330°

720p? 1080p? ESRAM? Why it matters and why it doesn’t

Gaming Trend Editor Ron Burke writes an in-depth piece on resolutions, their differences, the math behind them, and how all of it comes together to mean almost nothing.

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gamingtrend.com
user74029313832d ago

all you need to know

1080p> 720p

120 hz > 60hz

ps4 > one

Fanboyssuck273832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Correction.

Wii u > ps4 > xbone

CGI-Quality3832d ago

Unless you're talking personal game experience, the technology in a WiiU is NOT greater than the PS4.

LOL_WUT3832d ago

Even the X1 has more appealing next-gen titles than the WiiU! And yes resolution, specs all matter if it didn't devs wouldn't pass up on Nintendo. ;)

u got owned3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

@Fanboyssuck27

Oh boy, you will be at one bubble in no time if you keep that up.

ziggurcat3832d ago

"Wii u > ps4..."

http://25.media.tumblr.com/...

nice try, but that's beyond delusional.

triforce793832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Mariokart8,X,ProjectCARS,and titanfall have the best nextgen textures ive seen so far...

Dehnus3831d ago

Sir, you get a bubble for being so truthful. Everybody knows this fact yet they keep denying it. The facts look them straight in the face! Why do these fanboys keep denying it.

Why, we can already play games on it, while they can only compare spec sheets. SO by definition it is better ;).

In 2 weeks that might change a bit though ;).

UltimateMaster3831d ago

@Fanboyssuck27
You're a brave one.
Here's you Mario kitty VS COD Dog.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Magicite3831d ago

you need to check your head, mate

LaserEyeKitty3831d ago

LOL at all the morons who just got trolled. You figure the name would give it away.

But, if you can't beat'em - PC Specs trump all.

user55757083831d ago

it doesnt matter because once youre focused on gameplay graphics tend of become an afterthough

however it does matter because before you play the game you want to know you're buying the best possible experience. so it def matters for sales. why pay $100 more for a technologically inferior product that outputs inferior resolution. on paper it doesn't make sense

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
0ut1awed3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

I really doubt 120hz is going to matter for a PS4 other than maybe smoothing it out a little bit. 60fps seems to be the sweet spot for the system so you really don't need anything over 60hz.

Also FYI pretty much every TV that is "120hz" or "240hz" is actually not true. For all intensive purposes it is basically "upscaled" so to speak. None of those TVs actually allow for more than a 60fps input.

You need a computer monitor with a display port or DVI-D input to actually get anything over 60fps.

Sci0n3832d ago

This is true, as I was tv shopping I was really considering getting a tv with like 240hz for gaming mainly. I spoke with a best buy TV sales person and told him why I was searching for a 240hz tv and he kindly said are you going to be gaming from a pc rig or a console? and when I told him a console he said well I don't think any console games are rendering over 60fps so you really don't need a insane amount of hz at the moment 60hz is enough. I am now waiting for 4k TVs before I upgrade.

0ut1awed3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

I guess it's his job but if you would have said PC gaming I know for a fact he would have tried to sell you one of those 120hz/240hz TVs (otherwise he wouldn't have even asked that question). Kind of messed up because as I already stated those TVs don't actually support higher FPS inputs. HDMI just doesn't have enough throughput to support it.

Knal3832d ago

@Outlawed...

The latest versions of the HDMI standard does not allow through put for more than 60fps? You have proof of this? Could you support that with some links?

mabreu3831d ago

@ 0ut1awed

according to Wikipedia, hdmi can output 1080p @ 120hz after version 1.4b which was released back in October 2011.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

However, I'm not sure if the PS4 or Xbox1 can support it. I assume they can but don't see any evidence on the web.

CrusRuss3831d ago

You guys are confusing TV refresh rate (hz) with fps. If you read the article it explains the difference.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
Visiblemarc3832d ago

It really is basically that simple. I'm tired of how the articles about how "resolutiongate" being "overblown" have become more exhausting than the relevant genre that are articles about "resolutiongate" (those that compare price/performance)

If you don't like price/performance articles, take your ignorant opinions and go find a hobby that caters to morons.

BlueShirt77493832d ago

With a name like that you need to get over yourself and get out more. Do you work for Sony? No? Then those figures are certainly not "all you need to know."

Simple mind....

WorldGamer3832d ago

You didn't really provide any evidence. You basically personally attacked him, then trailed off.

I think what he says is correct, and many other reputable forums also agree. I don't see why would would get so upset.

BOLO3831d ago

No one needs to work for Sony or Microsoft to know the facts...PS4 is a more technically capable console compared to Xbox One and Wii U. Try again.

bornsinner3832d ago

xbox one has dedicated servers a better online experience and better games, ps4 has killzone & losers who count pixels all day

GW2123832d ago

* better launch games.

* PS4 has Killzone, better graphics, better hardware, and losers who count pixels all day because they are actually there.

AngelicIceDiamond3832d ago

"720p? 1080p? ESRAM? Why it matters and why it doesn’t"

It matters now. But when everything gets fixed, we'll move on to the next thing and forget about it.

Biggest3832d ago

Fixed? Do you mean the next generation of consoles?

MRMagoo1233831d ago

If you know anything about tech you will know the xbone is only going to get worse as much needs to be put on the ESram in the future to keep up with the PS4, the lower gpu and the ESram will make it impossible in a couple years, gpgpu will be the xbone downfall.

AngelicIceDiamond3831d ago

@Magoo

Yeah that's not even close to being right.

linkenski3832d ago

720p @60fps > 1080p @30fps, though

H0RSE3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

I agree. I'll take 60fps and lower resolution over the opposite. Hell, in competitive PC gaming, it's pretty common (or at least was) for players to disable a lot of visual features, to obtain the best framerates possible. When I played competitively, that is what is what I did. It was also used to gain advantages, like disabling lightning do eliminate dark spots/shadows for players to hide in.

Mitchblue3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

@linkenski: Not a fair assessment. You cut the FPS in half with your illustration but don't double the resolution.

Fairer would be 720p @60fps vs 1080p @45fps.

H0RSE3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

The assessment is completely fair, since it's using standard measurements for comparison. Resolution has known increments - 360, 480, 720, 1080, etc. Framerates also follow a similar philosophy. 24fps for film, 30 or 60fps for games, and then you can unlock the framerate (like PC) and obtain whatever your system can handle. Although devs can aim for virtual any framerate they desire, 30 and/or 60 tends to be the "sweet spot."

So it isn't about actually halving everything equally, but rather comparing the different increments. That being said, I would still prefer 720p/60fps over 1080p/45fps.

GentlemenRUs3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Killzone runs at 1080p@60fps
So does Knack? I forgot.
Resogun does.
New'n'Tasty does.

Your statement is invalid.

1080p@60fps > 720p@15fps

mabreu3831d ago (Edited 3831d ago )

@ linkenski
I agree that frame rate is more important than resolution. It helps with response times when playing competitive games while making the animation run smooth.

However, this is relative to what type of game you're playing. 30fps is acceptable and suitable for games that don't have fast moving images and don't require fast response times. Also, less frame rates gives more graphical power to render other visuals like textures and lighting effects.

When I play Bioshock on my PC, I always favored more fps. When I played Civilization 5, I put the graphic setting on high and don't mind sacrificing frame rates.

MRMagoo1233831d ago

shame xbone isnt getting 720p @60fps tho huh , its barely getting 720 @30fps and even then that dips on DR3, and even on COD ghosts its 720p with frame drops.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
sovietsoldier3832d ago

how did i know the first comment would mention a ps4 and at the same time slam xbox one.

fonger083831d ago

Yeah unless you have a blind pro-Sony comment, don't bother.

True_Samurai3831d ago

Hahah no thanks
I'll take that x1

oof463831d ago

Your own preference > Anyone else's opinion

+ Show (12) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
mewhy323832d ago

Wow. more spin. It does matter, it does matter. I wonder if the spinners think that if they said that it doesn't matter enough time that people will start believing it?

Knightshade3832d ago

It matters if you want to choose the right platform that meets your setup, but it matters little in terms of overall image quality. It's not spin. There is plenty of math and knowledge in the article to back it up.

oof463831d ago

Apparently, a lot of people disagree with math and knowledge. :)

buckley3832d ago

Spin? Did you read the article?

lnvisibleMan3832d ago

Of course it does. Unless your gaming on a tiny screen smaller than an Ipad.

SpinalRemains1383832d ago

It matters. A new generation, you want a new standard. You pay 500 bucks for a new machine, you would want it to run contemporary settings. Why is this just not understood by some?

mightyhokie3832d ago

I'm getting the x1 but I agree. We should expect a lot better graphics and all that stuff for our money. I'm willing to let them work out the kinks. In a year you won't be able to tell the difference between x1 and ps4 visually. look at oblivion vs skyrim. and the ps3 had some major issues at launch. not to mention the 'far more powerful ps3 will give you much better graphics' that didn't come true. both systems are going to be awesome. but just like the issue with frame rate drop on the ps4 at 1080p...those issues will be done rather quickly as game developers get more used to the hardware.

But I do agree that when I spend that $500 i am expecting better looking stuff moving faster and offering more.

MrCastle3832d ago

@Hokie
I am getting an XB1 on launch day as well, and I've decided to reserve judgement until these games actually come out. Everyone has their opinion of what looks good. A number is just a number to me. If it looks as good as it plays, its a winner.

RegorL3832d ago

I wouldn't bet on XBox One ever catching up, but you do - good luck to you!

A. PS3 had a more difficult architecture
B. worse GPU
C. better CPU+SPU.
The difficult architecture made initial games worse.
The SPU let it catch up.
But XBox 360s better GPU kept the playing field equal.

A. XBox One has a more difficult architecture
B. worse GPU
C. most likely worse CPU+GPGPU than PS4.
The architecture should not be that cumbersome as it resembles XBox 360s a lot - how to utilize that is known. But the eSRAM is only slightly faster than the PS4 RDRAM. Even with perfect (100%) utilization of it XBox ones memory bandwidth will only be slightly better than PS4, the likeliness of perfect utilization will decrease with bigger graphical environments...

XBox One has a cool camera, if game developers really find ways to use that it could sell systems, like the Wii motes sold Wiis.

WeedyOne3831d ago

"not to mention the 'far more powerful ps3 will give you much better graphics' that didn't come true"

This statement is only true for multiplatform games. Ps3 exclusives had WAY better graphics than anything on the 360. Killzone, God of War, and The Last of Us say hi!

The cell was completely different than anything any developer had ever worked on, so I understand the learning curve with that. But the XB1 and PS4 both use x86 which has been used for decades. You wouldn't think that would have the same steep learning curve.

Prime1573831d ago (Edited 3831d ago )

@Hokie: "I'm willing to let them work out the kinks. In a year you won't be able to tell the difference between x1 and ps4 visually." /@

Look, you used oblivion vs skyrim, and I'm laughing because bethesda never figured out the ps3. I'm not defending the ps3, but I think that was a lot different than ESRam is to Cell. However, I'm going to quote the article in mention to help explain my skepticism (I cut out a lot so it's not a lengthy read as I assume you already read it or can find it).

"Sony put 8GB of GDDR5... 176GB/s of memory bandwidth ... Microsoft went a different direction, putting 8GB of DDR3 memory that hits a bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s, but also features a memory subsystem of 32 MB of ESRAM... at a theoretical speed of 192 GB/s. "

The way I see it is that the GDDR5 @ 176 is easy to use. The DDR3 RAM @ 68 is easy to use. That being said, Devs have find a way to CRAM 124 GB/s (the difference) throughput through a TINY 32mb of ESRam.

OK, so, I'm just disagreeing that we'll see the differences that soon - ESPECIALLY IN MULTIPLAT which are usually the same. I'm highly skeptical of if we will see that by the time the next next gen comes out (PS5 vs XBOXall(?))...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3831d ago
halfblackcanadian3832d ago

PS3 ran some early games sub-HD as well...look how it turned out for them.

Resolution, in the end, is one aspect. There is a lot more that this next gen is expected to (and will) do that the current/last cannot achieve. Yeas, PS4 will always have the edge in raw computational power but people are seriously taking this as Xbox One cannot produce 1080p (which, beyond being proven wrong by launch titles, is ludicrous considering that last gen machines can do it and these are exponentially more powerful)

Argue that one machine is more powerful than the other, that's fine, but to assume that one is last gen (when they share so much of the same DNA to boot) is being ignorant.

aquamala3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

did you think only early PS3 games are sub-HD? all COD games on PS3 are sub-HD (960x540, 880x720),

Saints Row 4 is sub-HD (960x720), Splinter Cell Blacklist is sub-HD (1152x648), both games came out just couple of months ago.

Prime1573831d ago

What is sub-HD to you? A good guide is 720p, but some might argue that 480p was the start of HD. If it's 720p, then a lot of ps3 AND 360 games were sub-HD. If it's 480p then a lot of 360 AND PS3 games were sub-HD. Do you see what I did there?

Current (soon to be last gen) games had a very similar native resolution than the new Gen. Here's a quick find of early launch games: http://www.rage3d.com/board...

Keep in mind that as resolutions get higher and higher (See also: 4k tvs are out) the more we'll notice the difference. The fact that we're entering this generation with such differences (104 million is and will always be better than 46 million) as this article quotes, makes me wonder if that ESRam can really boost it to 2.26x of what the XBone is now...

H0RSE3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

@SpinalRemains138

It is understood by more than you think, it just isn't emphasized because it isn't as big a deal as many claim. So many people are focusing on resolution, that even something as substantial as framerates seems to take a backseat.

The new consoles are offering a enough new features, that without even getting into resolution, they justify their price tag. Battlefield will have 564 player support, and be running at 60fps. Many if not all MP games will utilizing dedicated servers, many games will be able to interact with other devices, such as phones, tablets and PC's. Cloud computing is being utilized for things such as AI processing and real-time stats, to a degree never achieved on consoles, with more potential to come. DVR features are being implemented, other PC-centric features, such as being able to play a game while it's downloading, are being introduced.

Real-time snapping between multiple apps, TV integration, an HDMI-input that can be used with virtually any device witha HDMI-out port, including a 360 and even a PS4. A completely redesigned Kinect, built from the ground up to act as an extension to the X1, rather than an optional peripheral released years after the launch of the console, which was the case with Kinect 1.0.

With all these new features and ideas taking place, my $500 spent on an X1, is more than justified, even if every game I ever play is only 720p.

miklo843832d ago

Good read. Best part, "Your conclusion should be this – buy the games you want to play and stop worrying so much about the platform. The debate will rage on, but in the end it is and will always be about gameplay. Both systems will have their ups and downs, Microsoft and Sony fans will lash out at one another, Nintendo will do their own thing, and the PC crowd will lord their 4K resolution over the top of all of them."

davidrobots3832d ago

Yep. In time I'm sure we'll see more and more games hitting that magical 1080p/60fps mark, and this will all be a moot point anyway.

cyguration3832d ago

Except when one system hits that "magical mark" and one doesn't, will it still be a moot point?

Show all comments (120)
80°

How Many More Victims, Like Garry's Mod, Will Nintendo's Hurtful Crusade Create?

Hanzala from eXputer: "As Nintendo takes out 20 years' worth of stuff from Garry's Mod, I watch in shock, thinking why it continues to hurt and discourage its fans."

RiseNShine1d 4h ago (Edited 1d 4h ago )

The irony that some of the most disgusting business practices come from companies like Disney or Nintendo, i can't even begin to understand what terrible damage was Garrys Mod making to Nintendo bottom line, imho they're getting pretty nervous about where they're heading in the future, handhelds are no longer something exclusive to Nintendo, from Steam Deck to many others, now you can play the latest games and pay a fraction of the price on Steam sales, so it's up to their exclusives, which just on their own would make hard to justify purchasing a closed overpriced hardware with outrageous price policies (Super Mario Odyssey is still 60 euro 6 years later!), and as a home console they're always underperforming compared to Sony or Xbox.

gold_drake22h ago(Edited 22h ago)

i cam guarantee you, that their exclusives alone is what drives switch sales. they sell in the 10s of millions of copies.

nintendo created their franchises to be sort of nostalgia driven, exclusive only on nintendo.

people will always buy the pkmn games as they always bring in new younger fans amd is family friendly

mario kart, the same thing, mario games in general.

zelda games are system sellers. animal crossing for the casual gamers.

nintendo doesnt need third vame devs essentially. they made sure with the switch and the limitations that they looked more to pc ps and xbox.

its sad, but nintendo is more than fine with what they're doing. they positioned themselves to appeal to the more casual gamers.

but to your point, im not sure why they're doing this rly.

Inverno20h ago

Look at how they handled Nintendo games being streamed or uploaded on YouTube in the past. They killed Yuzu and Citra even when they had nothing to do with ToTK being leaked, not to mention it was basically unplayable on emulation the week it was leaked. Smash Bros tournament, that was fairly recent. They shut down their online services without any care for purchases made. I bought a switch after skipping their last 2 consoles and handhelds but I don't plan on buying anything Nintendo in the future. They take things to the extremes, they legitimately hate their fans. They're honestly right up there with the likes of Acti, EA, and Ubi, only difference is that they disguise themselves as being family friendly all the while being shady.

300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN4d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan4d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor3d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic3d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv723d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts3d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv724d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka4d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion4d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer4d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow14d ago (Edited 4d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer4d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

Show all comments (51)
310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar4d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn4d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18814d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast4d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

4d ago
Lightning774d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole3d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

4d ago
4d ago
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4d ago Replies(1)
Lightning774d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

4d ago
anast4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning774d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast4d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning774d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
darthv724d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes4d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

Show all comments (44)