Xbox 360 vs. PS3 vs. Nintendo Wii

The current generation of home video game consoles (as of October 2008), consist of there main consoles. These consoles are the Xbox 360, the Playstation 3 and the Nintendo WII. Each console has its own set of unique features and selling points. Deciding on which current generation console to buy can be a tough choice to make but after reading this guide, the differences and similarities between each set of consoles should be made clearer.

What you should know about the Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 console is a current generation gaming console that is capable of displaying its games in full 1080p high definition resolutions (a supported TV is required of course). There are currently four different versions of the Xbox 360 console, with the cheapest version (the Xbox 360 Arcade) offering 256MB of storage and the most expensive version (the Xbox 360 Elite) offering 120GB of storage.

The games on offer are similar to the Playstation 3s games. However, each console does have its own set of console specific games (for example the popular Halo 3 is an Xbox 360 exclusive title). There is very little difference, between the Graphics of similar games on each console. Therefore this is virtually a non-issue when deciding on which console to buy.

As far as downloadable content goes, the Xbox 360 does offer users its Xbox Live service where users can download classic games, video clips, etc. However a monthly fee has to be paid in order to use this service. One major negative thing about the Xbox 360 console is the fact that it does not offer support for the next generation disk format (which is Blu-ray after successfully winning the format war between itself and the HD-DVD format).

Why you would want to buy this console: If you want to experience the latest games in high definition resolutions and at an affordable price, then the Xbox 360 is a great choice console choice.

Why you would not want to buy this console: The Xbox 360 offers no support for Blu-ray which is now the standard format for HD movies. Also, if you enjoy playing games online, then you need to subscribe to the Xbox live service which can end up costing you a lot in the long run.

What you should know about the Playstation 3

Just like the Xbox 360, the PS3 is a current generation console that offers support for full 1080p HD graphics. There are currently two different versions of the PS3 console, a 40GB model and an 80GB model (accurate as of October 2008). Again, many of the Playstation 3 titles are on offer on the Xbox 360 console and the games are virtually identical.

As far as online content goes, the PS3 offers its users with the Playstation Network (PSN). The Playstation Network allows users to download small games, video clips and even demos of upcoming games. The great thing about the Playstation Network when compared the Xbox live service, is the fact that the Playstation Network is accessible for no cost at all. Users are only charged for particular purchases. However a lot of content is available for free.

Finally, a major selling point for the PS3 is the fact that it fully supports Blu-ray so that you can watch HD movies without needing to buy a separate Blu-ray player.

Why you would want to buy this console: Again, if you want to play the latest generation of HD games, then you should consider purchasing a PS3 console. Although the PS3 console costs more than an Xbox 360 console, the fact that it doubles up as Blu-ray player negates this extra cost.

Why you would not want to buy this console: The price, even the 40GB model is fairly expensive. However, if you can afford a PS3 console, then it is well worth the money, due to the fact it is also a Blu-ray player.

What you should know about the Nintendo Wii

Unlike the PS3 and the Xbox 360 console, the Nintendo Wii does not offer HD graphics. However, what it does offer is a very fun gaming experience. Just like games of the past, emphasis is not put so much on how good a game looks, rather, emphasis is put on how playable a game is and the experience that it offers to the player.


The Nintendo Wii also offers a unique controller device, which has more in common with a remote control, than a traditional game controller. However, it has proven to be very popular and completely changed the way that games are played. In fact the Nintendo Wii offers a whole host of input devices, which allow players to use their entire bodies to play a game, rather than just using a single control pad.

Most of the games on the Wii are suitable for children. Also, the Wii supports multiple players. In fact, often the most fun is had when a group of people use the Wii, instead of just playing alone.

Why you would want to purchase this console: If you don’t care so much about graphics but just want to have a good time on your own or with a group of people, then the Wii is for you.

Why you would not want to purchase this console: Graphics is the obvious reason. The Wii does not support HD graphics. Also, some great games intended for more mature audiences (such as GTA IV for example), are just not available on the Wii.