Got your stimulus package already or do you still have some of that tax refund left over?  Thinking about getting that gift your kids, maybe even you, have always wanted in a gaming console?  I'm going to break down everything you want, and need, to know if you're in the market for a new gaming console.  I'll be going in depth with the "Big 3" gaming systems and explain the pros and cons of each.  I do have each gaming platform and I still play each one, when time permits.  Each console does have their fair share of likes and dislikes but each one is unique in their own right.

Nintendo Wii

Our first review is going to be the insanely popular Nintendo Wii.  The introduction of the Wii, along with the Wii-mote and Nunchuck controllers, in 2007 revolutionized the gaming industry.  What looked like a fad has turned out to be one of the funnest systems to play, regardless of what age you are.  From Wii Sports to any Mario game to Rayman's Ravid Rabbids, Nintendo has found a way for everyone in the family to have fun together for "family game night."  What makes this console so unique is that Nintendo did not fit this console with just a regular controller, but an infrared motion-sensing technology.  It seems Nintendo has looked at past successes (the power glove and power pad) and improved the technology to take the game-playing experience to another level.  Take Tiger Woods Golf or Wii-Bowling/Tennis as an example, the wii-mote allows players to simulate motions as they were actually playing the game.  This gives players another aspect of playing the games besides sitting on their rear end.   This is a great system for families with young children as a majority of Nintendo's games are suitable for young children.  There are also a majority of games that help educate children while making it fun in the process,  Big Brain Academy is one example.

The following is a breakdown of what makes the Nintendo Wii fun and not so fun.

PROS

• The console is more affordable than the PS3 or XBOX360
• Games geared towards family and children but can be enjoyed by all age groups as well
• Built-in wi-fi connection to be able to surf the net, check the local weather, play games online, or even download fully playable classic Nintendo games from past consoles
• Very easy to set-up
• Backwards compatible with Nintendo Gamecube games as ability to use Gamecube controllers

CONS

• Online multiplayer needs an overhaul.  Currently, Nintendo issues a unique 'friend code' with each game that comes out.  This could be tedious and it is pretty impossible to remember what your 'friend code' is for every game you play online.  You also cannot communicate with your friends as you are playing online.  Also, the online gameplay can be pretty choppy a lot of the time which affects the gameplay experience.
• No HD capability
• No hard drives.  Instead, download content and game saves are stored on an SD Card
• Does not play DVD's

SONY PLAYSTATION 3

Sony's third inception of it's Playstation console  has fallen prey to a number of negative reviews, most of the gripes for the PS3 have to do with it's cost.  If you're in the market for both a blu-ray DVD player and a gaming console, then this should be what I recommend you buy.  Most people purchase the PS3 solely to use the Blu-ray player as it is significantly cheaper than a regular Blu-ray player.  As far as gaming is concerned, the gameplay is smooth for games, such as Metal Gear Solid and Madden, and the graphics are amazing in HD.  The console casing is a bit bulky but what makes up for it is the lack of noise coming from the internal fans or disc drive.  A majority of the games for the PS3 are for mature audiences but you can still get games for the younger crowd.

PROS

• Like the Nintendo Wii, the PS3 has built-in Wi-Fi to download updates, play on-line, and purchase games/movies/tv shows from Sony's Playstation store
• Blu-ray DVD player is included
• Console is very quiet due to the ability to load game disc onto the hard drive and play the game from the hard drive
• PS3 controllers still have the same look and feel as the PS2 controllers
• Graphics (for video and gameplay) are amazing, especially in HD
• Ability to network PS3 and transfer media files from PS3 to PC
• Online multiplayer is free to play and keep stats
• Supports bluetooth for accessories

CONS

• Price is still a little steep for most consumers, even with different price-tiered console bundles
• Form factor for the console is bulky
• Not many quality games available.  Sony still looking for its own signature title (i.e. Mario and Zelda with Nintendo, Master Chief (Halo Trilogy) and Marcus Fenix (Gears of War)
• Depending on which PS3 you purchase, it may not be backwards-compatible with older Playstation games

Microsoft XBOX 360

The final console we'll be taking a look at is the XBOX 360.

Like the Playstation 3, the XBOX 360 has its share of gripes from consumers; however, the problem has not been with the price of the console but with the reliability and stability of the hardware.   Many consumers, my friends and myself included, have experienced the Red Ring of Death (RRoD) with the XBOX 360.  Basically, what happens with the RRoD is your system freezes and the lights around the power button turn red when they should be green.  Microsoft is aware of the issue and has extended the warranty for all Xbox 360 owners and provides free shipping back to Microsoft for repair.

Other than the hardware reliability issues, the Xbox 360 is a very good gaming console.  What it lacks in Blu-ray capability, the Xbox makes up for in the ability to stream netflix movies through the Xbox.  The on-line play of MOST games is great, you can limit your communication to just your friends or mute individuals and gameplay runs very smoothly with very little connection issues.  Games look amazing and there are a number of quality games to choose from and enjoy

PROS

• Great variety of games to choose and play from, whehter you're DL'ing it from the XBOX Live Arcade or purchasing there's a good variety
• Online multiplayer experience is very enjoyable and very easy to customize to your preferences
• Ability to stream and view Netflix movies through the console
• Small form factor(casing), Unlike the PS3
• Ability to load and play games from the hard drive
• Most games support 1080P, Full-HD format and video/sound quality is amazing

CONS

• No built in wireless capability
• Online play is not free
• Hardware Issues
• Optical drive and fans can be loud if not playing game from hard drive
• No bluetooth capability for peripherals (i.e. wireless headset)
• No blu-ray/HD-DVD capability

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