Every few years, console manufacturers try to one up each other with new console designs. These new upgraded models sport many new features and upgrades while still trying to keep the consumer comfortable during the upgrade process. This generation's console war features the Sony Playstation 3, the Microsoft Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii.
Microsoft released the Xbox 360 in 2005. Since then, it has sold over 40 million units worldwide. It was released four years after the original Xbox model was debuted. The 360 features multiple USB ports, wireless controllers, and optional addons such as WiFi support, hard drives, and the Kinect. The 360 features the Xbox Live subscription service, which allows its users to play online, access game demos and downloadable content, watch movies via NetFlix, and even access the user's home media library via Windows Media. Similar to the PS2 and PS3, the Xbox 360 plays DVD movies right out of the box, but the optional DVD Remove is recommended. However, the 360 does not boast Blu-Ray technology like the PS3 does. While many models do come with a hard drive, consumers who purchase models without one will find themselves left in the dark when it comes to downloadable game content, and even playing older original Xbox titles. While the 360 does feature compatibility with over 400 original Xbox titles, a hard drive is required. Mentioned earlier, the Kinect add on gives the consumer the option of having motion sensing controls in certain games. This add on was created to specifically compete with the Nintendo Wii, which sports motion sensing controls right out of the box.
The Nintendo Wii was released in 2006. Its biggest selling point has always been the motion sensing controls. Through the use of the "Wii-Mote" and nunchuk accessory, players can swing anything from swords to golf clubs. The Wii does not require a subscription service for multiplayer content, instead, any Wii user with a Wii Friend Code can connect instantly to the other player via built-in wireless internet connection. For those users who do not have a WiFi network in their home, a wired option is available as an accessory. One major lacking feature is that while the Wii does use DVD technology, it is not capable of playing DVD movies. Every Wii console comes with small hard drives used for Nintendo's Wii Shop channel, which features many original and classic games for download. Like the 360 and PS3, the Wii does keep compatibility with its predecessor - the Gamecube. The Wii is 100% compatible with Gamecube games, giving it a very large and versatile gaming library.
The Sony Playstation 3 was also released in 2006 and borrowed ideas from both the 360 and the Wii. Like the PS2 with DVD before it, the PS3 has helped usher Blu-Ray technology into the mainstream by functioning as a Blu-Ray movie player in addition to being a game console. The PS3 does feature limited compatibility with original Playstation and Playstation 2 titles, but individual compatibility should be checked through the Sony website. Like the Kinect with the 360, the PS3 has debuted the "Move" to rival the Wii's motion sensing technology. Every PS3 system comes with a hard drive which can be used for downloadable content and games via the Playstation Network.
It is always important to compare each individual console to see which is the right match. Game on!