Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Or Nintendo Wii

The current state-of-art video game systems pose a bit of a quandary to those of us who did not grow up entrenched in such technological advances. So, here, in a nutshell, is your basic lesson on what's what in the gaming war!

XBOX 360 (Microsoft)



This "future of entertainment", introduced last year just in time for the holidays, delivered to gameplayers a fantastic new graphics experience. It promised and delivered new technically advanced HD games plus an expanded online gaming service. The past year has been good.

PLUS FEATURES: High Definition gaming--Great Library of top-notch games; compatible with over 200 xbox titles including Halo and Halo 2--Excellent Redesign (smaller, can sit flat or on its side)--3 USB Ports + capability for 4 wireless controllers--Best Online services and features--Tiered pricing with optional components to suit the user

Con: To compete with Sony's Playstation 3, you'll need lots of accessories which may end up costing about the same

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PLAYSTATION 3 (Sony)

POWER!!! This system gives you MORE of everything--faster RAM, a bigger hard drive(s), free online network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, multi memory-card reader and HDMI output, Cell microprocessor and Blu-ray optical disc drive. Whew! It is also the largest of the 3 systems.

PLUS FEATURES: The Most Powerful system available!--High Definition gaming--Backwards compatible with previous Playstation games--Blu-ray DVD player--Subscription-free online network

Con: The "Bugs" will take awhile to get ironed out; do you have a HDMI-ready HDTV?--New top-tier games may take some time--The most expensive system.

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NINTENDO WII

A NEW WAY TO PLAY! The Wii lacks the power of the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360; it doesn't do DVD movies or HD, but it certainly makes up for it in the way it plays! Wii's primary controller actually detects motion and rotation in three dimensions, making it a truly interactive experience---with a flick of the wrist, you swing a baseball bat or tennis racket. Send a golf ball flying over the fairway as you follow-thru. Players are truly part of the game!

Plus Features: More affordable than the others!--Ready to play on any TV-- Innovative Controllers!--Backwards compatible with Gamecube games, controllers + memory cards--Can also download older games from N64 and other systems--DVD-enable version is expected in 2007.

Con: No HD or DVD player

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