Video Game Consoles

This hub page reviews the top 3 video game consoles on the market. These consoles are the Sony Playstation 3, Microsoft XBOX 360, and the Nintendo Wii. Follow each step below to find out which console fits you best.

Step 1: Compare pricing of each console

The first aspect to look at is the cost of each console system. Just click on each console to view the pricing. These prices are the most current prices on the market because they are pulled straight from Amazon.com.

Step 2: Make sure your console has the games your looking for

There are many games on each console and most can be bought to play on either the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or Nintnedo Wii. However, there are several titles that can only be played on certain consoles. Some good examples are below, such as Halo 3 (Xbox 360 only), WiiFit (Nintendo Wii only), and Metal Gear Solid 4 (Playstation 3 only). Make sure you find out what games you are looking to buy before you pick a console.

Step 3: Who are you buying the system or games for?

The games on each system have different ratings similar to movie ratings. A movie rating of R means that it's restricted to adults only. Video Games have similar ratings. The more mature audiences tend to buy more mature games. Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 tend to appeal to the older audiences while Nintendo Wii is marketed to all ages and families. The video game ratings are as follows:

EC - Early Childhood
E - Everyone
T - Teens 13 and up
M - Mature 17 and up
AO - Adults only, not suitable for under 18

Spider-Man 3 is rated T for Teen which means only ages 13 and up. (Playstation 3 System)

Grand Theft Auto IV is rated M for Mature which means only ages 17 and up. (Xbox 360 System)

Mario Party 8 is rated E for Everyone which means anyone can play this game. (Nintendo Wii System)

Step 4: What type of accessories are there for the console?

Accessories can make or break any outfit...the same goes for video game consoles. Accessories include controllers, headsets, and any other products that can accompany a game console to make the playing experience more enjoyable.

Step 5: What are the unique features of each console?

Each video game console has it's own unique features that allow for different types of video game experiences. Here are a couple of the glaring differences between the 3 consoles:

1. Blu-ray Player - Playstation 3 contains the feature that allows you to play Blu-ray movies. Similar blu-ray players cost several hundred dollars. This a large added bonus to buying a Playstation 3. Xbox 360 and Wii do not have this function.

2. Infrared Sensor Controller - Nintendo Wii has a unique feature that the controller actually detects your physical movement and incorporates your movements into the games. For example: If you are playing a tennis game, you will have to swing the controller like a racket to hit a tennis ball on the screen. This unique feature makes Wii great for children, friends, and family. Xbox and Playstation 3 do not have this function.

3. Xbox Live Marketplace - Xbox 360 has a large online community and the ability to download movies, new games, and game supplements. This is also found on the Playstation and Wii consoles but Microsoft has incorporated more functionality to its online marketplace. This allows for a more enjoyable online play of games. Xbox 360 is the best console to play games against your friends without being in the same room as them.

Although the gaming systems have different or unique features. Most of the games for both systems are still very similar. Most of the time, the game creators release versions of their games on xbox, playstation, and wii. However each game may play significantly different on each console. This is primarily due to the controller used. The Xbox and Playstation offer controllers that are more easily used during first person shooter games while the wii controller is obviously used in games that require interaction from the user. I've owned all three systems and each has it's positives and negatives as I stated in the steps above. It's really up to you to make that decision. Price and age of the gamer can play a large roll in the purchase of a video game consoles but one must remember to weigh the options before buying. Below I have listed some of the hottest new games for each console.