Game Console Comparisons to Find the Best Console for You

It is not always easy as a consumer to make the right choice. With gaming consoles, purchasing decisions have gotten much more complex over the last 20 years. After all, twenty years ago, you didn't need game console comparisons to help you make a decision. You merely went to the store and picked up a Nintendo Entertainment System. Now, with three great choices available and some of them being pretty expensive, it is important to know which console is best for you.

The Nintendo Wii has been the best-selling console of the current generation, largely because of its ability to attract those who do not traditionally play video games into the fold. This crossover appeal, along with a historically-lower price point than the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, has equaled big sales.

However, the Wii does not have the processing power that the other systems have, and its graphics are subpar as well. The system is great for casual gamers or those of younger ages, but anyone else may struggle to find enough quality games for the system, which has solid first-party games but a catalog filled with questionable cash-in efforts by third-party developers.

If you want deeper game play and all-around better software offerings, or you prefer traditional video games rather than motion controls, the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 are better options. Game console comparisons between the two focus more on features and software than the hardware differences. The Playstation 3 has been known to have more power than the Xbox 360, but this potential has not led to blockbuster exclusive games, with a few exceptions. Most of the successful Playstation 3 games are also available on the Xbox 360, and the Xbox 360 has better exclusive games to its credit.

Both systems allow you to play online with friends (so does the Wii, though few games take advantage of the potential), but Xbox Live costs about $5 per month to do so, while the Playstation Network is free. However, Xbox Live has more features, including streaming Netflix movies, robust chat and play options, and more. Movie buffs will point to the fact that the Playstation 3 is a great, full-featured Blu-Ray movie player, while Xbox360 lacks such functionality. Of course, the Xbox 360 also carries a lower price tag.

The great thing about using game console comparisons to choose the best console for you is that depending on what you are looking for, the choice will probably be pretty clear. Each system does something better than the others, after all. Make sure you do your research and you will make a great choice.