Picking The Game Console That Fits Your Needs

Deciding on what game console you want to purchase can be a difficult process. Sometimes the price or the brand or the games available for that system can influence your decision. I just want to present some facts, so that you are able to make a confident decision on a system that best suites you.

So as of now, Nintendo’s Wii, Sony’s Playstation 3, and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 are the consoles you have to choose from. They are all very different and unique. Which you consider the best all depends on your preferences. The Wii and the 360 have not changed their looks since their release, while the PS3 has slimmed down a bit. The internal capabilities of all of the different systems are constantly changing though. Microsoft has initiated a new interface for the 360, the PS3 has featured some minor upgrades and added Netflix this year, and the Wii has had a few improvements and continues to release a steady stream of games. The most welcoming change is the fact that each of the game consoles has dropped in price. Considering how expensive these systems were when they were first released, these consoles are relatively reasonably priced.

Nintendo Wii
The Wii was launched in 2005 and was highly scrutinized for being underpowered compared to its competitors. Quickly people began eating their words. The simple, straightforward gameplay, motion-based controller, and affordable price made the Wii a huge success. The Wii currently leads sales in the gaming world. This is the best possible system families, kids, and casual gamers.

For those who aren’t looking for crazy intense gaming, the Wii offers a variety of fun games. The Wii Sports Resort was added to the Wii Sports family recently and includes archery, fencing, and wakeboarding. Included with the Sports Resort package is a small sensor that attaches to your Wii remote and increases motion sensitivity. The Wii definitely displays the best motion-sensitivity technology and remains the best-selling systems available today for a reasonable price of $199.

Sony Playstation 3
Earlier this year, Sony released the PS3 Slim. This is a thinner, lighter, more energy-efficient version of the original PS3. PS3 has many features that are not included in the other game systems. It features an integrated Blu-ray player and supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and DLNA. As mentioned above, it also has recently added Netflix streaming. Another incredibly important detail would be the price drop from its original $500 price tag to $299. It is obvious that the PS3 is definitely the most feature-filled system on the market.

Microsoft Xbox 360
Now when considering the 360, you must choose between the regular Xbox 360 and the Elite Xbox 360. The Elite ships with a 120GB hard drive, an HDMI port, and a wireless controller for $299. Looks wise, the Elite 360 is a more sophisticated black opposed to the regular white 360.

The $199 price tag on the Xbox 360 Arcade gives it an up on the PS3. It is the least-expensive Xbox on the market. Now with this low price, Microsoft was forced to remove the internal hard drive of the 360, which is a huge sacrifice. If you are looking to be able to play games and enjoy the New Xbox Experience though, the 360 Arcade could be the best system choice for you.

Now what do I think? Personally, I have played and enjoyed all of these systems. I was very skeptical about the Wii, but it really is a lot of family fun. The PS3 is probably my favorite console, but that is most likely because I constantly utilize its Wi-Fi capabilities. The Xbox 360 is a fantastic system to play on too. I think really you have to make your decision based on your own personal preferences or what your budget allows. No matter what you decide, your going to have a great time with your new game system.

Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2010

With the new year approaching, its time to look ahead to some of the more anticipated video games set for releases in 2010. While this list might look more like a blockbuster movie schedule than a list of games, we assure you that 2010 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years for gaming. You might even consider attempting time-travel just so you can play these games sooner.

10. Castlevania – Lords of Shadow



This title looks to reinvigorate the Castlevania series and judging from the trailer, it might do exactly that. From the looks of it Lord of Shadow seems to have taken some notes from God of War, but can we honestly say that's a bad thing? This game will be a must have for any Castlevania fan.

9. Sin and Punishment 2



Anyone who played the original Sin and Punishment on N64 knows just how much fun it was. Sin and Punishment 2 comes as a 3rd person shooter from Japan that may just give the Nintendo Wii the push it needs.

8. Aliens vs. Predator



Aliens vs. Predator is back with its unique appeal of being able to play all 3 races. Expect an overwhelming sense of dread while playing as a marine in dark and unknown corridors, a refreshing ability to wreak absolute carnage while playing as an alien, and of course, the satisfactory feeling of successfully hunting down your prey as the elusive predator. Did we mention that multiplayer will incorporate all three classes in an all out brawl on various planets and facilities?

7. WoW Cataclysm



Chances are if you play WoW you've already been drooling over this expansion for months and have a special place already set on your shelf for this game. If you don't play World of Warcraft please, for your own sake, turn away and never look back. This expansion includes two new races (Worgen and Goblin) and of course new dungeons, raids, and areas to explore.

6. Bioshock 2



Taking place 10 years after the original Bioshock, Bioshock 2 looks to expand on the original. The players can now take control of the infamous Big Daddy and even step outside of the underwater city called Rapture. Oh, and there will be multiplayer too.

5. Rage



Rage is Id Software’s first original game in over a decade, and the first to use the new Tech 5 game engine. Rage is set in a post-apocalyptic world and looks to be a unique blend of first person shooter and racing game. Ironically this sounds pretty damn refreshing.

4. Diablo 3



Does anything else even need to be said apart from the fact that its freakin' Diablo 3?!? This time time around there will be three playable classes each with their own unique set of abilities, strengths and weaknesses. The classes are Witch Doctor, Barbarian, and Wizard. Be warned though, this game looks to be every bit as addicting as WoW and may cause you to lose your job, friends, and maybe even your apartment. But on the bright side at least you'll have fun doing it.

3. Metroid: Other M



What happens when you combine one of the most beloved action games of all time with the brilliant minds at Team Ninja. Metroid Gaiden? Ninjatroid? No. The answer is non other than Metroid: Other M. This may just be the best Metroid game ever created, which is truly saying something.

2. God of War III



God of War III resumes exactly where God of War II ends and will deliver on all the brutal hacking and slashing we came to love in the previous games. If you own a PS3 you're in luck as this game will only be available on that system. Hell, it might even be worth the buy just to shove it in all your friends faces who own an Xbox360.

1. Starcraft II



The original Star Craft is arguably one of the best games ever made, so it is not surprising that real time strategy fans went absolutely crazy when Star Craft II was finally announced. Its been over 10 years since the last installment in the Starcraft series and Blizzard has managed to up the ante with improved graphics, all new units, and even customized deaths for every unit. Expect to relive everything you enjoyed in the first Starcraft from the compelling story and campaigns to the brutal all out battles we learned to love. If Blizzard doesn't push this game back for 4 more years then this game will be a shoe in for game of the year.

Netflix Streaming on the PS3

PS3 owners rejoice! Or don't rejoice if you either A.) Don't care or B.) Hate Netflix but either way Netflix streaming is coming to your PS3. In a recent press release from Netflix, we have gathered all the details about the partnership. One of the best things about this feature is that fans and subscribers of Netflix can enjoy tons of movies and tv shows through the internet on-demand without having to pay any extra cost other than their Netflix subscription cost, which can be as low as $9 a month. Xbox 360 owner's have that added Xbox LIVE subscription fee which runs $50 a year.

But, there is some bad news. In order to enjoy the delightfullness of the Netflix streaming, users will be required to insert a special Blu-ray disc into their PS3. This disc will enable Netflix streaming through the Blu-ray's BD Live functionality. This is something you do not have to do with the Xbox 360 or other Blu-ray players which already have the Netflix option built-in. BD Live can be slow and clunky at times but it does work better on the PS3 than it does on typical Blu-ray players. There is a catch to the special disc however. The press release said that the disc would be needed initially so this could hint at a future software update that will add Netflix as a built-in feature.

Many people have been waiting for this feature to come to the PS3. The 360 has already had it for some time and PS3 owners were getting antsy. We are seeing more and more innovations coming to both the Xbox 360 and the PS3. Netflix is now on both consoles and there is always Twitter and Facebook.

But, despite having the seemingly annoying disc to contend with, Netflix streaming has been envied by PS3 owners since it was released on the Xbox 360 and I'm sure they won't mind the disc all too much. According to Netflix, the feature will be available to all PS3 owners by the end o f the year. As an added bonus to all Netflix subscribers who own a PS3, the special required disc can now be reserved.

Source: G4TV