by Gregory Hietala

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2010

The gaming market can be a difficult one at times and recently the market has witnessed many different alternatives to the usual market. The new line of systems that has been released recently are the Play station 3, XBOX 360, and the Nintendo Wii. Although each system has its advantages, they are all good choices.

The Playstation 3 is one of the best machines currently available because of its multitude of functions. For instance, the Playstation 3 has been rated the best blu-ray player on the market by CNET and Amazon. The Playstation 3 allows all members of the family to have a good time. For the younger children there are acceptable, challenging games available off the Playstation on-line store; for the teens there are games that are available in all stores. Finally, for the parents, the Playstation 3 offers the best Blu-ray experience that is constantly upgraded and improved. Another plus with this system is the lack of controller cords due to a wireless Bluetooth system. One of the prime disadvantages is the price of games which is around sixty dollars for a new game. Also, there have been complaints with the Playstation 3's internet performance, and overheating. Another problem with the Playstation 3, is its failure to read and run Playstation 2 games. However, it will play Playstation 1 games.

The Nintendo Wii is a whole new breed of gaming system that is available to the public. This system actually forces players to exercise while playing the games. It is a good alternative to the Playstation 3 but the Wii is not able to play any DVD's. Additionally, many precautions must be taken before playing your Wii; skins absolutely must be put on the controllers as well as wrist bands. There have been several rare problems where batteries will be ejected from the Wii-mote and lodged in television screens. However, this problem is rare, and can be avoided with a skin over your wii-mote. Another nice feature of the Wii, is its ability to play games from the Gamecube game console.

The XBOX 360 is Microsoft's version of a game system. The system is fairly good and offers a large variety in game choice. The controllers are wireless, and the system plays games rather smoothly. However, I would not recommend the XBOX 360 chiefly because of its low life expectancy. The XBOX 360 can also play games from the XBOX and you can get an HD-DVD adapter that is sold separately.

In the field of the hand held game systems, the PSP and the Nintendo DS face off. The Sony PSP is a hand-held version of the Playstation 3 and it is actually able to communicate with the Playstation 3. The PSP offers games to a mature age group and does not offer as much as the DS in terms of games for younger age groups. The Nintendo DS is closely related to the Nintendo Wii, but cannot communicate with the Wii. The DS operates with a stylus on a touch-screen. The system is great for younger age groups, but some extra styluses are suggested since they are not connected to the system and can be lost.

In short, age groups determine everything for parents when they look to the video game system, the following bullets show my recommendations.

XBOX 360 is great for older and more mature kids

Playstation 3 is great for the majority of kids and parents

The Nintendo Wii is a great choice for many kids and is an enjoyable system for all.

The PSP is great for older kids

The DS is great for younger kids.

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