 7:53:15 AM Author: your_adress_here

Date: 5/25/2005 1:22:35 AM Author: hummer0328 I bet my grandma would enjoy the Revolution.  She absolutely loves to play old NES  SNES games!

First time I've heard of a video game-playing grandma...

I know!  I remember when I was a little kid coming to see her.  She would always help me through Super Metroid.  She still has her SNES with about 20 various games.  She is pretty good at them too!

Lol!

 

 

Anyways, I'm really starting to have thoughts on buying an Xbox 360 or a PS3...I like the Xbox I have, and may go on with the next one...but nevertheless, only good stuff has been said about the PS3...

 

Edit: check out my poll about next-gen consoles: https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=63983&pageNo=1&num=30

 

Thanks!

[King_SMO 4]

It is beyond me why Nintendo bothers putting out a console that will not only be crappier in performence, but also looks like an old DVD player from 2002.

BTW check out my opinions, and please vote in Your Address Heres thread.

[EAGCE 2]

I guess you think the PS3 actually looks good?

[LightWarriorK 4]

Date: 5/29/2005 11:42:43 PM Author: King_SMO

It is beyond me why Nintendo bothers putting out a console that will not only be crappier in performence, but also looks like an old DVD player from 2002.

BTW check out my opinions, and please vote in 'Your Address Here's thread.

quote>

 

Nintendo still has a year and a half to work on Revolution.  It's known that the one shown at E3 is NOT the final product, and may actually be smaller than that with a look that befits the brand.  I'll tell ya right now, such a small player is going to win the battle of which system will get put into the most minivans.

 

And I'm a little amused and a little annoyed that performance has been cited so much in the prevalent reason for not getting Revolution.  May I ask what kind of performance matters if the game is crappy?  Nintendo is famous for their high-quality games, and I actually laugh out loud whenever anyone says anything about Nintendo going under. 

 

My honest opinion?  Sony and Micrsoft cater to the masses, using shamless exploitation and horsepower to peddle their wares.  DO I enjoy their products?  Yes.  Would I spend money supporting them?  No.

 

Just my thoughts.

[King_SMO 4]

@eagce    i would much rather play on a grill than a toaster. the xbox just looks like a computer tower.

@LightwarriorK    i have two things to say

 

    1. Nintendo caters a LOT more to younger gamers than teens and adults, thats why they dont appeal to the masses.

    2. If you enjoy there products, why not buy them? To me, that doest really make sense. But, if your like me, you have no money to buy what you want anyway

[LightWarriorK 4]

Date: 5/30/2005 2:36:55 PM Author: King_SMO

@eagce    i would much rather play on a grill than a toaster. the xbox just looks like a computer tower.

@LightwarriorK    i have two things to say

    1. Nintendo caters a LOT more to younger gamers than teens and adults, thats why they dont appeal to the masses.

    2. If you enjoy there products, why not buy them? To me, that doest really make sense. But, if your like me, you have no money to buy what you want anyway

quote>

1) What's wrong with appealing to younger gamers?  And if you've seen Metroid Prime, RE4, and Zelda:Twilight Princess, you'd know that that's not exclusively their only way.  They're just being good to ALL the gamers, not just the masses who like to kill and destroy.

 

2) Who wouldn't enjoy them?  There's just nothing on either of those systems groundbreaking enough worth my money (GTA is the only one, and they come out for PC)  Also, anyone smart won't buy everything available: Nintendo fits any budget.  Gradute Degree, County Transportation PLanner, Downtown Penthouse... I have money, but spend it on better things.

 

Anyways, I don't mean to be a pain, so sorry if that's how it sounds, but for the love of fairness, please keep an open mind, and don't call something crap until you have the facts... ALL of the facts (performance, game quality, cost, ease of use, input device(s) and extra features all play equal parts)

[King_SMO 4]

I, like everyone else in this forum, deosn't know the facts and is stating thier opinion anyway, so whats wrong with me doing it? You where just diong it. The truth is, i dont know wether which console to get because the ARE NOT OUT YET!

We should start this discussion up in a year, until then I won't say anymore in this thread. (unless someone personally attacks me)

[The Evil Octopus Man 25]

Date: 5/30/2005 1:54:07 AM
Author: LightWarriorK
And I'm a little amused and a little annoyed that performance has been cited so much in the prevalent reason for not getting Revolution. May I ask what kind of performance matters if the game is crappy? Nintendo is famous for their high-quality games, and I actually laugh out loud whenever anyone says anything about Nintendo going under.

quote>
FINALLY someone realizes this!

[LightWarriorK 4]

^ Yes, it's the truth.  Nintendo will never die, they're in too deep in the industry.  The gaming industry may be fickle, but not THAT fickle.  A world without Mario, Zelda, Medtroid, and rest would be a sad one, and no other company has the history of them to do them justice. (Nintendo develops those direct, so if they go under the license probably goes with them.)

Date: 5/30/2005 9:35:47 PM Author: King_SMO

I, like everyone else in this forum, deosn't know the facts and is stating thier opinion anyway, so whats wrong with me doing it? You where just diong it. The truth is, i dont know wether which console to get because the ARE NOT OUT YET!

We should start this discussion up in a year, until then I won't say anymore in this thread. (unless someone personally attacks me)

 

I agree, we're arguing a little much at this point.  I don't know the quality of the PS3 and Xbox360 games, just as you don't know the quality of the Revolution system.  I'll agree to a truce... just please don't call Revolution crap anymore, ok?  I'll refrain from comments on the game-clones. 

 

Would it be alright if every else does the same, please?  Let's stick to just showcasing what we know, and we can meet up Christmas of 2006 when all the systems are out and have games so we can duke it out properly.

[King_SMO 4]

thats cool, but i expect you to start a thread in a year...

[hummer0328 6]

I just pre-ordered my XBox 360 from EB Games!  And since I work at EB Games, I'm going to talk my manager into allowing me to be 1st in line to pick it up in November!

[your_adress_here 11]

Date: 8/13/2005 12:07:43 AM Author: hummer0328 I just pre-ordered my XBox 360 from EB Games!  And since I work at EB Games, I'm going to talk my manager into allowing me to be 1st in line to pick it up in November!

quote>

Lucky you! I doubt I'll be able to get it that early!

[Dupontfan24 0]

hummer: i know how you can cut $89.99 from your xbox Price... The wireless controller and the HD cab;e come with the $399 package.

For all Xbox 360 fans you should check this out...

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=67903