TECH: The 40 Year Old Gamer
Xbox 360. PlayStation 3. Nintendo Wii. Which is the best for you?
2009-08-05
By Charles White

The most frequent question I get about gaming is basic,  “Should I get an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii?”

For a hardcore gamer like myself, the answer is easy. If you can afford it, buy all three. Each console has its own unique flavor and experience. However, in today’s economy, most people are not going to invest in all three consoles. For those people who are in the market for one console and one only, this article is for you.

Two years ago, if I had to choose one console, the answer would have been simple. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 would have been the clear winner.  With a wide variety of quality games, superior online play and an intuitive user interface, Microsoft delivered the best, all-around entertainment experience back then. Though I currently own all three consoles, 75% of my home entertainment time goes through my Xbox 360 while the PS3 and Wii represent approximately 20% and 5% respectively.

However, the gaming industry is constantly evolving and so are our gaming and entertainment habits. We have seen price drops, firmware updates that improved gaming and non-gaming features, new exclusive game titles for all three consoles and last but not least, the death of the HD DVD (which was heavily supported by Microsoft).

So putting my personal biases aside, here are my thoughts on each console broken out by the following categories: game selection, non-gaming features, online experience and performance.

GAME SELECTION
Having an 11 to 12 month head start over the competition has given Xbox a huge advantage. With strong exclusive franchises like Halo, Gears of War and Left 4 Dead, Microsoft has been able build a deep, quality catalog for mature gamers. On the other hand, the PS3’s game catalog during its first two years has been a little disappointing. With the exception of a few exclusive standouts like Uncharted, Heavenly Sword and Metal Gear Solid, the PS3’s game catalog (in my opinion) is somewhat limited.

The Wii is in an entirely different category. With the exception of titles like Madworld , Wii Sports and a few mediocre shooters, the Wii titles are primarily for young and casual gamers. If you are looking for a game for kids and young teens, look no further. If you are an adult gamer looking for a more intense experience, the Wii games will probably disappoint.

My verdict: From an adult gamer perspective, I still have to give the Xbox 360 a solid advantage. However, the PS3 position may change if the upcoming releases of Uncharted 2 and God of War live up to expectations and media hype.

NON-GAMING FEATURES
The biggest advantage for the PS3 is the onboard blu-ray player. Not only is the integrated blu-ray drive a great added value, it is one of the best blu-ray players on the market. The PS3 out performs many of the stand-alone blu-ray players in the marketplace. The PS3 also does an amazing job upscaling DVDs. 

At this time, Xbox does not support blu-ray.  Originally, they put their money and efforts behind the HD DVD format via an optional external drive. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the HD DVD format failed miserably. As of today, the Xbox does not offer a high definition disc option. However, according to rumors, Microsoft is working with Toshiba to produce an external blu-ray drive for the Xbox with a suggested price point of $100 to $150.

The Wii is so far not a player in this category.

My Verdict: If you are looking for a console to play high definition movies as well as games, the PS3 is the obvious choice. As for the Xbox, providing an external blu-ray drive will be an advantage and disadvantage. People who are not interested in movies, will not like being forced to pay for a feature they will not use. However, for some consumers, buying a separate piece of equipment (which will require more money, space and an additional outlet) may not be well received. 

ONLINE EXPERIENCE
Online has become a crucial element in today’s gaming experience. Being able to jump in virtual space to play with and against other gamers can create hours of excitement. Microsoft understood this from the start, which is why they made Xbox Live, their online community, a huge priority. That is also why every Xbox console includes a headset and mic.

Through Xbox Live, players can speak to each other in private chat rooms, discuss strategy during games and leave voice messages. In fact, on the Xbox Live, most gamers will not play with you unless your mic is connected. Via Xbox Live, you can also see when your friends are online and what they are playing. Although Sony also offers a free online service, this is clearly an example of “you get what you pay for”. The user interface is not as intuitive and the service really does not encourage you to connect with other users. Sony’s service is not bad and for some it’s more than enough. However for true gamers, Xbox Live is the best choice.

Again, the Wii offers some elements of this feature, but is not a real player in the category.

My Verdict:  All platforms offer some degree of online services for gaming. Even though all  offer free and paid download content (movies, games etc), the overall experience is far greater on the Xbox.

PERFORMANCE
Some consider the PS3 to be more powerful machine. On paper, this very well might be the case. However, many game developers still find the Xbox to be an easier platform to work with. Many of the multi-platform games (game developed for both Xbox, PS3 and Wii) play better on the Xbox. For example, from my experience, the frame rates are more consistent on the Xbox. As for graphics, both PS3 and Xbox are outstanding while the Wii is still last generation. My only complaint about the Xbox is the loud fan noise. This is not an issue during game play but can be quite annoying during movies.

My verdict: As of today it’s really a toss up between the Xbox and PS3. However, the PS3 may pull ahead in the future.

MY FINAL VIRDICT
As I stated earlier, all three machines offer their own unique experience. If you are interested in a console for the family and kids, the Wii should be your first choice. If you are looking for a console for both games and movies, the PS3 should be your first choice. If gaming (including online) is your primary interest, the Xbox 360 should be your first choice.

Confessions of a 40-Year Old Gamer