Video Game Consoles: Reviews

Updated October 2011

Video game consoles aren't just playing games anymore. All let you enjoy some or lots of media from the Internet, and some playback DVDs -- and even Blu-ray Discs -- as well as the best stand-alone players. ConsumerSearch reports on the best choices for kids and families, as well as for serious players who rarely kid around when it comes to games. Recommendations are based on expert reviews and feedback from game players of all ages.

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Best video game console

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim (160 GB)

*Est. $250 Compare Prices

Although it faces some tough competition from the Microsoft Xbox 360 Slim, reviewers say the PlayStation 3 Slim remains the gaming console to beat. The PS3 is a great value, thanks largely to its excellent Blu-ray Disc… expandplayer -- a feature that continues to set it apart from other consoles. Graphics are realistic, and games and movies look great on an HDTV. Sony also receives high marks for its Move motion controller (*Est. $50), which reviewers say is more accurate than the Wii remote. However, serious gamers may be disappointed in PlayStation's online gaming portal. A massive and well-documented security breach in April 2011 has not instilled confidence. The Sony PS3 Slim is available in 160 GB and 320 GB capacities, though the latter is only offered as part of a bundle (*Est. $300 and up) with popular games or accessories, such as the Move controller. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: David Carnoy at CNET gives the PlayStation 3 Slim an excellent overall rating.

PCMag.com: Thanks to a lower price and larger hard drive, Zach Honig at PCMag.com says the PlayStation 3 is "more desirable than ever." The Blu-ray player and compact design are high points, and Honig calls it an "incredible gaming device." In a separate review, the Sony Move controller receives an excellent rating and earns an Honorable Mention in PCMag.com's Best of the Year 2010 awards.

PC World: The PlayStation 3 Slim scores a superior rating from Matt Peckham at PC World.

TrustedReviews.com: Stuart Andrews at Britain's TrustedReviews.com takes a detailed look at the PS3 Slim.

Audio/Video Revolution: In this detailed review, Thomas Spurlin at Audio/Video Revolution looks at the multimedia performance of the PS3 Slim, although he also discusses gaming.

Wired: Bryan Gardiner at Wired says the PlayStation 3 Slim "runs circles around" the Xbox 360 Elite when it comes to hardware, but it still lags behind the Xbox when it comes to its game collection.

TechRadar.com: James Rivington of TechRadar.com, a U.K.-based site, says he thinks the Sony PS3 Slim is the start of a "new age for Sony's gaming arm." The console gets high marks for powerful game performance and excellent video quality.

Engadget.com: This is another report that focuses on the PlayStation 3's performance as a Blu-ray player.

T3.com: This update of an earlier review address firmware upgrades, such as 3D support for Blu-ray and gaming.

Amazon.com: More than 380 user-written reviews team up to give the PlayStation 3 Slim an overall 4.4 star rating at Amazon.com.

BestBuy.com: Nearly 30 reviewers at BestBuy.com give the PS3 Slim an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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Buy from
Amazon

for $246.99

Best game console for online gaming

Microsoft Xbox 360 Slim (250 GB)

*Est. $300 Compare Prices

The Xbox 360 Slim has made some serious improvements over previous Xbox consoles, reviews say. The console now includes built-in Wi-Fi, and it has a larger fan and redesigned vent system to prevent overheating and the… expanddreaded "red ring of death" error of years' past. For serious gamers, the biggest benefit to the Xbox 360 remains its top-notch game library and online gaming experience. Xbox Live (*Est. $50 per year) requires a subscription, but reviewers say it's easily the best online gaming portal. More video streaming options -- including the ability for some cable TV subscribers to view programming over the Xbox 360 -- are expected to be added by the end of 2011. The Xbox 360 Slim can't play Blu-ray Discs, however. The Xbox's Kinect motion-control technology uses a sensor to track body motions (rather than a controller), but reports say that it has some limitations. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: CNET gives the Xbox 360 Slim an excellent rating.

PCMag.com: The Xbox 360 Slim earns a very good rating from PCMag.com, and Jeffrey Wilson calls it "the best Xbox 360 yet." Although he gives it a positive review, Wilson says the PlayStation 3 remains his Editors' Choice winner.

TrustedReviews.com: The Xbox 360 Slim earns a Recommended label from Britain's TrustedReviews.com.

DigitalTrends.com: The Xbox 360 Slim receives an 8 out of 10 rating from DigitalTrends.com.

Engadget.com: Engadget.com says the Xbox 360 Slim is more stylish and energy-efficient than previous versions, but Sean Hollister says he doesn't think it is worth an upgrade for current users.

Wired: Wired gives the Xbox 360 Slim an overall rating of 8 out of 10.

T3.com: Hannah Bouckley says the Xbox 360 Slim is "the best Xbox ever." Although she notes several significant improvements, Bouckley says the Xbox still falls behind on multimedia features.

Bit-tech.net: Bit-Tech.net doesn't rate the Xbox 360 Slim, but Joe Martin has a lengthy, multipage review at this British site.

Amazon.com: More than 400 people review the Xbox 360 Slim at Amazon.com, giving the console and its various bundles an overall rating of 4.3 stars.

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Buy from Amazon for $420.00
eBay for $298.60	HP Direct for $298.99	P.C. Richard & Son for $299.96

Best game console for kids and families

Nintendo Wii

*Est. $150 Compare Prices

Critics agree the Nintendo Wii is the best game console for kids and families. Nintendo chooses not to compete with Xbox 360 or PS3 when it comes to realistic graphics, and experts agree that hardcore gamers will be… expanddisappointed in the Wii. Still, most owners give the Nintendo Wii very high marks, praising the extensive game collection and easy-to-use accessories. Netflix compatibility is another plus. Unlike the PS3 or Xbox 360, however, the Wii can't play CDs or DVDs. Owners say the system is addictive and fun to use, but the Wii's motion-control technology is no longer the unique selling point it once was. Although the MotionPlus technology helps, reviewers say the PlayStation 3 Move controller is more accurate. The Nintendo Wii comes bundled with a Wii Remote Plus controller (which includes MotionPlus), a collection of accessories (including the Wii Wheel) and the Mario Kart game. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: CNET has an extensive editorial review of the Nintendo Wii.

PCMag.com: Although the Nintendo Wii loses out on the Readers' Choice award to the PlayStation 3, it does earn an honorable mention.

PCMag.com: Kyle Monson at PCMag.com has a detailed look at the Nintendo Wii, although this review is a bit dated.

Arstechnica.com: ArsTechnica.com has the longest and most detailed review of the Nintendo Wii.

PC World: PC World has a good basic editorial review of the Nintendo Wii, plus a few short user reviews.

Amazon.com: More than 60 reviews combine to give the Nintendo Wii bundle a 4.4-star overall rating.

BestBuy.com: The Nintendo Wii bundle gets better ratings at BestBuy.com, though after quite a bit less feedback.

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