Best video-game consoles: Wii, Xbox, or PlayStation?

There are big differences among the top-three video-game consoles: Wii, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3. But those differences actually make it easier to choose which is best for you.

Grab the Wii if you're looking to get off the couch and play games with the family; the Xbox 360 if you're a hard-core gamer; and the PlayStation 3 if multimedia and movie-watching are as high a priority as popping in a game.

Your preference in games could also come into play, since some consoles are better known for particular games than others.

How much you’re willing to spend might also sway you. The Wii, from Nintendo, costs the least at $250. Microsoft's Xbox consoles range from $300 to $400 (we don't recommend the stripped-down Xbox Arcade). And the Sony PlayStation 3 costs the most, from $400 to $500.

See the rest of this post on our Electronics blog. And see money-saving toy tips for related information.

Comments

[Steve Miller]

I have a PS3, an XBOX360, and a Wii. While my favorite system is the XBOX, I would strongly recommend against buying one. The XBOX has been beseiged by hardware problems. In just over one year, I have lost two XBOX systems, while I have never had any problems with the Wii or PS3. In fact I still have the original Nintendo system, the Nintendo Game Cube, PS1, and PS2 and they ALL STILL WORK FINE. The XBOX System is junk and the Microsoft support system is dysfunctional. The extended warranty on protects the XBOX for certain faults (so you still may have to pay for repairs).

[dustin]

i got one for free at http://www.xbox3604free.com/default.aspx?r=1402860 click on link for free xbox!

[Dave]

wii - excersize

ps3 - movies

360 - GAMES

[Jlonghi]

How about an unbiased opinion rather than people whos obvious preferences shine though on their review?

Xbox: Amazing graphics, wonderful online play, exclusive games (like halo) that are amazing to just watch. Price is fair for what you get & you cany beat that! Gaming is simple once you harness the controller, even for kids. This console offers plenty of games ranging from Everyone to Mature.

Wii: The graphics may lack compared to the other consoles, but the wii IS original, fun & has amazing abilities. The game setups make up for the less intense graphics & the ability to play online & download almost any old nintendo games like mario 3 & ...well, i could go on. For 250$, thats a best buy in my opinion. One downside, which is pretty much outed, is the Nintendo flaw in making every system a new controllr & new game cartridge. You have to re-learn everything but as i said, that is outed because, well, the Wii is so new & original & with the abilities it has, its worthwhile & easy to forget that Nintendo does this.

PS3: youre paying 400$ for WHAT?? Well, when you consider any cheap blu ray player to be about 250$, you're getting a great deal since this has that included. The games they offer are just as amazing as xbox when it comes to being exclusive & the online community is superb & comparable to xbox. The other nice things is, buying a PS3 will not disregard some... some older games. It still holds up PS2 titles as well as some original PS titles. If it doesnt, youre likely to be able to purchase the titles on the PS3 online store in a completely revamped edit that puts the old games into 1080p HD quality graphics without losing any nostalgia. The other nice factor? Youve had 2 previous generations of gaming to get used to the controller.

[Aaron W]

Wii, Hardcore? Not by far. Nintendo has put all of their focus on the casual gamer ever since the Wii launched. The online is heavily lacking. Great for your 7 year old, it keeps them from hearing the profanity and hate of the Xbox live and PS3 Community. The Wii has an online internet browser with wireless capabilities, no need for messy wires or spending extra money on adapters. As for Wii's graphics, last generation is the word you're looking for, poor graphics for this gen consoles. Xbox is clearly the leader in software titles and online fun and well PS3.....Well it has a blu Ray player.

[ComboKing]

Actually the Wii is a good system for Hardcore gamers too. It has games that have tournaments i.e. Super smash bros. brawl. The wii is also good for First person shootewrs in the sense that the wii zapper is good and makes the games more interesting. Also some hardcore gamers like to hack and the wii is an easy system to hack unless nintendo finds out also the Wii's online game play is amazing. If you want to see how good the Wii's graphics can be rent The Tegend of Zelda Twilight Princess. If the graphics on the wii are not good enough get an HDMI cable and plug it in. Then go into the options and turn it from HDTV or what ever to EDTV. This makes the Wii run at 480p instead of 480i.

[Jay]

Best two combo consoles to have? A Nintendo Wii and an X-Box 360. They compliment each other perfectly, and the price of both combined is pretty good considering how much the PS3 costs.