Which Video Game System is Better? Wii, Xbox 360 or Playstation 3?

It's been almost 5 years sense Microsoft released their second generation video console, and 4 years since Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3 hit stores. All three consoles have been on the market long enough to accumulate a a few great game releases. When it comes to selecting one of the three as your primary gaming system, You have to look at three key factors before making a decision.

Exclusives:
Nintendo set out to reinvent the wheel when they created Wii. Nintendo's console has a mountain of exclusives, while Sony and Microsoft have a molehill. Developers had so many quirky ideas for games that wouldn't have had a chance of selling on Xbox 360 or PS3, even if those two consoles launched with a knockoff remote-styled controller.

But quantity means jack when your exclusives don't really wow the masses. other than Nintendo's heavy hitters like Mario, Metroid and Legend of Zelda games, There's nothing buzz worthy from any of the third party game developers on that system.

Meanwhile, Playstation 3 owners have Resistance 2, Metal Gear Solid 4, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and LittleBigPlanet. If you have an Xbox 360, Project Gotham Racing 4, Fable 2, Halo series and Gears of War. Substance over an overwhelming amount of...bluh. Nintendo's Wii might have the most interactive experience of the three, but develops aren't comfortable enough with it to release their big name franchises on it.

Perception:
With the original Xbox, Halo was clearly the factor in Microsoft becoming one of the major players in the video game industry. At the same time, Xbox managed to attract an unfortunate reputation due to Halo's success. Most people were quick to say that Xbox had no truly quality games, except for a few in the first person shooter genre.

Nintendo has had to deal with the whole kiddie console stigma for a long time. It's a mystery how Sony managed to avoid being typecasted by gamers with any of the Playstation systems. Microsoft has moved forward, but Nintendo has somehow taken a step back. One could argue the perception of Wii being for kids only is reinforced every time a Pokemon or Tamagotchi game is released.

My own personal tastes:
Nintendo still has an opportunity to become the undisputed king in my eyes. It all depends on what third party development teams bring to the table. Capcom announced that Tatsunoko VS Capcom: Ultimate All Stars will be getting a North American release, so that makes me smile.

When I heard about this, I pulled a muscle in my face because I was smiling so much. That's not a joke. Didn't even think such a thing was possible. My face has just now stopped throbbing, encase anybody was wondering.

While fighting games and interactive motion sensors are very fun, it's not enough to topple Sony and Microsoft's offerings. Rockstar Games scoffed at Nintendo Wii, and released Grand Theft Auto 4 for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. 2K Games' Bioshock is another one of those successful mutli platform games that was far too advanced, graphically, to ever appear on Nintendo Wii.

It's redundant for anybody to bring up Wii's graphical limitations, but it's the main reason why certain games aren't ported to that console. If I want a realistic golfing experience, that will most likely lead to me shouting expletives at a virtual representation of of myself, then Nintendo's Wii is the clear cut best.

That isn't the case. Last golf game I enjoyed with either CyberTiger on Nintendo 64, or Hot Shots Golf on Playstation One. Even then, Playstation's library was a lot more appealing to my tastes overall. My preference for the time being leans more toward Sony, then Microsoft, and Nintendo lags behind.