Top 5 Game Consoles
We have now reached the seventh generation of home video gaming consoles. None of us back in the early 1970s, with our first generation Magnavox Odysseys (the few of us that had them that is), could have predicted how far gaming would come in thirty-five years. Everything has changed, including the key players in the console wars. So for those of your left confused by the plethora of gaming devices now available, we have created a list of top five of game consoles.
#5 Playstation Portable (PSP)
The PSP has an impressive array of functions for a portable gaming device. The console itself and available add-ons, mean that it can have; a camera, digital TV receiver, web browser and GPS, as well as playing games with better graphics than any other comparable handheld device. However, it lacks the ingenuity of the Nintendo DS and thus comes at the bottom of our top five.
#4 Xbox 360
Some Microsoft fans may be offended that the Xbox 360 places below not only its two main competitors but also a portable gaming console. However, it is important to remember that the Xbox 360 is the oldest of the three main seventh generation gaming systems.
As well as being launched earlier than the PS3, the Xbox 360 is also considerably cheaper, being launched at a price of about four hundred dollars. It is thought that Microsoft initially made a loss on each console sold, in the hope that they would make large profits from game licensing. This seems to have paid off.
One of the main appeals of Microsoft’s console is Xbox Live, which allows gamers to face each other head-to-head online and download classic arcade games. Internet access via the Xbox 360 also allows users to download movie trailers, game demos, music videos, TV shows and more.
#3 Nintendo DS Lite
The Nintendo DS was a truly revolutionary portable games console. The dual screen functionality added so much to game play, interactivity and usability. In fact, it was the original intention of Nintendo to model the Wii, then known as the Revolution, on their plans for the DS.
With the DS Lite, Nintendo have managed to improve upon a winning cocktail of; affordability, design and entertainment. The DS Lite is 21% lighter, occupies 42% less volume, has a substantially extended battery life, can boast a larger, more comfortable stylus and a brighter, more durable LCD screen, when compared to the original DS, which was, as stated above, a very good portable console in its own right. The DS Lite is also backwards compatible with all Gameboy Advance (SP) games, allowing it to inherit an extremely impressive games catalogue. It is not, however, compatible with games made for the Gameboy classic, pocket or color. Many have been convinced to buy the DS or DS Lite based on games exclusive to them, such as; Nintendogs, Brain Trainer and Metroid Prime Hunters. Famous fans of the Nintendo DS (Lite) include Jack Black of ‘School of Rock’ and Tenacious D fame.
#2 Playstation 3 (PS3)
Placing the Playstation 3 at number two in our top five will be seen as controversial at best and outright wrong by many of you. However, we stand by our selection and believe that the hardware, rather than the pricing or marketing, have earned it this high placement. If you look at the potential of the Playstation 3 it has a clear edge on its competitors, with; both Blu-ray and HD DVD compatibility, up to 80GB of memory and PSP link-up. The main criticism of this system is that much of the potential is, as yet, unfulfilled. For example, at E3 2006, it was shown to be possible to use the PSP as a rear view mirror in a Formula 1 racing game, however, this feature was not available upon the game’s subsequent release. Moreover, the console was released with only a very limited number of top quality games available to play on it. This situation has improved somewhat since launch but the games catalogue is still subjected to perpetual criticism. One of the ways in which the PS3 can be said to be making the most of its abilities is by running the Folding@Home software that uses the computing power of the console to aid in the research of improper protein folding, which is involved in many types of disease.
Despite, the current poor performance of the PS3, we believe it’s future is bright, owners everywhere will be relieved to hear that things can only get better. With a hefty price tag of around $600 - you would have to hope so.
#1 Nintendo Wii
In the second half of 2006 the Wii succeeded the Gamecube as the latest home video game console being offered by Nintendo. It became the fifth in a long line of varyingly successful consoles released by this well established entertainment company. With the Wii, Nintendo have taken all the very best bits of the Gamecube, such as; compact design, user-friendly game play and affordability, proceeded to improve upon them and have even added whole new dimensions of functionality. With backwards compatibility, tonnes of ingenuity and internet accessibility from release, the Wii is absolved from all the old and much rehearsed criticisms that the Gamecube fell victim to. Except, that of poor graphics, when compared to console competitors of the same generation. However, this is something that Nintendo freely admits, after all, gaming is not all about mimicking reality as closely as possible.
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about the Wii without mention of it’s unique controller - the ‘wiimote’ as it is now popularly known. The wiimote is the defining feature of this controller and offers a level of interactivity never before achieved on a home system. The motion-sensitive, wireless, pointing device can be adapted to an impressive range of game formats, from; tennis and golf to sword fighting and clay pigeon shooting. The additional nunchuk controller serves to add to the versatility still further.
There have been only a handful of complaints about the Wii, mainly with regards to its safety. The strap that helps to prevent the wiimote from being dropped has been reported to have failed during vigorous game-play for some users, occasionally resulting in damage to property, such as television sets, or indeed injury to people. Most of these claims are believed to have been fabricated but Nintendo is currently offering a free, stronger replacement strap to any concerned Wii owners.
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5 Responses to “Top 5 Game Consoles”
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July 25th, 2007 at 3:42 am
I only own ps2 and Nintendo DS lite now,,, But I prefer Nintendo DS because it has soooo many Great and innovative games! I will buy Ps3 if They develop RPG Sequels there!
July 25th, 2007 at 3:43 am
“the Playstation 3 it has a clear edge on its competitors, with; both Blu-ray and HD DVD compatibility”
PS3 Will NOT Play HD-DVDs
July 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
The nintendoe wii also has internet conection on many games, lets you buy games off internet at very cheap prices and offers wii chanels such as wii vote, and check mii out. It is an affordabol and great system that has many things to offer that few people know about!
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Wii sucks as assssss but i only have the xbox 360 and the ds but wii Sucks
October 20th, 2008 at 11:14 am
xbox 360 is the best it should have been 360 next wii and then ps3