[G a f f e r]

i heard a rumour that all three next gen consoles would have the same chipset. Surely that's not true. I thought sony was going with ibm and toshiba to produce a brand new one (?bad move-programmers have to get used to it all over again).

Sorry if this is a repeat of my "multiplayer" thread (which i only stuck up once but seem to have posted 3 times and i can't open/read any of them).

[james.miller]

xbox2 is very likely to have an ibm cpu also. Ati will be producing the xbox2 graphics chipset, while they already produce the gamecube chipset and possibly the gamecubes replacement aswell.

[G a f f e r]

but if that's the case, we'll end up with the same console 3x over but with different acronyms on them.
if it is true is there a difference? cos if not, all three companies might as well team up and produce a x-play-cube or something?
Also, will the ps3 (finally) have 4 controller ports as i find i only turn it on to play multiplayer games with my mates nowadays (was even considering selling it for a game cube for that very reason but GT3 kept pulling me back)

ps i also heard that ati is also producing the ps3 graphics system

[Jeff]

I'm sure they will still be incompatible, just easier to port games.

The very nature of the business - and particularly the contracts that have been signed - implies that they will be both incompatible and will not have the same chip set.

[G a f f e r]

in that case the only difference will be the controller layout?

(in which case best is ps then gc with xb having worst ergonomic design)

and anyway, sony are investing heavily with ibm and tosh for this new chip based on 'deep blue' computer. They say that if ps3 were made now, it would be 15th fastest computer on planet. if this is true i find it odd that sony or tosh would be willing to let ibm share it with microsoft or nintendo

[G a f f e r]

since posting the above thread i've found more info here:
http://www.psreporter.com/playstation_3_news.html
and here:
http://www.infosatellite.com/news/20...2ps3_cell.html
which indicates the ps3 will be simply AWESOME
the main blockage to release will be waiting for the other parts (graphics card, ram, etc...) to catch up with the processor and be able to meet its demands

[fondie]

Originally posted by Gaffer74
They say that if ps3 were made now, it would be 15th fastest computer on planet.

yeh and the Apple Power Mac G5 is "the world's fastest, most powerful personal computer."

edit :- both of those reports were made in 2002, suggest that the ps3 won't be released until 2005, a year away, and will use this 'cell' chip for which there are a lot of exciting numbers thrown around but with no evidence to back any of it up. not exactly an amazing claim "if we built our console now, the one that is scheduled for release 3 years away, it won't quite be as fast as the things available at the moment".

[G a f f e r]

you lucky b******
i have a powerbook g4 which is fast in it's own right.
but back to the topic in hand (well sort of, this might as well be a new thread) which controller does everyone prefer. I've tried them all and think ps2 rules with gc close second. This will be a major draw for the next consoles but i can't find out any info on what they'll prob be like

[fondie]

^ if you're under the impression that i own a G5 as it appears, i'm afraid i don't, was just jumping in for a bit of sarcasm.

i've never like the playstation controllers, they don't sit comfortably in my hands, the x-box one's are pretty average, but the gamecube controllers are great. i really can't see how the gamecube controller could be improved upon, prehaps they could have an alternative button layout, as for some games the current one doesn't really suit, but apart from that it's a joy to hold and use.

[CMcK]

There does seem to be only a few players in the next gen of consoles on the face of it.

PS3 - Sony,Toshiba and IBM are working on the Cell architecture which will power the console in some form.

Xbox2 - MS, IBM (CPU), ATI (graphicgs) and SIS (I/O). It's very unlikely that IBM will use the Cell tech in Xbox2. Probably won't even be a PPC derivative.

N5 - Nintendo, NEC and that's all we know so far. ATI and Nintendo do have an agreement for graphics for future products but that could be GBA2 or the mysterious third Nintendo system which is to be launched in a few months time.

As for the joypads personally I favour the Xbox pad from this generation. It's a good size for adult male hands and that's the Xbox target audience.
The PS2 pad is comfy enough for short bursts but extended use of the shoulder buttons reduces the comfort as does using the Dual Afterthought sticks. The sticks are too close together.
The GC pad is a nightmare for me. I can't use it for more than ten mins without getting cramp. Shame as I really like Super Monkey Ball.

I'd imagine that PS3 will have an evolution of the Eye Toy technology as standard but I doubt contollers will advance much.

Maybe the mysterious new Nintendo product is some kind of controller with really advanced feedback?

[CrispyXUK]

Cell technology? more powerful than Deep Blue? Christ here we go again with Sony hype machine!!!!

anyway I will be looking forward to Nintendo's new controller design, and would imagine PS3 controller to be very similar to GC controller.

[CMcK]

Originally posted by CrispyXUK
Cell technology? more powerful than Deep Blue? Christ here we go again with Sony hype machine!!!!

Depressing isn't it. People seem to believe any rubbish Sony feeds them. Cell will be a b*tch to program though so Sony better get some decent middleware ready before the system launches.

[G a f f e r]

As long as they all come out at about the same time, I always assumed that all three would have similar spec...which means that all the sony hype should apply to xbox and ngc too (i doubt the other two would let themselves get left behind).
I only prefer the ps2 pad because i use it all the time. I'm sure if i had another console, i'd prefer it's own pad instead...just wondering if there was a general consensus though

[CrispyXUK]

Cell technology sounds like a 'hype' term for stating that it has a couple of processors, remember that BS about the emotion engine that was just a codename for the GPU? people though they would be in a film or something, but then the public is stupid.

To be honest I will be buying the new nintendo machine as I have always loved nintendo games and quirky Jap games you get, never been a fan of so called 'Mature' games. so unless the other machine bring out something that isnt a racing game or GTA5:Laandon Town I will just have my N5, PC & retro consoles.

[Sinzer]

Gamecube controller is by far the best for most type of games, it really doesn't do well for beat 'em ups though.

And yes there is a lot of collaboration between 3-4 companies on all 3 of the consoles.