A Guide to Game Consoles

If you think video game consoles are just for the young, it's time to take a second look. The new generation of consoles has extended functionality and gameplay to the point where sales now rival those of Hollywood blockbusters, as evidenced by Grand Theft Auto 4's recent $400 million debut.

Owning this shiny technology can put a dent in your wallet, so it's helpful to know the strengths and weaknesses of the consoles available to make the best choice for you.

Sony PlayStation 3: Multimedia Powerhouse
Although it commands the highest price tag of the current game consoles, the built-in multimedia functionality of Sony's PlayStation 3 game console makes it a worthwhile addition to your home entertainment system. It plays most of the same games as the Xbox 360, including perennial favorites like Madden and Grand Theft Auto, and offers online gaming and wireless Internet connectivity out of the box.

What sets the PS3 apart is its integrated Blu-ray player, allowing the system to do double-duty as a source of high-definition DVD movies. Although the PS3 isn't quite as fast or feature-rich as standalone Blu-ray players, it has one of the lowest price tags and its built-in hard drive and wireless capabilities make it one of the simplest choices for downloading additional movie content and getting Blu-ray firmware updates.

The PS3 has better graphics than most cross-platform games that are also available on the Xbox 360. With a built-in hard drive, there's plenty of space to store game data, and you can upgrade the hard drive to a larger size. Sony is also in the early stages of developing a DVR peripheral for the PS3 that will allow it to record your favorite television programs.

In short, if multimedia is your thing, the PS3 is the hands-down winner.

Nintendo Wii Game Console: Thinking Outside the Box
No video game console has drawn a wider base of support than the Nintendo Wii. Although it can't produce the same level of graphics as the PS3 and Xbox 360, the Wii triumphs with innovative, motion-based controls and a library of games that are simple to learn and fun to play in groups.

The lower price tag of the Wii is attractive, but by the time you add the cost of additional controllers needed for multiplayer games, the cost comes about even with an Xbox 360. Those controllers are what sets the Wii apart; using infrared sensors and tilt-sensitive internal triggers, the Wii translates hand and body motion into on-screen action. For bowling games, you'll need a good bowling motion. For baseball games, timing and a proper swing are key. Wii's latest craze, Wii Fit, includes a pressure-sensitive controller that you stand on, known as the Balance Board, and allows you to get a daily workout including yoga and cardio exercise.

The Wii has a built-in wireless connection, but online gaming isn't as advanced as on the PS3 or Xbox 360. For most games, you'll need Friend Codes to play online. These are unique addresses assigned to each Wii, and finding and remembering them can be a bit of a chore. Some games, like Mario Kart, have a dedicated Wii Channel that lets you play without Friend Codes, but you won't be able to choose who you play with. Despite these obstacles, the Wii is great fun for the entire family, with quick pick-up-and-play games that anyone can enjoy.

In short, if you're looking for fun and simple games to enjoy with family and friends, the Wii is the ideal choice.

Microsoft Xbox 360: Hardcore Action Gaming
The oldest of the current generation of game consoles, Microsoft's Xbox 360 boasts the largest library of games and a variety of hardware configurations at various price points. The least-expensive option, the Xbox Arcade, lacks a hard drive, so it's not backwards-compatible with older Xbox games and some game features. To get the most out of the system, you'll want a hard drive. A 20GB drive is included with the Xbox 360 Pro, and a 120GB drive comes with the Xbox 360 Elite. You can upgrade the hard drive later or purchase one separately if you own an Xbox Arcade.

Graphically, the Xbox 360 compares favorably with the PS3, and it's a true high-definition gaming system supporting 720p video playback. The hard drive can also be used to download TV and movie rentals from the Xbox Live service, but since the system lacks a Blu-ray player, it's not a DVD multimedia solution like the PS3.

Online gaming is the greatest strength of the Xbox 360. By signing up for an Xbox Live Gold membership ($49.99 annually), you'll have unlimited time to challenge others online. Online gaming for the PS3 is free, but Microsoft's network offers better reliability and more features, including live voice chat with opponents. It's also the only game console system that allows you to engage in Halo3 first-person-shooter battles.

In short, if you want to prove your gaming skills online, you want an Xbox 360.

Do You Need it Now?
One of the great truths of game consoles is that prices drop over time. There are rumors of price cuts for all three consoles before the end of 2008, and the prices for the games themselves usually drop within a year of release.

This current generation of game consoles is the most expensive yet, with new games running from $49 to $69 and games with included controllers selling for $89 or more. Keep in mind that prices will, over time, become more reasonable, so there's no reason to run out and buy everything today. Choose the system that has the largest library of games that you want to play now, and wait for price drops to make ownership of a second-or third-system affordable.