Boise River Wireless

The Microsoft Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii, and the Sony Playstation 3 all had rather different design philosophies governing their creation (except for something like the Xbox 360 Power Supply, which is likely generic). Such a situation is due in part to the different demographic markets each company means to target with its videogame console. In a sense – the sense just described – it is admittedly unfair indeed to compare the three platforms, as if comparing apples to pears instead of apples with apples. But on the other hand, as they are all “fruits,” a comparison might still be useful, depending on the particular attributes being weighed across the board. This article seeks to help would-be buyers who can only afford one machine with their purchasing decisions by contrasting several basic characteristics, with particular attention paid to capabilities and software availability (and not something like Xbox 360 Accessories such as an Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter).

So let’s begin with the assumption that the main deciding factor is the price, as if price were no object then all three systems could be purchased and enjoyed. But since only one can be afforded, we want to look for the best overall system – so we’re starting at the top by talking about the bottom: the bottom line, that is. And that is that the Playstation 3 is the most expensive console of them all. It has the most features overall, to be sure, but the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 both offer unique features of their own.

The Playstation 3 has the fastest processor of all three, but all three are quite capable when it comes to crunching numbers. However, sheer computational power doesn’t necessarily translate into better software – that is, games – but it is a good indicator of gaming potential. Indeed, the console with the weakest computer processor, the Nintendo Wii, arguably provides the most fun, with games that appeal to a very wide segment of the population, even those who have never played videogames before.

The Playstation 3 boasts an “emotion engine” which, thanks to its computational strength, is supposed to provide more lifelike facial expressions for a richer, more immersive gaming experience. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is no slouch, with processors that are only slightly weaker. But again, hardware accounts for only half the story, as it is software which often makes a console beloved and popular. But hardware determines software, so let’s just cut to the chase: the Playstation 3 offers the most realistic graphics, followed very closely by the Xbox 360, which offers the most comprehensive of online experiences, gaming and otherwise. The Wii is no graphics slouch, of course, but as previously mentioned, its unique style of gameplay has been a big hit, making it a runaway bestseller above and beyond any of the figures generated so far by its more powerful rivals.