The PS3 was released after the 360 and Wii. As such it is reported to be audio visually superior. Although needing to make up ground against its main competitor the 360, the PS3 has incrementally developed a solid offering and interesting array of games.

General Comparison

The PS3 is unique because of its position as a high end entertainment device. It maintains a sense of a high fideltiy with its built in wireless internet connection, Blu-ray support and built in power supply. Sleek lines and minimal cables make it easy to accomodate under the TV.

Graphically and sonically there is not a huge difference between the 360 and PS3, in fact multiplatform games look pretty identical. Where the PS3 excels is in games (like Motorstorm Pacific Rift) built exclusivley for the system. As the machine matures and these titles develop it is likely to outstrip the 360's performance.

Although not as fully featured or mature as Xbox live, Sony's equivalent - the Playstation Network - is evovling into an impressive offering, what's more the service is free. From the real world interface that lets you walk around a virtual home, meet friends and start games, to an impressivley inventive array of downloadable games (like Flower), the Playstation Network is an engaging proposition.

The PS3's biggest weakness is its continued high price, and limited online options. Whereas the 360 offered a full service out of the box, it has taken Sony alot longer to sort things out. System donwloads are frequent and provide incremental updates to the consoles features. Another issue is the lack of exclusive games, although with LittleBigPlanet, God of War, Metal Gear Solid and Motorstorm this is becoming less of an issue.

Sony's commitment to delivering a high end gaming experience continues to give them the finesse they need to distinguish themselves from Microsoft. Their photo viewer for instance doesn't only let you flick through your pictures, but creates a visual journey through your memories more akin to an iPod advert than a photo viewer. This, combined with unique novelties such as the games Flower and Pixel Junk Eden make it an interesting space to spend time for a variety of older gamers.

PlayStation 3 60GB

PlayStation 3 80GB - 120GB

PlayStation 3 Slim 120GB - 250GB

The PlayStation 3 Slim continues all the features of the bigger PS3 in a form factor that is one third smaller, lighter and less power hungry. The new revision takes on a streamlined aesthetic that will take up less space under your TV, and look rather sexy. Positioned there you can take advantage of its multimedia credentials. Video chat, Internet access, photo viewing, music and Blu-Ray/DVD films stand the PS3 head and shoulders above the competition.

Although impressive in other areas, gaming is what the PS3 Slim is all about. Packing in the fabled "Cell" processor from the Nvidia graphics stable means it is almost four times faster than the PS2. 128-bit pixel precision and full 1080p HD resolution combine with Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 and Linear PCM 7.1 to make the PlayStation Slim technically agile. Unlike the 360, it also includes a wireless router for free and keeps the power supply tidied away inside the main unit. A technically impressive package that works out as great value when you consider everything you are getting.

The gaming theme continues to the Dual Shock 3 controller. This incorporates the best of both the 360 and Wii control devices by offering precision dual-sticks alongside Six-Axis motion control. This is backed up by the strongest version of their force-feedback vibration to connect you well and truly to the on-screen action. Finally, these controllers are wireless to minimising the amount of wires trailing around your gaming space, and let you play while you charge with no added paraphernalia.

Now a few years into its life we are starting to see the potential of Sony's machine with games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Motorstorm Pacific Rift and Gran Turismo 5. Many of these take advantage of the much improved online experience. PlayStation network members can not only download social networking hubs such as PlayStation Home, but also have access to a growing library of downloadable mini-games. And of course they can play competitively against friends in the majority of experiences on the system. All this is offered without a monthly subscription.

PS3 games we have been playing.

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