Game Consoles Buying Guide

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Game Consoles Buying Guide

Gaming consoles have evolved from video games machines to complete home entertainment packages. Our guide looks at all the features of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, so can decide which game console is the best fit for you.

PlayStation 3

In A Nutshell: Play games, watch Blu-ray discs, connect to the Internet and view digital TV (via PlayTV or online service iView).
Hard Drive: Choice of 320GB or 160GB (interchangeable).
A Few Games Exclusive to PS3: The Uncharted series, the Gran Turismo series, the Resistance series, the Killzone series and SingStar.
Connect to the Internet: PlayStation Network is a free (you'll need broadband Internet access) interactive environment where you can play games online, chat to friends and family, and surf the Web. Some of PlayStation Network's features include:

  • PlayStation Video Store: Hundreds of movies to rent or buy, and download to your PlayStation 3.
  • MUBI: A collection of classic, independent and foreign films, some free to watch and others pay-per-view.
  • Vidzone: A music video application — free from PlayStation Store — that lets you stream thousands of music videos onto your PS3.

Cool PlayStation 3 Accessory: The PlayStation Eye is a webcam-style device for video and sound. Use it together with the EyeCreate editing software — downloaded free from PlayStation Store — to shoot and edit you own movies.

Cool PlayStation 3 Features:

  • Move: Brings games to life, so you can immerse yourself in the action.  
  • Blu-ray: Plays BD discs.
  • PlayTV: Turns your PS3 into a high definition, twin-tuner Personal Video Recorder (PlayTV is sold separately).
  • 3D: Watch movies or play games in three-dimension.
  • DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance): Share movies, photos, music and other media between different devices.

Not-so-cool PlayStation 3 Feature: Doesn't play PlayStation 2 games.
The PS3 is a Good Choice For… Gamers, creative people and movie buffs.

Xbox 360

In A Nutshell: Play games, view DVDs, connect to the Internet and watch Pay TV.
Hard drive: Choice of 250GB or 120GB.
A Few Games Exclusive to Xbox 360: The Halo series, the Gears of War series, the Fable series and Forza Motorsport.
Connect to the Internet: The Xbox 360 features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n) for connection to Xbox LIVE, the online gaming and entertainment service, where you can:

  • Download or stream movies, TV series or games in full high definition 1080p and 5.1 surround sound.
  • Connect with friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Cool Xbox 360 Accessory: The wireless microphones are compatible with most Guitar Hero and Rock Band games.

Cool Xbox 360 Features:

  • Kinect (available November 2010): Xbox's motion-control system, which uses a camera — not a controller — to mimic your body's movements. There's a range of Kinect games involving dancing, sports, car racing and exercising.
  • FOXTEL By Xbox LIVE Allows owners of Xbox consoles in Australia to access FOXTEL channels — including FOX Sports, Discovery, Nickelodeon, Disney and MTV, plus Video-on-Demand (VoD) services like movies — without the need for a FOXTEL set-top-box.
  • Compatibility: Xbox 360 recognises most MP3 players and hard drives, so you can connect these and play music, view photos and watch videos on the console.

Not-so-cool Xbox 360 Feature: Doesn't play Blu-ray discs (only DVD).
The Xbox 360 is a Good Choice For… Online game enthusiasts and home-entertainment buffs.

Nintendo Wii

In A Nutshell: Interactive gaming for the family.
Hard Drive: None.
A Few Games Exclusive to Wii: Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort and Super Mario Bros.
Connect to the Internet: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection lets you play with other online gamers around the world. Built-in Wii Channels (some require broadband Internet connection) offer some interesting extras:

  • Internet Channel: Surf the World Wide Web.
  • News Channel: The latest international news, in easy-to-browse categories.
  • Forecast Channel: Weather information from all over the globe.
  • Nintendo Channel: An interactive guide to the world of Nintendo: watch trailers, product demonstrations, and gameplay videos.
  • Wii Shop Channel: Access all kinds of games, including WiiWare titles and the classics from NES, SNES, N64, SEGA Megadrive and SEGA Mastersystem.

Cool Nintendo Wii Accessory: The Wii Balance Board reads the movement of your feet and brings your motions to the screen by sensing your weight and balance.

Cool Wii Features:

  • Wiiconnect24: The Wii console can communicate with the Internet for constant updates, even when the power is turned off.
  • SD memory card slot: Allows you to use an SD card to upload photos and music, as well as back up and store game files.

Not-so-cool Wii Feature: No hard drive, plus can't play DVDs, Blu-ray or CDs.
The Wii is a Good Choice For… Children, families and large groups (parties, share houses etc).

  • Save your favourite products to your Wish List by selecting "Add to Wish List". You need an account to use your WishList. Your Wish List is automatically saved to your account when you're logged in.

  • To compare products click the "Add To Compare List" link next to the product information on the page. When you add more than one product to your Compare List, click on the "Compare" button located on the right hand side of this list.