Mere words can only hint at the wonders available in the current video game console environment. With the level of sophistication, depth and spectacular graphics that contemporary systems possess, it's no wonder that a whole generation of teenagers (and their elders) have vanished to the darkest corners of the basement to be alone with their virtual adventuring.
The Big Three
Though there are only three mainstream systems on the market right now, committing to a single console can be as nerve-racking as buying a house. The availability of popular game titles across multiple platforms alleviates some of the debate, but game catalog robustness is only one small part of the decision-making equation with these systems.
In no particular order, your choices are:
Xbox 360 Elite
Only minor differences set this system apart from the original Xbox 360 that was released in fall of 2005, so there's no need to upgrade if you're already a 360 owner. However, if you're buying a new system, you might as well reach for Xbox's best effort.
Online FeaturesPopular opinion leans toward Xbox Live ($50 annual subscription fee) as the best online gaming system, largely due its one year head start over the PS3 and Wii. You can play multiplayer games (with voice chat), download movie trailers and game demos and even download TV shows and feature length movies (for an added fee). One caveat - while downloaded TV shows are yours forever, movies need to be watched within two weeks of downloading, and they disappear within 24 hours of being viewed. At this stage, DVD rental might still be the better deal.
MemoryThe principle upgrade that the Xbox 360 Elite offers is the vastly larger 120 gigabyte hard drive - six times larger that the older model’s 20 gig. With TV program and movie downloads becoming a more prominent feature, that extra space won't go unnoticed. Don’t worry if you’re already an Xbox 360 owner - there's a 120 gigabyte plug-in drive available for the original 360.
GamesLongevity also means that the Xbox 360 Elite game system is the leader in game catalogs, including a number of 360 exclusives and backwards compatibility with many (but not all) older Xbox games.
MultimediaThe integrated DVD player hasn't won many accolades. It's unexceptional and abnormally loud during playback, though you can try to drown out the noise with the much-appreciated surround sound. Furthermore, with the Playstation 3 playing Blu-ray discs right out of the box, the $180 accessory needed to play HD DVDs on the Xbox has made many reviewers cranky. It will also play music CDs, allowing you to rip music onto the Xbox and use those songs as game soundtracks.
WiFi An external wireless network adapter (sold separately) is necessary for WiFi compatibility.
Inputs/Outputs/SlotsThe Elite added an HDMI port for (easiest) hook up to HDTVs. Otherwise, the 360 has USB ports (one on the back, two on the front), an A/V connector and an Ethernet jack. With the generous tangle of included cables, the Xbox 360 Elite can be connected to virtually any TV or home theater system. There are also several slots for flash memory cards, and the two USB ports on the front open up a world of plug-and-play accessories like digital cameras, videos (WMV format only) and MP3 players.
PlayStation 3
Released a full year after the Xbox, the PS3 has the most technically powerful and multimedia-rich console. They launched two versions of the console: standard and deluxe.
MultimediaPS3 plays Blu-ray discs right out of the box, supporting 1080p (1,080 progressively scanned lines), the highest HD resolution available. It also displays digital photos, plays MP3s (though it's not iPod compatible) and standard DVDs with surround sound.
Games Those promised PS3 games with eye-popping effects and realism that take advantage of the system's awesome, purpose-built processing power are starting to hit the market, but the overall catalog still pales in comparison to Xbox. For what it's worth, the PS3 is backwards compatible with nearly all PS2 and PS1 games.
WiFiThe PS3's coveted integrated wireless internet allows access to the system's growing online features and standard web browsing via a plug-and-play USB keyboard and mouse.
Online FeaturesThe PS3’s online gaming network and community is free of charge, but still trailing the Xbox in overall sophistication.
MemoryThe baseline version comes with 20 gigabytes of hard drive memory, while the deluxe comes with 60 gigs.
ControllersWhile not even remotely as dynamic as the Wii controller, PS3's wireless controller has some motion sensor technology, though it has nothing in the way of force feedback (rumble) support. Controller batteries are rechargeable via the system's USB port, but they are not replaceable, so when the battery dies, it takes the controller with it.
BluetoothBluetooth allows for more controller connections (up to seven for one system) as well as keyboard and mouse pairing.
Inputs/Outputs/SlotsThey've covered virtually all the bases here, including USB ports, flash and SD/MMC card readers, Ethernet, HDMI, optical digital audio, proprietary PlayStation A/V outputs and even a replaceable hard drive bay.
Wii
The phrase "fun for the whole family" has never been more apt. The intuitive and appealing Nintendo Wii is the first video game system to put three generations of family members on even playing ground.
ControllerThe "Wiimote," is the shining star of the whole system. The wireless, dynamic, motion-sensor controller is nothing short of ingenious. Used in concert with the sensor bar (normally placed just above or below your TV screen), virtually any movement of the Wiimote (utilized as a golf club, tennis racket, steering wheel, sword, baseball bat and much more) registers on the system. Adjustment to this giddying yet bizarre controller is eased with tactile help from the force-feedback effects (action-fueled rumbles, thumps and even little wiggles when making menu selections) and the tiny speaker emitting sword clangs and bat cracks. An accessory called a "nunchuk" can be plugged into the Wiimote for even wider controller diversity. The Wii only comes with one controller, which won't cut it for games like boxing, tennis or baseball. Extra controllers cost $40 a pop. Also, they take standard AA batteries, which can be a nuisance even with rechargeable batteries.
GamesThe Wii is the only video game system of the three that comes with games included, namely "Wii Sports," which doubles as an undemanding training kit for the all-important Wiimote adjustment period. The current list of Wii-specific games that makes ultimate use of the unique controller is still pretty short, but it is growing. Meanwhile, the Wii is compatible with all GameCube games (and controllers), Nintendo NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis and Turbografix-16 games.
MultimediaWii comes up short here. The system doesn't play audio CDs or DVDs. The exception being Wii's Photo Channel, which allows you to view and edit pictures (loaded through the SD card slot). Although theoretically you can listen to MP3s and watch QuickTime videos, to do so you almost need to be a miracle worker. It should be added that the Wii lacks the HD graphics and the surround sound of the Xbox 360 and PS3, which has been both lauded for its elegant simplicity and condemned for its lack of audio-visual force.
WiFi Set-up is easy and kind of crucial. If you don't have WiFi at home, there's an Ethernet adaptor that plugs into a USB port.
Online ServicesEither way, you want to get your Wii online ASAP. The WiiConnect24 service automatically downloads system updates, additional game content (including old school favs like Super Mario Brothers), weather and news, as well as a feature-rich web browser. You can also send messages to other Wii users online. This service is free (for now).
Inputs/Outputs Apart from the proprietary A/V cable and the sensor bar input the Wii only has two USB ports for future accessories – that's it. There's also an SD card slot for transferring files from another device (e.g. photos).
MemoryAt a mere 512 megabytes, this system is not going to hold a lot of superfluous data, and it really doesn’t have to. The SD card slot allows for modest memory expansion.
How to Choose
In short, these systems are all unique and feature-packed enough to speak for themselves. If you don't know which one you want after reading the above, a visit to a game store to try out some of the flagship games should help cement your decision.
