At my job I’m frequently asked, “Which console is best?” or, “Which console should I buy?” or, “Which console do you recommend?”   Those are all good questions that a new gaming platform buyer should ask, but these questions are not quite the ones that should be asked, and the answer is likely a bit more complex than most people want to hear.  The questions need to be a bit more specific.  A better question to ask is, “Which console is best for me?”

When I am asked these or similar questions, I always have to respond with questions of my own; notably, “What do you want the console for?”  If you want a straight gaming machine, I usually recommend the XBOX 360.  If you want a complete multimedia center, then you should lean toward the PS3.  If a family-friendly, multi-player experience is what you want, then go for a WII.  Each console has its own strengths and weaknesses.  I’ll outline a few below.

XBOX 360

Pros.

The XBOX 360 was the first current-generation console, and, consequently, it has the largest library of games.  The XBOX 360 also has some pretty impressive exclusives (titles made only for that platform).  In my opinion, the exclusives for the XBOX 360 are a little more sought after than those on the PS3.  The online experience for the XBOX 360 is, flat-out, the best.  The XBOX 360 is relatively inexpensive to get into and is easy to upgrade.  The XBOX 360 is very modular in design and offers many choices in components.  The XBOX 360 has the largest selection of RPGs (role-playing-games) for the current generation.

Cons.

The XBOX 360 does have a known issue with the dreaded “Red Ring of Death”.  Microsoft does warranty this problem for 3 years, but it does cause lost playing time.  Also, due to a design flaw, vibration to your XBOX 360 console can cause the laser-eye to scrape against the disc surface and burn a warp into the disc, rendering it unplayable.  The Microsoft online service does cost $50 a year.  The XBOX 360 has VERY little in the way of family-friendly games.  The majority of the games for the XBOX 360 are of the “M” variety.

PS3

Pros.

The PS3 is a blu-ray disc player as well as a DVD player and gaming platform (you won’t find that combination for less with better quality anywhere).  It also has terrific interaction with Sony’s hand-held unit, the PSP.  The PS3 does have exclusives, and now that it has been out for a few years, it does have a respectable library.  The online service for Sony is free.  The PS3 (unlike the PS2), while having a few technical glitches, has been a solid performer and largely appears to be defect free.  Most independent (and non-fanboy) reviewers agree that it does have slightly better graphics than the XBOX 360, though the difference is virtually impossible to detect.  The blu-ray format holds huge amounts of data for fewer discs on large games and the blu-ray coating protects the disc from scratches.  The PS3 does have more games not built solely around blood and dismemberment than the XBOX 360.  It is more of a “T” rated console.

Cons.

The library is still small compared to the XBOX 360.  The blu-ray coating on the discs DOES protect the disc from scratches, BUT when it does get a scratch it is there for life.  The free online service for the PS3 is very lacking compared to the XBOX 360.  While the PS3 is largely free of technical problems, if it ever does develop an issue, Sony is very restrictive in how they handle their warranties, and they WILL try to find a way to say that it is your fault and that they are not liable for helping you.  Sony is trying very hard to kill the used game market (not really a PS3 issue, just a Sony issue).

WII

Pros.

The WII has a library of games as large as the XBOX 360 (you can also play 99% of the Gamecube games on the WII).  The WII has a very large and very compelling selection of exclusives.  WII game play is much more interactive and innovative.  The price of the WII is less than either of the other two consoles.  The Wii is largely problem free, and Nintendo does warranty them well.  The selection of multi-player and party games on the WII is unparalleled.  When it comes to a family-friendly selection of games, the WII is head and shoulders above the rest.  Games on the WII are less expensive than on the XBOX 360 or the PS3.  The WII is largely an “E” console.

Cons.

The WII does does not play DVDs.  Though the selection of games for the WII is large, many of the games have very low production values and little game-play value.  The Wii has little to no online play.  The WII cannot compete graphically with the other two consoles.  Nintendo purposely produces lower quantities of their merchandise to keep demand high, making many titles very hard to get.  The WII has VERY few “M” or shooter titles.  Nintendo likes to require expensive accessories for games that are only useful for one or two titles.

These are some, but by no means all of the features, pros or cons of the various consoles.  Think hard about what you want your console for and buy accordingly.  Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a console is to make sure that there are at least five to six titles on the platform that you want to play, or it is not a good purchase.  Happy shopping!

Tags: Buying, console, ESRB, PS3, Shopping, Used Games, Wii, X360