Hermit here who still prefers the PC and has no big loyalties to any console but I've had a chance to play all three systems and here's my conclusion.
GRAPHICS
1. PS3... Best 1080p support. Always HDMI-ready. Best graphics for exclusives (think MGS4 vs. Halo 3). No contest.
2. 360... Quasi-HDTV. Not as much high res support as PS3 and HDMI wasn't even standard on the earlier 360 models.
3. WII... Feels like playing last gen's Xbox.
GAME SELECTION
1. 360... No contest. So much more selection and variety than the other consoles. Even more JRPGs than PS3. Wierd.
2. WII... Not as much multi-platform support but getting there. Big early push of Nintendo franchise titles.
3. PS3... Still behind with its "released before it was ready" launch. Quickly catching up to Wii with franchise exclusives starting to appear.
ONLINE GAMING
1. 360... Still the king of online gaming even though it costs the most. Most add-ons, biggest servers, headsets standard.
2. PS3... Quickly getting there with each PSN patch, but trying to play catchup with Xbox Live.
3. WII... No talking, no typing, not much communication online. Slow online community with non-Nintendo franchises.
MULTIMEDIA
1. PS3... Blu-Ray, HDTV movie trailers online, various memory cards support, was meant to be a multimedia device.
2. 360... Picked the loser of HDTV disc wars. Still has DVD functionality and Windows behind it.
3. WII... Gaming console first and foremost.
SOCIAL GAMING
1. WII... The type of system to bring to your family reunion or college dormitory.
2. 360... Gets a boost with huge online community.
3. PS3... Pretty lonely console.
COST
1. WII... So much cheaper, no higher-priced models, very few extra purchases required.
2. 360... A step below PS3 on price but mostly through lack of Blu-Ray and ridiculous ommission of HDD this generation.
3. PS3... If you want the best (MGS4 bundle and HDMI cables) you're looking at $600 easy.
SYSTEM POWER/SPECS
1. PS3... HDD standard, HDTV graphics standard, cell processor, etc.
2. 360... Not far behind PS3 but still lacks some of Sony's extras.
3. WII... Again, like playing a last gen system but Nintendo has gotten better.
CONTROLLER
1. WII... Standard controller support and let's face it, the Wii-Mote is more than a gimmick. With WiiFit and other creations, only system to have success with controllers that "think outside the box."
2. PS3... Tried and true PS3 design with rumble and Siraxis.
3. 360... New controller design not far behind PS3.
TRANSPORT/SIZE
1. WII... Smallest easiest to mount system.
2. 360... Smaller than PS3 and detachable HDD standard, etc.
3. PS3... Biggest bulkiest system.
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS/QUALITY ASSURANCE
1. WII... Least amount of problems reported.
2. PS3... Not far behind Wii now, but a lot of problem reported with earliest models of various PS3 designs.
3. 360... The dreaded red ring of death, need I say more.
BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY/RETRO GAMES ONLINE
1. WII... B/C is standard. Best selection online of classic games primarily because Nintendo owns the rights.
2. 360... B/C is standard for the most part. Next best selection of online classic games.
3. PS3... Most popular model doesn't have B/C. Poorest selection of online classic games.
VALUE
1. PS3... You can find Blu-Ray players for almost the same price as the system. Nuff said. Free online that is starting to look identical to Xbox Live. 3-5 years from now, PS3 will feel the least outdated of all the consoles.
2. 360... At the time of its release, would cost you nearly a thousand dollars to build a PC that plays Oblivion like that. Free DVD player.
3. WII... Lowest price, but also lowest system specs and extras.
POTENTIAL
1. PS3.. Why do I get the feeling that MGS4 is just the beginning? PS3 was way behind on its launch and we're going to see some mind-blowing games that take advantage of the specs and Blu-Ray. Tomorrow, PSN will almost be on par with Xbox Live with its features, and it's free! All it needs is the same size online community. PS3 was always projected as the longterm winner, and lately it's been showing.
2. WII... Nintendo suffered because no one really gave it a chance. Now that it's the #1 seller, third-party companies are jumping on the bandwagon as fast as they can. The Wii-Mote's potential is unlimited if used for more than just a casual game utility. When developers start developing exclusives that suit Wii's lower specs and games that add Wii-Mote functions that server as more than a few quick afterthoughts, we're going to see some great games!
3. 360... Sorry lemmings, but while 360 has the obvious headstart right now with software, I just don't see as much potential on the horizon. I don't see a Sega collapse like the Dreamcast, but sometimes being the first out the gate hurts your longrun potential. I can't wait for games like Fable 2 and the rumored KOTOR 3, but I'm much more excited about PS3 and the 3rd party companies that are now jumping on the Wii bandwagon.
TOTALS
WII - 5 3rd place votes, 2 2nd place votes, 6 1st place votes --- TOTAL OF 27 POINTS
PS3 - 5 3rd place votes, 3 2nd place votes, 5 1st place votes --- TOTAL OF 26 POINTS
360 - 3 3rd place votes, 8 2nd place votes, 2 1st place votes --- TOTAL OF 25 POINTS
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