Jump to content

Seventh generation of video game consoles: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Comparison: cutting down on comparison table...
Line 82: Line 82:
|- style="vertical-align: top"
|- style="vertical-align: top"
|-
|-
!Included accessories and extras
!Included accessories <small>(game packages not listed)</small>
|'''Core:'''
|'''Core:'''
*Wired controller
*Wired controller
Line 92: Line 92:
*Includes everything in the Core plus:
*Includes everything in the Core plus:
*20 GB detachable hard drive
*20 GB detachable hard drive
*Chrome disc tray
*HDMI out port <small>(As of 9th August 2007)</small>
*HDMI out port <small>(As of 9th August 2007)</small>
*Wireless controller (instead of wired controller)
*Wireless controller (instead of wired controller)
Line 100: Line 99:
*[[TOSLINK]] output port
*[[TOSLINK]] output port
*Month of Xbox Live Gold
*Month of Xbox Live Gold
*[[Hexic|Hexic HD]] preinstalled on hard drive


'''Elite:'''
'''Elite:'''
*Includes everything in the Premium plus:
*Includes everything in the Premium plus:
*120 GB detachable hard drive (instead of 20 GB)
*120 GB detachable hard drive (instead of 20 GB)
*Matte black finish
*Separate TOSLINK and RCA out cable
*Separate TOSLINK and RCA out cable
*[[Xbox 360#Retail configurations|More...]]
*[[Xbox 360#Retail configurations|More...]]
|
|
'''20 GB:'''
'''20 GB:'''
*[[Blu-ray]] Drive (Compatible with CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray games and movies)
*[[Blu-ray]] Drive
*[[PlayStation 3 accessories#Sixaxis|SIXAXIS controller]]
*[[PlayStation 3 accessories#Sixaxis|SIXAXIS controller]]
*[[Ethernet]] cable
*[[Ethernet]] cable
Line 116: Line 113:
*[[Stereo]] [[AV]] cable
*[[Stereo]] [[AV]] cable
*[[HDMI]] out port
*[[HDMI]] out port
*Hardware based backwards compatibility with [[PlayStation 2]] games
*Hardware-based backwards compatibility with [[PlayStation 2|PS2]] games


'''40 GB:'''
'''40 GB:'''
*Includes everything in the 20 GB plus:
*Includes everything in the 20 GB plus:
*[[IEEE 802.11]] [[b]]/[[g]] [[Wi-Fi]]
*[[IEEE 802.11]] [[b]]/[[g]] [[Wi-Fi]]
*''Excludes'' 2x [[USB]] ports and backwards compatibility
*A copy of a ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'' Blu-Ray movie.
*Excludes:
**2X [[USB]] ports
⚫
**neither hardware- nor software-based backwards compatibility with [[PlayStation 2]] and [[PlayStation]] games


'''60 GB:'''
'''60 GB:'''
*Includes everything in the 20 GB plus:
*Includes everything in the 20 GB and 40 GB plus:
*[[IEEE 802.11]] [[b]]/[[g]] [[Wi-Fi]]
*[[Flash card]] readers
*[[Flash card]] readers
⚫
*Software-based backwards compatibility with [[PlayStation 2|PS2]] games in PAL models
*Shiny black finish
*Chrome trim
*Backwards compatibility with [[PlayStation 2]] games (Hardware in NTSC/Software in PAL models)


'''80 GB:'''
'''80 GB:'''
*Includes everything in the 60 GB (except a copy of ''Spider-Man 3'') plus:
*Includes everything in the 60 GB plus:
⚫
*Software-based backwards compatibility with [[PlayStation 2|PS2]] and [[PlayStation|PSX]] games
*Copy of ''[[MotorStorm]]''
*Copy of ''[[Formula One Championship Edition]]'' (Only in Mexico)
⚫
*Software based backwards compatibility with [[PlayStation 2]] and [[PlayStation One]] games
|
|
*Composite AV cable
*Composite AV cable
*[[Wii Remote]] controller & [[Wii Remote#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]] add-on
*[[Wii Remote]] controller & [[Wii Remote#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]] attachment
⚫
*[[Wii Remote#Sensing|Sensor Bar]]
*''[[Wii Sports]]'' game (excluding Japan)
⚫
*[[Wii Remote#Sensing|Sensor Bar]] and stand
*Console stand and plate
*Console stand and plate
*2 AA batteries
*2 AA batteries
*Backwards compatibility with [[GameCube]] games
*Backwards compatibility with [[GameCube|GCN]] games
|- style="vertical-align: top"
|- style="vertical-align: top"


Line 167: Line 155:
*Any standard 2.5 inch [[Hard disk drive|HDD]] hard drive can be attached
*Any standard 2.5 inch [[Hard disk drive|HDD]] hard drive can be attached
*[[Playstation Eye]] Camera
*[[Playstation Eye]] Camera
DualShock 3 Controller (early 2008)
*DualShock 3 Controller (early 2008)
|
|
*Composite AV cable
*Composite AV cable
Line 176: Line 164:
*Wired LAN adapter
*Wired LAN adapter
*[[Wii Remote]]
*[[Wii Remote]]
*[[Wii Remote#Classic Controller|Classic Controller]] add-on
*[[Wii Remote#Classic Controller|Classic Controller]] attachment
*[[Wii Remote#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]] attachment controller add-on
*[[Wii Remote#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]] attachment
*[[Wii Zapper#Wii Zapper|Wii Zapper]]
*[[Wii Zapper#Wii Zapper|Wii Zapper]]
|-
|-
Line 206: Line 194:
*[[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] via [[Wi-Fi]]<span style="color:green;">'''*'''</span> or [[USB]]
*[[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] via [[Wi-Fi]]<span style="color:green;">'''*'''</span> or [[USB]]
|
|
*[[Wii Remote]] (up to 4 via [[Bluetooth]]) and/or other [[Wii Remote#Controller expansions|attachments]].
*[[Wii Remote]] (up to 4 via [[Bluetooth]])
*[[Virtual Console]] and [[Nintendo GameCube]] compatibility mode can use up to four GameCube controllers, including [[Game Boy Advance]]s connected via [[Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable|Link Cables]]
*[[Virtual Console]] and [[Nintendo GameCube|GCN]] compatibility mode can use up to four [[GameCube|GCN]] controllers, including [[Game Boy Advance|GBA]]s connected via [[Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable|Link Cables]]
*Some [[TurboGrafx-16]] games on the Virtual Console can support up to 5 players with a combination of Wii Remotes, Classic Controllers and Nintendo GameCube controllers
*Some [[TurboGrafx-16]] games on the Virtual Console can support up to 5 players with a combination of Wii Remotes, Classic Controllers and [[Nintendo GameCube|GCN]] controllers
*[[Nintendo DS]] via [[Wi-Fi]]
*[[Nintendo DS]] via [[Wi-Fi]]
|-
|-
Line 230: Line 218:
|[[Xbox Live]]<br />Xbox Live Arcade<br />Xbox Live Marketplace<br />Xbox Live Vision (Webcam), headset<br/>Xbox Live Video Marketplace<br />[[Windows Live Messenger]] (Formerly MSN Messenger)
|[[Xbox Live]]<br />Xbox Live Arcade<br />Xbox Live Marketplace<br />Xbox Live Vision (Webcam), headset<br/>Xbox Live Video Marketplace<br />[[Windows Live Messenger]] (Formerly MSN Messenger)
|[[PlayStation Network]]<br />PlayStation Store<br />Internet browser<br />Webcam (including PlayStation 2 EyeToy), headset <br />[[PlayStation Home]]
|[[PlayStation Network]]<br />PlayStation Store<br />Internet browser<br />Webcam (including PlayStation 2 EyeToy), headset <br />[[PlayStation Home]]
|[[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]<br />[[WiiConnect24]]<br />[[Internet Channel]]<br />[[Wii Menu#News Channel|News Channel]]<br />[[Wii Menu#Forecast Channel|Forecast Channel]]<br />[[Everybody Votes Channel]]<br />Wii Shop Channel (including [[Virtual Console]], based on Wii points)<br />[[Wii Menu#Message Board|Wii Message Board]]
|[[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]<br />[[WiiConnect24]]<br />[[Internet Channel]]<br />[[Wii Menu#News Channel|News Channel]]<br />[[Wii Menu#Forecast Channel|Forecast Channel]]<br />[[Everybody Votes Channel]]<br />[[Wii Menu#Wii Shop Channel|Wii Shop Channel]] (including [[Virtual Console]], based on Wii points)<br />[[Wii Menu#Message Board|Wii Message Board]]<br />[[Wii Menu#Check Mii Out (Mii Contest) Channel|Check Mii Out Channel]]
|-
|-
![[Backward compatibility]]
![[Backward compatibility]]
|[[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|394 Selected Xbox]] games <small>(as of April 2007)</small>, additions made with software updates, Hard Drive required
|[[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|394 Selected Xbox]] games <small>(as of April 2007)</small>, additions made with software updates, Hard Drive required
|Supports most PlayStation 2 titles; All original PlayStation titles either from the original disc or downloaded from the PlayStation Network; future firmware updates will provide more compatibility<ref name="Playstation3BackwardCompatibility">{{cite web| last =Gantayat| first =Anoop| title =PS3 Backwards Compatibility Issues - New system has some problems with past titles| publisher =IGN| date =[[2006-11-12]]| url =http://ps3.ign.com/articles/745/745439p1.html| accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref>
|Supports most [[PlayStation 2|PS2]] titles; All [[PlayStation|PSX]] titles either from the original disc or downloaded from the PlayStation Network; future firmware updates will provide more compatibility<ref name="Playstation3BackwardCompatibility">{{cite web| last =Gantayat| first =Anoop| title =PS3 Backwards Compatibility Issues - New system has some problems with past titles| publisher =IGN| date =[[2006-11-12]]| url =http://ps3.ign.com/articles/745/745439p1.html| accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref>
European and Australian versions offers limited compatibility<ref>{{cite web| last =van Grinsven| first =Lucas|title=PlayStation 3 in Europe will play fewer old games|publisher=Reuters| date =[[2007-02-23]]|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSL2267625820070223?pageNumber=1 | accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref>
European and Australian versions offers limited compatibility<ref>{{cite web| last =van Grinsven| first =Lucas|title=PlayStation 3 in Europe will play fewer old games|publisher=Reuters| date =[[2007-02-23]]|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSL2267625820070223?pageNumber=1 | accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref>
|Supports all [[Nintendo GameCube]] software and most accessories. Many games from systems prior to Nintendo GameCube are available for download through [[Virtual Console]]
|Supports all [[Nintendo GameCube]] software and most accessories. Many games from systems prior to Nintendo GameCube are available for download through [[Virtual Console]]

Revision as of 08:54, 22 November 2007

Part of a series on the
History of video games
Early history
Consoles
Arcade video games
Personal computer
Mobile games
Virtual reality
Cloud gaming
Other platforms
Genres
Lists

In the history of computer and video games, the seventh generation began on November 21, 2004 with the United States release of the Nintendo DS, followed by the PlayStation Portable on March 24, 2005. The beginning of the seventh generation for home consoles came on November 22, 2005 with the release of Microsoft's Xbox 360 and continued a year later with the release of Sony's PlayStation 3 on November 17, 2006 and Nintendo's Wii on November 19, 2006. European and Australian sales of the PlayStation 3 commenced on March 23, 2007.

Home systems

As all three major home consoles only started to compete at the end of 2006, it is not yet possible to determine which, if any of them, will take a dominating position in the seventh generation. However, on September 13, 2007, the NPD and Enterbrain reported that the Wii is currently leading in sales, with more than 9 million units sold across the globe.[1]

Xbox 360

Main article: Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 by Microsoft has gained an early lead in terms of market share, due in large part to its early launch date, which was a year before its rivals. Sales in North America and Europe have been steadily strong, even after the Wii and PlayStation 3's launch, but only received a muted reception in Japan.[2] This was attributed to the lack of content aimed at Japanese gamers.[3]

However, this head start did come with some trouble, as technical problems appeared in a portion of Xbox 360 units sold. The most well known is the "red ring of death" issue, which received a great deal of attention due to users' claims of having to replace their consoles multiple times because of the widespread issue. Microsoft addressed this by offering a three year warranty on all affected consoles and repairing them free of charge.[4] It also retroactively reimbursed owners of affected systems who paid for repairs.[4] According to Microsoft, new models of the console featuring 65-nanometer technology will address this and other issues; the new technology is expected to reduce heat production, which will lower the risk of overheating and system failures.[5]

The console stabilized at 11.6 million units shipped at the end of first half of 2007,[citation needed] and sales slowed down at the start of that year while its rivals gained momentum. However, Microsoft's strategy to boost sales with the release of the highly anticipated Halo 3 in September has paid off so far, outselling the Wii in that month (with sales of 13.4 Million units now sold).[6] Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division experienced a huge increase in revenue, largely driven by the release of Halo 3, and posted a quarterly profit for the first time in two years.[7]

In August 2007, the first price drop was announced for all Stock Keeping Units (SKU's) of the Xbox 360.[8] The Core system's price was reduced in the United States by $20, the Premium by $50, and the Elite model by $30.[8] Also, the HDMI port, previously exclusive to the Elite system, is now available with new models of the Premium and Core systems.[9]

PlayStation 3

Main article: PlayStation 3

The PlayStation 3 has a comparatively higher price and was released roughly a year later than its direct competitor, the Xbox 360. The system's reliance on 'cutting edge' technology such as the Cell microprocessor and Blu-ray format have caused difficulties in manufacturing, especially the Blu-ray diode, leading to shortages at launch and the delay of the PAL Region launches. However, by early December 2006, Sony announced that all production issues had been solved.[10]

Nonetheless, despite many initial setbacks and delays, Sony demonstrated the capabilities of the PlayStation 3 at the Tokyo Game Show in 2006, with 27 playable demos and numerous titles ready for launch.[citation needed] Its success or failure may ultimately be decided by whether or not players feel that the technology is worth the higher price of the console, as well as the quality of its software offerings. Sony hopes that even if the PlayStation 3 loses market share to its competitors, its Blu-ray player would conceivably make the console a profitable product for Sony overall.[citation needed] This is, of course, contingent on whether the Blu-ray Disc format becomes the high-definition optical disc standard. Sony has blamed the low sales on the high price of $500/$600 and the fact that most of the console's most important titles, such as Little Big Planet, have not been launched yet.[citation needed]

While Sony can count on some highly acclaimed first party franchises like Gran Turismo and God of War, there are high expectations from the market over important third party titles such as the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy XIII. The reception of these titles when released is considered an important factor to determine the future of the console. Despite many rumors that Metal Gear Solid 4 would be appearing on other platforms, it was announced at Sony's E3 2007 press conference as a PlayStation 3 exclusive title.[11] With Metal Gear Solid 4's release early next year coinciding with the releases of other many big PlayStation 3 titles, Sony may see its install base increase substantially. Sony has also lost major exclusives, even before its console launched, such as Assassin's Creed.[12] Many other publishers have announced that titles that were previously exclusive to the PlayStation 3 will now be appearing on other platforms including: Devil May Cry 4,[13] Virtua Fighter 5,[14] and Fatal Inertia.[15] However, Sony hopes that its price drop will be able to sell enough units to prevent its remaining exclusives from going multi-platform.[citation needed]

In July 2007, Sony announced a drop in the price of the console by $100.[16] This measure only applied to the 60 GB models and was exclusive to the United States and Canada, where those models are no longer in production.[17] When stocks of this model run out, only a new model with an 80 GB hard disk will be available, and for the same as the launch price of the 60 GB version. In October 2007, a new model with a 40 GB hard disk, but lacking many features from other versions, like support for PlayStation 2 games, was announced for $400 in the United States, becoming the cheapest model available so far.

Wii

Main article: Wii

Nintendo entered this generation with a new business plan with its Wii console. The company plans to attract as many current gamers, 'non-gamers', and 'lapsed' gamers by focusing on new gameplay experiences and new forms of interaction with games rather than cutting edge graphics and expensive technology.[citation needed] This approach was previously implemented in the portable market with the Nintendo DS.[18] If the new market grows sufficiently large, Nintendo hopes that the new control schemes it has implemented will render current conventionally controlled consoles obsolete, leading to Nintendo capturing a large portion of the existing market as well.[19]

So far this strategy has paid off, with demand for the Wii expected to outstrip supply at least until 2008.[20] Since Nintendo profited on each console right from the start unlike its competitors,[21] it has already achieved very positive returns.[22] Month after month, the worldwide Wii sales have been higher than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 combined, eroding Microsoft's early lead and building a large advantage over Sony.[18] On September 12 2007, it was reported by the British newspaper Financial Times that the Wii had surpassed the Xbox 360, which was released one year previously, and became the market leader in worldwide home console sales for the current generation.[23]

As in previous generations, Nintendo's trump card is its handful of worldwide acclaimed first-party franchises, like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Pokémon among others.[citation needed] To appeal to casual and non-gamers, Nintendo has also created the Wii Series of games, where players make use of the motion-sensing abilities of the console and its peripherals to simulate real world activities, such as sports, table games, music or doing exercises.[citation needed] Nintendo hopes to continue its momentum with the upcoming releases of key, highly anticipated, major exclusives like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart Wii. Also, a few publishers such as Ubisoft, EA, and Capcom are releasing exclusive titles for the console, but so far the Wii's strongest titles have been mostly from the first-party line-up. Nintendo hopes that the growing popularity of its console will persuade these and other publishers to release more key exclusives for the Wii.[citation needed]

Comparison

Name Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 Wii
Console
Launch price United States US$299.99 (Core)
US$399.99 (Premium)
US$479.99 (Elite)
US$279.99 (Arcade) 		US$499.99 (20 GB / Basic)[24]

US$399.99 (40 GB)[25]
US$599.99 (60 GB / Premium)[24]
US$499.99 (80 GB)[26][27][28][29]

US$249.99 (Wii Sports included)
Launch price Japan ¥29,000 (Core)
¥39,795 (Premium)
¥47,800 (Elite) 		¥49,980 (20 GB / Basic)[24]
¥39,980 (40 GB)[30]
¥59,980 (60 GB / Premium)[24] 		¥25,000 (Wii Sports not included)
Launch price Europe €299.99 / £209.99 (Core)
€399.99 / £279.99 (Premium)
£299.99 (Elite)
£199.99 (Arcade) 		€399.99 / £299.99 (40 GB)
€599.99 / 424.99 (60 GB) 		€249.99 / £179.99 (Wii Sports included)
Top-selling games Gears of War, 4 million (as of August 30 2007)[31] Resistance: Fall of Man, 2 million (as of June 15, 2007)[32] Wii Sports (pack-in, except in Japan)
Wii Play[33]
Release date United States Canada November 22 2005
European Union December 2 2005
Japan December 10 2005
Mexico February 2 2006
Template:Country data World More... 		Japan November 11 2006
United States Canada Mexico Taiwan Hong KongNovember 17 2006
European Union Australia March 23 2007
Template:Country data World More... 		United States Canada Mexico November 19 2006
JapanDecember 2 2006
Australia Italy December 7 2006
European Union Brazil December 8 2006
Template:Country data World More...
Included accessories (game packages not listed) Core:

Premium:

  • Includes everything in the Core plus:
  • 20 GB detachable hard drive
  • HDMI out port (As of 9th August 2007)
  • Wireless controller (instead of wired controller)
  • Ethernet cable
  • Xbox Live headset
  • Component cable
  • TOSLINK output port
  • Month of Xbox Live Gold

Elite:

  • Includes everything in the Premium plus:
  • 120 GB detachable hard drive (instead of 20 GB)
  • Separate TOSLINK and RCA out cable
  • More...

20 GB:

40 GB:

  • Includes everything in the 20 GB plus:
  • IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
  • Excludes 2x USB ports and backwards compatibility

60 GB:

  • Includes everything in the 20 GB and 40 GB plus:
  • Flash card readers
  • Software-based backwards compatibility with PS2 games in PAL models

80 GB:

  • Includes everything in the 60 GB plus:
  • Software-based backwards compatibility with PS2 and PSX games
  • Composite AV cable
  • Wii Remote controller & Nunchuk attachment
  • Sensor Bar
  • Console stand and plate
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Backwards compatibility with GCN games
Accessories
(retail)
  • Wired and Wireless controller
  • 64MB and 512MB Memory Unit
  • Xbox Live Vision camera
  • Faceplates
  • Wireless network adapter
  • 20 GB and 120 GB detachable HDD
  • HD DVD drive
  • More...
  • Wireless controller
  • PlayStation 2 memory card adapter
  • Bluetooth remote
  • Bluetooth headset, any Bluetooth headset is compatible
  • HDMI Cable first party, any standard HDMI cable works
  • Any standard 2.5 inch HDD hard drive can be attached
  • Playstation Eye Camera
  • DualShock 3 Controller (early 2008)
CPU 3.2 GHz IBM PowerPC tri-core codenamed "Xenon" Cell Broadband Engine (3.2 GHz POWER-based PPE with seven 3.2 GHz SPEs) 729 MHz PowerPC based IBM "Broadway"[34]
Memory

512 MB GDDR3 @ 700 MHz shared between CPU & GPU
10 MB EDRAM GPU frame buffer memory

256 MB XDR @ 3,2 GHz
256 MB GDDR3 @ 700 MHz, GPU can access CPU memory

24 MB "internal" 1T-SRAM integrated into graphics package
64 MB "external" GDDR3 SDRAM
3 MB GPU frame buffer memory

GPU 500 MHz codenamed "Xenos" (ATI custom design) 550 MHz RSX (based on NVIDIA G70 architecture) 243 MHz ATI "Hollywood"
Controller

Xbox 360 Controller (up to four controllers; any combination of a maximum of 3 wired (4 with the use of a USB hub) or 4 wireless)

Dimensions

8.3 cm × 30.9 cm × 25.8 cm (6,616.9 cubic cm)

9.8 cm × 32.5 cm × 27.4 cm (8,726.9 cubic cm)[35]

4.4 cm × 16 cm × 21.5 cm (1,720 cubic cm)

Weight

3.5 kg (7.7 lbs)[36]

5 kg (11 lbs)[37][35]

1.2 kg (2.7 lbs)[38]

Online service Xbox Live
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Marketplace
Xbox Live Vision (Webcam), headset
Xbox Live Video Marketplace
Windows Live Messenger (Formerly MSN Messenger) 		PlayStation Network
PlayStation Store
Internet browser
Webcam (including PlayStation 2 EyeToy), headset
PlayStation Home 		Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
WiiConnect24
Internet Channel
News Channel
Forecast Channel
Everybody Votes Channel
Wii Shop Channel (including Virtual Console, based on Wii points)
Wii Message Board
Check Mii Out Channel
Backward compatibility 394 Selected Xbox games (as of April 2007), additions made with software updates, Hard Drive required Supports most PS2 titles; All PSX titles either from the original disc or downloaded from the PlayStation Network; future firmware updates will provide more compatibility[39]

European and Australian versions offers limited compatibility[40]

Supports all Nintendo GameCube software and most accessories. Many games from systems prior to Nintendo GameCube are available for download through Virtual Console
User interface Xbox 360 Dashboard Cross Media Bar (XMB) Wii Menu
System software
features
  • Audio file playback (ATRAC3, AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA)
  • (Video file playback (MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4)
  • Image editing and slideshows (JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP)
  • Mouse and keyboard support
  • Folding@home client with visualizations from the RSX
  • Audio file playback (Previously MP3, in the future, only AAC)
  • Video file playback (Motion JPEG)[42]
  • Image editing and slideshows (JPG)
  • Keyboard support[43]
Consumer programmability Development on PC with XNA Game Studio ($99/year subscription, binary distribution with XNA 1.0 Refresh)[44] Development on console via free Linux platform or PC (but no access to RSX graphics acceleration) WiiWare
Resolutions HDTV-capable (480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p) HDTV-capable (480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p) EDTV-compatible (480i, 480p, 576i)
Video output RGB, VGA,[45] Component, S-Video, Composite, SCART, HDMI is now available on new consoles,[46] RGB, Component, S-Video, Composite, HDMI 1.3a RGB, Component, S-Video, Composite, SCART, D-Terminal
Network 100BASE-TX Ethernet
Optional 802.11a/b/g [[Wi-Fi Adapter 		1000BASE-T Ethernet
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g (built-in*, optional adapter**) 		Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Optional Ethernet via USB 2.0 Adapter
Audio Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital WMA Pro, DTS (DVD, HD DVD Movies only) Dolby Digital, DTS*, Dolby TrueHD (DVD, Blu-ray movies only) Dolby Pro Logic II surround, stereo sound and a Mono speaker is built into the controller.
I/O 2.4 GHz radio
Infrared for remote
2x Memory Card slots
3x USB 2.0 ports
1 Ethernet port 		Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
4x USB 2.0 ports
1 Ethernet port
1 Memory Stick slot Pro/Duo

1 SD/mini SD port
1 Compact Flash port
Only for certain models of the PlayStation 3

Bluetooth
2x USB 2.0 ports
Four controller and two memory card ports (GameCube)
1 SD Card slot[47]
Media 12x DVD (65.6–132 Mbit/s), CD, HD DVD (Add-on, for movie use only, extra charges apply) 2x BD-ROM (72 mbit/s), 8x DVD, 24x CD, 2x SACD Wii Optical Disc, Nintendo GameCube Game Disc, DVD-Video playback announced for Japan 2007[48]
Storage Included* / Optional** detachable SATA upgradeable 20 GB or 120 GB hard drive, with 14 GB or 114 GB available to user.
Xbox 360 memory cards
USB mass storage (AV content) 		2.5" upgradeable SATA 20** / 60 GB* hard drive with 14 and 54 GB available to user respectively
Memory Stick, SD, & Type I/II CompactFlash (60 GB model)
USB mass storage 		512MB built-in flash memory
SD card

Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards

Discontinuations and revisions

  • The PlayStation 3 20 GB has been discontinued in North America.[49]
  • The PlayStation 3 60 GB has been discontinued for NTSC territories. When the remaining stock in stores is sold, the 80 GB version will serve as its replacement.[50]
  • The PlayStation 3 60 GB has been effectively discontinued for PAL territories. When the remaining stock in stores is sold, the lesser-spec 40 GB version will serve as its replacement.
  • Sony announced before the PS3 launch in Europe that the Emotion Engine would be removed from it for cost savings, and all backwards compatibility would be software-based.[51] It is also the same for the 80 GB launching in the North American market.[52]
  • An HDMI out port was added to the Premium Xbox 360 in August of 2007.[53]
  • The Xbox 360 Core system has been discontinued and replaced with the "Arcade" version at the slightly lower price-point of US$279.99.[54]

Worldwide sales standings

Units shipped to retailers
Console Shipped Date
Xbox 360 13.4 million September 30 2007[55]
Wii 13.17 million September 30 2007[56]
PlayStation 3 5.59 million September 30 2007[57]
Units sold to consumers
Console Sales Date
Wii 9 million July 31 2007[23]
Xbox 360 8.9 million July 31 2007[23]
PlayStation 3 3.7 million July 31 2007[23]

Handheld systems

See also: Comparison of handheld gaming consoles

For video game handhelds, the seventh generation began roughly with the release of the Nintendo DS on November 21, 2004. This handheld was based on a design fundamentally different from the Game Boy and other handheld video game systems. The Nintendo DS offered new modes of input over previous generations: a touch screen and a microphone. Around the same time, Sony released its first handheld, the PlayStation Portable, in Japan. Released around the same time, the PlayStation Portable was marketed at launch to an above 25 year old[58] or core gamer market[59] while the Nintendo DS served to bring innovation that satisfied both core gamers and new consumers[60].

Nokia Corporation plans to revive its N-Gage platform in the form of a service for selected Nseries devices. This new service will launch in November 2007.[61]

Comparison

Name Nintendo DS / Nintendo DS Lite PlayStation Portable / PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite
Console File:Psp1.jpg
Launch price DS:
Japan: ¥15,000
North America: US$149.99
Europe: €149.99 /£99.99

DS Lite:

Japan: ¥16,800
North America: US$129.99 / CDN$149.99
Europe: €149.99 / £99.99
 PSP Value Pack:
Japan: ¥24,800 (¥26,040 tax incl.)[62]
North America: US$249.99 / CDN$299.99[63]
Europe: €249 / £179.99[63]

PSP Core Pack:

Japan: ¥19,800 (¥20,790 tax incl.)[64]
North America: US$199.99 / CDN$229.99[65]
Europe: €199.99 / £180.00[66]

PSP Slim Core Pack:

Japan: ¥19,800[67]
North America: US$169.99 / CDN$199.99[68]
Europe: €169 / £129.99[69][70]
Release date United States November 21 2004
Japan December 2 2004
Australia February 24 2005
European Union March 11 2005
China July 23 2005
South Korea January 18 2007 		Japan December 12 2004
United States March 24 2005
South Korea May 2 2005
European Union Australia September 1 2005
United States September 5 2007
Media Nintendo DS Game Cards, GBA cartridges Universal Media Discs, Memory Stick
Top-selling game Nintendogs (across several SKUs)[71] Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories [72]
Included accessories and extras
  • Launch model DS: Stylus, wrist strap, Metroid Prime Hunters demo (Not in Japan)
  • DS Lite: Stylus, wrist strap (Japan only)
  • Value Pack: PSP Case, Hand Strap, 32MB Memory Stick Pro Duo, Headphones w/Remote control
Accessories
(retail)
CPU 67 MHz ARM9 and 33 MHz ARM7 MIPS R4000-based; clocked from 1 to 333 MHz
Memory 4 MB SRAM 32 MB EDRAM, 64 MB for PSP Slim (8 MB reserved for kernel)
Interface
  • D-pad
  • Four face buttons
  • Two shoulder buttons
  • Touch screen
  • Microphone
  • D-pad
  • Four face buttons
  • Two shoulder buttons
  • Analog nub
Dimensions 148.7 × 84.7 × 28.9 mm (5.85 × 3.33 × 1.13 inches) (DS)
133 × 73.9 × 21.5 mm (5.24 × 2.9 × 0.85 inches) (DS Lite) 		170 × 74 × 23 mm (6.7 × 2.9 × 0.9 inches)
Weight
 275g (9.7 oz) (DS)
218g (DS Lite) 		280g (0.62 lbs) (PSP) 189g (PSP Slim)
Online service Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection PlayStation Network
Backward compatibility Plays almost all Game Boy Advance cartridges Plays PlayStation games through PS3 download or Custom Firmware
System software Proprietary OS, Pictochat Cross Media Bar
Consumer programmability See Nintendo DS homebrew See PlayStation Portable homebrew
Resolutions 256 × 192 (both screens) 480 × 272
Network Wi-Fi (802.11) Wi-Fi (802.11b), IrDA(only for 1xxx series), USB
Audio Stereo speakers, headphone jack Stereo speakers, headphone jack
I/O 1 x Game Card slot
1 x GBA slot 		UMD slot
USB port
Memory Stick Duo slot
Storage Game Card Memory Stick PRO Duo
Battery life
  • DS, backlight on: 14 hours
  • DS Lite, minimum brightness setting: 19 hours
  • MP3 playback: 10 hours
  • Game: approximately 3-6 hours
  • Video playback: 3-7 hours depending on screen brightness setting
  • Wi-Fi internet browsing: approximately 3-4 hours
Units sold 53.64 million sold (as of September 30, 2007)[56] 25.39 million shipped (as of March 31, 2007)[73]

Note: First year of release is the first year of the system's worldwide availability.

Software

Franchises revived during era

Nintendo DS

Xbox 360

PlayStation 3

PlayStation Portable

Wii

Milestone titles

  • Halo 3 broke many first day records, with 1.7 million pre-orders,[74] beating its predecessor Halo 2 and grossing over $170 million on the first day alone.[75]

Other systems

Remakes

See also

References

  1. ^ Kuchera, Ben (2007-09-12). "Financial Times: Nintendo Wii is now the best-selling console in the world". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2007-10-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ "Muted hello for Xbox 360 in Japan". BBC. 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-10-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Fildes, Johnathan (2006-09-23). "Xbox still hopes to storm Japan". BBC. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ a b "Xbox 360 Warranty Coverage Expanded". Xbox (Microsoft). 2007-07-05. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Takahashi, Dean (2007-07-09). "Microsoft's next move? Code-name Falcon". The Mercury News. Retrieved 2007-10-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Boyer, Brandon (2007-10-19). "Halo 3 Drives Xbox 360 Sales Above Wii In September". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Kuchera, Ben (2007-10-26). "Strong Halo 3 launch helps Microsoft gaming to first profit in years". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2007-10-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ a b "Microsoft Lowers Xbox 360 Price". Xbox (Microsoft). 2007-08-06. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ Bergfeld, Carlos (2007-08-08). "Microsoft Confirms HDMI Port on X360 Premium Model, Not Core". Shacknews. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Graft, Kris (2006-12-08). "PS3 Manufacturing Troubles 'Solved'". Next Generation. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Robischon, Noah (2007-07-11). "Metal Gear Solid 4 Is PS3 Exclusive - Last In Series". Kotaku. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Hatfield, Daemon (2006-08-30). "Assassin's Creed Loses PS3 Exclusivity". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ "Official Press Release on DMC4 going Multiplatform". Capcom. 2007-03-20. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ McWhertor, Michael (2006-12-21). "PS3 Loses Another Exclusive, Virtua Fighter 5 Comes to 360". Kotaku. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Kohler, Chris (2007-07-02). "Fatal Inertia, Once PS3 Exclusive, Slated For Xbox Only". Wired. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Hillis, Scott (2007-07-09). "Sony cuts price on Playstation 3 by $100". Reuters. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Thorsen, Tor (2007-07-13). "60GB PS3 'no longer in production'". GameSpot AU. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ a b "The untold story of how the Wii beat the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3". CNNMoney. 2007-04-25. Retrieved 2007-05-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ "Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006". Nintendo. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
  20. ^ Yen, Yi-Wyn (2007-10-05). "Wii woes for the wee ones on Xmas". CNNMoney. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Ehrenberg, Ron (2007-05-03). "Game Console Wars II: Nintendo Shaves Off Profits, Leaving Competition Scruffy". Seeking Alpha. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Nintendo jumps ahead of Sony in market value". The Age. 2007-06-25. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ a b c d Sanchanta, Mariko (2007-09-12). "Nintendo's Wii takes console lead". Financial Times. Retrieved 2007-09-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ a b c d "PS3 Launch Prices from around the world". PS3 Rules. Retrieved 2007-11-01.
  25. ^ "Sony to sell new 40GB PlayStation 3 in U.S." Reuters. 2007-10-18. Retrieved 2007-11-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ Plunkett, Luke (2007-07-08). "Sony Confirms PS3 Price-Cut, 80GB Bundle". Kotaku. Retrieved 2007-10-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ Quilty-Harper, Conrad (2007-07-16). "PS3 launches in Korea with 80GB hard drive". Engadget. Retrieved 2007-10-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Grant, Christopher (2007-05-21). "Sony announces 80GB PlayStation 3 (in South Korea)". Joystiq. Retrieved 2007-10-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ "New PlayStation to Go on Sale in August". Associated Press. 2007-07-09. Retrieved 2007-10-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ {{cite web| last =Sliwinski| first =Alexander| title = 40GB PS3 announced for Japan, Sony introduces white PS3| publisher =Joystiq| date =[[2007-10-09 | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/40gb-ps3-announced-for-japan-sony-introduces-white-ps3/%7C accessdate =2007-11-01 }}
  31. ^ Asher Moses (2007-08-30). "Prepare for all-out war". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2007-11-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ Jill Lawless (2007-06-15). "Sony: Sorry for Cathedral Shootout Game". Breitbart.com. Retrieved 2007-11-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2007-07-25). "Nintendo Sales Update". IGN. Retrieved 2007-07-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-09-19). "Nintendo Wii FAQ". IGN. Retrieved 2007-04-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ a b "PLAYSTATION®3 LAUNCHES ON NOVEMBER 11, 2006 IN JAPAN" (PDF). Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. 2006-05-08. Retrieved 2007-04-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ "Xbox 360 Technical Specifications". Xbox (Microsoft). Retrieved 2007-10-29.
  37. ^ "About Playstation®3 - Technical Specifications". PlayStation (Sony). Retrieved 2007-10-29.
  38. ^ Allen, Danny (2006-11-17). "A Closer Look at the Nintendo Wii". PC World. Retrieved 2007-04-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (2006-11-12). "PS3 Backwards Compatibility Issues - New system has some problems with past titles". IGN. Retrieved 2007-04-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ van Grinsven, Lucas (2007-02-23). "PlayStation 3 in Europe will play fewer old games". Reuters. Retrieved 2007-04-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ "Xbox 360 Media Download Center". Xbox (Microsoft). Retrieved 2007-10-30.
  42. ^ "SD Cards". Nintendo. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
  43. ^ Burman, Rob (2007-08-08). "Keyboard Functionality Added to Wii". IGN UK. Retrieved 2007-08-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ "XNA Game Studio Express". MSDN (Microsoft). Retrieved 2007-10-30.
  45. ^ "Product information - Xbox 360™ VGA HD AV Cable". xbox.com. Microsoft. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
  46. ^ Block, Ryan (2007-08-08). "Microsoft officially adds HDMI to Xbox 360 Premium". Engadget. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ "Wiiの概要 (Wii本体)" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
  48. ^ Farivar, Cyrus (2006-11-17). "Nintendo confirms Wii DVD playback only for Japan, for now". Engadget. Retrieved 2007-04-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  49. ^ Thorsen, Tor (2007-04-11). "20 GB PS3 officially discontinued in North America". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-04-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  50. ^ Thorsen, Tor (2007-07-13). "E3 07: Hirai: 60GB PS3 'no longer in production'". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-07-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  51. ^ Boxer, Steve (2007-03-01). "PlayStation 3 loses all Emotion in Europe". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-07-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  52. ^ Androvich, Mark (2007-07-09). "New 80GB PS3 eliminates "emotion engine" chip". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2007-07-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  53. ^ Callaham, John (2007-08-08). "HDMI Port In Xbox 360 Premium System Confirmed; Game Included?". FiringSquad. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  54. ^ Cohen, Peter (2007-10-23). "Xbox 360 Arcade Officially Debuts". PC World. Retrieved 2007-10-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  55. ^ Lai, Marcus (2007-10-25). "Microsoft posts Q1 profit on Xbox 360, Halo 3 sales". Punch Jump. Retrieved 2007-10-25.
  56. ^ a b "Consolidated Financial Statements" (PDF). Nintendo. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2007-10-25.
  57. ^ "Unit Sales of Hardware". Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2007-10-25.
  58. ^ Brightman, James (2007-06-26). "SCEA: PSP Will Be Big Revenue Driver". GameDaily. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  59. ^ Sheffield, Brandon (2007-07-24). "What's the Dille? Sony's Marketing Head Gets Heated". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  60. ^ Rojas, Peter (2006-02-20). "The Engadget Interview: Reggie Fils-Aime, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo". Engadget. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  61. ^ Buchanan, Levi (2007-08-29). "New N-Gage En Route". IGN. Retrieved 2007-09-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  62. ^ "PSP™ VALUE PACK TO BECOME AVAILABLE ON DECEMBER 12, 2004 AT 24,800 YEN IN JAPAN" (PDF). Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Press Office. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  63. ^ a b "2005 - Key facts and figures". Sony Computer Entertainment. 2004-10-27. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  64. ^ "PSP Enters Japanese Market on 12 December at 20,790 Yen". Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Press Office. 2004-10-27. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  65. ^ "Sony Announces New PSP Model for US$199.99". HardwareZone. 2006-03-15. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  66. ^ "PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Continues to Evolve Expanding the World of Portable Entertainment With New Peripherals, Features and Services". Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Press Office. 2006-03-15. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  67. ^ Boyes, Emma (2007-10-04). "580,000 PSP slims sold in Japan". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  68. ^ Cordeira, Jim (2007-09-05). "PSP Slim is here". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  69. ^ "NEW LOOK PSP BRINGS HOLLYWOOD TO EUROPE". Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Press Office. 2007-08-22. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  70. ^ Hannaford, Katherine (2007-09-14). "Sony's Slim and Lite PSP out now". Tech Digest. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  71. ^ Jenkins, David (2007-04-26). "Nintendo Full Year Results Show Rapid Gain". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2007-04-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  72. ^ "Platinum Titles". Capcom. 2007-06-30. Retrieved 2007-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  73. ^ "PSP (PlayStation Portable) Cumulative Production Shipments of Hardware". Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Retrieved 2007-10-28. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  74. ^ "Global Entertainment Phenomenon 'Halo 3' Records More Than $300 Million in First-Week Sales Worldwide" (Press release). Microsoft Corp. 2007-10-04. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  75. ^ Henderson, Peter (2007-09-26). "Microsoft: First-day 'Halo 3' sales top $170m". MSNBC. Retrieved 2007-10-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  76. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2007-11-21). "Galaxy Sells 500,000 in First Week". IGN. Retrieved 2007-11-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  77. ^ "All-Time Top 20". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
  78. ^ "Surf the Game Wave to Fun" (Press release). ZAPiT Games. 2005-10-xx. Retrieved 2007-11-05. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  79. ^ Blahut, Bohus (2007-02-05). "REVIEW: FC Twin - Console plays NES & SuperNES". Retro Thing. Retrieved 2007-04-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seventh_generation_of_video_game_consoles&oldid=173072043"