Xbox 360 250GB console better than PS3 Slim 250GB?

Microsoft yesterday officially launched its latest Xbox 360 Slim 250GB gaming console in India. But how does it compare to Sony's PS3 Slim 250GB? We compare the specs between the two gaming console heavyweights and let you decide.

Design & Dimensions
The new Microsoft Xbox 360 Slim 250GB is the smallest, slimmest console compared to past Xboxes, measuring 270mm x 75mm x 264mm. The Sony PS3 Slim 250GB in comparison is longer and wider than the 250GB Xbox 360 but also a lot thinner -- 290mm x 65mm x 290mm. But the 250GB Xbox 360 slim is designed better than the Sony PS3 Slim 250GB gaming console, as it can be placed vertically or horizontally without any support. Both the consoles are black in color -- the Xbox 360 Slim sports a glossy exterior while the PS3 Slim 250GB has a matte finish. The Xbox 360 Slim 250GB weighs 2.9-kg compared to the Sony PS3 Slim 120GB's weight of 3.2-kg.

Features
Both the Microsoft Xbox 360 Slim 250GB gaming console and Sony PS3 Slim offer 250GB hard drive. However, Sony also sells a lower 120GB version of the PS3 Slim.
The 250GB Xbox 360 Slim console offers built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n, five USB ports, Gigabit ethernet, HDMI, component or composite video connection, digital optical audio-out, and a dedicated slot for Microsoft Kinect motion-sensing game control.
The Sony PS3 Slim 2500GB offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, two USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0, HDMI, component or composite video connection, digital optical audio-out, and of course a Blu-ray BD-ROM drive. Plus the Sony PS3 Slim 250GB's hard drive is user-replaceable.

Both the 250GB Xbox 360 Slim and PS3 Slim 120GB gaming consoles come with a single wireless game controller, respectively. The inlcusion of a Blu-ray drive in the Sony PS3 Slim 250GB elevates it above the 250GB Xbox 360 Slim, in terms of features.

Kinect vs Move
While Microsoft Xbox has its Kinect motion sensing game controller, Sony PS3 has Move. Both, however, aren't as good as Nintendo Wii's motion control gaming experience. Here's why.

Games and Online Services
There isn't much too choose between the two console platforms, since the gap between game releases on Xbox and PS3 seems to be fast diminishing or even non-existent. Exclusive games for the Xbox and PS3 platform are slightly in favor of the Xbox platform, we feel.

Not much too choose here, the Xbox 360 250GB Slim offers a richer online experience compared to Sony PS3 Slim 250GB. Xbox LIVE has the best online gaming and entertainment experience than Sony's PlayStation Plus or PlayStation Home. OVerall, Xbox LIVE is a lot more comprehensive and robust in its content delivery mechanism, but costs Xbox LIVE Gold members $50 yearly fee.

Final Thoughts
The new Microsoft Xbox 360 250GB Slim gaming console sells for a price of Rs. 21,990, while the Sony PS3 Slim 120GB sells for a price of Rs. 19,990. Sony PS3 Slim also, of course, has a 250GB version which sells for Rs. 22,490. The extra cost for extra hard drive space on the Sony PS3 Slim 250GB gaming console.

We think both the Microsoft Xbox and Sony PS3 gaming platforms have enough and more gaming libraries to keep their users happy and engaged. Both have their unique strengths. The 250GB Xbox 360 Slim gaming console offers the best online gaming and services experience through Xbox LIVE. But the Sony PS3 Slim 250GB and 120GB offers better value for money due to its included Blu-ray BD-ROM drive, thereby enhancing the console's home media center appeal.