Playstation 3 vs Nintendo Wii vs Xbox 360

Looking to buy a new Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony Playstation 3?

The console wars are really hot right now and the best system for you may not seem clear.

The DrunkenTyger's Den has a quick list detailing the highs and lows of each machine.
I have skipped some of the details that all the share. Such as a good online service, state of the art graphics and so forth. These details were what I thought was key differences between the system.

Nintendo Wii

Pros:

1. You get exercise while you play!


2. Innovative controls make for a new gameplay experience.


3. Excellent party games!


4. Cartoony family oriented games galore!
   
   
5. Nintendo only "must have games" like Mario and Zelda.

Cons:

1. Hardcore gamers might find the games lacking in depth.


2. Too much exercise in games might be difficult for long term gaming sessions.


3. Danger of whacking your buddy unconscious and paying for hospital bills.
   
   
4. Games might be too family oriented for mature gamers.

Nintendo Wii Conclusion: Great machine, everyone should own one. But buy it for the exercise or if you only play with friends when they visit. Not as your only hardcore game machine.

Microsoft Xbox 360
Pros:

1. A large selection of excellent games.


2. HD DvD Player (optional)


3. Xbox only "must have games" like Halo 3 and Gears of War.


4. Dark & gritty games galore

Cons:

1. Age old console with very few innovations over previous years.
   
   
2. Can die at any time. Aka "Red ring of death" (New Xbox 360's might not have the red ring of death issue)
   
   
3. Won't get your mind and body in shape like the Wii.

Microsoft Xbox 360 Conclusion: A great all around gaming machine and my own favorite. I use my 360 more than my Wii. But both are unique and are must haves in their own way.













Playstation 3
Pros:

1. Has a BluRay DVD player. And the price for a PS3 is about the same as a BluRay player.
   
   
2. Has some really smoking graphics power.
   
   
3. Has a new SIXAXIS Contoller system which enables gives more interaction. (Wii still wins for cool controls though)
   
   
4. Great multimedia capabilities.
   
   
5. PS3 only "must have games" like Heavenly Sword and Killzone 2

Cons:

1. Cost is higher than the other systems by quite a bit. Can get a base Xbox 360 and Wii for about same price as a PS3. (But a good deal if you need a BluRay player. Seems BluRay is pulling ahead of HD DVD from what I have seen)
   
   
2. Hardly any games out right now.
   
   
3. See #2 (Hard to justify the price tag until some good games to play are released)

Sony Playstation 3 Conclusion: A great machine to buy if you want a BluRay player. Otherwise I would buy a Wii or 360 until more games are released.


I know I have missed several benefits of each and hope that you might help out by posting your own thoughts below. Please keep all comments constructive and refrain from flaming myself and others.

Thank you.