Console-based video gaming is one of the most popular of modern digital technologies, cutting across age, demographic and gender divides. Today's players have three dominant platforms to choose from: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Each is an impressive multifunctional device, with designs meant to encourage integration into existing home entertainment systems and networks, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each console is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for the players in a household.

Console Choices

	Wii View larger	PlayStation 3 View larger	Xbox 360 View larger
Models and Pricing (prices may vary)	Wii with Mario Kart Wii - $149	160 GB memory - $250 320 GB memory - $300	4 GB memory - $200 250 GB memory - $300
What's in the Box	Wii console Wii Mario Kartgame One Wii Remote Plus controller One Nunchuk controller Wii Sensor bar Standard composite cable and power cord	PS3 console One wireless controller A/V cable for connection to TV USB cable for charging controller Free PlayStation Network (PSN) membership	Xbox 360 console One Xbox 360 wireless controller Composite A/V cable (standard definition) A month free Xbox LIVE Gold membership
Motion Gaming?	Already included	PlayStation Move (sold separately)	Kinect for Xbox 360 (sold separately)
Colors (limited edition colors may be available)	White and black	Black	Black
Drive Type	CD (just games)	CD/DVD/Blu-ray (games, music, movies)	CD/DVD (games, music, movies)
Online Play	WiiWare	PlayStation Network (PSN)	Xbox LIVE
Additional Accessories	Additional controllers - $10-45	Additional controllers - $40-50	Additional controllers - $40-50
Price Range of Games	New releases: ~$30 - $50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $10	New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$40 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15	New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15
Backwards Compatibility	Plays all GameCube game titles	Offers compatibility with PS1 games	Over 300 titles developed for the original Xbox console are currently available
Graphic Quality	480p	1080p	1080p
Great For	Designed for Junior to Grandma with titles generally focused on family fun, party games	High-powered and highly customizable system for the technical-minded consumers	Offers a wide selection of games and accessible entertainment, with user-friendly social tools

Arcade, Casual and Party games are a Wii Specialty.
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Consider Games Before Choosing a Console

There is not just one kind of console video game, and so the machines that are are used to play them are different as well. Considering the types of games to be played, their availability for the consoles being considered and the ability of those consoles' to present the best gaming experience possible for the game's genre and content is important. The games developed for Wii tend to be more easily accessible, family-friendly productions heavily influenced by Nintendo's classic gaming history. Filled with cartoon-like and childlike characters as well as Arcade-style gameplay situations, Wii games are often referred to as "Casual Games," or "Party Games" typified by brief, simple "mini-games." These small games-within-games are tailor-made for players new to the puzzle-solving aspects of gaming and how that is translated through game controllers to the screen by the player.

PS3 and Xbox 360 provide the processing power that Action-Adventure, Shooter, Racing and RPG games need.
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PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles are the current version of earlier console releases whose user bases were rooted in game genres such as Action-Adventure, Shooters, Racing, Sports, Role-playing games (RPG) and so on. Gameplay developed in these genres tends to require more focus on the part of the player, and more graphics processing power from the console in order to maintain a quality experience. That is what continues to be the main focus of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Capable of full 1080p HD quality graphics presentation when used with the proper cables and displays, in this area Xbox 360 and PS3 are far beyond what Wii is capable of. Iconic game franchises likeHalo,God of War,Fable,Metal Gear Solid,Gears of War,Killzone,Mass Effect,The Elder Scrollsand many others have grown up on these platforms, feeding off of their power. And with the rise of online multiplayer gaming through Xbox LIVE and PSN the high energy, fine graphical specialties of these platforms only continues to grow.

Motion Gaming

Although motion gaming has been front and center since the launch of the Wii in 2006, the other two consoles have their own motion gaming offerings that provide unique play opportunities on their respective platforms that have also found a wide audience. See a breakdown of the motion gaming capacity of each of the systems below.

Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk

The Wii Remote Plus controller is the standard wireless controller that ships with each Wii. It combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, all built-in to a single unit. The device is handled in a wand-like fashion, and uses internal gyroscope and accelerometer technology to pinpoint the players movements and physical positioning which it then relates into a game via a sensor bar connected to the console. The Wii Remote Plus has only a few buttons making it easy to use. It also contains a speaker, a rumble feature, and an external connector for other input devices like the Nunchuk controller and the Classic Controller.

PlayStation Move

PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Move Navigation controller (optional in most games) and a PlayStation Eye camera (all sold separately), PlayStation Move enables sophisticated, ultra accurate motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. In addition, the PlayStation Eye features the ability to process up to 120 frames/second and a built-in 4 microphone array for pristine video quality and video chat capabilities.

Kinect for Xbox 360

Easy to use and fun for everyone, Kinect sensor for Xbox 360 utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put players in the center of the fun that is 100% controller-free. After configuring itself by registering a range of points across your body, this amazing technology allows Kinect to recognize and mirror your movements in the game, in effect making your body the controller. The sensor is compatible with every Xbox 360, features a color VGA motion camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second), a depth camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second) and an array of 4 microphones supporting single speaker voice recognition.

Wii Remote Plus&Nunchuk. View larger

PlayStation Eye&Motion controller. View larger

Controller-free Kinect sensor play. View larger

Online Play and Functionality

Online functionality is a major focus in console gaming. Each of the three consoles can be used offline, but by integrating them into your home broadband connection you can greatly expand their potential. Each posses a significant online component, but differ in the ways users can interact with it.

WiiWare is a service that allows Wii players to download games and applications directly to their Wii console in exchange for purchased Wii Points on the Wii Shop Channel. Online gameplay requires a code to play. It's free to play and there are no names, so kids are protected against unwanted contact. Through Wii's online component players can also gain access to hundreds of classic arcade games available for download through Wii's Virtual Console functionality. The Nintendo Channel allows players to watch gameplay videos, trailers, developer interviews, and even download Nintendo DS game demos wirelessly. Additional Wii online functionality includes a web browser and connectivity with Netflix,* which allows users to stream video efficiently and quietly by means of the console's low energy consumption internal processing.

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PS3 (or PlayStation handheld) and a broadband connection to the Internet. Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, game extras, music and streaming video. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on your console or external media. Online multiplayer gameplay through PSN is simple, yet robust. Simply slip a compatible multiplayer disc into the console, select the multiplayer option and set up your own game or wait to join one in progress. The service also contains Netflix access,*a range of original gaming-oriented video programming, as well as access to PlayStation Home, a 3D world where gamers can interact in a virtual environment.

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment hub for Xbox 360. The service was launched with the original Xbox console in 2002, and has evolved and grown with Xbox 360. The service is two-tiered, with every user receiving a free "Silver membership," which allows for access to content such as free game demos, downloaded video rentals, Xbox LIVE avatar functionality and chat. A paid "Gold Membership" provides access to these and expanded features, including online gaming, HD movies and TV shows through services such as Netflix,* HBO Go,**ESPN, and Hulu Plus, downloadable games, facebook, downloadable content (DLC) for games and more. Players use Xbox LIVE points, which as easily purchased online and offline to access much of the online content. Both Xbox LIVE membership levels allow players to increase their Gamer Score, a running tally of the achievements they have unlocked in games. This is commonly shared information among gamers around the world and a source of pride in the community.

Mario&Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Gamesis a Sports-Party game set at the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London and featuring a wide range of characters from both the Nintendo and Sonic game universes who compete in a wide range of sports events. A Wii exclusive for console play, the game continues the fun of theMario&Sonic Olympicgame series with additional new real-world events, "Dream Games" offering expanded Arcade style gaming possibilities, the unique head-to-head multiplayer London Party Mode, and more all against the iconic background of real London city venues.

Team Up for Glory at the London Olympics

On your marks and get set for the world's greatest sporting event as Mario and Sonic head to the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Coming exclusively to Wii for console play,Mario&Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Gamesis an all new celebration of the Olympic spirit hosted within the truly iconic setting of London and bringing even more multiplayer fun and excitement to friends and families everywhere.

Quest for Olympic sporting glory with Team Mario and Team Sonic at the 2012 London Summer Olympic games.
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As in earlier releases in theMario&Sonic Olympicseries the 2012 London game features characters from both the Nintendo and Sonic game universes, arrayed into Team Mario and Team Sonic allowing players to compete against each other in multiplayer action in real world sporting events. Events found in the game include those seen in the earlierMario&Sonicsummer Olympic game like 100m Sprint, Aquatics, Table Tennis, gymnastics and more, along with four new events: horse-riding, canoeing, soccer and badminton. Players are also able to compete in multiplayer 'Dream Game' sports event, which are select standard events in which only your imagination and ability with the Wii Remote limit as to how far, fast or how high your character can go.

London Party Mode

Set in the streets of London the special "London Party Mode" built intoMario&Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Gamesallows up to 4 players can participate in a party game that adds another layer of fun to the game. Compete in events and challenges spread throughout the game to gain access to in-game stickers, which are then used to fill sticker sheets. The first contestant to fill all the spaces on her/his sticker sheet(s) will be crowned as the winner.

Key Game Features

• Exciting Headline Events- All new events including Soccer, Showjumping, Canoeing and badminton debut alongside redefined favorites, such as 100m Sprint, Aquatics, Table Tennis and more
• Dream Events- A new roster of beloved Dream Events allow players more choice in-game than ever before
• An Iconic London Landscape- Take the fun of the 2012 Olympic Games to the streets of London as the city becomes the ultimate playground
• London Party Mode- Take part in a huge number of mini-games around a variety of famous landmarks with all your favorite characters in the London Party mode
• Multiplayer- Enjoy 4-player or two-player versus play across most event

Additional Screenshots

A large range of sports events. View larger

4-player game support. View larger

All-new competitions. View larger

Nintendo like Dream Games. View larger