Console-based video gaming is one of the most popular of modern digital technologies, cutting across age, demographic and gender divides. Today's players have three dominant platforms to choose from: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Each is an impressive multifunctional device, with designs meant to encourage integration into existing home entertainment systems and networks, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each console is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for the players in a household.
Console Choices
| | Wii View larger | PlayStation 3 View larger | Xbox 360 View larger |
| Models and Pricing (prices may vary) | Wii with Mario Kart Wii - 9 | 160 GB memory - 0
320 GB memory - 0 | 4 GB memory - 0
250 GB memory - 0 |
| What's in the Box | - Wii console
- Wii Mario Kart game
- One Wii Remote Plus controller
- One Nunchuk controller
- Wii Sensor bar
- Standard composite cable and power cord
| - PS3 console
- One wireless controller
- A/V cable for connection to TV
- USB cable for charging controller
- Free PlayStation Network (PSN) membership
| - Xbox 360 console
- One Xbox 360 wireless controller
- Composite A/V cable (standard definition)
- A month free Xbox LIVE Gold membership
|
| Motion Gaming? | Already included | PlayStation Move (sold separately) | Kinect for Xbox 360 (sold separately) |
| Colors (limited edition colors may be available) | White and black | Black | Black |
| Drive Type | CD (just games) | CD/DVD/Blu-ray (games, music, movies) | CD/DVD (games, music, movies) |
| Online Play | WiiWare | PlayStation Network (PSN) | Xbox LIVE |
| Additional Accessories | Additional controllers - -45 | Additional controllers - -50 | Additional controllers - -50 |
| Price Range of Games | New releases: ~ -
Downloadable: ~ - | New releases: ~
Motion: ~
Downloadable: ~ - | New releases: ~
Motion: ~
Downloadable: ~ - |
| Backwards Compatibility | Plays all GameCube game titles | Offers compatibility with PS1 games | Over 300 titles developed for the original Xbox console are currently available |
| Graphic Quality | 480p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Great For | Designed for Junior to Grandma with titles generally focused on family fun, party games | High-powered and highly customizable system for the technical-minded consumers | Offers a wide selection of games and accessible entertainment, with user-friendly social tools |
Arcade, Casual and Party games are a Wii Specialty.
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Consider Games Before Choosing a Console
There is not just one kind of console video game, and so the machines that are are used to play them are different as well. Considering the types of games to be played, their availability for the consoles being considered and the ability of those consoles' to present the best gaming experience possible for the game's genre and content is important. The games developed for Wii tend to be more easily accessible, family-friendly productions heavily influenced by Nintendo's classic gaming history. Filled with cartoon-like and childlike characters as well as Arcade-style gameplay situations, Wii games are often referred to as "Casual Games," or "Party Games" typified by brief, simple "mini-games." These small games-within-games are tailor-made for players new to the puzzle-solving aspects of gaming and how that is translated through game controllers to the screen by the player.
PS3 and Xbox 360 provide the processing power that Action-Adventure, Shooter, Racing and RPG games need.
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PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles are the current version of earlier console releases whose user bases were rooted in game genres such as Action-Adventure, Shooters, Racing, Sports, Role-playing games (RPG) and so on. Gameplay developed in these genres tends to require more focus on the part of the player, and more graphics processing power from the console in order to maintain a quality experience. That is what continues to be the main focus of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Capable of full 1080p HD quality graphics presentation when used with the proper cables and displays, in this area Xbox 360 and PS3 are far beyond what Wii is capable of. Iconic game franchises like Halo, God of War, Fable, Metal Gear Solid, Gears of War, Killzone, Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls and many others have grown up on these platforms, feeding off of their power. And with the rise of online multiplayer gaming through Xbox LIVE and PSN the high energy, fine graphical specialties of these platforms only continues to grow.
Motion Gaming
Although motion gaming has been front and center since the launch of the Wii in 2006, the other two consoles have their own motion gaming offerings that provide unique play opportunities on their respective platforms that have also found a wide audience. See a breakdown of the motion gaming capacity of each of the systems below.
Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk
The Wii Remote Plus controller is the standard wireless controller that ships with each Wii. It combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, all built-in to a single unit. The device is handled in a wand-like fashion, and uses internal gyroscope and accelerometer technology to pinpoint the players movements and physical positioning which it then relates into a game via a sensor bar connected to the console. The Wii Remote Plus has only a few buttons making it easy to use. It also contains a speaker, a rumble feature, and an external connector for other input devices like the Nunchuk controller and the Classic Controller.
PlayStation Move
PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Move Navigation controller (optional in most games) and a PlayStation Eye camera (all sold separately), PlayStation Move enables sophisticated, ultra accurate motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. In addition, the PlayStation Eye features the ability to process up to 120 frames/second and a built-in 4 microphone array for pristine video quality and video chat capabilities.
Kinect for Xbox 360
Easy to use and fun for everyone, Kinect sensor for Xbox 360 utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put players in the center of the fun that is 100% controller-free. After configuring itself by registering a range of points across your body, this amazing technology allows Kinect to recognize and mirror your movements in the game, in effect making your body the controller. The sensor is compatible with every Xbox 360, features a color VGA motion camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second), a depth camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second) and an array of 4 microphones supporting single speaker voice recognition.
 Wii Remote Plus & Nunchuk.
View larger |  PlayStation Eye & Motion controller.
View larger |  Controller-free Kinect sensor play.
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Online Play and Functionality
Online functionality is a major focus in console gaming. Each of the three consoles can be used offline, but by integrating them into your home broadband connection you can greatly expand their potential. Each posses a significant online component, but differ in the ways users can interact with it.
WiiWare is a service that allows Wii players to download games and applications directly to their Wii console in exchange for purchased Wii Points on the Wii Shop Channel. Online gameplay requires a code to play. It's free to play and there are no names, so kids are protected against unwanted contact. Through Wii's online component players can also gain access to hundreds of classic arcade games available for download through Wii's Virtual Console functionality. The Nintendo Channel allows players to watch gameplay videos, trailers, developer interviews, and even download Nintendo DS game demos wirelessly. Additional Wii online functionality includes a web browser and connectivity with Netflix,* which allows users to stream video efficiently and quietly by means of the console's low energy consumption internal processing.
PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PS3 (or PlayStation handheld) and a broadband connection to the Internet. Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, game extras, music and streaming video. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on your console or external media. Online multiplayer gameplay through PSN is simple, yet robust. Simply slip a compatible multiplayer disc into the console, select the multiplayer option and set up your own game or wait to join one in progress. The service also contains Netflix access,* a range of original gaming-oriented video programming, as well as access to PlayStation Home, a 3D world where gamers can interact in a virtual environment.
Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment hub for Xbox 360. The service was launched with the original Xbox console in 2002, and has evolved and grown with Xbox 360. The service is two-tiered, with every user receiving a free "Silver membership," which allows for access to content such as free game demos, downloaded video rentals, Xbox LIVE avatar functionality and chat. A paid "Gold Membership" provides access to these and expanded features, including online gaming, HD movies and TV shows through services such as Netflix,* HBO Go,** ESPN, and Hulu Plus, downloadable games, facebook, downloadable content (DLC) for games and more. Players use Xbox LIVE points, which as easily purchased online and offline to access much of the online content. Both Xbox LIVE membership levels allow players to increase their Gamer Score, a running tally of the achievements they have unlocked in games. This is commonly shared information among gamers around the world and a source of pride in the community.
* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.** Requires a valid subscription to HBO content through a cable or satellite provider.
