Get in the game

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.

A couple of the consoles let you watch high-definition movies: The PlayStation has a built-in Blu-ray player; you can also download standard- and high-def movies via Sony's PlayStation Network video service. Though it doesn't play Blu-ray movies, a recent Xbox Live enables Xbox to stream high-def movies from the Netflix video service, making it the first Netflix-enabled device capable of accessing high-def content.

Our video guide to gaming consoles lays it all out for you. This time of year, start shopping as soon as you've nailed down your choice. The Wii in particular has been hard to find even during non-holiday times. To get the best deals, follow our Black Friday buying advice. And be flexible with your budget— many retailers are selling systems only in bundles, with extra controllers, games, and other accessories.

Speaking of budgets, keep this money-saving tidbit in mind: Leaving your PlayStation 3 running all the time can add about $135 a year to your electric bill, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Xbox 360 can add $103. Because of its simpler graphics, the Wii's energy usage is lower—it’ll add only $10 a year.

The NRDC's study also found that if 50 percent of gamers are leaving their systems turned on 24/7, they're using enough electricity to power the city of San Diego for a year.

So turn that console off when you're done playing, or enable the automatic turn-off feature built into the Xbox and PlayStation.

—Donna Tapellini

Comments

[VIn]

We have the Playstation 3. Tried the XBox 360 and for the same price ($299) got the benefit of the Blue Ray player built in...It's a no brainer since many of the better Blue Ray disk players are about $200....Tons of online content, many of the same games available as the X-Box 360, full HD graphics, awesome digital sound....We don't use Netflix and Sony has never let me down with anything else I've ever bought from them. Keep the unit in a well ventilated area and you shouldn't have any problems. Most of the issues that occur with these high tech systems come from overheating. Keep it cool and you're good to go!

We also have the Wii but for different reasons...family game night for starters and just for a break from the hard core games that we play on the PS3....Everyone can play Wii from the younger ones to the grandparents.

[Jordan]

I Had the Xbox 360 For more than 3 years, if u get red ring of death u just let it cool for 5 - 10 min. I havent had any problems till about my 4th year, i got Error E - 74. the xboxlive is excelent and has better graphics Than PS3. ive never met anyone that had got a scrach on one of my xbox games that it was so bad that it couldnt play, Take it from someone who cares the only reason ppl like the PS3 is bcus 1 or 2 games have good graphics. Go with the Xbox360

[Kevin Brazzell]

I own an XBOX 360, and it is decent. The Xbox Live is horrible though. So much cussing and vulgar language used. Since I have experimented with both systems, i must say that the PS3 is by far better quality, more reliable, and more bang for your buck. Make a long term investment with the PS3. I also own a wii, and i can proudly say that it is by far the best system for collecting dust.
TAKE IT FROM A GAMER and do not buy the Xbox 360. It is cheaper on the short run, but will end up costing you more than a PS3 in 1 years time.

[Dereck Jeeters]

All right. After reading all of these comments, I am left with the impression that the XBOX 360 is not the best console. The only problem with going with reviews alone, is that, people usually only speak up when there is a problem. For all we know, these are isolated cases that have nothing to do with the actual performance of the game console.

I have an XBOX 360 Elite, and I have had a blast with it since I bought it. No problems what-so-ever. I watch netflix daily, and the system is on for more than 7-8 hours a day, every day, going on 2 years now. I am not the exception, but the rule.

If you put your XBOX 360 in a cramped little space in your entertainment center, it will over heat and burn out, a lot like any decent computer. You must keep it well ventilated. At least 6-8 inches around all sides. If you have to put it beside your TV rather than in your entertainment center, then do so. The chiller is also good idea.

Second, it must be in a place where dust and other debris can be avoided. If you have a dusty house, get some compressed air and blow out the vent holes once a week.

Thirdly, avoid static. Placing the XBOX 360 on carpet is not only stupid but game console suicide. The static build up that can occur on carpet will kill any game system or computer if you are not extremely lucky. There are other considerations also, such as house wiring, grounding of your home, etc...

So people, if you are not intelligent enough to care for your equipment, don't go whining because your system broke on you. I cannot understand why people have such a problem taking responsibility for their own actions.

Now I am not saying that the XBOX has not had its share of problems. But they are not as widespread as some people would like you to believe. It never is. The PS3 has had its share of problems also. It goes with the territory.

[HoltonM]

1.Why is Consumer Reports not addressing the fact that the cost of the consoles are always full retail. Never any discounts except with bundles. Same with individual game prices. How are the companies able to act in a way that would be illegal anywhere else?
2.I would never buy something like a gaming console (dvd,tv,etc) where I had to box it up and ship it. Same with computers. I use online retailers for reviews, cost comparisons and items I don't care about getting warranty work on. Though they aren't perfect, retailers like Best Buy with the cheaper extended warranties are much more convenient with a carry in service, plus they have free cleanings. Retailers like Circuit City and Sears, etc have always had much higher warranty costs and are not near as consumer friendly.
3. Someone needs to address the replacement procedure with extended warranties. Very ambiguous terms with a lot of gray area. I don't want my dvd player that I took time to choose because of specs, reliability, etc., replaced with a player of "their" choosing if necessary. Not all players perform the same or have the same reliability even from the same manufacturer. Give me a credit for one I choose.
4. When is Consumer Reports going to start listing the published date at the beginning of the individual ratings. It matters if the rating is a year old. This has been a glaring omission for some time. Anyone tried to contact customer service to voice a concern about an issue? For a consumer organization they are really insulated from contact with their customers.

[Renee Cover]

I'm surprised that comsumer reports has not done more to warn people about the problems with the XBOX 360. I know someone who has had the red ring of death 3 times. There is a reported 50% failure rate within the 1st year. I personally had groves cut into my Rock Band CD by the XBOX 360 I purchased last New Years. After I emailed Microsoft they told me to go to their game replacement site to exchange the disc for a small fee. When I got there the site had a list of games that were Microsoft only that they would replace. Rock Band is not on the list. After calling Microsoft back (and taking 20 minutes to get a live person)they told me that I'd have to contact the Manufacturer of the disc to have it replaced. Are they kidding? I asked the Microsoft rep "Why would the manufacturer of Rock Band want to replace a disc made bad by the XBOX hardware?" I was then placed on hold to "see what he could do" and eventually the call was disconnected. The customer support was deceptive, lenghty and in the end futile. Microsoft has a real dud on it's hand and Comsumer Reports should let people know it before the Christmas buying season begins.

[Egberto Crespo]

I have purchased both consoles. First my son and I have been using the PS3 and recently I acquired the XOX 360 Pro.

The reason for buying the XBOX360 is due to the higher amount of games that are available for teens. But the PS3 is a better video game console. You do not need to buy anything else to get connected wireless to online games and it is free. In addition has an internet feature which is good for having information about available games and related info. I do not want to leave out that the blue ray is of excellent quality.

With the XBOX 360 in order to play online you have to be close to your internet modem or have a long firewire cable or buy the wireless network connector for $99.00 + tax.

For me the PS3 has a better technology and is oriented for a mature audience due to the type of video games available so far.

[Mitch]

Our son was given his XBOX 360 a year and a half ago. 3 months ago, he got the red ring of death. We sent it in for service. They sent us someone elses power cord & hard drive, no system. They changed serial numbers online, then changed it back after I called to question the change. They intercepted the system before delivering it back to us. Over a month later, we received it with a letter stating that it had been tampered with (it hadn't been). I called them, they told us to send it back. We received it 2 weeks later, still no repairs with the same letter stating it had been tampered with. I called again, was given a case number. They called 2 weeks later and stated they couldn't tell us how it had been tampered with, but that they would not fix it. They refused to give us names/contacts to elevate our complaint. So much for a quality product or quality service.

[Lucas]

I own the ps3 since about a year after it came out. the 60gb BTW. i haven't had problems with it since i purchased it. i recently got a 360 and within 2 months i got the red ring of death. Of death people. I've talked to several of my friends who own the xbox and they've told me different things. One has even told me that he had to send his system in 6 times. that's insane. I've even heard that some of the 1st few xbox's came out the box with red rings. the ps3 doesn't even have anything remotely like the red ring. I've never had it freeze or anything like that. Now ill admit that the xbox does have some games i wish were on the ps3 but they aren't worth sending my system in every few months to fix. one of the guys i know even sold his xbox to get a ps3. Think about it. Do you really want a system that has an issue with death in the name?

[Willie Strickland]

I have had my Xbox 360 elite for a year now, with no issues whatsoever! I am a hardcore gamer, plus I am now in Afghanistan and I brought my 360 with me in a duffel bag. Set it up and wala it worked just fine. If you maintain and clean your equipment, (like I do on a weekly basis)it will work just fine. Sony's price in this economy is not worth it, I could buy a blu ray player for much cheaper. If you're an online gamer, Xbox live is the way to go, Playstation online gaming is not well established and poorly administrated.

[Sonya]

I would not recommend purchasing and Xbox 360 console. We are now on our second console and had to send in for repair. It was in perfect cosmetic condition when we returned it. While it was at the service center for a minor repair the faceplate as well as the side plate were damaged and they actually shipped it back to us in that condition. When I called the repair center I was told that we would receive a call back within 48 hours with a resolution. After waiting over a week my husband called back and now they are requesting that we send the console back in again. First.....I would have never allowed the console to be shipped back to a customer with damage caused by my employees. Shouldn't there be some sort of system in place to prevent damaged items from being shipped back to consumers??? So now, not only have we had problems with the console itself but with the customer service as well and I would definitely not recommend purchasing the Xbox to anyone. Buyer beware!

[Cohn12]

Also the energy bills dont apply to these consoles. Nobody leaves thier consoles on 24/7 like they say. Maybe 7 or 8 hours on the weekends but not 24/7.

[Cohn12]

Also a Blue ray player costs 150 to 200 dollars. so your paying 400 dollars for PS3 gaming system that doesnt compare in games to an XBOX 360. while you can get a 360 for 100 dollars less and it has great high- def games

[Cohn12]

Ok, first the reason some of these consoles are failing is because of poor handling. The xbox will overheat causing the red ring of death if not put in a well ventilated spot, and is not placed on carpet or anything like that. The Ps3 is the same way but will usually fail to read the disks. Microsoft will help with the RROD if it is under warranty. Like a person already commented the PS3 will take your money for expensive repairs. If handled properly all of these consoles will work great. The wii is usually not even on the map with gaming because of no Hi-Def or Blue-Ray, but is great for a family who enjoys games with each other. The only problem is that the Wii is not what a "Hardcore Gamer" can play.

Assets: Xbox- Live, Netflix, Games, graphics, hardrive, price.
PS3- Blue ray, high- def, capabilities, Some Games
Wii- Interactive, Family, "Get Up", price
Cons: Xbox- overheat, scratches discs if tipped while playing.
PS3- Disk Reading Failures, PRICE!,
Wii- No High-Def, Not for "Hardcore Gamer"

[neal]

I own the xbox 360 elite system. the games are incredible. Guess what nearly a year of owning it and now i am waiting for xbox to return it because it crashed. Yes i had a problem with it and now if it happens again i am out $600. I am going to make a complaint to the company because i have a gold member ship that can't be played onlne. so my $50 a year is becoming a waste. I hope no one makes the mistake of purchasing the xbox. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!!

[Don]

The Xbox 360 has great games, great graphics, but so far, poor reliability. First console I bought quit working after 6 months, the second one quit after 5 months. First one was sent back, and returned, quit a few weeks later. I bought a new one, it also quit reading discs, and is now in the trash. I give up, after spending almost $900 on consoles, I now have about $800 of games that can't be played.

[Jesse Walker]

I bought a Playstation 3 last year on march 2nd, 2008. And appromimately 12 months later the PS3 started having problems reading the blueray discs and eventually at the beginning of May the Blueray player stopped working all together, but the PS3 would still read music CDs. My brother in-law had the same problem with his PS3 as well as a few other people I spoke to online, so it's not an isolated incident. I play the PS3 regularly but not too much and have not watched any blueray movies other than Spiderman 3 movie that came with the system.

I contacted Playstation and was told it would cost me over $200.00 which is half of the price I paid for the console to have it serviced and after that I would receive a warrantee for an additional 90 days.

I own a WII and I'm more than happy with that console but personally I'm looking at buying an XBOX 360 now instead of getting my PS3 serviced because even though they have some issues with their system, I have had friends who were pleased with the level of service and the free repairs for the problems with the XBOX360 console. Nothing quite like a $400 paperweight, thanks Playstation!

[bry910]

I own all three of the consoles and enjoy all three of them, but my favorite one is the PS3. It has built in wireless (so does the WII), has a huge selection of movies, television, amine, and games. Some of the PS3 only games I have enjoyed is Metal Gear Solid 4, Little Big Planet, Uncharted, and Heavenly Sword. It has a clean interface (easy to use), a backup and restore utility (with any USB hard drive), and it is easy to replace the hard drive with any size SATA notebook (2.5) hard drive, and the PlayStation Network (for online gaming) is a free service (Xbox Live is $50 a year). I have two LCD TV's one is for games (32") and the other is in the living room (42"); I do not have Ethernet running to the living room so the PS3 works great because of the built in wireless. My wife and me have rented several movies and I have bought some television shows.

As far as the Xbox 360 it has some great games, only for 360 (like Halo 3, Gears Of War 1 and 2). I have also notice that some games like fallout 3 has been released on both consoles but they have only, so far, released add on content for the 360. The Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network have almost the same movie, and television content. The Netflix movies that can be stream are not the same new releases that you could just rent from mail, but I have to say I have not checked it out sense it was fist introduced. I work with 1 other person who also owns a 360 and out of our 2 his had to be sent off for repairs. I'm not into avatars and online community too much so I cannot say too much about that.

I have enjoyed all three of the consoles and am happy to have bought them, but for the reasons I have put on there the PS3 is my favorite.

[J.H]

I don't understand why consumer reports doesn't recommend the Xbox360 arcade. Yes... if you purchase this system and the peripherals separately, it will run you more than if you purchase the others, but what they failed to mention is the processors that differ from the Elite/Pro opposed to the Arcade are very different!

The Elite/Pro systems are equipped with lesser reliable "Falcon" processors that are susceptible to the the RROD failure (Red Ring of Death) the only difference the Falcon has from the older 360 processors, the "Xenon" was that they added glue to prevent the processor from collapsing if the solder balls melted due to high system temperatures.

However, the Xbox 360 Arcade systems are equipped with the newer "Jasper" processors. According to technical gurus I know personally, many famous online forums, and my own experience, the Arcade system uses a smaller power supply because the Jasper doesn't run as hot/require as much energy as the older processors, ultimately resulting in lower operating temperatures and an extremely reliable console.

So keep that in mind when purchasing an Xbox 360. Would you prefer to buy an unreliable bundle? Or purchasing separately and end up with a more reliable, cooler running system?

[dad loves the wii]

The wii doesn't really need a plug here, but I'll give it one anyway. It is outselling the other systems for a reason. It is fresh, original, fun. It has the most unique games of any console. It is the game box for the masses. The average/normal person can enjoy the Wii. The Xbox and PS3 are for the "hard core" players. The Wii is for everyone else. We sure are having fun with the whole family. Mario Kart, Wii Fit, Rock Band, Paper Mario, we have a large variety of fun games to play.

[Anthony]

Although I agree that the PS3 sounds nice with the Blue Ray, for me the real deal breaker was the Netflix playing capability. We went out and got the Xbox360(60GB Pro) for $225. Now we got a DVD player, a Netflix streaming device, a media center and a video game player all in one. Would I like to get a PS3 as well? Sure, but between the two the Xbox made the most sense for me at the time.

[Jason Merrell]

Not only does the PS3 have a built-in Blu-Ray player, but it has an EXCELLENT one.

Everything else being near equal, it smashes the competition in loading times.

Can't believe it's not listed in CR's Blu-Ray player ratings. It's cheaper than most of the ones in your list!

[Dave johansen]

Considering that you can pick up a hard drive for an Arcade System for $20 ( http://www.xboxstorageupgrade.com/hh/web/home/hhauthentication.jsp?ssLocale=en_US ), I wouldn't say that it's not a good option.