First off, the Wii wasn't designed to compete with the 360 or the PS3. It obviously is paying off for Nintendo by avoiding the High Def market, processor specs, and audio/ video capabilities. Nintendo has yet to tell people what is inside the Wii (probably because it is an overclocked GameCube). It has a very simple interface for kids and non gamers. It's strength is in it's control scheme, not processing power. Nintendo chose to make a simple console using existing hardware and that is paying off for them. It seemed like a gimmick at first, but people love it and it sells out everywhere.

The Xbox 360 is a great console, but has had it's fair share of problems with hardware failures (the Red Ring of Death or RROD). It has a great lineup of games for the older crowd, but lacks in kids games. It is displayed best with a HDTV. I don't think too many parents will buy little Johnny a Plasma TV to play their 360, but you never know. XBL or Xbox Live is it's strong point aside from the games.

The PS3 is designed to double as a Blu-Ray player and games machine. It gets confusing to me when consoles try to do too much. I like the fact that Sony included a standard hard drive in the PS3 unlike Microsoft (making it an option on one of the models). I don't like the multiple SKUs that Sony and Microsoft have. Right now Sony offers two different PS3 versions while Microsoft offers three Xbox 360 versions. It is very confusing for consumers in my opinion. The PS3 game lineup is a little weak right now but will increase over time. Most multiplatform games can be found on the 360 as well, but tend to run better on the 360.

I can't say that one console is better than the other because they all have strengths and weaknesses. It boils down to the games. In my opinion, the 360 has the best selection for older gamers, while the Wii targets the younger age groups. The PS3 falls somewhere in the middle; which may work to their advantage in the future. Now if I had to chose one console for myself, it would be the Xbox 360 (mainly because I'm older and the games appeal to me the most). If I were a parent, the Wii would be more appealing for my kids because it is simple and the price is right. The PS3 is priced a little too high right now for most gamers on a budget and it has too small of a game library right now, but give it time. Prices will fall over time for the PS3 as the install base grows.

The bottom line is to get what makes you happy, regardless of what others say.

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