Can new consoles challenge Sony?

David Fisher12 April 2012

The world of computer games - dominated by PlayStation2 - is gearing up for a battle of the giants when Xbox and GameCube hit the shops next March.

We exclusively tested the first consoles in Britain to weigh up the competition.

There is no doubt Microsoft's Xbox is the technically superior machine but it is a cumbersome piece of kit. The controller is a monster, too - this was not designed for children.

The Xbox will cost £300 but you will need to spend more to play DVDs. Advanced video and sound options will cost extra too. But it does have a collection of great- looking games - Microsoft can draw on its PC back catalogue to appeal to teenage or adult players.

Sitting next to the Xbox, Nintendo's GameCube does not have the look of a serious machine. Small and compact, it cannot play DVDs or other extras - it is purely about gaming.

But at the price, about £200, its performance is superb - wonderful graphics and movement packed with detail.

Nintendo also provides fun games but both Xbox and GameCube will be limited to about 20 titles at launch.

Serious players may be better off sticking with Sony's PlayStation2.

It has a 250-game catalogue and, ultimately, that's what it's all about. Add a £199.99 price tag and PS2 remains the popular choice.

The consoles we tested were imported to Britain by gaming retailer Computer Exchange - cex.co.uk .

HOW THE CONSOLES COMPARE
MICROSOFT XBOX NINTENDO GAMECUBE SONY PLAYSTATION 2
Graphics 4.5 4 3.5
Available games 3.5 3 4.5
Joypad 3 4 3.5
Potential 5 4.5 4
Clutter proof 3 4 3.5
Built in hardware 3 1.5 3.5
TOTAL 22 21 22.5

Getting hold of the latest consoles

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