The 7th generation of games consoles are currently dominating the gaming market, but with each console offering differing services and perks, it can be difficult to choose which you're after. The console giants currently
battling for domination are the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo
Wii. So, how do you find out which one is right for you? Let us do the legwork with a brief description of each.
Xbox 360: Microsoft's Xbox 360 led the charge into next gen territory, showcasing a capacity for amazing graphics and processing. The console also introduced Xbox Live, an online system used for gaming across the world and purchasing additional content for the Xbox. This has since been imitated by both Sony(Playstation Network) and Nintendo(WiiWare, Virtual Console, and Nintendo Wi-fi Connection). However, both the Sony and Nintendo versions of this function are completely free to use and play, whereas Xbox Users have to first upgrade to a Gold membership, and then pay additional subscription fees. Having to pay for functions that the competition offers for free is a serious mark down for the Xbox 360, however superior this function is claimed to be.
This being said, Xbox Live is generally seen to be superior to its counterparts, offering a wider range of online games, and securing downloadable content exclusive for the Xbox.
Wii: Nintendo had grown weary of a world wherein games and systems were consistently judged almost exclusively on graphics performance, and resolved to create a system that favoured gameplay. Thus was
born the Wii, a console that pioneered a new form of interactive gaming.
The Wii brought a whole new ball game to the gaming world, introducing a new style of interactive play that proved hugely popular amongst fans. The console also brought back classics from earlier systems and added the distinctive Wii touch. NES games, Super NES games, Nintendo 64, you name it. There are even a few Sega Master System and Genesis games, like Sonic The Hedgehog. Many of the games are surprisingly cheap, and can be stored onto an SD memory card.
The Wii has gained most popularity through being a 'party console', a great interactive experience that brings together friends and family, introducing gaming to those that might never have previously considered it. At the same time, this notion is also what can bring the Wii down in the eyes of certain gamers, viewing the console as something of a novelty item used for throwaway fun rather than serious gaming.
Playstation 3:
Generally perceived to be the best technological investment amongst the
consoles, the Playstation 3 offers a wealth of functions all built into
one station. The advent of this machine promised much, but Sony's latest suffered a slow start, lacking many famous opening games. However, the big names are beginning to trickle back in, and the Playstation 3 makes up for this with raw power.
Each PS3 contains a built-in Cell Processor at 3.2 Gigahertz. It has the potential to process information at a speed unlike any other console. Not only that, but the PS3's Blu-ray discs can hold up to 50 GB. That means it's game's also have the potential to contain almost four times more information than any other console's discs.
Along with a Blu ray DVD player, the Playstation 3 offers an ideal, all encompasing package in one console. The Playstation Network can also be used to surf the net and play online for free.
Whichever console you decide to go for, you'll be getting an extremely powerful and justifiably popular system. The varying pros and cons of each console are worth considering, but at the end of the day all three next gen consoles are a gamers dream!