Video game consoles have come a long way since the simple days of Game & Watch. Back in the day we had games such as Asteroids, Breakout, Centipede and good ol’ PacMan (forgive the hundreds of games I haven’t mentioned here) and boy, did we find them captivating. Hours were spent playing these games, with their meaningless goals.
Now fast forward nearly 30 years to today… and WOW, there has never been a better time to game. For old and new alike gaming today is an all-consuming experience. It is immersive, it is interactive, and in many cases it is simply mind-blowing.
If this is your first foray into gaming, then welcome. We are excited for you. This is the future baby, and YOU are in it!
WHAT IS NEXT GEN?
Next gen gaming consoles – sorry, what? What does that mean exactly? And which should you go for?
Even hard-core enthusiasts sometimes dither over which console to go for next, so if you are having difficulty choosing, not to worry. After reading our helpful guide, you will feel much more confident about what you want.
Quick lesson first – what is a ‘next gen’ console? Simply put, it stands for the ‘next generation’ of consoles. This term is applicable when there is a significant leap in the technology used to build these machines since the previous generation. A breakthrough if you will.
The exponential improvement in performance, graphics and functionality are what makes these computers in a box ‘next-gen.’ Between them, these contraptions allow us to play HD games, view HD movies, watch telly and stream films online, browse the internet, store music, video and photos, buy and download items, chat with and play other people anywhere in the world. We can use our bodies as controllers, either to play games, dance or keep fit! As if these features aren’t plentiful enough, 3D gaming has already made it’s debut with the Nintendo 3DS…
Quite an improvement on the old Atari don’t you think?
The latest generation consoles are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PS3, and Nintendo Wii. When choosing one of these, there are a few factors to consider before making your decision. We discuss these factors along with an overview of the different gaming systems…
CONTROLLERS
Microsoft Xbox and Sony PS3 have ergonomic controllers, with rounded edges which are easy to grip. They both have eleven buttons and two joysticks. This may be too bulky for young children to use.
There are wireless and wired versions available. Wireless versions are handy if you have to sit far from the telly, and also neater to use from an aesthetic point of view.
Sony’s version has a built-in motion sensor. The controller can tilt left and right, an example would be when playing a flight simulation game.
The Wii controller also uses motions sensors but works in a completely different way. It is not designed to be gripped with both hands. With the help of the remote your whole body is used to control the actions on the screen.
The Wii controller is more like a wand – move it and something moves on screen. For added control the nunchuk controller can be attached. The games for the Wii require you to move, therefore word of warning – use the wriststrap!
This controller is easiest for young children (and the adult newbie) to use.
PERFORMANCE & GRAPHICS
The PS3 and Xbox are more powerful machines than the Wii. Their processing capabilities are greater, which means the graphics they produce are of the highest resolution. An HDTV is required to see them in their full glory.
The Xbox and PS3 have similar processors, but some argue the Sony PS3 has the better graphics. The built in Blue-ray player plays 3D Blue-ray movies and games. Sony can claim they offer the best graphic output, as games in 3D Blu-ray disc format is something that the Xbox doesn’t offer.
Realistic, immersive graphics only add to the game-playing experience but high resolution graphics are not important to everyone.
The Wii doesn’t claim to match these platforms in terms of graphics and processing speed, in fact it uses half the resolution of its rivals. Wii games are made purposely simple, and are designed to be fun and easy to use.
The games on the Wii all have some element of movement. In order to use motion gaming on the PS3 and Xbox, additional peripherals need to purchased ie Playstation Move and Xbox Kinect respectively.
ONLINE PLAY & MULTIMEDIA
Playing multiplayer games online is some of the greatest fun you can have on the net. You can play games with people online anywhere in the world, without even needing to speak to them. Although a headset is optional, if you did want to chat whilst playing.
All three consoles have wireless WiFi capability and connect to the internet.
Each platform offers some form of online play through their consoles: PS3 offers the Playstation Network which doesn’t charge for multiplayer access.
Microsoft does charge players to access multiplayer Xbox Live games.
Both offer ability to demo and preview games, download extra levels or accessories, and access direct high-definition movie streaming via Netflix or Lovefilm.
The Xbox 360 and PS3 both come quipped with a CD and a DVD drive. The PS3 also functions as a Blu-ray player.
The Wii’s mutiplayer facility is limited to the biggest games such as Mario Kart. It is free to connect but a code is required to play, which is found in the game.
It is totally safe for young children too as the system protects kids – there are no names, only codes.
The Wii supports game discs only.
GAMES
What type of games do you want to play?
You can jump straight in (literally) with the Wii. Many Wii games are violence free. There are some serious titles but because of the console’s low processing capability they do not translate as well as they do on the other platforms.
Deciding on the games you want to play will determine the console you end up buying as there are some fantastic exclusives for each of the consoles. There are many games which are multi-platform which means you can find them on all the different consoles, but there are tonnes which are exclusive.
For example if you wanted to play anything Super Mario related, you can only find this on the Nintendo. The Wii Fit Plus and the Wii Balance Board peripheral are another exclusive, as is anything to do with The Legend of Zelda.
You might already know the game you want, in that case the choice is easier.
If it’s Halo you love, then it’s the Xbox 360 for you. If you are after Kinect Animal Adventures or Dance Central, then you need the Kinect Sensor to go with that Xbox
The PS3 has Uncharted, God of War, and Metal Gear Solid to name a few. These titles are exclusive to Sony.
That’s what many gamers tend to own more than one type of console.
If you are buying a console to keep fit with, you have to look at the motion gaming aspect – do you want to move with a controller or would you prefer hands-free?
Is the exercise game you are after available on the console you want?
COSTS
Lastly, what is your budget?
Always check what bundles are available
After reading this short guide you should have a good idea of the differences between the consoles. This is only a brief overview.
Click on the console you want to find out more about for more information.