PS3 Vs. Xbox360 Vs. Wii

While setting up the review page, I realized I had never Wii or PS3.  I’m not really into reviewing them as a whole, but rather how it compares to it’s competition.  You can check plenty of videos for graphics, gameplay, etc.  However as for which one stands out the most for you is what is important.  I wanted to do a Pro/Cons list for each Console to give you an idea of which one is better if you’re looking to get into the game today.

While it’s hard to say which console is better for any particular person, and these Pros and Cons may not agree with your opinion, they are just here to help.  I’m in no way your decision maker.  Take these Pros and Cons as an unbias person’s perspective that owns and loves each console for what they are.

Sony Playstation 3
The PS3 was originally released in Japan on November 2006.  It released with a hefty pricetag of $500-600 USD.  However, the price was substantially lower than the cost of the hardware.  It featured the newly emerging BluRay HiDef technology and CPU/GPU hardware that costed quite a penny.  Some businesses actually bought up large amounts of these computers to act as super computers because they were so cheap for the power.  At a later time, they released a “Slim” model that was smaller, had no PS2 backward compatibility, and costed only $300.

Price: $249-299

Pros:

• Most Power.
• BluRay Player for HD Movies.
• Highest Capacity Game Disks.
• Supports up to 1080p HD Gaming/Movies.
• Free Online Gameplay.
• 3D Gaming
• Netflix, Huluu, Vudu, and Music Unlimited.
• Online Video Rental on PSN
• Library of Games on PSN
• PS1/PS2/NeoGeo/Genesis games on PSN
• Trophy Support

Cons:

• No Cross Game Voice Chat.
• Higher Load Times.
• Lots of Updates

Exclusives:

• Uncharted
• Resistance
• God Of War
• Infamous
• Killzone
• Little Big Planet
• Ratchet And Clank
• Socom

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Microsoft Xbox 360
Released in November 2005, Xbox360 stole the market for the 7th Generation Gaming field.  Running $300-400, it had over a year head start for consumer’s interest.  While it has had issues with the titled “RedRingOfDeath”, it would soon find itself redesigned as the new “S” model.  The S Model featured cooler, quieter, and less prone to break.  It also featured the ability to install games to the hard drive, thus prolonging the life of the game disk drive, and running even more quiet.  Note: The Install feature is only available for Hard Drive equipped Xbox360s.  This means the 199 version with 4GB cannot install games.  You’ll have to upgrade that with a hard drive, or buy the 299 version.  We have a podcast episode talking about the Xbox360, check it out!

Price: $199-299

Pros:

• Supports up to 1080p HD Gaming/Movies
• Able to install game to Hard Drive.
• Faster Load Times (For Installs)
• More Life Expectancy (For Installs)
• Cross Game Voice Chat
• Great Media Center Options
• Great Party options for movies and games
• Trophy Support.
• Plays Xbox Titles (Compatibility List)

Cons:

• Xbox Live Gold Subscription Required for Most All Features.
• Xbox Live Gold Subscription Required to play online.
• Controllers and Headsets are Cheap Quality
• Multiple Game Disks required for larger games
• Newer games require using a second disk just for textures.

Exclusives

• Halo
• Gears of War
• Fable

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Nintendo Wii
Released in December 2006 in Japan, the Wii console is a primarily Motion based system.  Set on the notion of “getting up at play”, it’s niche was activity and moving around to play games.  An incredible selling option that Xbox360 and PS3 would soon adopt (even though Sony once did Motion with EyeToy).  It holds firm as one of the most mixed reviewed consoles ever.  Families love it for it’s family friendliness.  Nintendo fans enjoy the ever present First Party titles.  However many claim it lacks any hardcore gaming.

Price: $149

Pros:

• Mostly all Family Friendly Titles
• Heavy Motion Gaming (Pro if you Want)
• Fast Load Times
• Small Footprint Console
• Plays Gamecube Games
• Play games from NES, SNES, N64 and more on Virtual Console (Full List)

Cons: 

• No HD Option (Only 480i)
• Little to No Hardcore/Online Titles
• Heavy Motion Gaming (Con if you don’t want)
• Graphics are on par with Previous Gen Consoles.
• No Trophy Support

Exclusives:

• Mario Bros.
• Mario Kart
• Legend of Zelda

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Conclusion:

Well, that’s a lot to take in.  Rest assure you have time to think it over.  The key thing to remember when shopping is to think through your purchase.  If/Who you’re going to play with.  Does the cost and subscriptions settle with you.  What additional things will you need to purchase with it.  Does it have the game library to fit your taste.

Wii is strictly party, family group fun.  It’s also great for families that are concerned about having family friendly titles.  Those looking for great single player games “I” found the PS3 to have a great selection.  For those looking for great online social gaming experience, Xbox seems to take the cake.  RPG fans, weigh the odds yourself, but again PS3 is pretty solid.

Lastly and the Xbox fans will grumble at me for it, but I absolutely detest the XBoxLive Gold account subscription fees.  $60 a year just to access online game servers and pretty much EVERYTHING aside from single player gaming is ridiculous.  No other console requires these fees.  You pay your ISP for internet, you buy a console, you buy a game.  Why would you need to be charged to send game information from your console, through your ISP, to game server from the company you bought the game from?  There’s no services here that need to be paid on Microsoft’s side.  End Rant..

For full list of exclusives to ensure you’re getting the titles you want, wikipedia has a nice list: Exclusives List

I hope you all enjoyed this comparison.  If you have any further questions, please comment.  Or let us know your favorite console and why!