Console Wars Round 6: Xbox 360 Vs. PS3 (User Interface)

The wait is over, round 6 is finally here, and TechnoBuffalo users get to see it first. In this edition of the Console Wars LP covers the user interface of both consoles in a grueling match that narrowly has a winner. We still have 6 rounds left to go, and it's looking like this series is going to come down to the wire. Do you agree with this round? Who do you think is going to win the entire thing?

[forcefullpower]

Really like thier videos. And they are pretty unbiased on content. Thought they might have given the point to MS on the interface. But after his talk I can see why he gave it to the PS3. Will be curious on there next one about the interface.

[Kimbo Slice]

thats why i love techbuffalo its very informative and not a hint of bias

oh CNET how stupid does this site make you look and feel?

[deadpoole]

That CPU and GPU comparison videos ... It clearly shows that multiplatform games can look better on PS3 ... its evidently developers are stingy ba$tards and dont want to shell extra money for PS3 version. They are simply porting Xbox 360 version to PS3 without using SPU what they are designed for.

[SaiyanFury]

I've gone through both systems' GUIs. Personally, I prefer the PS3s XMB. Things are laid out logically and grouped equally as well. I found things on the 360's GUI kind of ambiguous. I found myself searching through the various selections and it took me a bit to find the system settings. On the PS3's XMB, the system settings encompass a branch itself. Maybe it's just me, but I like the PS3's GUI over the 360's. Just a personal interpretation. Other people no doubt, find more favour in the 360's GUI.

[Lifendz]

Guy explained why blu-ray matters for more than cutscenes, the rigors of programming on the PS3 compared to 360 but the results you can get if you put in the work.

User interface is really a matter of opinion, no?

[whoelse]

Despite only owning a PS3, I cannot knock the NXE interface as it is so visually impressive, and I think this is the big thing that Sony need to catch up on.

[Shadowolf]

No matter how you swing it TechBuffalo does a very thorough job of explaining the pros and cons for all their console war topics. It seems very clear all bias are laid aside and the more professional approach is extended in video breakdowns. A very reliable tech site.

[avengers1978]

If the PS3 does not over take the 360 in sales by the end of 2010 then it most likely won't. I would be surprised if it didn't though, PS3 has clearly built up alot of momentum going into 10.

[INC NATE2131]

I prefer the nxe of the media bar, just becuase nxe does look way nicer and not as boring but the media bar does run quicker but not by much. I also prefer the nxe because of ingame tracks and cross game chat. but both are great in their own way!

[kewlkat007]

Sony has added to it here and there but the more stuff they add the longer the menus get scrolling all the way down on some of the busier menus..

NXE looks more user friendly since everything is a large Icon from left-to-right.

I think asking someone that has never seen or used either could give you a fresh opinion on the interfaces.

[PSNTomaz]

The only section on the PS3 where there are alot of menu selections is the settings section? and its still way easier to access settings than doing it on NXE.

[Platinum_k]

lots of tech words in there...

[Immortal321]

just as long as no one gets confuse between opinions and facts

[kneon]

N4G definitions of the day

Opinion - what everyone else says

Fact - what ever I say :)

[Hanif-876]

I really like technobuffalo because they are so unbiased when it comes down to the face off of the two most powerful consoles this generation both with their strengths and weaknesses :)

[ClownBelt]

This comparison is not factual. Well there are some factual evidence, but for the most part, it's his opinion. ie. the controller.

[SlipperyMooseCakes]

A lot of the things mentioned could have swayed either way really. I like different aspects of each interface. The PS3 has released a lot of updates (Trophies, in game XMB, Netflix, etc.) to compete with Xbox LIVE and it has done a good job of that. I just think that this is more of a subjective thing for the most part.

I personally love both, NXE is flows better for me though. I do love the ease of switching accounts on the PS3 though. So nice.

[Shadowolf]

@ClownBelt
You make a great point. Even though I applaud TechBuffalo for their thorough console war video breakdowns, at the end of the day the media bar interface and functionality becomes a matter of preference. As well as the systems controllers.

[gamingisnotacrime]

Agree on every point.
Both are great, but the NXE can get clumsy.
this video series are nailing the hard facts in a very elegant manner

[jalen247]

Having experienced both interfaces. I prefer the XMB because of its simplicity, speed, and the free themes, dynamic themes, etc. Its cleaner and more minimalistic. I personally think the original xbox menu was better than the NXE. The NXE is confusing and has a lot of menus. I also think Microsoft Avatars are ugly. Sony needs to improve the in-game XMB in terms of speed because Microsoft's in-game menu has a speed advantage. I enjoyed Techno Buffalo comparison videos. These guys are very detailed and unbiased.

[NotSoSilentBob]

technobuffalo.com does great articles but I think he needed to mention that the XMB has already been recognized by many Associations around the world. It has won many awards cause of its depth and simplicity. Only think I don't like about the XMB right now is that(movies,Games Categories) have the icons to the PS store and I don't want it to default to that icon. I want the first video or game on my list instead of having Sony try and get me into their store.

[freelancerx8]

i think you can just turn off the "whats new" screen in the system options so you don't have to see that as soon as you turn the system on. i actually like it caus it lets you know at a quick glance if anything is new and interesting, i mean its not like you HAVE to go into the PSN store

[NotSoSilentBob]

actually you can't turn off the whats new it is always there I don't mind that but I don't want Sony trying to get me into their store when I go and start up a movie/game.

[MUNKYPOO]

i wish he wouldnt take so long with these rounds to come out

[TheDudeAbides]

But it doesn't matter I'm sure his opinion will be 100% valid, no fanboy can't really argue with this guy.

[Dsnyder]

Straight up facts with no bias. His points made so far are valid. PS3 does have the edge in CPU and memory but 360 has a slighly stronger GPU. But the 360 come up short in graphics because of its weaker CPU and CPU, which the ps3 can use in place of its GPU for its high res textures. Imagine if you could mold these consoles together. You would have a super system.

Oh and he didnt mention that PS3 has a web browser in its interface. Good thing he gave ps3 the win anyway.

[raicoon]

next round the xbox360 wins....online connection? xbox360 wins;)...but technobuffalo is nice, but i would give the two points to xbox360 in this round , not because ps interface is bad or something, no , the ps interface is very nice and very fast, but i like the xbox360 ones more because of the better look and more features that i need...

the only thing i dont like about technobuffalo is that they wait too long to make a new comparison video^^

[avengers1978]

I think that the PS3 has all the momentum, but if Halo Reach does wow the masses the the 360 could see a surge in sales, but I think by the end of 2010 we will know if the PS3 can over take the 360. Can either over take the wii though, I hope so (I hate the Wii)