by Michael Mehlberg

Created on: February 04, 2007   Last Updated: April 12, 2007

Selecting a video game system has little to do with "what's popular". In owning a Wii, PS2, Gamecube, SNES, and multiple other systems, I've found the following factors should be considered before buying:

+ Game selection,
+ connectivity,
+ home media center,
+ multiplayer,
+ usability,
+ and price.

GAME SELECTION
If you are looking for the latest and greatest video games, look no further than the PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii. These represent the latest advances in video gaming technology. However, if you are a "classic" gamer looking to play hits of the 80's and 90's, you'll want to consider game systems that are able to play these older games.

Wii is by far the most versatile in this category; able to play Wii, Gamecube, Super Nintendo, Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and TurboGraphix 16 games. PS3 is a runner up, able to play PS3 and a huge selection of PS2 games.

CONNECTIVITY
All of the latest video game systems have Internet connectivity capabilities. If you are looking to surf the Internet from your couch, the PS3 or Wii allow you to do so with ease. For the most seamless online multiplayer experience, I've found the Xbox 360 to be the clear winner. For fun, the Wii allows you to send messages and exchange Mii's (digital, fun representations of yourself) with other Wii consoles.

HOME MEDIA CENTER
For those that wish to watch movies or use other digital media (music, photos, etc.), PS3 and Xbox 360 are clear winners. Though you can view photos on the Wii, the PS3 has more useful photo-viewing features AND provides BlueRay and DVD playback functionality. Xbox 360 also allows you to watch DVD's, and with an additional attachment, allows you to watch HD-DVD movies. Both PS3 and Xbox 360 let you stream digital music to your system which is nice for those that have stereo systems and a large selection of music.

MULTIPLAYER
While all of the systems have the ability to play games with others online, the Xbox 360 has the most seamless online-multiplayer experience. For party play however, I've found the Wii to be the most fun. All systems allow at least 4 players to play simultaneously (depending on the game of course), so be sure to look at the game selection before deciding which system is right for you.

USABILITY
Hands down, Wii has the most intuitive and friendly user interface. Simply pick up a remote control (much like your television remote) and point it at the screen. The remote acts like a PC mouse pointer, allowing you to click on menu-options, move characters around, and otherwise control your games with ease. Xbox 360 comes in second with it's "Blade" interface.

PRICE
For a more impulse-buy, the Wii comes in at $250. It comes with a controller, a controller attachment, and a sports game. The Xbox 360 is a heftier, but reasonable $400. The PS3 is by far the most expensive system weighing in at $600. There are cheaper versions of the Xbox 360 and PS3, but I've found these to be lacking features that are very handy. While neither of these two systems come with a game, they do both comes with a controller.

Hopefully this gives you some firepower when considering your next video game system purchase.

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