The Best Video Game Consoles

HOW TO CHOOSE = When shopping for the best video game consoles, the first thing to think about is the games. Who will be playing, and what types of games will they enjoy?

The Nintendo Wii has built its reputation on family fun, while the Xbox360 and PlayStation 3 have a wider range of action, adventure and shooter games which appeal more to teens.

If you have interest in on-line gaming or playing movies, the Xbox and PS3 both play DVDs and CDs, but the PS3 also plays Blu-ray discs. The PS3 seems to get better results when tested for on-line gaming.

The Wii has internet connectivity, but can’t play DVDs. If you’re not interested in on-line gaming, you can probably get by with less memory in your game console.

THE REVIEW = The Best High-end Gaming Console is the Microsoft Xbox 360. Although reviewers thought the PS3 is technologically superior to the Xbox360, this unit has the advantage regarding game availability and in on-line gaming. Prices for this system range wildly between $210 and $400.

Other top performers include:

Best Family Game Console = Nintendo Wii @ about $250.

Best Multimedia Game Console = Sony playStation 3 @ about $420.

Best Handheld Game System = Sony PSP 2000 @ $170.

Best Budget Handheld Game System = Nintendo DS @ $130.

Best price found in Dec., ’09 = for all models, go to dell.com – by far the lowest.

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