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How to Compare Wii, PS3 & Xbox Hardware

As of April 2010, the current video game console generation comprises the PlayStation 3 (PS3), Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360. While all three consoles work on the same basic premise̵2;you connect the console to your television and use it to play games̵2;they each have unique features to set them apart from their peers. Use critical thinking and carefully compare each console before you decide which one you̵7;d like to buy. It's not a matter of which console is the best overall, but rather which console best suits your personal tastes.

Instructions

- 1
  Consider the software library of each console and the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive titles. Nintendo titles such as ̶0;Mario̶1; and ̶0;The Legend of Zelda̶1; are only available on the Nintendo Wii, while the Xbox 360 claims titles such as ̶0;Halo̶1; and ̶0;Fable̶1; and the PS3 has the ̶0;Metal Gear Solid̶1; franchise. Several publishers develop games for all three consoles, such as most of the EA Sports games and ̶0;Call of Duty̶1; games.
- 2
  Consider the online capabilities of each console. Xbox 360 games run on the Xbox Live network and require a subscription free. You can play games online on the PS3 and Nintendo Wii for free, but the Nintendo Wii requires you to register a lengthy ̶0;friend code̶1; in order to access full online functionality. You can download full games or demos on all three consoles. The Wii and PS3 allow you to connect via a Wi-Fi network out of the box while the Xbox 360 requires you to purchase a separate wireless adapter.
- 3
  Consider the graphical capabilities of each console. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 both broadcast in high-definition and feature almost identical graphics, while the Nintendo Wii broadcasts in standard definition and features largely inferior graphical capabilities.
- 4
  Consider the storage capabilities of each console. Both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 offer built-in hard drives in various sizes. You can̵7;t get a hard drive for your Nintendo Wii, but you can stream Wii Channels (including downloaded games) directly from a standard SD card.
- 5
  Consider the control scheme of each console. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 feature similar controllers with dual analog sticks, shoulder buttons and face buttons, while the Nintendo Wii controller takes the form of a motion-controlled remote with optional attachments.
- 6
  Consider connectivity to other devices. The Nintendo Wii allows you to wirelessly connect your Nintendo DS to download games, import data and control certain Wii games. The PS3 allows you to use your PlayStation Portable for remote play or to import games, movies and music. The Xbox 360 doesn̵7;t offer this functionality.
- 7
  Consider the movie playback capabilities of each console. The PS3 offers Blu-ray and DVD playback while the Xbox 360 can only play DVDs. The Nintendo Wii cannot play either, but all three consoles are capable of streaming full-length movies and television shows from Netflix.

Video Game Consoles