Logitech Gamepad F310

Logitech Gamepad F310 Review

Logitech Gamepad F310 Feature

• Broad game support?works with popular new titles and old favorites
• Customizable with Profiler software* (*requires software installation)
• 10 programmable buttons, 8-way programmable D-pad
• Simple plug-and-play USB connection ? works with Windows XP, Vista and 7
• Customizable with Profiler software (requires software installation)

Console-style control for your PC games - Experience the console-style gaming you crave on your PC with the Gamepad F310. Easy to use with its familiar shape and layout, it supports new games and old favorites. Programmable controls allow for a more custom experience, while its floating D-pad enables quick response. Just plug it in and get ready to play the way you like: to win.

Gear Board U hook for Gear Board 2 pack

Gear Board U hook for Gear Board 2 pack Review

Gear Board U hook for Gear Board 2 pack Feature

• Hang up guitars and other add on accessories for the Gear Board system
• Easy to install
• Position GearHooks anywhere on the board for flexibility
• Limited Lifetime warranty

U hook for use with the GearBoard

64MB 1019 Block Memory Card compatible for Wii & Gamecube

64MB 1019 Block Memory Card compatible for Wii & Gamecube Review

64MB 1019 Block Memory Card compatible for Wii & Gamecube Feature

• 64MB Memory Card for Nintendo Wii and Gamecube Game System Console
• Save your Gamecube games
• Easy to use.
• Low battery consumption
• Memory: 64MB

Compatible with: NINTENDO Wii & Gamecube Package Contents: (ALL BRAND NEW) 1 x 64MB Memory Card for Nintendo Wii

Call of Duty 2: Big Red One

Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Review

Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Feature

• Wide variety of missions on land, sea, and in the air, with the aid of over three dozen authentic American, Italian, French, and German weapons
• Travel to war-torn Europe and Africa, as you live a soldier's story
• Experience the camaraderie of a single tight-knit army squad, bound together through the chaos of battle over the course of the entire game
• All-new AI and animation - Your squad will now make better use of environmental cover and tactical Maneuvers, such as flanking, envelopment, and fire-and-maneuver behaviors
• Hear your allies reacting to the events on the battlefield with contextually accurate battle chatter

Experience the adrenaline rush and harsh realities of war as never before, get to know your squadmates, and fight alongside them through an epic story during the most harrowing moments of WWII. As a part of America's most decorated and heroic fighting unit, The Big Red One, you'll work together with your squad to accomplish a variety of combat missions spanning North Africa, Italy and Nazi-occupied Western Europe.

NCAA Football 2K3

NCAA Football 2K3 Review

NCAA Football 2K3 Feature

• ESPN-style presentation
• Players have the proportions and physiques of college-aged athletes
• All 117 Division I-A teams and selected Division I-AA teams
• Save senior players and draft them into NFL 2K3
• 1-2 players

If you're looking for a football game with smooth flow and realistic action, Sega Sports' NCAA College Football 2K3 will certainly fit the bill. The action here is evenly paced and straightforward--no flashy 10-foot leaps, no stiff arms that knock the defender into the rotunda--and the talent level is definitely collegiate.

A working knowledge of college playbooks can be very helpful as the sets here are often highly complex. The producers have added a slew of subtle but significant features to simulate the game's nuances as well: a quarterback's accuracy greatly improves when his feet are set; you can totally hide your play-calling by holding down the X button and scrolling through decoy plays; you can anticipate using a spin move on offense by hitting the O button before contact; and you can use the analog sticks (as opposed to the directional buttons) to run with the ball (and in maximum passing mode, you can add zip or a lob touch while also adjusting throws in the air).

The graphics--including players, stadiums, the ESPN-style presentation, and game intro--are all top-notch. With 117 Division I-A teams at your disposal, devoted players can play full seasons (complete with rankings and bowl selections) or, in legacy mode, multiple seasons, going so far as recruiting high schoolers and running spring drills. The major drawback here is the no-name announcing team, a flat-out terrible crew offering an endless stream of stupid jokes and poor analysis. But you'll have the sound off and the stereo spinning anyway. --Marc Greilsamer

Pros:

• Smooth, realistic game flow
• Top-notch graphics and visual presentation
• Attention to game action's nuances

Cons:

• Game announcers are silly and ill-informed
• Injury information is erratic

(This refers to the PlayStation2 version of this game) It's time to hit the turf and get ready for another round of NCAA football action. NCAA College Football 2K3 is here and it's full of updated rosters, teams and stadiums to fulfill all of your college football needs. Play as your favourite up-and-comers with a friend to see who's the best. NCAA College Football 2k3 is here for the Nintendo GameCube and it's go time. Hut, hut!

Universal RFU Adapter

Universal RFU Adapter Review

Universal RFU Adapter Feature

• Your Old TV Reborn!
• Connects your console to your TV
• Compatible with PS2,Xbox,Xbox 360 and GameCube
• LIFETIME WARRANTY

Use this RFU Adapter on any TV that doesn't have a video input terminal and transform it into a lean & mean gaming TV. Simply plug into your old TV's antenna input and you're able to connect your PS2, Xbox, GameCube. The integrated selector allows you ro switch from your game console to regular television in a snap.

Namco Museum

Namco Museum Review

Namco Museum Feature

• Great Namco Classics Bring your favorites along with you Pac Man Galaga Xevious Dig Dug II Galaxian Mappy and Tower of Druaga
• Pac Man Vs For the first time ever this collaboration between Toru Iwatani creator of Pac Man and Shingeru Miyamoto legendary Nintendo creator is released as a separate product for fans of gaming to enjoy
• Wireless play Challenge up to 3 of your friends in Pac Man Vs as one of you race to chomp up all the pellets With only one DS card your friends will be able to play as ghosts to stop you on your mission to clear the board
• Unique viewing style With a new rendering system view your classics with the dual screens to your advantage

Namco Bandai brings its classic roster to the NDS, giving fans a handheld dose of gaming history! Namco Museum DS allows payers a chance to enjoy their favorite classics on the next generation of handhelds. In addition to the included legendary roster, Namco Museum DS also brings an updated version of fan favorite, Pac-Man Vs. Never before available as a separate product, this present day remake of Pac-Man headlines this Namco Museum, bringing classic gameplay with a twist.

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Review

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Feature

• Four cities based on the real world locations Chongqing, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro and Las Vegas, with 20 tracks located there
• Become the best driver on the streets by competing in races, evading cops and earning bounty
• Six event types including Hot Pursuit, Eliminator, and the flat-out insanity Rush Hour mode which has the player racing against 99 other racers
• Enhance the intensity of the pursuit with eight unique Supe-Up power-up options which players can pick up and use in races to improve their vehicle's performance or to hinder opponents
• Experience the thrill of driving 33 of the world's most desirable high performance cars at incredible speeds

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is a high energy racing game that brings the thrill of racing, and chasing to Wii like no game before it. The game allows players to experience 20 unique tracks patterned after real international locations, while driving 33 of the world's most desirable high-performance cars at incredible speeds. Using power-ups spread throughout six different race event types players build their racing careers to become the ultimate force behind the wheel. Additional features include: four-player split-screen support and multiple Wii compatible controller support.

A Revolutionary Addition to the NFS Franchise

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit for Wii thrusts players into the thrill of the chase as they evade cops and takeout opponents at 150 mph. In this fast-paced play environment gamers will race the open world across the real world inspired cities of Chongqing, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro and Las Vegas. Players must battle it out until the finish line to prove their racing skills and earn bounty to become the most notorious street racer.

Of course, as the player's bounty increases, the cop AI adds to the mayhem as they set up road blockades and engage in adrenaline-fueled high-speed pursuits in an attempt to take out the racers. Player's can further amp up the intensity by battling up-to-four friends via split screen action. Whether it's with the Wii remote, Nunchuk, the classic controller or the Gamecube controller, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit lets gamers race it their way. All this combined with fresh modes and tracks make Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit one of the most exciting, heart-pounding arcade racers for the Wii.

Key Game Features

• Career and Event Types - Become the best driver on the streets by competing in races, evading cops and earning bounty. The better you perform, the more bounty you achieve which can be used to purchase and upgrade cars. There are six event types including Hot Pursuit, Eliminator, and the flat-out insanity Rush Hour mode which has the player racing against 99 other racers.
• Supe-Ups - Enhance the intensity of the pursuit with eight unique Supe-Up power-up options which players can pick up and use in races to improve their vehicle's performance or to hinder opponents. These include Cruise Control, Tank, Soundwave, Boost, Repair, Deflect the Heat and Jammer.
• Cars and Tracks - In Hot Pursuit, the cars go from hot to hotter. Experience the thrill of driving 33 of the world's most desirable high performance cars at incredible speeds. Feel the power of outsmarting the law in high performance supercars like the Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Gallardo and McLaren MP4-12C.
• Race the Open World - Race the open world of four cities based on the real world locations real world locations Chongqing, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro and Las Vegas. There are 20 unique tracks based in these cities with each city also being available as an open world for boss battles.

Additional Screenshots

6 diverse event types. View larger.

4-player split-screen support. View larger.

A wealth of power-ups. View larger.

Avoid the cops at all costs. View larger.

In Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, gamers will race the open world across the real world inspired cities of Chongqing, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro and Las Vegas. Players must battle it out until the finish line to prove their racing skills and earn bounty to become the most notorious street racer. Of course, as the player's bounty increases, the cop AI adds to the mayhem as they set up road blockades and engage in adrenaline-fueled high-speed pursuits in an attempt to take out the racers. Player's can further amp up the intensity by battling up-to-four friends via split screen. Whether it's with the Wii remote, nunchuck, the classic controller or the Gamecube controller, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit lets gamers race it their way. All this combined with fresh modes and tracks make Need for Speed Hot Pursuit one of the most exciting, heart-pounding arcade racers for the Wii.

Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy Review

Super Mario Galaxy Feature

• Join Mario as he ushers in a new era of video games, defying gravity across all the planets in the galaxy
• Players can run, jump, and battle enemies as they explore the many planets
• Press buttons, swing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, and use the Wii Remote to point at and drag things on-screen
• Perform mind-bending, low-gravity jumps across wild alien terrain
• For 1 to 2 players

As always with any Nintendo game console, the first Super Mario game is one of the defining experiences on the system. Join Mario as he ushers in a new era of video games, defying gravity across all the planets in the galaxy. When some creature escapes into space with Princess Peach, Mario gives chase, exploring bizarre planets all across the galaxy. Since he's in space, Mario can perform mind-bending jumps unlike anything he’s done before. He'll also have a wealth of new moves that are all based around tilting, pointing and shaking the Wii Remote.

Mario Super Sluggers (Nintendo Selects)

Mario Super Sluggers (Nintendo Selects) Review

Mario Super Sluggers (Nintendo Selects) Feature

• Features -
• Swing the Wii Remote to bat and pitch and use the Nunchuk to control outfielders
• Build an all star roster of your favorite Mario characters, each with unique personalities and abilities
• Get on your feet and get into the game with immersive Wii controls
• Two player baseball games and four player mini-games

Whether a diehard fan of the Grand Old Game, or someone who has never even seen a ball, bat or glove in your life, Mario Super Sluggers turns your living room into a rocking, socking baseball extravaganza. Staring the ever-lovable Mario and over 40 of his friends from the Nintendo universe, Mario Super Sluggers builds on the social-gaming fun and movements millions have learned from playing Wii Sports and turns even newcomers to gaming or sports titles into full-fledged baseball fanatics in a matter of minutes.

A whole new ball game

Come to bat as a captain Mario. View larger.

Go ape in the outfield. View larger.

Be ready to bring the heat. View larger.

Prepare for fielding challenges. View larger.

Gameplay
Set in the diverse environments of 'Baseball Kingdom,' this is a game that is easy to learn and compulsively addictive, but that also can be made to be as challenging as you want it to be. When you are a rookie go on the offensive by swinging the Wii Remote to smack singles, doubles, triples or even home runs; while when playing defense simulating a pitching motion to toss the ball over the plate. As you grow more confident in your skills, you can choose to attach a nunchuck controller while playing defense to control outfielders for an extra challenge. And regardless at what level you play at always remember that Mario Super Sluggers' nine mini-games are always an option. So, when you need a break from organized play, just grab a few friends and take the mound in a pitching challenge or swing for the fences in the home run derby.

In addition, since Mario Super Sluggers supports up to four players, with enough controllers, you can go two on two in epic battles. As you traverse the Baseball Kingdom, put together your "all star" team made up of your favorite Nintendo characters including the games five captains. Each of these has different abilities and temperament making them as valuable as they are difficult in the right or wrong situation. The result is a take on the American Pastime that you and your family will have a hard time putting down.

Multiple Game Modes
Baseball should be a social game, so whether you are by yourself or surrounded by friends, there's a Mario Super Sluggers game for every occasion.

• Challenge: Trek across Baseball Kingdom in this singleplayer. mode. Defeat characters in a variety of baseball-related challenges to persuade them to join your team. Once you've assembled an all-star team for the ages, throw down with the baddest baseballer in town: Bowser! The singleplayer. Challenge Mode is a sports fan's dream.
• Explore the rich and varied landscape of Baseball Kingdom as you gather teammates for your fight against Bowser. From lush tropical jungles to modern urban landscapes, each area of the kingdom is a new experience.
• Like high-powered free agents, the characters in Mario Super Sluggers won't join just any old team-they want to play for a winner. When you find a new character, he or she will test your skills on the field. Only by besting them in hitting, pitching and fielding contests can you get them to join your side.
• In Challenge Mode, you can control one of five captains, each with personal special powers. Yoshi can jump through manholes, Wario has the power of magnetism and Donkey Kong can climb vines and shatter barrels.
• Exhibition: Hit the field and try your luck with a team of your choice. You can play against either the computer or up to three other players.
• Mini-game: Challenge yourself or take on up to three other players in nine mini-games. From home run contests to pitching duels, you'll have more fun than a rookie at his first spring training.
• Toy Field: Battle against three other players in a hitting and fielding extravaganza. You can set your turn limit and the skill level of your computer opponents, or just play against friends.
• Training: Learn the ropes in an extensive tutorial mode.

Special Powers, Weapons, Moves & Features
Mario Super Sluggers isn't your typical baseball game. From special moves to obstacle-filled stadiums, there's always something new around the corner for players on the field to deal with. Just a few of the goodies you'll find out on it's fields of play are:

• Special Moves: All of the captains have unique Star Skills that allow them to perform special moves while pitching or batting. Mario can turn his fastball into a fireball, Daisy can create a flower garden in the outfield and Luigi can turn infield hits into a raging tornado. Non-captains can also use Star Skills to put a little extra mustard on hits or pitches.
• Chemistry: Just as in real sports, certain characters in Mario Super Sluggers have a special connection on the field. Known as chemistry, this connection allows players to make spectacular leaping catches, gun down speedy base runners and use items to interfere with fielders.
• Stadiums: There are nine unique stadiums in the game, everything from an ice-filled castle to an urban cityscape. Many stadiums can be accessed at both day and night, allowing you to play a doubleheader under the lights.
• Wii Nunchuk: Experienced gamers can also attach the Nunchuk controller for a more advanced gaming experience.

Let the Wii Remote controller be your bat as you join Mario, Luigi, Peach, and the rest of the gang in a rocking, socking, baseball extravaganza! Simple, Active Controls! Newcomers to gaming or sports titles will be up and running on Mario Baseball in no time. Simply swing the Wii Remote to smack a home run, or use a pitching motion to toss the ball over the plate. Experienced gamers can also attach a Nunchuk controller for a deeper play experience. Play Ball...With Friends! Two, three, or four players can pick up Wii Remote controllers and challenge each other to a full baseball game or compete in a whole host of baseball-themed minigames. There's even a home run hitting contest! Live the Baseball Adventure! Mario Super Sluggers boasts over 30 playable characters, all Nintendo favorites. The single-player adventure mode allows the player to explore Baseball Island, tackle dozens of fun baseball challenges, and unlock new characters that can be used in any mode. You can also play with your Miis in Exhibition, Toy Field, and Minigame modes.

Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle

Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle Review

Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle Feature

• The ability to save your character to your Wii Remote lets you engage in multiplayer hunts anytime on a friend's console.
• Play with either the Classic Controller Pro (included), Wii Remote and Nunchuk or the Classic Controller, and because communication is key in coordinated hunts Monster Hunter Tri supports Wii Speak and text chat.
• In the hunt, you?re never alone. Hunt together with up to 4 players online or take on arena quests with 2-player split-screen action. In single player mode, you even have the ability to hunt with AI-controlled characters named ChaCha.
• Monsters have unique and dynamic personalities, abilities and defenses, increasing in complexity as the player progresses. They camouflage themselves to ambush hunters, but will flee or call for help if outmatched.
• With ten weapon categories ? including the all-new Switch Axe ? and new armor and weaponry created from the remains of slain monsters, there are almost limitless opportunities for equipment customization.

Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) is an action role-playing game (RPG) from Capcom. The first iteration of the popular Monster Hunter franchise to make an appearance on the Wii platform, action in it revolves around quest based gameplay involving the hunting and capture of monsters as a means of character development. The game features multiple modes of co-op gameplay—both online and offline—new monsters and weapons classes, multiple controller options and Wii Speak and text chat player communication support. This bundle includes the Wii Classic Controller Pro, developed with input from Capcom. Exciting co-op play modes. View larger. New monsters and weapon classes. View larger. Classic RPG elements. View larger. Wii Classic controller Pro included. View larger. Story Monster Hunter Tri is set in a massive, sublime land where humans and monsters coexist. You play the role of an up-and-coming hunter who must accomplish various quests to achieve glory and help the residents of their village survive. Do you have the courage to hunt the monsters that roam your world? It won’t be easy – the monsters are strong and numerous. Yet by hunting together with friends, or fighting the good fight solo, there is no monster that cannot be defeated. Gameplay Monster Hunter Tri is an action RPG centered around players' expertise with the various weapon sets available in-game to take down the plethora of monsters that fill the gameworld, including underwater environments. Hunters can track monsters, set traps for them and either capture or slay them when they are encountered. In single player mode players can select a hunter of either gender, choose from a variety of weapons classes and set off with a crew of AI companions referred to as ChaCha. When a monster is slain, the hunter can carve off their horns, scales and bones, which can be used to create a huge variety of weapons and armor. These items can be bought or crafted by giving the village blacksmith materials and a fee. With success comes upgrades both for yourself and your ChaCha companion. Co-op Multiplayer Utilizing the graphics and wireless capabilities made possible by Wii, Monster Hunter Tri allows for a unparalleled co-op gameplay experience, both online and offline. Players can hunt in groups as large as four players online, or two players offline (split-screen). Co-op play is split between two modes: Open-world hunts and Arena mode. Open-world hunts allow players to explore the Monster Hunter world, taking on the creatures they seek wherever they may be found. The caveat is that within this mode players, as well as monsters, can retreat and even escape bad situations regenerating to fight another day. Players who fall in these clashes will respawn nearby, and as long as one of their party remains alive the monster(s) faced will retain the level of damage inflicted upon them before the player's death. Arena mode is similar in most ways to Open-world hunts except that battles take place in set arena settings where there is no retreat for either side, making it a battle to the death. Communication between players in either mode is facilitated via Wii Speak and text chat support. Multiple Controller Support Monster Hunter Tri features a wide array of controller configurations and options. These include: Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro. Each features in-depth mapping of questing and weapons classes. And finally the Wii Remote allows the ability to save your character’s information directly to it, just as is possible with Miis, so you’re always ready to play at a friend’s house. Key Game Features Special Controller Included - Designed with input from the Capcom development team, the Wii Classic Controller Pro is included in this bundle. Hunt Together - In the hunt, you’re never alone. Hunt together with up to 4 players online or take on arena quests with 2-player split-screen action. In single player mode, you even have the ability to hunt with AI-controlled characters named ChaCha. Communicate Online - Because communication is key in coordinated hunts Monster Hunter Tri supports Wii Speak and text chat. Monsters with Unique Abilities and Attacks - Monsters have unique and dynamic personalities, abilities and defenses, increasing in complexity as the player progresses. They camouflage themselves to ambush hunters, but will flee or call for help if outmatched. Immense Living, Breathing World with Ecosystem - Monsters interact amongst each other in a living breathing ecosystem, complete with food chain. Monsters have stamina, migrate and even attack one another, the strong feeding on the weak. New Underwater Maps - For the first time ever in any Monster Hunter game, you will be able explore land and sea and hunt monsters of the deep. Fully Customizable Equipment - With ten weapon categories – including the all-new Switch Axe – and new armor and weaponry created from the remains of slain monsters, there are almost limitless opportunities for equipment customization. Choice of Controls - Play with either the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, with the Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro. Take Your Character with You - The ability to save your character to your Wii Remote lets you engage in multiplayer hunts anytime on a friend's console.

Monster Hunter 3 sees the introduction of an expansive story mode with players taking on the role of a hunter, who is tasked by the Village Chief to investigate the constant earthquakes that threaten the everyday life of Moga village. A bustling and vibrant town, Moga is home to the hunter and includes a Blacksmith for forging weapons and armour, a shop where items can be purchased and an expanded farm with Felynes acting as labourers and tending the crops. The incentive to complete quests is now no longer limited to the collection of items and money with which the hunter can create or upgrade armour and weapons. Successful hunts have a real and visible impact on the status of Moga Village as on returning home quest items are used to repair damage caused by the earthquakes resulting in happier and more active villagers.

Wii

Wii Review

Wii Feature

• Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
• Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
• Backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and most peripherals
• Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service
• Wii Sports game included

Console-based video gaming is one of the most popular of modern digital technologies, cutting across age, demographic and gender divides. Today's players have three dominant platforms to choose from: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Each is an impressive multifunctional device, with designs meant to encourage integration into existing home entertainment systems and networks, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each console is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for the players in a household.

Console Choices

	Wii View larger	PlayStation 3 View larger	Xbox 360 View larger
Models and Pricing (prices may vary)	Wii with Mario Kart Wii - 9	160 GB memory - 0 320 GB memory - 0	4 GB memory - 0 250 GB memory - 0
What's in the Box	Wii console Wii Mario Kart game One Wii Remote Plus controller One Nunchuk controller Wii Sensor bar Standard composite cable and power cord	PS3 console One wireless controller A/V cable for connection to TV USB cable for charging controller Free PlayStation Network (PSN) membership	Xbox 360 console One Xbox 360 wireless controller Composite A/V cable (standard definition) A month free Xbox LIVE Gold membership
Motion Gaming?	Already included	PlayStation Move (sold separately)	Kinect for Xbox 360 (sold separately)
Colors (limited edition colors may be available)	White and black	Black	Black
Drive Type	CD (just games)	CD/DVD/Blu-ray (games, music, movies)	CD/DVD (games, music, movies)
Online Play	WiiWare	PlayStation Network (PSN)	Xbox LIVE
Additional Accessories	Additional controllers - -45	Additional controllers - -50	Additional controllers - -50
Price Range of Games	New releases: ~ - Downloadable: ~ -	New releases: ~ Motion: ~ Downloadable: ~ -	New releases: ~ Motion: ~ Downloadable: ~ -
Backwards Compatibility	Plays all GameCube game titles	Offers compatibility with PS1 games	Over 300 titles developed for the original Xbox console are currently available
Graphic Quality	480p	1080p	1080p
Great For	Designed for Junior to Grandma with titles generally focused on family fun, party games	High-powered and highly customizable system for the technical-minded consumers	Offers a wide selection of games and accessible entertainment, with user-friendly social tools

Arcade, Casual and Party games are a Wii Specialty.
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Consider Games Before Choosing a Console

There is not just one kind of console video game, and so the machines that are are used to play them are different as well. Considering the types of games to be played, their availability for the consoles being considered and the ability of those consoles' to present the best gaming experience possible for the game's genre and content is important. The games developed for Wii tend to be more easily accessible, family-friendly productions heavily influenced by Nintendo's classic gaming history. Filled with cartoon-like and childlike characters as well as Arcade-style gameplay situations, Wii games are often referred to as "Casual Games," or "Party Games" typified by brief, simple "mini-games." These small games-within-games are tailor-made for players new to the puzzle-solving aspects of gaming and how that is translated through game controllers to the screen by the player.

PS3 and Xbox 360 provide the processing power that Action-Adventure, Shooter, Racing and RPG games need.
View larger.

PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles are the current version of earlier console releases whose user bases were rooted in game genres such as Action-Adventure, Shooters, Racing, Sports, Role-playing games (RPG) and so on. Gameplay developed in these genres tends to require more focus on the part of the player, and more graphics processing power from the console in order to maintain a quality experience. That is what continues to be the main focus of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Capable of full 1080p HD quality graphics presentation when used with the proper cables and displays, in this area Xbox 360 and PS3 are far beyond what Wii is capable of. Iconic game franchises like Halo, God of War, Fable, Metal Gear Solid, Gears of War, Killzone, Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls and many others have grown up on these platforms, feeding off of their power. And with the rise of online multiplayer gaming through Xbox LIVE and PSN the high energy, fine graphical specialties of these platforms only continues to grow.

Motion Gaming

Although motion gaming has been front and center since the launch of the Wii in 2006, the other two consoles have their own motion gaming offerings that provide unique play opportunities on their respective platforms that have also found a wide audience. See a breakdown of the motion gaming capacity of each of the systems below.

Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk

The Wii Remote Plus controller is the standard wireless controller that ships with each Wii. It combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, all built-in to a single unit. The device is handled in a wand-like fashion, and uses internal gyroscope and accelerometer technology to pinpoint the players movements and physical positioning which it then relates into a game via a sensor bar connected to the console. The Wii Remote Plus has only a few buttons making it easy to use. It also contains a speaker, a rumble feature, and an external connector for other input devices like the Nunchuk controller and the Classic Controller.

PlayStation Move

PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Move Navigation controller (optional in most games) and a PlayStation Eye camera (all sold separately), PlayStation Move enables sophisticated, ultra accurate motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. In addition, the PlayStation Eye features the ability to process up to 120 frames/second and a built-in 4 microphone array for pristine video quality and video chat capabilities.

Kinect for Xbox 360

Easy to use and fun for everyone, Kinect sensor for Xbox 360 utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put players in the center of the fun that is 100% controller-free. After configuring itself by registering a range of points across your body, this amazing technology allows Kinect to recognize and mirror your movements in the game, in effect making your body the controller. The sensor is compatible with every Xbox 360, features a color VGA motion camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second), a depth camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second) and an array of 4 microphones supporting single speaker voice recognition.

Wii Remote Plus & Nunchuk. View larger

PlayStation Eye & Motion controller. View larger

Controller-free Kinect sensor play. View larger

Online Play and Functionality

Online functionality is a major focus in console gaming. Each of the three consoles can be used offline, but by integrating them into your home broadband connection you can greatly expand their potential. Each posses a significant online component, but differ in the ways users can interact with it.

WiiWare is a service that allows Wii players to download games and applications directly to their Wii console in exchange for purchased Wii Points on the Wii Shop Channel. Online gameplay requires a code to play. It's free to play and there are no names, so kids are protected against unwanted contact. Through Wii's online component players can also gain access to hundreds of classic arcade games available for download through Wii's Virtual Console functionality. The Nintendo Channel allows players to watch gameplay videos, trailers, developer interviews, and even download Nintendo DS game demos wirelessly. Additional Wii online functionality includes a web browser and connectivity with Netflix,* which allows users to stream video efficiently and quietly by means of the console's low energy consumption internal processing.

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PS3 (or PlayStation handheld) and a broadband connection to the Internet. Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, game extras, music and streaming video. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on your console or external media. Online multiplayer gameplay through PSN is simple, yet robust. Simply slip a compatible multiplayer disc into the console, select the multiplayer option and set up your own game or wait to join one in progress. The service also contains Netflix access,* a range of original gaming-oriented video programming, as well as access to PlayStation Home, a 3D world where gamers can interact in a virtual environment.

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment hub for Xbox 360. The service was launched with the original Xbox console in 2002, and has evolved and grown with Xbox 360. The service is two-tiered, with every user receiving a free "Silver membership," which allows for access to content such as free game demos, downloaded video rentals, Xbox LIVE avatar functionality and chat. A paid "Gold Membership" provides access to these and expanded features, including online gaming, HD movies and TV shows through services such as Netflix,* HBO Go,** ESPN, and Hulu Plus, downloadable games, facebook, downloadable content (DLC) for games and more. Players use Xbox LIVE points, which as easily purchased online and offline to access much of the online content. Both Xbox LIVE membership levels allow players to increase their Gamer Score, a running tally of the achievements they have unlocked in games. This is commonly shared information among gamers around the world and a source of pride in the community.

* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.
** Requires a valid subscription to HBO content through a cable or satellite provider.