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How to Pick a Gaming System dissects the pros and cons of the major game systems, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3.
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Playstation 3
- Arguably the most controversial console around, the Playstation 3 delivers quite a powerful punch. However, that punch will cost you. What makes the PS3 so expensive is the Blu-ray DVD player. The bulk of the cost of a PS3 is for the Blu-ray DVD player. If you spend $399 on the 40GB PS3, you are essentially paying $350 for the Blu-ray player and $50 for all of its other features. Given the fact that Blu-Ray players have recently surpassed HD-DVD in terms of product support, this is clearly a better investment now than it was in 2007.
Cons
- The Sony name. While the Sony name means reliability, it also means expensive.
- PS3 systems are typically more expensive than Xbox's or Wii's
- Heavy hardware. The PS3 console is quite heavy and may prevent you from carrying it from place to place.
- Lack of games. Sony has been slow to release games and still trails the Wii and Xbox 360 in that regard.
- Doesn't upscale DVD's to HD resolution.
- Not that emotional. The 40/80GB console will not include the Emotion chip that allows backward compatibility for your Playstation and PS2 games. However, there is software available on the 80GB console that can handle some backwards compatibility.
- Official Site: Playstation 3
Cons
- The red ring of death. Some Xbox 360's have experienced hardware malfunctions, which is largely due to overheating.
- Elite status. At $450, the Xbox Elite has entered the 80GB PS3 price level.
- Pay to play. If you want to play other gamers online, you'll have to pay. There are a variety monthly subscription prices available, whereas, the PS3 is free.
- Peripherals. The basic 360 is definitely cheaper than the PS3, but once you add all of the peripheral items, upgrades and online fees, you've spent more than you initially planned.
- Official Site: Xbox 360
Cons
- Availability. Finding a Wii these days is like finding a golden ticket in a Wonka bar. Nintendo hasn't been able to produce Wiis fast enough to meet demands. The best way to find a Wii is to call all the retailers in your area before you go into the actual store, or visit Wii Tracker.
- No HD. The Wii has no HD capability and is not meant to be a media center.
- No DVD. Unlike the Xbox 360 and PS3, the Wii cannot play DVD's.
- Graphically speaking. The graphics of the Wii are not as advanced as the other systems.
- Small hard drive. Unlike the PS3 and Xbox 360, the Wii has 512MB. That's enough space to download old Nintendo games, but not much else.
- Say goodbye to the lanes. Once you play Wii bowling, you will find that dingy, yet colorful bowling alleys are obsolete. As virtual games become more popular, we will become less likely to leave our own living rooms and co-mingle with other humans.
- Official Site: Wii
Resources for How to Choose a Game Console
- Gaming Today: Halo 3 Captures Casual Gamers for Xbox 360
- Joystiq: Xbox 360 Arcade finally official, released today for $280
- Xbox.com: Xbox 360
- Xbox.com: Xbox 360 Games
- Xbox.com: Upcoming Xbox 360 Games
- Xbox.com: Xbox Live
- Xbox.com: Xbox 360 Elite
- Wii Plus: Wii Games
- Wii Tracker: Find Nintendo Wii
