Comparing the game systems

Here's a quick comparison of the current generation video game systems, along with some thoughts about which might be the right one for you. Keep in mind that many of the biggest game releases are available for all of these systems.







PS3 Slim

Price: $299

Key exclusive games
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Infamous, MLB09: The Show, Killzone 2, Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, Gran Turismo 5

Key features
Built-in 120GB harddrive, built-in wi-fi, cutting-edge hardware, plays Blu-ray movies

Weaknesses
It's the most advanced tech on the market, but game developers have struggled at times to harness its power. It's simply cheaper, easier, and more profitable for developers to make games for the other systems, which means that its game library could be more impressive. It could be years before we truly see what the PS3 can do, if ever.

Get this if
You want an inexpensive way to watch movies on Blu-ray disc or you're a big fan of the PS3's exclusive games








Wii

Price: $199

Key exclusive games
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Mario Galaxy, Warioware: Smooth Moves, Wii Sports, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Key features
Revolutionary motion control, solid and stable technology, great exclusive games from console-maker Nintendo, easy and fun to play for all ages, can download and play old favorites from earlier Nintendo consoles

Weaknesses
Made mainly for younger players or those who wouldn't normally play video games, the games don't look or sound as good as they do on the other systems, it only plays games - none of this newfangled DVD stuff

Get this if
The system is for a young person, for someone who doesn't usually play games, or a longtime fan of Nintendo's games and characters like Mario








Xbox 360 Elite

Price: $299 ($250 after a $50 rebate, if you purchase by October 4.)

Key exclusive games
Gears of War, Halo 3, Forza Motorsport 2, Perfect Dark Zero, Fable II, Mass Effect

Key features
The largest, most diverse library of games among current consoles; online network offers free access a massive amount of free or for-pay games and Blu-ray quality movies and TV shows for stream or download; a cutting-edge, subscription-based online gaming service

Weaknesses
Had to implement a free mail-in repair policy because of frequent system failures in earlier versions of the console

Get this if
You have broadband internet access, particularly if you have a Netflix account since you can stream movies from Netflix through the console