Video games are hotter than ever! Gamers demand excitement and manufacturers are racing to create the best game platform and corner the market. Today there are three major game consoles (Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony Playstation2 and Nintendo GameCube) and three major portable handhelds (Nintendo DS, Sony PSP and Nintendo GameBoy Advance SP) vying for consumers' attention. Read this guide to understand the pros and cons of each system and decide which game platform will be best for you.
Keep in mind that some game titles are available for any platform you choose, but others are exclusive to one system only. So if there's a game you know you'll definitely want to play, be sure you shop for a compatible game platform.
Consoles
A video game console is the main unit on which you play video games. Consoles are much larger than handhelds. They have no viewing screen and are meant to connect to your television. They're usually pretty portable, but they're not as durable as handheld gaming platforms. Most come with at least one controller (the input device with which you interact with the game), but you may have to buy the other controller(s) separately.
Microsoft Xbox 360 The Microsoft Xbox 360 has the most powerful processor of all of the game consoles currently available. It has industry-leading graphics and highly intuitive and demanding games that challenge even the most advanced player. The Xbox 360 has a sleek design, powerfully fast processor, 20 GB hard drive, brilliant high-definition graphics, and six-channel surround sound for a totally immersive gaming experience. It also comes with ready access to Xbox Live online gaming networks (separate internet connection required) and has controls that allow parents to block certain games or content.
Keep in mind while you're shopping that the Xbox 360 comes in two models: a "premium" version that allows you to play many of the original Xbox games, and a less expensive "core" version that is only able to play the new Xbox 360 games.
Pros: Graphics and sound that will amaze even the hard-core gamer.
Cons: Cost - the Xbox 360 is double the cost of the Sony Playstation2 or the Nintendo GameCube.
Price: $300 for the core package, $400 for the complete premium package.
Sony PlayStation2 The Sony PlayStation2 (or "PS2") has the largest game library available and is currently the most popular system on the market. New PS2 models have a slim, lightweight design that fits on nearly any shelf and allows for easy transport. New PS2 models also come with a built-in Ethernet card or modem port so you can play online with other gaming enthusiasts around the world (separate internet connection required).
Pros: Largest library of games available and good graphics. The PS2 also plays DVD movies and is backward compatible with original Sony PlayStation games.
Cons: Slim design doesn't allow for a hard drive. The PS2 only has two controller ports (you can purchase a separate adapter that allows for up to 12 players) while the GameCube and Xbox have four.
Price: $150.
Nintendo GameCube The Nintendo GameCube is geared towards all audiences, but it's particularly popular with the pre-teen set. It's a compact, CD-based system with decent graphics that allows you to play online with other gamers around the world (if you purchase the separate broadband adapter). The GameCube enables you to play popular Nintendo game titles, like Mario and Pokemon, which are only available for Nintendo gaming consoles.
Pros: Very child friendly. Can play classic games like Mario Bros., Zelda and Pokemon for which Nintendo has the exclusive rights.
Cons: May not be engaging enough to satisfy adult gamers.
Price: $150.
Handhelds
Handheld gaming platforms fit in your hand (and your pocket) and are designed as one small unit, complete with a viewing screen and controller. The tiny screen makes their gaming experience less immersive than console platforms, but they're great if you want to play games when you're on the go.
Nintendo GameBoy Advance SP The GameBoy Advance is the leader in handheld gaming devices. With a 32-bit processor and full color, backlit LCD screen, its graphics are impressive. You can connect as many as four units together for head-to-head play or connect it to the Nintendo GameCube and use it as a GameCube controller. The GameBoy Advance SP can also play original Nintendo GameBoy games. Batteries will last up to ten hours of continuous play.
Pros: Popular for younger gamers. Great for on-the-go gaming - has a built-in rechargeable battery and a large library of available game titles.
Cons: Graphics aren't as good as the Sony PSP.
Price: $80.
Nintendo GameBoy Micro The Nintendo GameBoy Micro can play the entire GameBoy Advance game library. It's about the size of a cell phone and can easily be carried in your pocket. It has a 2" screen, which is smaller than the GameBoy Advance SP, but displays sharper graphics and has adjustable brightness controls for indoor and outdoor use. The built-in headphone jack allows you to listen privately through any set of standard headphones and the built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours. The GameBoy Micro even includes three customizable faceplates so you can personalize and protect the screen.
Pros: Plays all Nintendo GameBoy Advance games. Small size makes it easy to take it with you anywhere you go. Long-lasting, rechargeable battery.
Cons: Does not play original GameBoy games. Screen size is smaller than that of the Nintendo GameBoy Advance SP.
Price: $90.
Sony PSP The PSP (PlayStation Portable) supports games, music, videos and photos. It has a brilliant, high-resolution, widescreen (16:9) display measuring 4.3 inches and built-in wireless capability that includes a Web Browser (separate internet connection with wireless access point required). With a Sony Memory Stick Duo (purchased separately) you can access digital photos, music files (including MP3, MP4, WAV and ATRAC3plus) and even UMD and MP4 video files. The UMD disc drive supports PSP game discs as well as full-length movies stored on UMD.
Pros: Supports games, movies, music and photos. Widescreen (16:9) display is great for watching movies. Cons: 6.7" wide frame makes it bulky to carry around. UMD media is not currently supported by any devices other than the PSP so movie titles are limited. Memory Stick Duo can be expensive and offers minimal storage capacity. Price: $250.
Nintendo DS The Nintendo DS has two full-color, backlit LCD screens that allow you to control the action on one screen while viewing details, like maps or alternate views, on the other. The bottom screen is touch-sensitive, serving as a PDA-style (Personal Data Assistant) touchpad you control with your finger or the included stylus. The Nintendo DS also has a built-in microphone for voice commands and built-in wireless capability, which can be used to play against, or chat with, other Nintendo DS users up to 100 feet away. It's compatible with standard PC wireless broadband connections, enabling you to play on-line with DS users around the world (separate internet connection with wireless access point required). Its two cartridge slots allow you to play both Nintendo DS and GameBoy Advance games and it has a built-in rechargeable battery that runs for up to 10 hours.
Pros: Large, innovative, dual back-lit screens. The DS is compatible with both DS and GameBoy Advance games. Wireless (Wi-Fi) connection has a radius of up to 100 feet. Built-in PictoChat software allows you to write and draw pictures with up to 15 other DS users.
Cons: Games can be pricey. The DS is incompatible with original GameBoy games.
Price: $150.
Gaming Categories
Action Action video games such as X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse require a high level of involvement and are designed to have various goals to accomplish.
Adventure Adventure video games such as Halo 2 will give you something to look forward to or a mission to accomplish each time you turn on your video gaming console.
Arcade Arcade games like Pac Man World 2 Bundle or Flipnic Ultimate Pinball hearken back to their original game arcade roots.
Classics/Puzzles Classics such as Wheel of Fortune are sure to keep you thinking and are fun for the whole family.
Family Yes there are family video games that you can all enjoy. Classic hits include Intellivision Lives for adults and Spongebob Squarepants: The Battle For Bikini Bottom for children.
Fighting Fighting video games such as Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance have become more graphically intense as technology evolves. These types of games are recommended for older audiences.
Music Music video games are great for those who are rhythmically-challenged. Move your feet with games like Dance Revolution Extreme or MTV Music Generator 3: This is the Remix.
Racing Racing video games such as Gran Turismo 4 are intense and nail biting. In most cases, you will have the option to modify your racing vehicle as you are rewarded for accomplishing goals or stages.
Role Playing Role Playing video games such as Star Wars Knights of the Republic II: The Sith Lords require by far the most involvement and allow players to step into another world.
Shooting Shooting video games like 007: Agent Under Fire are similar to action games, but often include more violence for a more mature audience.
Simulation Simulation video games simulate a real-life experience. Video game makers have paid attention to the market by creating games that younger audiences can play such as Nintendo's Nintendogs: Lab & Friends in which you raise and train your own puppy.
Sports New versions of sports video games such as Madden Football come out each year to update the players on professional teams. These games are great for the sports enthusiast who always wanted to play in the "big leagues."
Strategy Strategy video games such as Final Fantasy Tactics have become extremely popular and are recommended for the advanced video game player.
Ratings
The ERSB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) ratings are designed to help consumers make more informed purchase decisions on video games.
EC - Early Childhood EC rated games are recommended for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.
E - Everyone E rated games are recommended for ages 6 and older. Minimal violence, some comic mischief and/or mild language.
E 10+ - Everyone 10+ E 10+ rated games have content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language, and/or minimal suggestive themes.
T - Teen T rated games are recommended for persons ages 13 and older. May contain violent content, mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes.
M - Mature M rated games are recommended for ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain mature sexual themes, more intense violence and/or strong language.
AO - Adults Only AO rated games are recommended only for adults. Titles in this category may include graphic depictions of sex and/or violence. Adult Only products are not intended for persons under the age of 18.
RP - Rating Pending RP games have been submitted to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating.
