Buying a Video Game System

Sony Playstation 2

Although it launched in 2000 with a disappointing set of games, the Sony PlayStaion 2 quickly became synonymous with gaming in the 21st century. More games are available for this console than any home gaming system, including a large list of exclusive titles from Japan. The PS2 can also play older PlayStation One games, giving owners an enormous library at their disposal.

Major Features

• Backwards Compatibility with Playstation One games
• Online play (with network adapter)
• DVD/CD Playback

Conclusion

The console's strongest selling point is arguably its exclusive titles and recognizable name. Because there are so many games available, it will be easy to find something you like.

Nintendo Gamecube

The Nintendo Gamecube was released in 2001 with a launch lineup that was slightly more impressive than the Playstation 2. The system itself is literally a cube, with a handle on the back to encourage portability. The GameCube has been pegged as being for "kids", but that's inaccurate. It's simply viewed as such because it's flagship titles, such as the Mario games, are family friendly, offering a gaming experience that anyone of any age could enjoy. Nintendo has showed with games such as Resident Evil 4 that the Gamecube can easily thrown down with the big boys. The Gamecube also offers online play and Gameboy connectivity for certain games.

Major Features

• Multiplayer friendly, offering 4 controller ports
• Gameboy connectivity
• Online Play
• Low Price ($99)

Conclusion

The Gamecube is a powerful little machine with an impressive arsenal. The only real issue here is the inability to play DVDs, but nowadays DVD players can be found in almost every household. The price is very right, at just under $100, and is the cheapest of the currently available consoles. It has the smallest library of games available, but you'll have no trouble finding simple but fun titles for this system. A great choice for video game newbies and fans of Nintendo's games (Mario, Metroid, Legend of Zelda, etc).

Microsoft Xbox

The Microsoft Xbox is the big daddy of the console world, both literally and figuratively. The Xbox is the most powerful current-gen console on the market, and it's also the size of a small child. The biggest difference between the Xbox and the rest of the consoles is the inclusion of an internal hard drive. This eliminates the need for a memory card (although you'll still need one to take your saves elsewhere). The Xbox launched with Halo, which saw tremendous success and continues to do so. Halo 2 was an even bigger hit, and set records for being the highest grossing release in entertainment history. The Xbox offers fantastic graphics, DVD playback, great online play, and several critically acclaimed exclusive titles.

Major Features

• DVD Playback
• Xbox Live
• Internal Hard drive
• Superior graphics and sound

Conclusion

The Microsoft Xbox is the most powerful of the systems and offers an extensive line-up of quality, exclusive games. Xbox live does charge a subscription fee, but has been hailed as having the best online play of all the systems.

Xbox 360

The more recently-released version of the Xbox, the Xbox 360, is a much more powerful system than the others featured in this article. It's billed as a "next-generation" console that will compete with Nintendo and Sony's new systems released in late 2006. The Xbox 360 can play many Xbox games, but you cannot play 360 games on your old Xbox. It makes a good choice for anyone who wants to get serious about online gaming and doesn't mind spending upwards of $400.

So Which One?

Honestly, it all boils down to games. That should be the deciding factor for you. You get more or less the same package with all of the systems, so do some research into their libraries, and purchase the one that offers more of the games that you love. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Nintendo GameCube - Good system for fans of Nintendo games; family and child-friendly with almost no games with objectionable content; inexpensive; good selection of easy to play (but fun!) games.
• Sony PlayStation 2 - Enormous library of games; recognizable brand name; can function as a DVD player.
• Microsoft Xbox / Xbox 360 - More mature games; excellent online support (Xbox Live); can play DVDs.

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