Which console is better? Xbox 360 vs. Playstation 3 vs. Wii

So right when you've finally decided to shell out some cash to buy a new gaming console, you unexpectedly run into the dilemma of: Which gaming console should I buy? Well don't worry, this is a pretty common problem.

There are three consoles out in the market right now that you are probably debating about. Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's Playstation 3, and Nintendo's Wii. These are the most current video gaming consoles out in the market right now. The choice isn't an easy one, but I'll try to highlight some points about each of the consoles to help you make your decision!

Nintendo Wii

The biggest distinction about the Wii is the fact that they have the best party multiplayer games. If you are aiming for a console to enjoy together with your friends and family, then without doubt, the Wii is the best console for you. With games such as Super Mario Kart, Wii Sports, and Super Smash Brothers Brawl, the Wii is definitely your top choice when it comes down to playing enjoyable and relaxing games with at big group gatherings.

With the Wii, you can challenge your relatives to a game of Bowling or Tennis with Wii Sports, race against your grandfather in a game of Mario Kart, or even leave beat the daylights out of your best friend in a quick game of Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

The Wii differs from the traditional gaming consoles, in that they use something called a WiiMote to play. This allows for a rather interactive style of gaming, where you can actually use the Wiimote's motion sensor ability to swing your arm to throw the bowling ball, swing your tennis racket, or slash your with your sword.

Of course, this isn't to say that the Wii is only for party games. There are still many of Nintendo's classic games such as Mario (Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Brothers for Wii) and Zelda (Twilight Princess for Wii) that you can enjoy on your own free time.

Playstation 3 and Xbox 360

Now this is the hard decision to make. Both these two machines can be considered as consoles aimed at the "hardcore gamers". This involves action packed games such as Splinter Cell, first person shooter games like Call of Duty, and even Role-Playing games like Final Fantasy 13.

These are games that involve more time, attention, and concentration, so they are thusly meant for those who are more "hardcore." Generally speaking, the graphics for these games are very detailed and realistic, which adds to the dimensions of the games, as opposed to the Wii games, which are generally more cartoonish.

More recently, many gaming companies have chosen to release their games simultaneously for both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360, making the decision between the two consoles a rather tough one.

Below I will attempt to highlight the specific points about each console which may be factors in helping decide which of the two consoles is right for you.

Playstation 3

The feature that draws the most attention towards the Playstation 3 console is the Blu-Ray ability of the console. Not only can does it function as your gaming console, but this console can double as a Blu-Ray player. Considering the direction towards Blu-ray that we are moving in, it may be quite a smart idea invest in this console, which will allow keep you on the cutting edge of media technology.

Another feature offered by the Playstation 3, is the ability to play on PSN, or in other words, Playstation Network. This feature allows you to play certain games over the internet together with other players around the world. In games like Call of Duty, you can put your shooting skills to the test against other players on the internet. For games like Splinter Cell, you can play in co-op mode with another player online to gain additional content of the game, with an entirely different storyline. The ability to use PSN is free, meaning you can simply plug your console to your router, you're set. Keep in mind that a broadband internet connection is required for this feature.

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On the down side, the Playstation 3 costs $300 dollars, which is $100 dollars more than the cheapest Xbox 360.

Xbox 360

The biggest appeal to the Xbox 360 right now, is the price. At $199 for their cheapest console, buyers can save $100 dollars over buying a Playstation 3 (as mentioned above). This could make a huge difference for people who are only looking to buy a gaming console purely for playing games, and don't have any intention of watching blu-ray movies.

The Xbox also tends to have a few exclusive titles for their console that particularly stand out. Halo is probably the most obvious title that has always been exclusive to the Xbox systems. Many choose the Xbox over the Playstation 3 because of Halo alone. A few more popular titles for the Xbox includes Gears of War, and Fable. Fable is a role-playing game made popular with its first release for the original Xbox 1 system. Gears of War is an action game, easily one of the most popular Xbox 360 games in the early days of the console.

On a more personal note, I also find the Xbox 360's controller much more comfortable than it's counterpart. The bigger grip and overall heavier build is more comfortable for my hand, giving a more solid hold on the controller.

On the flip side, the Xbox requires a subscription in order to play online (called Xbox Live). This may be a deal breaker for many, who intend on using their console for online gaming purposes.

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Summary

To sum up the points that we have discussed:

Wii

• Great for parties
• Wiimote allows interactive experience
• Many classic games (Mario, Zelda)

Playstation 3

• Blu-Ray support
• Playstation Network (PSN)
• Expensive

Xbox 360

• Decent price range
• Exclusive titles (Halo, Fable, Gears of War)
• Comfortable controller
  

Comments

Amanda Bowles from Utah on April 11, 2018:

PS3, because now playing online on PS3 is free, there are various DLC's which can be downloaded free, etc. I like the controller layout better finding it to be more comfortable.

cfin from The World we live in on December 16, 2013:

PS3 is the best. Free internet access, without the need for xbox live, and a blu ray player. If the Wii U is in the mix I choose the Wii U just because it is more fun and we all prefer it at home. The PS3 has been thrown aside.

Quinton on September 14, 2012:

Can you connect to the internet that is to say can you like go on facebook ,twitter, youtube on any of the consoles

hifizah on September 02, 2012:

I'm not really into video games but my husband bought the Xbox last year and sold it after two months. He then bought a PS3 and said it was better. I personally find the Blu-Ray feature is very useful but can't say much about the gaming experience.

Ari Lamstein on July 06, 2012:

The XBox 360 is the best console.

Nathan K from Kansas on March 23, 2012:

As someone who plays both....I have to pick the PS3.. the 360 may be cheaper, but it makes up the money by charging you for the online gameplay. So they're about even when you figure costs of games, console, and online play..

Good hub! I likey

Edward Zhang (author) from Bay Area, CA on December 22, 2011:

With that said, I think I would enjoy trying to play Skyrim using a Wiimote (although, to be fair, I would probably give up and switch back to a controller in less than 15 minutes)

Thanks for commenting Marina!

Marina from San Francisco, CA on December 22, 2011:

Awesome Hub, Ed. Having the Xbox 360 made me realize how much the Wii sucked in comparison. Don't get me wrong -- I still thoroughly enjoyed playing SSBB, but there's only so much you can do. The technology for motion sensor controllers is not where it needs to be and the moves are limited. Case in point: I would play ssbb using a Gamecube controller instead of the Wiimote.

As an aside, you may enjoy this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkscwBH90sU

MeMeMe on July 01, 2011:

Sony and Microsoft and neck and neck, leaving Nintendo in the dust, sputtering.

Ari Lamstein on May 20, 2011:

Edward, how has your opinion changed in light of Sony's recent security problems?

Edward Zhang (author) from Bay Area, CA on March 25, 2011:

Well Steve McG, it looks like my hub wasn't helpful in helping people decide afterall =P maybe I should change my title to "Why you should buy all 3 consoles" :D

Steve McG from Palm Bay, FL on March 25, 2011:

HAHA I want them all too :)

Edward Zhang (author) from Bay Area, CA on March 25, 2011:

Maybe you should, Simone!! After you get your 60" TV and all 3 consoles, you should invite me to your place :D

Simone Haruko Smith from San Francisco on March 25, 2011:

Wow, what an excellent discussion of the consoles! Problem is, now I want them ALL. Way to go, Ed. Way to go.

Edward Zhang (author) from Bay Area, CA on March 25, 2011:

Hi lukecore, thanks for dropping a comment! I think that the xbox is a great choice for the budget gamer, as it allows players to enjoy almost all new games without having to pay a horrible sum of cash. I'm glad you found that the xbox offers more than just FPS games! The current generations have so much to offer :)

Luke Chant from Manchester on March 25, 2011:

Good article! I bought a Wii when it came out and it has been great, especially for parties as you say. I put of buying another console for a long time as PS3 and Xbox seemed to be aimed at FPS players but I recently bought an Xbox and I think the two are a good combination - Wii for the Nintendo exclusives and party games, Xbox for the cutting edge stuff.