Video games have come a long way since Pong, where two players hit a white dot across a television screen. Incredible graphics, killer soundtracks and online game playing have made playing video games one of the most exciting things you can do in your living room.
With all those games comes the largest selection of video game systems in history. Since you want to get the most fun for your money, you need help choosing the right video game console. This video game console buying guide will help you understand your choices, so you can choose the video game system and accessories that will give you hours and hours of entertainment.
The term video game console is often used to refer to the whole video game system, but the console is really just the central hub, the part that holds the CPU, RAM and audio/visual processor. Yet, since the console is useless without the controllers and game media, and vice versa, the terms have become interchangeable.
Fans of each video game console will defend their favorite. If you plan to connect online with friends to play certain games, listen to their reasons for one console over another. If not, choose your console based on what appeals to you.
Although a few games are available to play on several different video game systems, in general, when you choose a video game console you are really choosing to play only the games that are made for that specific console. You'll want to consider the features you want in a video game console, but your choice should be driven by choosing which games you are interested in spending the most time playing.
When Nintendo released the Wii in 2006, they started a revolution in home video game playing. The name Wii (pronounced we) symbolizes how, like the double letter "I", two people stand next to each other. It is standing while playing that makes the Wii unique. The activity of Wii is meant to bring people of all ages together to play video games, making this console the favorite of families.
Features
Most Wii consoles come packaged with a stand for the console, a stabilizer for the stand, a wireless Wii remote with a wrist strap, a sensor bar with removable stand, a "Nunchuk" attachment, an external power adapter, 2 AA batteries, a composite AV cable with RCA connectors and a copy of Wii Sports. (If you purchase a refurbished system, all the extras may not be present, but you'll have the basics you need to get started.) Wii controllers use LED sensors to create three-dimensional infrared detection. Game play involves gestures and movements; the way you move the controller in addition to the buttons you push causes a particular action in the game. For instance, if you are playing a tennis game on the Wii, you swing the controller just as you would swing a real racquet to hit the virtual ball.
If you have an Internet connection, you can communicate with other Wii users, share Mii characters (personal avatars), send emails and receive updates from Nintendo for your Wii. The Wii also has a slot for a flash memory card, as well as USB ports, so you can upload your digital photos and share them, too. Wii systems also feature parental controls, allowing an age to be set for the Wii. The Wii reads the age rating of games and, if they are meant for someone older than the age setting for that console, the Wii will not allow them to be played without a password.
Games
Nintendo Wii systems have a feature called "Virtual Console," allowing you to play a limited (but growing) collection of older games (including some made by Nintendo's competitors) by downloading them from the Wii Shop Channel for a small fee onto your Wii console's hard drive or onto a memory card. To play the classic games, you can either turn the Wii remote control sideways or plug in an older Nintendo controller, although all the features from the original game may not be available, and some buttons will work differently than they did the first time around.
Backwards compatibility of the Nintendo Wii allows you to play GameCube games and access GameCube memory cards; you will need a GameCube controller to play the games. But new games designed just for the Wii allow you to use its coolest feature: the 3-D motion sensors. In addition to Wii Sports, there are other Wii games that let you get up off the couch. Wii Play and Mario Party 8 will get the family together. Nintendo also continues its popular Zelda franchise with a version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess just for the Wii.
Also known as the PS3, Sony's Playstation 3 was released in 2006. The PS3 is the direct successor of the Playstation 2 and is the most powerful video game console yet. Industry reviewers rave about PS3's incredible graphics and audio, making this console the favorite of tech-heads.
Features
PS3 was originally released in three hard drive sizes: 20 GB, 60 GB and 80 GB. Rumors of the release of a 40 GB system as well as the discontinuation of all but the 80 GB size have circulated. Choosing the largest size hard drive you can afford will keep your PS3 useable for the longest time, especially if you download several games onto it or save a lot of game data. The PS3 console also features multiple memory card readers.
Unique to the PS3 is a Blu-Ray DVD player, which lets you enjoy this type of high-definition DVD with an HD-ready television. You will need to purchase the HDMI connector cable separately, however.
Also unique to the PS3 is its ability to install different operating systems, including Linux, enhancing its appeal to techies. The pre-installed operating system is XrossMediaBar (XMB). The Playstation 3's Wi-Fi lets you connect online to download updates from Sony for your console's CPU directly onto your PS3. You also have the option of downloading updates onto a memory card using your PC and then transferring them to your PS3.
Games
Some critics of the PS3 feel that there aren't enough PS3 games, but others are quick to reply that video game developers simply haven't tapped the full potential of the PS3 yet. With all the power and graphic capability of the PS3, future games are sure to be incredible. The PS3 has limited backwards compatibility with many Playstation and Playstation 2 games, which are available for purchase through the Playstation Network Store for a small fee.
Experience the potential of the PS3 with games developed for it, including several sports games: NBA 08 and NBA Live 08, Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, FIFA Soccer and NCAA Football 08 are just a few titles. The PS3 shows off its graphic abilities with the best-selling first-person shooter Resistance: Fall of Man and with the enduring favorite role-playing game (RPG) Final Fantasy XIII.
The Xbox 360 has found a middle ground between other video game consoles. More powerful than the Wii and less expensive than the PS3, Microsoft has chosen to market the Xbox 360 as a versatile console, giving it widespread appeal.
Features
Xbox 360 systems are available at three different price levels: Xbox 360 Core, Xbox 360 Premium and Xbox 360 Elite. The Xbox 360 Core system is bundled with wired controllers and video cables capable of standard definition resolutions. The Xbox 360 Premium also includes a detachable 20 GB hard drive for additional data storage and the wireless Xbox 360 controller and headset. Newer Xbox 360 Premium systems have a motherboard to make it capable of high-definition resolution. While the previous systems are white, the Xbox 360 Elite is matte black with matching accessories. It has a 120 GB hard drive and high-definition resolution capabilities.
All three levels of the Xbox 360 support the optional Xbox 360 accessories such as the wireless racing wheel and the wireless headset. The Xbox 360 can play regular DVDs, and you can purchase a separate HD-DVD player to connect through your console. You can go online using the Xbox LIVE Silver package, included with purchase. To have full access to online game play, you'll need to subscribe to Xbox LIVE Gold. At each level you have access to Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, where you can download games, rent movies, purchase episodes of television shows, watch music videos and more. Xbox 360 accessories and subscriptions are all available on Overstock.com at discount prices.
Games
Xbox 360 games include many of the same sports titles as the PS3, plus some incredible first-person shooter games available only on the Xbox 360. The Halo games, especially when played online, are so popular that some video gamers jokingly refer to their Xbox 360 as a "Halo Machine." Other notable games on the Xbox 360 are Oblivion IV, Quake 4, Guitar Hero, Grand Theft Auto 4 and Call of Duty 2.
Xbox 360 systems are backwards compatible with almost 400 Xbox games with a simple hard drive update. You can also play classic games through Xbox LIVE Arcade, including arcade favorites like Ms. Pac-Man and even a few old Nintendo games like Castlevania.
Whether you are riding in the back seat on a road trip or commuting on the train, handheld electronic games can make the time more enjoyable. Here are a few handheld game consoles to choose from.
If a video game console sounds too complicated for your needs, consider plug-n-play games. With plug-n-play, you don't need a separate console; you simply connect the game directly into your television. All necessary game accessories are included. Most plug-n-play TV games include only one game, but a few have more, especially if the games are older and contain less-complicated graphics. Many games for children are available as plug-n-play, making this option excellent for parents.
I still enjoy playing games from older systems. Should I buy the newest video game console that a company has released?
When you buy the newest video game console, you get the latest and coolest technology in video gaming. You'll be able to play all the new games that are only released for the new console. And just in case you miss your old games, look for systems that are backwards compatible.
Everyone in my house is watching the television. Can I use my video game console with my computer?
Connecting your video game console to your computer instead of your television requires a game-console-to-PC-monitor adapter. This is a signal converter that allows you to run your console through your monitor, and you usually don't even have to turn your computer on--the console is its own complete computer. If the television is being used or you just prefer your monitor, this device can give you another great place to play your video game console.
Am I still getting a quality system with a refurbished video game console?
Absolutely, and you're getting it for an amazing price! A refurbished console may have been purchased and returned after little use, or it may have been a demo model. The console was then restored to "like-new" condition, meaning it will look new and play as well as a new console. Occasionally, refurbished or reconditioned items may not be in the original packaging, but once you get your video game system set up, you'll never know the difference. Overstock.com guarantees every refurbished item we sell, including video game consoles. Click here for more information about refurbished items.
Now that you've chosen the video game console that's right for you, it's time for the really fun part: choosing games. You'll find loads of the newest releases as well as classic favorites in Overstock.com's video game store. And while you're there, be sure to check out the Deal O' the Day. You'll find a different game on sale every day--and we'll guarantee you're getting the lowest price on the Internet.
When you've just bought a sweet new video game system, it's a bummer to play it on an old, small television, so update your TV with Overstock.com! You'll find the latest televisions in our electronics store, so you can enjoy the awesome graphics and take your console gaming to the next level.
Having trouble getting to the top level of your new video game? Feel like you're missing out on game secrets? Game strategy guides give you crucial tips for leveling up and maximizing game play. You'll find all the tips in the strategy guides in Overstock.com's book store. Your best strategy? Buy it all at once so you can save money on shipping.