Next gen IN GAME graphics...scary!

[Azkatro]

The raw power of the two machines is irrelevant IMO. Currently the XBOX is probably 2.5 times faster than the PS2 in terms of raw clock speed, but the PS2 well and truly holds its own. GT4 runs on a 297MHz processor! Imagine what they'll do with this insane Cell thing!

It's more to do with how that power is utilised. The XBOX is a joke in terms of game consoles, as it's based on archictures that have been around since the early IBM days. An architecture that was originally designed to run spreadsheets on sub-20 MHz computers is not really suitable for a games console. The next XBOX sounds like it will have much more appropriate hardware, but will still be effectively behind the PS3. Releasing their new unit a year ahead of the other mob's is MS's only chance to make some ground as they lost scary amounts of money on the XBOX.

 

[dG]

MS's only chance to make some ground as they lost scary amounts of money on the XBOX.

Not that their aim was to make money this time around. If you read the reports from early in teh xbox life cycle you will see that MS knew they would be making a loss on XBOX one, a substantial loss...but that would be worth it to break into the market and gain considerable market share...which they haev done in all but Japan/Asia.

The fact that when people think video games they think PS and XBOX instead of PS and Nintendo now is probably the biggest gain they could have hoped for. It is these later editions that are designed to compete globally and make money.

That said, as we all know with the PS2...just because a console is released a year in advance doesnt rule them out of the game....a LOT will depend on the sales of XBOX before the PS3 release...if many people wait around for PS3...and hold off buying xbox, until they can compare...or just because of product loyalty...XBOX could be in for a long ride.

 

[bulldog]

The raw power of the two machines is irrelevant IMO.

It's more to do with how that power is utilised. The XBOX is a joke in terms of game consoles, as it's based on archictures that have been around since the early IBM days. An architecture that was originally designed to run spreadsheets on sub-20 MHz computers is not really suitable for a games console.

There is no substitute for raw power, the more pixels you can push around without overhead means more processing power for the bells and whistles. GT4 is not very impressive to me, slightly improved graphics and lacklustre physics.

As for the architecture, modern PCs and consoles are so far removed from the sub-20 MHz computers you mention as to be uncomparable, can you name one part of the architecture that still exists in modern PCs (besides floppy drives) that hasn't undergone massive changes? It's like comparing a car from the 50's with a new car, sure they have the same basic principles in place, but they are hardly comparable in terms of technology.

 

[Dogs Of War]

Really if the Xbox 360 can publish titles that make people say stuff it I can't wait for the PS3 when next gen games are coming out that you just gotta play then they will be laughing. But getting the next console out earlier than your opposition doesn't mean success, just ask Sega about the dreamcast.