Top Game Consoles that Make Intensive Use of Computer Animation

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

Console game platforms are all the rage among kids, teenagers, and many adults. The most popular consoles are made by companies such as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft. If you're considering entering a computer animation program or getting a career in computer animation, you'll want to know what exciting things are happening in the gaming world.

So you're thinking of entering a computer animation program? Playing games alone may not make you a better computer animator, but it can provide the inspiration to enroll in the computer animation program that may launch a computer animation career. Or maybe it's just a good excuse to have some fun. Here's a sampling of the most popular game consoles and what hot console is on the horizon from Microsoft.

PlayStation

While Sony's PlayStation 2 has been around since 2000, the company recently unleashed a newer, sleeker console, which is slimmer and lighter in weight (only 900 g) than the original. It has an Ethernet and modem ports for network gaming. The original PlayStation remains popular; it has a 300 Mhz processor and can also be used as a CD or DVD player.

GameCube

Nintendo's GameCube was introduced in 2001 and its claim to fame is its features that make it easy to transport. It's about the size of a small tote bag. Additionally, a wireless controller is available from the company, which eliminates further bulk from your gaming system.

Xbox

Microsoft will be introducing its Xbox 360 during the 2005 winter holiday season. Some of the features of the new Xbox include a custom ATI graphics processor, 512 MB of memory, and a CPU that supports advanced artificial intelligence processing. It is also designed for high definition, wide-screen televisions.

The original Xbox, unleashed in 2001, also includes built-in parental controls that give parents a say over what their youngsters are playing. Xbox also has a built-in hard drive that allows you to store and play your music.

What's more, game animation is becoming more realistic and anatomically correct due to developing technology in the computer animation field. This makes a career in animation even more interesting, as technology in the field is constantly advancing.

Find out today if enrolling in a computer animation program is going to be your next move toward a career in computer animation.

About the Author

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