Looking to buy a console? Confused by all the technical mumbo jumbo? Not to worry - this beginner's guide cuts through all the jargon to bring you a clear, concise introduction to all the major gaming machines.
Maybe you're buying your very first console and you don't know where to start. Maybe you're looking for the perfect gift. It doesn't matter! The Buyer's Guide to Consoles will help you make the right decision.
Young family? Not a problem! Limited budget? No worries! Total beginner? We can help there too!
And with so many fantastic games out there, there's never been a better time to jump on the console bandwagon!
Helping you make an informed choice
With so many different consoles each offering so many exciting possibilities, choosing the right one can seem like an impossible task! Use our Comparison Chart for clear and unbiased advice on which console is right for you.
| Wii |
Families
Beginners
Social gamers
Casual gamers
Keep fitters |
| Xbox 360 |
Families
Serious gamers
Teens
Social Networkers |
| PS3 |
Families
Serious gamers
Movie and gadget nuts
Web surfers |
| PS2 |
Families on a budget
Serious gamers on a budget
Beginners on a budget |
| Wii |
• Anyone of any skill level can pick up and play.
• A true family console.
• Interactive, sociable and fun. Great for parties.
• Quality sport and fitness titles.
• FREE online service. |
| Xbox 360 |
• Impressive social and online services via Xbox Live.
• Access Twitter and Facebook.
• Download games, movies and more.
• Extensive range of games to suit everyone. |
| PS3 |
• Awesome high-definition graphics.
• The only console with integrated Blu-ray player.
• Built in hard drive so you can save downloaded games directly to your console.
• Record and watch live and recorded TV from anywhere in the world with Play TV.
• Extensive range of games to suit everyone.
• FREE online service. |
| PS2 |
• Terrific value
• A great place to start if you want a good quality console with none of the bells and whistle.
• Extensive range of games to suit everyone.
• FREE online service. |
| Wii |
• Get weather and news, surf the Web, download games, view and send personal photos.
• Exciting choice of revolutionary accessories.
• FREE online service.
• Gamecube game compatible. |
| Xbox 360 |
• Xbox Live - download movies, games, demos, trailers and more.
• Access Facebook and Twitter
• Mingle with a live community of millions. |
| PS3 |
• Play Blu-ray discs, DVDs and music.
• PS3 Home - go bowling with your friends, watch real movies in virtual cinemas and much more in this innovative and exciting virtual world.
• Play TV.
• Remote Play. |
| PS2 |
• Play CDs and DVDs. |
| Wii |
• Built in Wifi (Broadband Internet connection required).
• FREE online service - no subscription required.
• Make online purchases using Wii points, purchased via your console or in-store. |
| Xbox 360 |
• Not all Xbox models have built in Wifi. Additional Wireless adapter required in some cases.
• Subscription required.
• Make online purchases using Microsoft points which can be purchased via your console or in-store.
• Access a comprehensive range of exciting online features including a gaming community of millions. |
| PS3 |
• Built in Wifi (Broadband Internet connection required).
• FREE online service - no subscription required.
• Make online purchases using Playstation Network (PSN) points which can be purchased via your console or in-store. |
| PS2 |
• Network Adapter required for access to online service.
• FREE online service - no subscription required. |
| Wii |
• Wii automatically comes with one Remote Control and one Nunchuck.
• Extra Remotes and Nunchucks required for multi-player.
• Choose from scores of additional accessories from light guns to tennis rackets to steering wheels and more. |
| Xbox 360 |
• A Wireless Adapter is a must if you want to access Xbox Live.
• No Xbox experience is complete without a Wireless Headset and Messenger Kit. |
| PS3 |
• The PlayStation Eye accessory is a revolutionary web cam that puts you IN the game.
• No PS3 experience is complete without a Bluetooth Headset and Wireless Sixaxis Controller. |
| PS2 |
• Any PS2 gamer looking to accessorize their system should consider a Wireless Controller and Memory Card. |
| Wii |
• Wii games tend to be quirky and highly interactive.
• Great for very young kids.
• Wii is well known for its fitness titles thanks to its innovative Balance Board.
• Games range from Wii Fit Plus and Mario Kart to Resident Evil. |
| Xbox 360 |
• Xbox has an extensive selection of games for every type of gamer.
• Games range from Gears of War 2 to Fifa 10 and Lego Indy |
| PS3 |
• PS3 has an extensive selection of games for every type of gamer.
• Games range from Assassin's Creed II and Fifa 10 to new EyePet.
• Experience cutting-edge, high definition gaming with the PS3. |
| PS2 |
• PS2 has an extensive selection of games for every type of gamer - at a lower price! |
| Wii |
• Not an all-singing all-dancing multi-media console like the Xbox and PS3 but fun, fun, fun.
• A great choice for families and beginners. |
| Xbox 360 |
• A terrific games console with great all round appeal.
• Great selection of games.
• The best, by far, for online features. |
| PS3 |
• The PS3 has the edge when it comes to graphic quality giving you the option to play Blu-ray movies at a full 1080P resolution and enjoy cutting edge HD game visuals. |
| PS2 |
• It does what it says on the tin. If you're new to gaming you won't miss the PS3's bells and whistles.
• A solid, reliable gaming console |
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