Grand Theft Auto 4

One of the most important games to come out in recent history, and certainly the one with the most clout in this batch of games, Grand Theft Auto 4 is a game that will make people buy a console if they don't have one. If there are any benefits present in either version, it might be enough to tip the scales when a late adopter is wondering which console to get.

Visually, the two games differ slightly. A large part of the difference emanates from their color palettes, which is evident regardless of weather or time of day. From the second set of images, on a technical level, the 360 renders the Ether billboard with better clarity, but then its falls behind the PS3 when it comes to cleaning up the checkered stripping of the Burger Shot. The PlayStation 3 also keeps up with its blurrier look, but it's not as apparent, considering that the game looks only slightly less blurry on the 360.

Neither of the machines run the game smoothly enough to confer an advantage, given that moving the camera quickly or speeding through the city makes both versions hiccup from time to time. The PlayStation 3 has a nearly 10-minute-long installation sequence, which helps slightly in terms of in-game loads. However, saved games take equivalent periods of time to load on both machines. If we had to definitively pick a version, we'd go with the 360's rendition of the game for its crisper visuals, but we wouldn't be dejected if we had to play the game on the PlayStation 3.

Xbox 360       Playstation 3      

Xbox 360       Playstation 3      

Xbox 360       Playstation 3      

Xbox 360       Playstation 3      

Xbox 360       Playstation 3      

Xbox 360       Playstation 3      


5995 Comments

  • zskrabs24

    Posted Jul 16, 2009 11:09 am PT

    you can't compare multiplatform games. which ever is more powerful is being brought down to the level of the weaker one as a rule. no crap there aren't many differences because it is the same damn game dumb ass. the only way to truly compare graphics is through exclusive games. but that is also kind of unfair and sort of biased and hard to compare. screw game stop and its graphics comparisons. they are extremely unfair and biased. fair and balanced GS, learn what that means please.

  • zskrabs24

    Posted Jul 16, 2009 10:52 am PT

    you guys are ALLLLLLLLL b-itCh3$. time to not meet display criteria 5 minutes and counting...

  • wiirkokonuts

    Posted Jul 15, 2009 6:10 pm PT

    Ya, I do have to say that the Xbox 360 was a little better or was a tie for all of them except Rainbow Six Vegas 2, that looked awful on the PS3.

  • Glokwerk posted Jul 12, 2009 3:13 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Glokwerk

    Posted Jul 12, 2009 3:13 pm PT (hide)

    Whoever did this comparison is a moron, the brightness is turned up way too much for all of the PS3 shots. And, there is no comparison the PS3 is far better graphically, not to say that the 360 is not good as well but maybe they should compare not cross console games and see which one is better?

  • iwantapepsi posted Jul 12, 2009 2:35 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    iwantapepsi

    Posted Jul 12, 2009 2:35 pm PT (hide)

    i see better graphics in the 360

  • DarrenZX07 posted Jul 7, 2009 3:11 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    DarrenZX07

    Posted Jul 7, 2009 3:11 pm PT (hide)

    PS3 has the better graphics (not being a fanboy) because these pictures are lying. i both have the consoles and i see more details in the PS3's graphics.

  • TheBowerhouse posted Jul 7, 2009 11:30 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    TheBowerhouse

    Posted Jul 7, 2009 11:30 am PT (hide)

    HA! My comment got 14 thumbs down at time of writing. Pathetic!

  • EYE0NE posted Jun 26, 2009 1:54 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    EYE0NE

    Posted Jun 26, 2009 1:54 pm PT (hide)

    It's really amazing how similar the graphics on both systems are. But I think the 360 has the advantage of shaper detail on it's textures and more stable frames per second. But the PS3 is a very powerful system, I think that it lags behind slighty due to the Cell being difficult to program for, which costs developers more money.

    Edit: Thumbs down 10 times! You PS3 fans unbelievable. I didn't even say anything bad about the PS3. I'd say it's potentially more powerful than the 360. It's just difficult to program for with the Cell. The PS2 was the same way with the GPU (had 16 pipelines that were difficult to keep filled). It's not a knock, it's just true.

  • mrben809 posted Jun 24, 2009 10:31 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    mrben809

    Posted Jun 24, 2009 10:31 am PT (hide)

    whan you play you notice xbox looks very shiny and undetailed

  • TheBowerhouse posted Jun 21, 2009 3:55 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    TheBowerhouse

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 3:55 am PT (hide)

    Why is it that almost every single comment is marked down? I wonder...

  • D3A7HJ0K3R posted Jun 18, 2009 11:58 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    D3A7HJ0K3R

    Posted Jun 18, 2009 11:58 am PT (hide)

    Has anyone noticed that whenever someone tries to make a comment (which is their own opinion) about if the PS3 looks better they get thumbs downed a TON. I never new XBot Fanboys cared all that much about little differences (PS3 blurs the picture to make it smoother while Xbox 360 makes it crisper, darker, and more jagged)

  • D3A7HJ0K3R posted Jun 18, 2009 11:53 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    D3A7HJ0K3R

    Posted Jun 18, 2009 11:53 am PT (hide)

    i don't really notice these slight differences when i play, so why is evereyone PO

  • mayceV posted Jun 12, 2009 6:24 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    mayceV

    Posted Jun 12, 2009 6:24 am PT (hide)

    I'm afraid to say my opinion fter how many (does not meet display criteria. click here to show) I saw.....

  • killerfox39967 posted Jun 11, 2009 2:19 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    killerfox39967

    Posted Jun 11, 2009 2:19 pm PT (hide)

    both systems have changed drastically since then of course, but in this one the 360 is slightly better.

  • player_leo posted Jun 11, 2009 4:27 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    player_leo

    Posted Jun 11, 2009 4:27 am PT (hide)

    it's a new year, gamespot needs to make another one of these.

  • alfaresalasmar posted Jun 9, 2009 3:30 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    alfaresalasmar

    Posted Jun 9, 2009 3:30 pm PT (hide)

    I THINK THE GUYZ FORGOT TO TURN ON RGB ALONG WITH SUPERWHITE ON THE PS3 WHICH EXPLAINS IMAGE QUALITY

  • G00DANG posted Jun 5, 2009 7:53 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    G00DANG

    Posted Jun 5, 2009 7:53 am PT (hide)

    If you look at the screenshots, the 360 looks a hell of a lot better, its a shame this isn't the case with all of the games though.

  • harisstudios posted Jun 4, 2009 12:41 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    harisstudios

    Posted Jun 4, 2009 12:41 pm PT (hide)

    both xbox and ps3 are good consoles. but ps3 is the best.......the thing is....it has less game bundles when compared to a xbox 360....ps3 may get more games in future....

  • guitar_and_xbox posted Jun 4, 2009 12:26 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    guitar_and_xbox

    Posted Jun 4, 2009 12:26 pm PT (hide)

    omg it is obvious ps3 has better graphics, just look at how poor the xbox 360 graphics are

  • pspfreddy posted May 29, 2009 1:23 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    pspfreddy

    Posted May 29, 2009 1:23 pm PT (hide)

    they are both GREAT consoles, but imo I think that the PS3 is the best machine, but that the xbox 360 is the best gaming-console - with better online and so on

  • epilare posted May 27, 2009 11:47 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    epilare

    Posted May 27, 2009 11:47 am PT (hide)

    ps3 pwns xbox

  • iversonisdabest posted May 24, 2009 3:37 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    iversonisdabest

    Posted May 24, 2009 3:37 pm PT (hide)

    ps3 is better

  • Mr_Fujiv1 posted May 19, 2009 7:10 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Mr_Fujiv1

    Posted May 19, 2009 7:10 am PT (hide)

    PS3 for the win, by far the better visuals

  • BUCK3TM4N posted May 14, 2009 1:26 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    BUCK3TM4N

    Posted May 14, 2009 1:26 pm PT (hide)

    there very close and only people that no what to look for will tell the difference and each console has stengthes and weaknesses

  • crazy1raider posted May 12, 2009 9:46 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    crazy1raider

    Posted May 12, 2009 9:46 pm PT (hide)

    xbox 360 looking better sorry sony !!

  • AdaShofLiMe posted May 7, 2009 6:03 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    AdaShofLiMe

    Posted May 7, 2009 6:03 pm PT (hide)

    Fortunately, I play off of an LCD monitor, so all of my games look better than what they would on a regular standard def tv.

  • costlywar posted May 7, 2009 1:52 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    costlywar

    Posted May 7, 2009 1:52 pm PT (hide)

    I have a 360. The graphics for most of my games look decent. But, if I had to buy another game console I'd go with the PS3. My 360 was repaired 2 times. That was very frustrating, waiting for the repairs.

  • Mr_Fujiv1 posted May 7, 2009 10:54 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Mr_Fujiv1

    Posted May 7, 2009 10:54 am PT (hide)

    PS3 is the better see graphics ps3 is better
    free internet ps3 :]
    controller yep ps3 and look of the system PS3

  • chubbydwk posted May 2, 2009 5:58 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    chubbydwk

    Posted May 2, 2009 5:58 pm PT (hide)

    hmm... I think 360 is more detailed but darker... PS3 is little better... but still 360 will rock ps3 all day..

  • callofblood posted May 2, 2009 5:03 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    callofblood

    Posted May 2, 2009 5:03 pm PT (hide)

    there is a cheating in this comparison>>

  • skeletor0 posted May 1, 2009 11:21 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    skeletor0

    Posted May 1, 2009 11:21 am PT (hide)

    Gamespot, what is the point of all this except to fan the flames of pointless console wars and rampant fanboyism? These differences are meaningless! Let us know instead if there are GAMEPLAY differences.

  • FinalDuo1886 posted Apr 26, 2009 9:11 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    FinalDuo1886

    Posted Apr 26, 2009 9:11 pm PT (hide)

    The bad thing about comparisons between the 360 and PS3 I've noticed that people seem to not get, Is the fact that each game displays different on each console. Some games look better on the 360, and some games look better on the PS3. No system has the advantage when it comes to graphics in my opinion. Now as for loading goes, PS3 wins hands down .

  • bill2510 posted Apr 26, 2009 7:28 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    bill2510

    Posted Apr 26, 2009 7:28 am PT (hide)

    this was a dark time for ps3 owners. no good exclusives and bad 3rd party dev. the tables have turned now boys so take it easy

  • aekforever posted Apr 25, 2009 5:26 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    aekforever

    Posted Apr 25, 2009 5:26 am PT (hide)

    No, wmjs2 actually ps3 looks better if you compare them today, saw it in a video on youtube.

  • wmjs2 posted Apr 20, 2009 3:36 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    wmjs2

    Posted Apr 20, 2009 3:36 am PT (hide)

    i am a fan boy of ps3 but i gotta admit that assasin's creed looks better on 360, but in previous comparisons with nfs carbone ps3 look 100 times betta

  • Drake_Bell004 posted Apr 19, 2009 6:16 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Drake_Bell004

    Posted Apr 19, 2009 6:16 am PT (hide)

    Mt mind just track me and add me in my friend list.Then I will tell U the Full story.

  • MTMind2 posted Apr 18, 2009 3:23 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    MTMind2

    Posted Apr 18, 2009 3:23 pm PT (hide)

    @flameducky who says "I hate when IGN and Gamespot does this"

    but why? these comparisons are great for those with both consoles.

    ***edit*** no thanks Drake, for reasons you aware of.

  • eddyka2 posted Apr 16, 2009 6:40 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    eddyka2

    Posted Apr 16, 2009 6:40 pm PT (hide)

    why does the 360 cod4 guy have his hood up?

  • flameducky posted Apr 13, 2009 3:28 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    flameducky

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:28 pm PT (hide)

    AlphaHulk@:
    Yeah, CoD 5 was nothing new. Just back to WWII

  • flameducky posted Apr 13, 2009 3:27 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    flameducky

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:27 pm PT (hide)

    I hate when IGN and Gamespot does this.

    PS3 exclusives were made especially for the PS3 so they have better graphics then 360 exclusives. Anyone want to argue?

  • Djdege posted Apr 13, 2009 3:27 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Djdege

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:27 pm PT (hide)

    the playstation 3 is better than the xbox 360 and it has better graphics

  • Profzhu posted Apr 12, 2009 5:29 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Profzhu

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 5:29 am PT (hide)

    imo the games today are so good looking that graphics becomes not as important as factors such as longevity, multiplayer, gameplay, design, etc etc. u can have the best looking game using the unreal engine but if the gameplay is broken, its broken.

    i often find that exclusives tend to look best on the respective systems. gears of war, halo, project gotham racing, forza look brilliant on the xbox while metal gear, resistance, killzone, gran turismo are stunningly good looking too. i guess its cos the developers are putting in all the effort to bring the best out of one particular system. however, developers have to spend a lot more time porting games to different console for multiplatform releases. the xbox platform is probably easier to work with. that probably explains why fallout 3 looked so different from the xbox version.

    i feel its rather unfair to say that playstation visuals are slightly behind because looking at mgs4, killzone2 and gt5, i dun understand how fallout and vegas can look so bad. the problem now is developers not pushing systems to the max. rmb how good god of war 2 looked on the ps2? who knew a system that old can display such crazy graphics. its an example of developers pushing the systems to the max.

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Xbox 360 Versus PlayStation 3 Graphics Comparison: Round 3

Check out how the latest games look on both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.

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