Video Game Consoles Reviews

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Video Game Consoles Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Video Game Consoles Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. CNet.com	Game Consoles Editors of CNet.com As of Nov. 2007		CNet.com has reviewed all of the major video game consoles and handheld game systems. In his review of the Xbox 360 Elite, CNet.com's John P. Falcon writes that the system fails to correct most of the annoyances of the original Xbox 360. Compared to the PS3, the upgraded Xbox 360 Elite is less feature-packed. However, its combination of top-notch gaming and digital media features make it the current console of choice. As for the new PSP 2000, Falcone compares it to original PSP and the Nintendo DS systems, concluding that despite remaining annoyances, it is the best handheld system to date.
2. PC Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Game Systems Editors of PC Magazine As of Nov. 2007		Like CNet.com, PC Magazine covers video game consoles and handheld gaming systems as they come to market in nicely detailed single product reviews as well as occasional multi-system roundups. Among the most recent reports, Brian K. Neal compares the PSP 2000 to the former version. Neal details the system’s improvements and its unresolved problem areas. He concludes that the new "enhanced" PSP is a must-buy for gamers who currently do not own a PSP system. He also compares the Xbox 360 Elite to both the PS3 and the Wii and says that it is a compelling choice for buyers who don’t already own a 360.

Video Game Consoles Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Video Game Consoles Ratings Comments on Reviews

3. Arstechnica.com	Game Console Reviews Ben Kuchera As of Nov. 2007		Though you have to wade through reviews of a host of other products to find them, looking for Ben Kuchera's video game console reviews are worth the effort. Each report is technically sophisticated, very complete and highly critical. In addition, unlike most reviewers, Kuchera occasionally revisits video game consoles covered earlier to see how time and new competition has changed his impressions of both performance and value. For example, Kuchera's re-evaluation of the Wii a few months after it was released finds it to be as engaging as when it first came out. An updated review of the PlayStation 3 notes a few minor improvements and still-bothersome glitches, but leaves Kuchera more positive overall about the system's prospects. In the most recent review, Kuchera compares the Xbox 360 Elite to the older model as well as to the PS3, concluding that the Xbox 360 Elite is a good buy if you are in the market for a 360, but current owners needn't upgrade.
4. Arstechnica.com	Handheld Gaming System Reviews Ben Kuchera As of Nov. 2007		Ben Kuchera's reviews and ratings of handheld gaming systems are as worthwhile as those of gaming consoles. Comparing the PSP 2000 to the original PSP, he writes, "New customers won’t feel ripped off, but PSP owners will be left to think how much more the system could have improved." Battery life seems a little worse. Load times have improved on most games but only slightly. In an older review, Kuchera wonders whether the Nintendo DS Lite merits upgrading from the DS. He concludes the answer is a resounding yes. The brighter screen, sleeker design, better viewing angles and longer battery life really do add up to a vastly improved user experience, even though basic functionality remains unchanged.

Video Game Consoles Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Video Game Consoles Ratings Comments on Reviews

5. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	First Looks: Sony PlayStation3 and Nintendo Wii Editors of Consumer Reports Dec. 2006		Though Consumer Reports does not cover video game consoles in great detail, it does offer this head-to-head comparison of the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, which was written shortly after the two systems debuted. Both systems are discussed in far more detail than is the norm for Consumer Reports, and though you won't find the magazine's traditional ratings, a clear opinion about which is best is delivered.
6. The Wall Street Journal >> Details/Subscribe	Videogame Nirvana: PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 in One Living Room Nick Wingfield Nov. 16, 2006		Tech writer Nick Wingfield enlists the help of family and neighbors to play with the PS3 and Wii, along with older Xbox 360 and PS2 systems. Wingfield and company played games only, and did not try online gaming or HD movie playback. The focus was on "simply having fun." Graphics on the PS3 and Xbox 360 are equally impressive -- both are far better than the older PS2 and original Xbox systems. Wingfield preferred Gears of War for Xbox 360 over the similar Resistance: Fall of Man for PS3. The Nintendo Wii is all about the new controller rather than graphics. The controller takes a little getting used to, but is ultimately a lot of fun, and the Wii is less expensive than the PS3.
7. Digital Trends.com	Game Console reviews Editors of DigitalTrends.com As of Nov. 2007		Scott Steinberg's ethereal review for the PS3 has more of the feel of an editorial essay than a review, and his commentary doesn't stray far from what other analysts say -- that the PS3 is about the future, not about the present. Steinberg also says that the Nintendo Wii is "just the sort of eye-opening kick in the pants the biz has been desperately in need of for, oh, roughly the last half-decade or so." While the Xbox and PS3 have more extras and graphical realism, the Wii is just fun to play. The Nintendo DS Lite and Game Boy Micro get equally good ratings. In comparing the Xbox 360 Elite system to the older model and the PS3, Ian Bells says the upgrade is only worth purchasing if you can take advantage of its features and if you don’t already have a 360. He concludes that integrating an HD DVD player and Wi-Fi would have made the system truly "elite."
8. PC World >> Details/Subscribe	Gaming Consoles Editors of PC World As of Nov. 2007		Though PC World tries hard, its gaming console coverage lacks the polish or completeness of better reviewers. While it has two separate reports on the Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite, both written and posted months ago, its rating for the console is listed as pending. Some improvements, such as "dramatically improved integration of the optional Xbox 360 HD DVD Player" and an HDMI 1.2 output are noted, but reviewer Melissa J. Perenson says that the Xbox 360 Elite is not a must-have upgrade for every gamer. In an older review of the Sony PlayStation 3, Danny Allen says that while expensive, the console is a great bargain as combination video game console and Blu-ray disc player. However a promised follow up article on the online gaming experience appears to never have been written. In another review, Allen says that the Nintendo Wii is addictive and fun -- but better for a family or group of friends than for solo games.
9. Ultimate AV Magazine	PlayStation3 Blu-ray Disc Player Shane C. Buettner Dec. 2006		While most reviewers concentrate their attention on how well the Sony PlayStation 3 performs as a video game console, Shane C. Buettner reports on how well the system works as a Blu-ray disc player. The answer is very well. "The PS3 unequivocally earns its keep as a BD player for a home theater environment," Buettner writes. Picture quality is comparable to the best players available, and stability and performance are unmatched. Buettner admits he is not a gamer, and is not qualified to comment on the PS3's gaming performance, but is impressed by the little he looked at. "From the outside, these games were simply amazing to behold, especially for someone who grew up in the Pong era!" he writes.
10. Time magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Sony PlayStation 3 vs. Microsoft Xbox 360 with HD DVD Player Wilson Rothman Nov. 20, 2006		This review focuses on the non-gaming capabilities of the PS3 and Xbox 360 (with add-on DVD player accessory). Wilson Rothman says that both are great with high-def movies, but the Xbox handles music much better. It can stream music from your network, and can play tunes from an iPod (but not songs purchased from the iTunes store) or Zune. The PS3 has some excellent photo features, but it's not great with music.
11. About.com	Review: The Nintendo Wii Aaron Stanton Not Dated		Aaron Stanton, About.com's guide to Nintendo games, weighs in with his impressions of the Wii. He notes that he's never seen as much hype as the Wii enjoyed. His hands-on evaluation reveals some shortcomings, but adds that those are outweighed by positives that make the Wii a solid game system. He doesn't compare the Wii to any other systems, however.
12. Digit Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Review: Sony's PlayStation 3 Martyn Williams Nov. 13, 2006		Because most reviews of the Sony PlayStation 3 were written when the console first debuted -- and before online gaming had been activated in the U.S. -- few address that capability. However, Martyn Williams is based in Japan, where that feature was activated earlier. He comments that he played an online game with four other people, and that everything worked smoothly. You can IM other players, and PS3 will translate your message to the recipient's chosen language. Like others, Williams knocks Sony for failing to include an HDMI cable.
13. Next Generation	Wii: The Review Joe Keiser Nov. 21, 2006		This single-product review for the Nintendo Wii is mainly positive. Reviewer Joe Keiser says the system is a lot of fun, and at times silly. Virtual Console lets you play legacy games, and the Wii channel lets you customize your avatar. The whole system is easy to use, intuitive and a good value. However, the Wii isn't rated or compared to other systems.
14. The New York Times >> Details/Subscribe	A Weekend Full of Quality Time with PlayStation 3 Seth Shiesel Nov. 20, 2006		In this rather stark evaluation of the Sony PlayStation3, Seth Shiesel pulls no punches: "Measured in megaflops, gigabytes and other technical benchmarks, the PlayStation 3 is certainly the world’s most powerful game console. It falls far short, however, of providing the world’s most engaging overall entertainment experience." Shiesel goes on to compare the PS3 with the more mature and easier to use Xbox 360. Online functionality is especially deficient in the PS3, according to Shiesel.
15. G4tv.com	Sony PSP vs. Nintendo DS Shane Satterfield Mar. 18, 2005		In this older article, Shane Satterfield outlines the pros and cons of each handheld system; the author clearly prefers the Sony PSP based on its superior technology. Satterfield notes that it is expensive for a handheld. He criticizes the technology of the Nintendo DS and believes that "Nintendo rushed this system out to get a head start on the PSP." No other handheld systems are rated, and these systems have now been updated.

Video Game Consoles Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Video Game Consoles Ratings Comments on Reviews

16. Pocketnow.com	Short Take: Nintendo Game Boy Micro Tim Adams Oct. 3, 2005		In this older review, Pocketnow's senior editor recommends the Nintendo Game Boy Micro. One drawback is that the Micro is only compatible with Game Boy Advance titles. Tim Adams gives the Game Boy Micro a good rating overall. It's a good upgrade for those with outdated Game Boy systems or for those making a first-time purchase.
17. Slate.com >> Details/Subscribe	Wii Is the Champion Chris Suellentrop Nov. 20, 2006		Slate.com publishes two opposing articles on the Wii, ultimately leaving readers more confused than informed. Chris Suellentrop comes down solidly on the positive side. Suellentrop is completely enthralled by the motion-sensitive remote, especially for sports games. Tennis feels like playing tennis, even though graphics are cartoonish. The remote doesn't work well for all games, and Suellentrop surmises that Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will be better for first-person epic and action games.
18. Slate.com >> Details/Subscribe	Nintendon't Eric Sofge Nov. 20, 2006		In the companion counterpoint to the article above, self-confessed hardcore gamer Eric Sofge is totally disappointed in the Wii: "The ugly truth is that the Wii's already-legendary motion-detection system doesn't work very well." Sofge says the remote is very imprecise -- crosshairs are always off, for example. Sports games are far too easy, since the remote doesn't require any finesse or skill from the user. A mere approximation results in a home run, for example.
19. Slate.com >> Details/Subscribe	Is the PlayStation 3 Any Good? Chris Suellentrop Nov. 6, 2006		This article is the culmination of about two hours of casual testing at a press event. Suellentrop isn't totally sold on the PS3, but says it's worth upgrading your old box, and some of its games foretold the future of gaming -- namely motion detection. The PS3 isn't really compared in a formal way.

Video Game Consoles Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Video Game Consoles Ratings Comments on Reviews

20. Amazon.com	Game Hardware Contributors to Amazon.com As of Nov. 2007		Amazon.com lets users post reviews and ratings of game consoles and handheld gaming systems that they own. Like all user-review sites, the quality of the individual reviews can vary quite a bit, but most systems have been available long enough -- and are popular enough -- to have accumulated lots and lots of feedback, making it easy to spot overall trends. A great new feature is a screen spotlighting the most helpful (as rated by other users) favorable review vs. the most helpful critical review.
21. CircuitCity.com	Video Gaming Contributors to CircuitCity.com As of Nov. 2007		The Circuit City website allows readers to review and rate products. While the reviews are frequently shorter, thus somewhat less helpful, Circuit City does have one advantage over Amazon.com: Most video game consoles and handheld gaming systems have more feedback.