Better Computer Graphics and Power Define Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft's New Game Consoles

By Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@theanimationschooldirectory.com
Animation School Directory Columnist

Computer graphics programmers and computer game program fans are gearing up for the release of new consoles by Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. These new consoles are a significant improvement over their forerunners, say the companies, providing more power and realistic images.

All three new game consoles represent significant advances in the gaming experience, providing faster image processing capabilities, better graphics, and more mobility due to built-in wireless technologies.

PlayStation 3

Sony's PlayStation 3's (PS3) claim to fame is a Nvidia graphics chip and Cell processor, which collectively provides the speed previously reserved only for supercomputers. The Cell processor is 35 times faster than the PS2'sx processing unit. Nividia's RX graphics chip is responsible for the system's sharper resolution, which at 1,080 lines results in sharper images.

Other notable features of the PS3 include wireless controllers, the ability to accommodate up to seven players at a time, two high-definition video outputs, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nintendo's Revolution

Nintendo's new console, named Revolution, gives users the ability to download 20 years of popular games originally designed for earlier consoles. In addition, its new specifications highlight the technological advances the company has programmed into its new console, such as:

• 512MB of internal flash memory (which can be expanded)
• Wireless controllers
• Built-in Wi-Fi access
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• A more advanced processing chip and image chip set.
• A wireless network that allows Nintendo game users worldwide to compete.

The Revolution also comes in a new compact, sleek design.

The Xbox 360

In a May 12, 2005 press release Microsoft declared that the "Xbox 360 ignites a new era of digital entertainment that is always connected, always personalized and always in high definition."

Some of these features include:

Three-core PowerPC-based CPU Custom ATI Graphics Processor Advanced artificial intelligence and physics processing More than 512MB of memory

Another nifty feature of the Xbox 360 is Xbox Live Silver, a complimentary service available to Xbox holders that allows them to connect to other Xbox players, engage in Xbox Live voice chat, send and receive messages, and view demos for new games.

These new consoles represent advances in games that bring them to a new level, one which harnesses the power of the fastest computer. As a computer graphics program enthusiast or just someone who loves games, you'll want to check out the new system features and realistic images of these popular consoles.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Virginia.

Sources:

• Nintendo
• Microsoft
• E3 Expo