PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii Review

It's a wonderful time for video game enthusiasts. In our technological age, we are fortunate enough to have choices, BIG choices, when it comes to the games we play and what we play them on. Reminiscing back to the days of old. Back when Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo reigned supreme. The world of video gaming has made an amazing revelation to the modern era, and I'm happy to oblige.

In today's gaming world, there are three superpowers. Just like the world stage, each one has their own significant benefits, as well as their faults. These words are here to help you discern which one fits you best. So let's get started.

THE PLAYSTATION 3: What else is there to say? My personal preference. I've been signed on with Sony since I got my first Playstation, and I haven't looked back. The PS3 provides its users with a bevy of technological advances over its competitors. The most important being a small port on the back of the unit labeled HDMI. High definition video gaming changed my world. Honestly, you haven't experienced everything these new systems have to offer, until you've gamed in HD. Additionally, the PS3 offers an innovative technology that is absent from the other two systems. The PS3 has wireless internet access. With this special ability, the PS3 is able to function more like a home entertainment system, bringing everything right into your living room. In this heavy internet age, wireless portability is absolutely essential. To spice it up, PS3 offers completely free online gaming, allowing a player to play all their favorite games, wirelessly, absolutely for free. Tough to beat. However, the PS3 doesn't come without it's share of flaws. Until its recent price reduction, the hefty $600 price tag was a huge turnoff to most buyers; and rightfully so. Both the Xbox and the Nintendo Wii were priced more than $200 less than the PS3. In this economy, $200 goes a LONG way. Additionally, the PS3 unit itself is quite bulky. It's larger than both other systems, which makes it more difficult to transport. Finally, the real value of these systems comes down to the games. In that respect, the PS3 has no advantage. The games are equally priced as its competitors, and the library of available games is smaller than the other systems.

THE XBOX 360: The second of the three systems is no slouch. Being a product of computer superpower Microsoft, the second coming of the Xbox is a wonderful blend of ease and entertainment that fits perfectly into the appealing outer shell it is wrapped in. The Xbox simply wins hands down in the online gaming category. There is no comparison. Even though Xbox Live requires a slight fee for use of its services, the money paid is well worth it. The online lobbies and game scenarios are very well put together. Being able to boast Halo, the most popular online game in console history, in your library is token enough. Xbox Live access allows you to network with your other Xbox playing friends via the Xbox Live dashboard so you can easily see what games your friends are playing, send them a message, and even challenge them to a game, if you dare. But what if you don't play online? Well, there are still many benefits to the Xbox 360. The controllers are the best of all three major consoles. They are perfectly designed, and each and every button is easy to reach. My favorite feature of the 360 is the ability for the player to play music from their libraries over the gameplay of the game. It is an amazing feature for anyone who enjoys music, and something Playstation would be hard pressed to acquire. Unfortunately, the Xbox 360 simply can't add up to the PS3 in the graphics category. The lack of any high definition output puts the Xbox under par when compared to the PS3.

THE NINTENDO WII: The outcast, well, sort of. The Nintendo Wii is the most "unorthodox" of the three major systems on the market today. But at the same time, its revolutionary. No one has been able to capture the movements of real life like Nintendo. If you've never played the Wii, you need to. It is amazing. Every single movement made is captured with such realism, it feels like you're in the game yourself. When it comes to the sheer game quality, however, the Wii falls short. When comparing apples to apples, the Wii just isn't enough to run with the big boys. Although fun, the Wii feels juvenile. The games are intended for more of a family atmosphere, and aren't typically desired by serious video game connoisseurs. As this console battle plays out, I see Nintendo Wii becoming more of a family oriented game device. Something that family's gather around on "family game night" and play a couple hours of "Super Monkey Ball". The most amazing thing about the Nintendo Wii is the gameplay itself. Throw in Tiger Woods 2010, and you feel like Tiger, Swing the controller backwards, and the club comes up. Neither of the two competing systems can match realism like this.

Long story short, each one of these consoles has benefits to different types of gamers. Serious, dedicated gamers would tend to be interested in the PS3 or Xbox 360, whereas casual gamers, and families would lean towards the Nintendo Wii. When the dust settles over this fistfight for video game supremacy, there won't be a clear winner. Simply because there can't be. No one can tell you which system is right for you, but these are the facts in my opinion, and hopefully they help provide some insight as you look to purchase your next console. Oh what the future beholds. . .