The video game console market basically consists of three consoles: Microsoft’s xbox 360, Sony’s PS3 and finally the Nintendo Wii. That’s pretty much it and if you are thinking to buy one the latest sales records will tell you to get the Nintendo Wii.

Even though this console became famous a year ago when launching interactive sports games aligned with a massive TV promotion, it was first introduced in December 2006. However, this console has always been a huge success for Nintendo and historically overtakes the sales figures of the major competitor month by month. This might be mainly traced back to the product price which is below the retail price of the xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Further it is the not only the smallest but also lightest console. In contrast to other video consoles, the Nintendo Wii additionally offers a more family-oriented entertainment and provides fun for the entire family.

The latest release of Wii games is the Wii Fit on April 25th 2008 which was again heavily supported by a TV campaign. This new invention of a video game providing a proper workout manifests Nintendo’s position in the world of interactive gaming. The Japanese company obviously targets the active customer as well as those who need to exercise but don’t want to join a gym. A lately published survey conducted by the John Moores University in Liverpool gave further proof that playing Wii Games such as Wii Sports uses significantly more energy than only playing video games. However, it should be bared in mind that even the most interactive computer game can never replace any exercising and sport activities. So there’s no excuse anymore for all video game addicts to keep being lazy as a hippopotamus and not burning calories with interactive video gaming. Especially boxing and tennis are proven to use more energy than other games and are therefore a serious alternative to a regular gym workout. You might not be able to bounce a tennis ball on the court like in real life but with the special joystick technology you can easily play volleys, long balls or challenge your rival at the net.

As over two million British citizens have already bought a Nintendo Wii console since its’ launch in 2007 the success of Wii Fit in Britain is no real surprise. Even though this new game is not a guaranteed way of weight loss, it surely helps to counteract obesity problems effectively. Depending on the specific exercise about 40 muscles of the players’ bodies are used and it’s proven that the overall flexibility and agility can be improved as well.

In a nutshell, the Nintendo Wii is not only the most popular game console on the market but contributes as well to your fitness. This leaves the competitors looking less sophisticated at the moment even though it’s very likely that they’ll keep up with the latest development of the Nindendo Wii and games such as Wii Sports and Wii Fit.

And of course there’s always the option of enjoying a pure gaming action after having finished your Wii Fit workout.

With many games consoles on the market, whether you choose a Nintendo Wii or Playstation you will not be disappointed. The Xbox 360 is also there vying for customers so what do you have?

Author: Jessica Kosinski

November 19, 2008

The Console Versus PC Gaming Battle

In the world of gaming, some of us like to think that PC gamers rule the roost. Others, however, are die hard console gamers. Some walk the line and play both. So, o they have the staying power? Is one type destined to become obsolete?

First of all, in the world of console gaming, there are three main categories, these days, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or Wii gamers. Granted, some play two types and some play all three. Personally, I am a Nintendo fiend, though.

In some ways, that competition actually works in the console gamers’ favor. Since there are three main console games, there are three very distinctive console game sets to choose from. Yet, those sets are ever changing.

For example, I loved Banjo Kazooie and Banjo Tooie on N64. Imagine my dismay when I discovered that the latest Banjo game is only out on Xbox 360! Suddenly, they aren’t Nintendo specific games anymore! So, now, if I want to play my favorite games, I have to buy a 360. Theoretically, once I do that, I will see other 360 games that I like and buy those. I’m probably not alone. That trend will probably cause a lot of you gamers out there to buy more than one system and, as a result, games for more than one system.

So, any old school console gamers are probably going to stay console gamers and, by default, their kids will probably be console gamers, since the games will be in the house. I don’t see console games ever dying. So, are computer games destined to go by the wayside, instead?

Well, I think not, just for sheer convenience. Most of us use our computers on a daily basis. If we have breaks from work or just happen to be online chatting with friends, why not play a game, especially a multiplayer online game? In fact, more and more MMORPG’s are popping up. World of Warcraft, Warhammer and the like are in no danger of dying off.

Aside from that sort of convenience, there’s also the space convenience. If you play computer games, you don’t have to contend with console game systems, lots of game controllers and accessories and tons of game discs and cases everywhere. A lot of computer games don’t even require a disc to run.

Then there’s convenience point three. If you’re already at your computer playing a game you have the world at your fingertips, as far as finding game information goes. You can easily look up game cheats, game walkthroughs, game trailers and more. Of course, if you are playing a console game, you can take time out and go over to your computer and look up the cheat codes, but it takes more time.

Ultimately, there are no winners or losers in the battle between console and PC. I am looking forward to Diablo III coming out for PC, personally, but I’m also looking forward to the day that I can replace the Wii that my ex boyfriend kept, too! There’s no reason we should choose one over the other. All games are a blast!

At present there are 3 main consoles for gaming out in the market from which to choose and they are the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. I have tested and written about both the Wii and the Playstation, so now it is time for an Xbox 360 console review.

Xbox 360 – A Complete Look

After I set it up I saw the Xbox 360 is a far cry from its predecessor. The first Xbox was bulky in appearance and big and black. The new unit is anything but. It\’s color is white and it is much smaller but bigger than other systems such as the Playstation and Wii. For the first part of the Xbox 360 console review I give it a 4 out of 5 for appearance.

While appearance for some people is important, if you are a serious gamer then this is the least important thing. So let’s take a look into the next part of the Xbox 360 core console review and look at the titles that are available. This is not an Xbox 360 game review, but rather a look at the games you can get. The only system that Halo is available for is the Xbox and that is the primary thing that stands out for the Xbox 360 console. Game play on the console is by far a cut above that which is available on the PC. My favorite ever is the Halo series and this is a huge plus for the Xbox. While the single player is fun, this game truly shines with the multiplayer options, but I will get into that in the next section. The Xbox 360 console gets a 4 out of 5 from me for game titles.

The multi player options are the most important when you get a gaming system. The first Xbox hit its opposition out of the park, and meanwhile the Wii and the Playstation are getting close, the Xbox 360 is in front. You can find games easily; get content, and almost all of the games released for the system offer multiplayer support. The score for its multi player is a 5 out of 5. I find it hard to believe that they could improve on this much.

The Xbox 360 in my mind is the best system if you are looking for online action. Without even looking at the graphics or doing an Xbox 360 VGA review it shines. Many of the games are probably more suited to adults and something that is missing is the fun aspect of the Wii. The Wii owns the market in fun, interactive games. For non online adult games the Playstation 3 might have a slight edge, but if it does it is very slight and the Xbox 360 can keep up with in almost every regard.

Well there you have it, hopefully this 360 core console review has helped you to make your decision.

I’ve been waiting for the PS3 Console price drop and the 45mn tech it seems like forever. Well, it’s here, and it’s spectacular. Just wanted to give a few quick impressions…

+ It’s whisper quiet. Quieter than my xbox 360, when the 360 is playing off the hard drive, and the PS3 Console is playing off a blu-ray. It’s that quiet. When playing movies on blu-ray, it’s quieter than my stand alone blu-ray player.

+ The build quality feels fantastic. Small, sleek, solid. I like the matte look better than the shiny, but that’s just personal.

+ The wireless controller takes two hours to charge, gives you 20 hours of playtime.

– The charge cable for the controller is short, less than 5 feet. My couch is nine feet away from a 50″ plasma, and I only have the one controller, so when it dies, I’m not going to be playing while its charging.

I have no regrets. The library of games for the PS3 Console is big enough and good enough now, I feel I can play a great game each month and never have any slow periods.

PS3 Console – Thank You Amazon

The PS3 Console slim so far is a great system. Same game play as the launch PS3 Console’s but a better price, runs cooler, and it has more memory. I did run into a few issues, mine was running very loud (apparently from some of the other reviews) and it was freezing up. I understand that a new system is bound to have some bugs on a few select systems. I would not hesitate to buy this system because from my experience sony makes excellent products. I was just very unlucky to recieve a DOA. I called Amazon and they are replacing my system without discussion. I feel confident that my new system will be just fine. If you do recieve a DOA do not worry about getting your money back or another system. Thank you Amazon for your excellent customer service. I would not hesitate in purchasing this item.

PS3 Console – Great Console

Full disclosure first, which is needed, sadly, these days.

I have owned two Xbox 360s, neither hardware failed, and decided to trade it in to get the new PS3 Console when it came out. I LOVED my old PS2, and was waiting for the price to come down on the PS3 Console. Not only did the price come, but they added the 120gb hard drive. I own no PS2 games anymore, so backwards compatible means nothing to me as I bought this to play PS3 Console games and watch Blu Ray movies.

I love this consoles. I own Buzz (5 stars), Motorstorm (4) and Madden NFL 10 (5 – best football game ever) and am very pleased.

The only negatives I have for the console is having to install the demos after they are downloaded and before you can play them. {EDIT: This seems to have changed as you no longer have to do a manual install of downloaded demos/games.} Can be 3-6 minutes per game. Same thing with most disc games there is a small install once. Not a huge issue, but a bit annoying.

This is a super QUITE console, and does not get that hot. The classic PlayStation controller is still here, and I still love it.

All in all, for [...], this is the best console for the money. Blu-Ray, free online and built in wireless alone will have you getting your money worth, and to me, making it a MUCH better deal over the 360.

Many things can be argued about the quality of the 360 exclusives vs. the PS3 Console exclusives (including the downloadable games). That being said, MOST games are cross platform or will eventually go cross platform. Just WAY too many users on each system to shut out the potential revenue streams by making a game an exclusive for either console (360 or PS3, Wii is not in this league).

Heck, I originally bought a 360 for BioShock, then it came out for PS3 Console months (year?) later. So be patient, you never know.

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