Which is best the PlayStation 3, Wii or Xbox 360? on 360 Highway

The wrong question every publication is asking, comparing Apples and Oranges never works out.

Ok so maybe it's more like comparing Peaches and Nectarines seeing as all these systems are gaming systems just different varieties. To be fair to each system you really can't compare them in the way everyone is right now. There is two types of systems the high definition systems (PS3 and X360) and a hybrid (read on to see what is meant) technology gaming system (The Wii).

So the question becomes not which system is better, they all have there strengths and weaknesses, but which system is right for me. You have to take plenty into account when you decide which system is for you. Before things go there lets talk about the different types of systems.

First let's talk about the high definition systems which both the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 fall in this category. Why? Well first off both have graphics output that is native to the high definition resolutions and as such can have games that are produced in hi-def. While yes the Wii COULD output in high definition Nintendo has wisely limited the resolution of games on its system. It was a wise decision not only because high definition capable televisions are not as main stream yet as some would hope, but also because of the Wii's limited hardware capabilities*. The Sony PlayStation 3 takes things in the high definition world even further by using the Blue Ray disk as its standard drive, and making it as its standard for developing games. This not only gives developers 50 gigabytes of storage to play with but also higher quality sound and video.

Now lets talk about what we call hybrid technology, which only the Wii falls under this category. Why? We are happy you asked, it mostly has to do with Nintendo's choice of processors and memory. With out diving to much in to boring (to some) technical talk its best to say that there is a mix or hybrid of new and old technologies in play inside the Wii. While this is also somewhat true with the Microsoft Xbox 360 the wii takes the idea to new levels. By using newer nano-technologies to make the processor they milk more power out of slower processors then used to be possible. They also use a mix of old and new generation memory, not only for backwards capabilities but also for faster processing. Even with all this the Wii is still not nearly as powerful as either of the other major gaming systems.

Now that we know the basic differences between the different types of systems lets talk about what is best and for whom.

Let's start off with graphics, here is where most would just jump onto the Sony PlayStation 3, but I think if you take out the numbers, and go on a broader scale, I think the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 come out about even. If graphics are your only concern then these two systems will be your only choice, the Wii will have nice good clean graphics but it just can't beat out the other 2. Though if graphics are your only concern you better have a High Definition TV to enjoy those wonderful graphics or they will leave you wondering what is so different.

So if you are like most of us gamers there is more to gaming then graphics, and if your in that category we cant tell you exactly what to buy but we can help you make the choice easier. With that in mind let's look at over all value. Value in gaming can me so much to so many people so let us define it a bit, value will mean the sole relation to cost per enjoyment. Still pretty a broad definition but I think it will help clear things up.

Value, again all three could be in this category but going by money alone that leaves two, the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii. Why no PS3? Well simply put the price and value for enjoyment is just not in the same scale as the X360 and the Wii. Sure there are many ways to spin it but just by going by the cost per enjoyment it's out of the ring. Moving right along, the Wii is most likely the nest value for cost of enjoyment, but if you have to have the super graphics as well as the cost value then well the X360 is a close second in the cost of Value department.

If a big game catalog is a top priority then the Xbox 360 is the only choice if you want a great large assortment of games in the next six to twelve months. With the virtual console games the Wii does almost content in this category. On games, if classic games are a big deal to you then the Nintendo Wii is a great choice.

Online game play is important to at least 10 million users (latest count of paying Xbox Live customers) and the Xbox 360 is the spot for online gaming, sure Sony and Nintendo are promising free online game play, but looking at that it's a bit deserving. For one Sony has given the right for 3rd party vendors to charge a monthly fee to play online (much like the MMORPG's on the PC), and there is not much known about the Wii's service since no games at launch use the online gameplay. Microsoft has a five year lead in experience when it comes to online play. Does this mean they are the only game in town? No but for at least this holiday season they are your best bet, and yes there are games that are free to play on Xbox Live so you don't HAVE to pay.

Controllers are an important part of any console, though they are not the be all end all since you can always buy a third party controller if you don't like the one that comes with the system. But if first party controllers are a big deal to you then any one of the systems night be for you. For motion sensing the Wii's controller is hands down the best, though the PlayStation 3's controller is nice the Wii's performs better in this area. As for cordless controllers go they all seem to be pretty equal in that field really just comes down to which controller you like best. Though the Xbox 360's controller does not have motion sensing it is still a great sturdy controller, and I am sure if enough developers want a motion sensing controller then Microsoft will develop one.

Original game play might be important to some and probably should be to us all. One thing that is lost in all the hype is there is nothing new about motion sensing controllers it has been a fade in PC home gaming and Arcade gaming since the late 80s. So it is not the only factor to consider here, though if that was what we where solely considering then the Wii would be the only Winner. But if we include other things like new types of games or hybrids of different type of games then they could all be winners. Sadly there is no easy pick here so there truly is no winner here, at least not yet. Sure motion sensing could spark all types of new games, but looking at the up take of the touch screen idea on the DS, says developers aren't really going for it, its more or less a novelty extra for most games.

If this was about movie play back, then the PlayStation 3 would be the only and sole clear winner of this category since it plays Blue Ray and DVD disks. Though this has nothing to do with the systems ability to play games so we are not looking at this as a factor but if we where we would tentatively say it is the PlayStation 3. Though there are many factors to cider, like will Blue Ray be taken up as the new media standard, will HD DVD win out or just as likely will neither win out and something new come along.

Over all there is no simple or right answer as to which system to pick, there are three great systems to choice from. If you're going to pick two systems the Wii and the Xbox 360 would most likely give you the most gaming pleasure for your dollar. If you're only getting one system, then the choice is up to you, it really depends on what matters to you. If relatively cheap HD gaming is your thing and you don't care about Blue Ray then the Xbox 360 is your thing. If plain cheap but fun gaming is your thing then the Wii might be up your alley. If spec numbers and the latest media play back is your thing then the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 (have to buy the HD DVD drive on the side) at a close second will be your deal.

No matter what if you're a console gamer then there is something for everyone this holiday season. So have fun get your game on and most of all be safe! Till next time.

Please note I have not forgotten about my part two and three of my editorials but with the system launches and extra work load they have been put off a bit. We thought this and other articles may come to more use to our users at this time.

*The Nintendo Wii is the most technologically inferior system of the bunch when it comes to sheer power but that's not everything in gaming. This is in no way being biased or saying anything against the Nintendo Wii.