Finding the right game console for the right game player

Choosing a game console partly depends on who will be playing and what type of games you think you'll want to play. The Nintendo Wii is popular for its family friendly titles and numerous fitness offerings, while the Xbox 360 has an extensive collection of games for serious gamers. The Xbox also gets rave reviews for its online gaming portal, Xbox Live. Online gaming isn't as hot with the Sony PlayStation 3, but reviewers are impressed with its ever-expanding game library (including many must-have exclusives) and excellent Blu-ray Disc player. Here are the major considerations when shopping for a video game console:

  • Consider the games. Before you buy, visit the manufacturer's website to get a sense of what games are available for that console. Each manufacturer lists compatible games on its website.
  • Who will be playing? For younger kids, the Wii gets the best reviews with its family friendly games. For teens and adults, especially those interested in realistic graphics and action, the Xbox 360 and PS3 are the better choices.
  • Try out the controller. If you can, play around with a console's controller at the store before you buy. In reviews, users frequently complain that a particular controller style is uncomfortable or the buttons are too small for their fingers.
  • Are you interested in extras like online gaming or playing movies? The Xbox and PS3 both play DVDs and CDs, but the PS3 can also play Blu-ray Discs. Both offer online gaming, but experts say the Xbox 360 does a better job in this regard. The Wii does have Internet connectivity and is less expensive, but it can't play DVDs. All three consoles offer Netflix streaming, but you'll need a subscription. The PS3 and Xbox 360 offer additional streaming options as well, including Hulu Plus.
  • Consider capacity. If you're not that interested in online gaming, you can probably get by with less storage in your game console. Both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 come in multiple capacities. However, the 4GB Xbox 360 Slim uses flash memory in place of a hard drive, which has caused compatibility issues with some titles.
  • Backward compatibility matters. Keep in mind that new consoles aren't guaranteed to play older games. Sony has dropped backward compatibility with PS2 games on all versions of the PlayStation 3. This is just one example; make sure the console you're buying works with the games you already own.
  • Figure accessories into the total cost. Although prices have dropped for some major video game consoles, be sure to include optional accessories in your budget. Accessories like HDMI cables, headsets or additional game controllers can drive your total cost higher.
  • Is motion control a must? All three of the major consoles have motion-sensing technology, though with the obvious exception of the Wii, compatible titles are limited. Keep in mind that these systems often require a good deal of space (like a large living room or game room) to work effectively.

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