Xbox 360 from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 from Sony of Japan are the two market leaders in the video gaming industry. Both products have their own sets of ardent followers and loyalists who vouch for the superiority of their product over the other. Even the truth remains that both products are great in their own class, and it will not only be impossible but also false to declare one's superiority over the other.

Nevertheless it is important to draw a comparison between the two, based on an unbiased analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of both the products.

GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE

The Xenos CPU by IBM that is at the core of the Xbox 360 system is quite powerful, with a higher graphics resolution capability, compared to the RSX CPU of the PlayStation 3.

QUALITY OF GAME TITLES

Any game that can be played on multiple platforms, will do better with the Xbox 360. While in terms of exclusive new game titles, both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 compete head-on with each other. Both are able to bring out some of the most fantastic and innovative gaming software each year.

ONLINE SUPPORT

One can say with a degree of confidence that it is impossible to beat the Xbox LIVE online service. It offers an outstanding interface, a great interaction and networking, and a brilliant multi-player gameplay. With the new Xbox LIVE Experience, it promises to surpass the competitors by miles. On the other hand, the PlayStation 3 has an advantage that for most part, it is a free service, while the Xbox LIVE for most part, is a paid service.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE VS PLAYSTATION STORE

The game titles offered online over the Xbox LIVE Arcade generally provide more variety and newness, compared to the selections of PlayStation Store.

MULTIMEDIA

For many analysts, PlayStation 3 wins in this area over Xbox 360 due to its superior movie player and a most advanced Blu-ray technology that is integrated with the system, and available cheaper than Xbox 360 multimedia.

OTHER PARAMETERS OF COMPARISON

IMPORTED GAMING: The PlayStation 3 allows most of its games of one country to be played in a console of another country. Whereas, the Xbox is more rigid on this account.

PIRACY: Xbox 360 has done much more to control piracy than its competitors.

PSP CONNECTIVITY: PlayStation 3 appears to have an edge over the Xbox 360 in this area.

BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY: Again, the PlayStation 3 seems to have several advantages in this area over the Xbox 360.

DISPLAY CONNECTIVITY: One of the key disadvantages of Xbox 360 till mid-2007 was that it had no Digital Video Output. But since the last one year, Xbox 360 models have taken care of this deficiency.

DEPENDABILITY: Xbox 360 has a headstart of over 1 year, and a taller legacy in the software business compared to the PlayStation 3. Even then, the quality of hardware in PlayStation 3 appeals to many, while the quality and range of software of the Xbox 360 is more appreciated.

SUMMARY: Both Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 have their own fair share of strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the consumer has to take his own call, and choose either of the two that he feels more comfortable with. Both products are absolutely the best in their own class.