A look at the most popular video game console systems
Are you under pressure from the kids to buy a video game system? If you feel bewildered by the choice, cost and suitability for your child fear not, we can help.
Firstly let's consider what is on the market. You'll no doubt have heard of the top video game consoles, manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony. Each game console has it's benefits and drawbacks so we'll look at each briefly to give you an overview of what you'd be getting.
Playstation 3 is the imaginatively titled successor to the Sony Playstation and Playstation 2. The newest and costliest video game system at $400 for a 40GB model, it's the most powerful for graphics and sound, offering high definition picture and 5.1 surround sound. You get Wi-Fi straight out of the box allowing you to play online. The controllers are wireless and have basic motion sensing. The 40GB model is not backwards compatible with Playstation 2 games, but other models are.
The games are aimed at the 18-30 male market, with many age restricted titles coming out, such as the recent GTA IV. The Playstation 3 provides next generation graphics and is future proof, being a Blu-ray Disc player with HDMI connectivity for the best pictures.
The Nintendo Wii game console retails at $250. What it lacks in graphical power it makes up with innovation. The wireless Wii Remote resembles a TV remote and allows you to control the action using physical gestures. The Wii has Wi-Fi for web browsing and downloading games from Nintendo's earlier consoles, including the NES and Nintendo 64. The Wii is backwards compatible with the Nintendo Gamecube.
The games, such as Wii Sports, are aimed at a wider demographic than the other consoles and many games are multi-player. Due to the unique controller young and old are able to play. With innovative ideas, such as the recent Wii Fit, which aims to get us exercising, the Wii is perfect for families and social gaming
Microsoft's XBOX 360 video games console, in terms of power is similar to the Playstation 3. The casual user would find it hard to distinguish between the two, with the same HD and surround sound output. You can also subscribe to the popular XBOX Live online service with a Wireless Network Adapter, costing $100. The console comes in 3 packages to suit any budget, ranging from $280 to $450. The 360 is backwards compatible with some standard XBOX games but you do need to be internet connected.
The 360 is aimed at the same demographic as the Playstation 3. What you do need to be aware of is the 'exclusive' titles that only appear on one platform. For instance Halo is XBOX only and Gran Turismo Playstation only.
There are two hand held video game consoles on the market. Sony's PSP and the Nintendo DS. Like the Wii the DS has a unique control system, in this case touch screen, and is aimed at the same wide audience of young and old. The PSP is a portable Playstation 2 and will appeal primarily to teenage boys and young men.
Grand Theft Auto 4: Dilettante Hybrid Trailer
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The new commercial for the Dilettante Hybrid Vehicle available soon from the Karin Dilettante Automobile company. Grand Theft Auto IV (also known as GTA IV and GTA 4) will be the ninth game, and the first in the fourth generation of the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise. It will be released worldwide on Tuesday, 29 April 2008 for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is set in a redesigned Liberty City, based heavily on New York City and New Jersey. The game runs on the RAGE game ...
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