Competition between Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft to convince buyers which has the best games continues to be intense with each company fighting for the hearts and minds of an increasingly large and diverse audience. Choosing between the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 can be difficult as each console has distinct advantages, exclusive games and evolving features.
The aim of this guide is to help you choose the best games console for your home.
Nintendo Wii
If which games console has sold the most guides your decision between Wii vs PS3 vs Xbox 360 then Nintendo's console is the clear winner. According to gaming Web site VGChartz, by October 2010 the Nintendo Wii had sold almost 75 million units worldwide - over 30 million ahead of its nearest rival, the Xbox 360.
The phenomenal success of the Wii since its launch in 2006 is primarily down to its innovative motion control system, which makes it very easy for anyone to use, coupled with a great choice of games to play in groups. However, even at launch it was considered underpowered compared to the competition and today its lack of HD graphics and decent online features are making it look very dated. Falling sales figures suggest the best days of the Wii may be over, especially as both the PS3 and Xbox 360 now have their own motion control systems as well.
The Nintendo Wii may be the best games console for families with small children but teenagers and adults may be disappointed by the titles available for it.
- Top exclusive games: Wii Sports and Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
- Reasons to buy: Cheap and fun to play in groups
- Reasons to avoid: Underpowered and lack of more mature games
Sony PS3
A high price and underwhelming games gave the PS3 a shaky start when launched in 2006 but the new lower-cost Slim model introduced last year, together with some fantastic games, have changed all that. It now regularly outsells both the Wii and Xbox 360 and the fact that it's the only games console that can also play Blu-ray movies is a big plus point.
All games on the PS3 display in HD and it's a great console for teenagers and adults with a huge selection of games now available, with Buzz and Singstar being particularly good for parties. The PS3 now also has its own motion control system, called PlayStation Move, which is more responsive than the Wii and can be bought separately or together with the console as part of a bundle. As well as a range of new games designed specifically for PlayStation Move, such as Sports Champions, several older PS3 games have been updated to take advantage of it, including Heavy Rain and Resident Evil 5.
Another advantage of the PS3 is that it's the only console that is fully 3D capable. It can play 3D games and Blu-ray movies. It also has an online service, called the PlayStation Network, that allows full games and demos to be downloaded, as well as the ability to play purchased games online at no additional charge. Standard definition and HD movies can also be downloaded but like similar services from Netflix, LOVEFiLM and others, this is best with super fast broadband.
- Top exclusive games: God of War 3 and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
- Reasons to buy: Powerful and 3D capable
- Reasons to avoid: More costly than an Xbox 360 and no Halo games
Find out more about the top 5 features of the PS3.
Microsoft Xbox 360
Launched in 2005, the Xbox 360 was the first of the current generation of consoles and the new Slim model has given it a sales boost and a new legion of fans who think it's the best games console. Xbox is most famous for Halo and there have been several games in the series released for the 360, with Halo: Reach believed to be the last from developer Bungie.
Like the PS3, the Xbox 360 plays HD games but can only play HD movies that are downloaded as it has a DVD drive instead of Blu-ray. Multi-platform games released on both consoles are sometimes superior on the 360 and, with Xbox Live, has arguably the best online service ( including compatibility with Windows Phone 7), although an annual subscription needs to be paid to get the most out of it, including playing games online and accessing the movie store.
The Xbox now also has its own motion control system. Kinect is a revolutionary device that is different to the Wii and PlayStation Move because it uses no controllers but relies instead upon gestures, spoken commands and real world objects which it can identify.
- Top exclusive games: Gears of War 2 and Halo: Reach
- Reasons to buy: Xbox Live and Halo
- Reasons to avoid: No Blu-ray and subscription needed to play online
Choosing the Best Games Console
Between Wii vs PS3 vs Xbox 360, the decision on which is the best console depends upon many factors. This includes how desirable HD or 3D are, the choice of games and even what your friends have, especially if you want to play games online against them.
The Wii is a good choice for casual gamers and families, the PS3 is a great multimedia gaming device and the Xbox 360 has all the Halo games to enjoy.
Interested in what 2011 may bring for the video games industry? See future predictions for the year ahead, including price cuts, new hardware and the exciting games available before the end of 2011.
Jason Glover - Jason Glover has worked in the marketing teams of major companies for over twenty years, including over ten years in online marketing ...
Join the Conversation