If you’re in the market to be the most popular gift-giver in your family this year, are looking to add a little interactivity to your home theater system, or just want to know why there are freaks camping outside your local Target store, read on.
Sony Playstation 3 ($599 & $699)
The Playstation3 (PS3) has been in the news quite a bit lately. You’ve probably heard stories about people getting mugged, shot and trampled for it. Some Sony fan-boys even quit their jobs to wait outside a Best Buy for over a week (they were prematurely sent home, sadly). According to TGDaily.com, one man even postponed proposing to his girlfriend because he had to dip into the ring fund to buy the PS3.
The PS3 comes in two different sizes: a 20GB and 60GB version, both featuring Bluetooth, Ethernet and wireless controller support. Only the 60GB model has wi-fi. It also has support for memory sticks, SD and Compact Flash cards.
The biggest feature on the PS3 is the inclusion of Sony’s Blu-Ray technology, which is currently battling HD-DVD to be the new video standard for high definition.
Tents outside of retail stores across the country and a low initial release stock gave the PS3 some buzz before it hit the stores, but left non-gamers puzzled. What is so great about this system?
For all the hype, the PS3 seems to be severely lacking. The price, for example, is much higher than its competitors. The SIXAXIS controllers don’t rumble, which is an old yet familiar and expected feature. And although the Blu-ray drive accounts for the higher price, it hasn’t won out as the new preferred video method, so forcing it on users seems a little self-serving on Sony’s part.
One plus? Online game play is free, unlike XBox Live, where there is a monthly charge of $14.95.
I’ll probably get a little heat for this, but I really don’t see any particularly intriguing features about the PS3, especially considering the price tag. It seems like nothing more than a Blu-ray DVD player that also plays games. The graphics are good, but Sony could have done much more to make the system win over the 360 and the Wii.
The PS3 is for big Sony fans and intermediate to advanced gamers. But unless you have some pressing reason to get a PS3, you might as well take that money and buy both a Wiii and an XBox 360.
Nintendo Wii ($249)
Originally called “The Nintendo Revolution,” the Wii is just that. With the possibility to transform the game industry forever, the Wii is a system that anyone of any age can enjoy. Unlike game systems that promise fun for the whole family but only intimidate or frustrate non-gamers, the Wiii has made gaming easy, fun and accessible with its new console. What makes the Wiii so different? One word: motion. The Wiii uses a controller that looks like a television remote, and users move the controller differently depending on what they are doing with it. For example, some games have users swinging their “Wiimote” like a sword or tennis racket. Turn the Wiimote sideways to steer it like a car. Thrust it forward to cast a line and fish. Grip it while you’re boxing, bowling and even sewing up patients in the ER. Non-gamers will appreciate the fact that they don’t have to learn to translate everyday actions into confusing control-pad key combinations. It’s natural. The Wiii comes pre-loaded with Wiii Sports, so the tennis, bowling, boxing, baseball, and golf come to you free of charge. Hand your old Uncle Bob a Wiii remote after Christmas dinner this year and watch the magic unfold. He’ll be bowling his average easily within two minutes. For vintage game fans, Nintendo has created the Wiii shop channel, so you can download the old games for a between $8 and $12. Other downloadable content is in the works. For the price, the novelty, the ease and the pre-loaded content, the Wiii is my top pick this holiday season. Expect games to set you back between $50 and $60 each.
Microsoft XBox 360 ($299 Core, $399 Premium)
The second version of Microsoft’s popular XBox system, the 360 is much sleeker than it’s older brother. In fact, in all white with sleeker casing, dare it be compared to something Apple would have made? In this case, Microsoft pulls the design off rather well. The first of the three new systems to hit the market recently, the XBox 360’s high sales prove that Microsoft has established a solid foothold in the gaming industry. Using their XBox Live service to allow gamers to play online against each other, play is more advanced and challenging, as the computer isn’t your only opponent. The 360 comes in two configurations: a core version that includes the console, standard cables and one wired controller, and the premium bundle, with a wireless controller, 20GB hard drive and HD cables. Featuring support for four wireless controllers, wireless headsets for online game play; the XBox 360 harnesses newer technologies in very effective ways. Both consoles come with an intro subscription to XBox Live. The XBox Marketplace allows connected users to buy things like puzzle games, movies, and television shows. If nothing else seems to entice you about the XBox 360, remember: Halo 3 is on the horizon. Microsoft owns Bungie; so don’t expect to see this game show up on any other consoles. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about? This probably isn’t the system for you.
For sleek design, great graphics and premium games, the XBox 360 is a great choice for intermediate to advanced gamers.