From reading a few reviews and the only guide posted about video games, I decided to post my own opinion as a hardcore gamer. By now you might have noticed the video game industry is bigger and larger than ever. Growing from basic 2-Bit games to what is now the pure High-Def experience that seems to real to be true. From the parent stand point, the home video game system has both positive and negative aspects. If you want the best out there, then you spend the largest amount of money to buy the newest system as it comes out. Having spent this money, while it might get you by for a few years, before you know it, there is another more powerful system. Thus causing you to spend even more than before and requiring you to purchase more games, accessories, and controllers just to have the cycle continue again and again. Is it truly worth it?? For parents who have many expenses to worry about the answer is NO. While gamers, who have grown up going from system to system like education as you grow from grade school to college, see no problem spending the money. This guide will not be for everyone, but should help those out there see the reasons why people spend this money. Then as an added bonus, I have included my own opinion on which of the 3 current systems show the best overall investment. This guide was originally my first ever on Ebay, so I hope this new updated version helps more people than it did before.

To begin, it makes since to start with why gamers want these systems. The video game industry continues because of these hardcore gamers who treat this joy as a pure hobby. "But my child is no hardcore gamer? I just want him to have something because he wants it, but why spend all that money when the older systems are so much cheaper." Sure the PS2 and Xbox have dropped in price greatly over the years, but isn't that what everything does. I remember in 2002 a plasma HDTV was $10,000, now you can get the exact same one for around $3,000. For the people who purchased the TV back then, they were literally the only ones who were able to enjoy the experience of watching TV in HD. The average person doesn't care that much to spend the money for the technology as it comes out. So we must wait for it to become older technology that lowers the price. There is nothing in this world when it comes to technology that isn't expensive when it first comes out. Microwaves were $1,000. Computers were $25,000. It goes on and on. The people who choose to purchase these items for that much money either need the technology or they are so passionate about them that they don't want to be the last one to own one. With all technology, the new means faster, bigger, more powerful, in turn making life easier. Video games are the same way when a new generation comes out. In playing games, the new systems are always faster, bigger, and more powerful. The 360 has every game playable on the Internet with mind blowing graphics that put their older generation to shame, just as the PS2 put the PS to shame.

When decided when to purchase a new video game system, there really is no reason to wait if you are a hardcore gamer. The hardcore gamer doesn't care the cost, only the fact that it is the next generation, and in order to stay ahead of their friends, they must have the system now. Just because the system is higher now doesn't mean it isn't worth it. People spend hundreds of dollars on the latest fashions when the very next year a totally different trend will start and makes the older fashion yesterdays news, so it isn't worn anymore. How is this any different?? For all of you parents who are deciding rather or not to wait for a new system have to ask yourself rather or not they want their kids to have the latest fashions now or after the rest of the block.The same thing can apply to why buy a new car when the moment you drive it off the lot, it goes down $1,000. Literally, you didn't do a single thing to it, yet it loses that much value. So, if you wait to purchase a new system, you are choosing to buy a 'used' car. Nothing wrong with that, everyone is different. But don't fault your kids for wanting the 'new' car like their parents.   

Finally, the main reason gamers want the new generation as soon as it comes out is because they are ready for something new. Each generation lasts for four to six years, so by the time a new generation comes out, the gamers are ready for the upgrade. Half a decade with one technology can warrant the want of a more advance technology, even if the new one is $400 to $600.  

TOP 3 CURRENT HOME VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS:

Playstation 3 (HD System w/ Built-in Blue Ray Player)

Xbox 360 (HDSystem w/ optional HD Dvd Player)

Nintendo Wii (NONE HD System w/ motion based controllers)

PLAYSTATION 3 begins this list because it is currently the last on the list as far as sales and number of total people worldwide who own the system. Despite the fact that the Playstation 1 and 2 both lead the industry while their were the newest technology. The high price tag and late release put the PS3 behind the equally powerful Xbox 360 and lower priced Nintendo Wii. When deciding to purchase a system, video game fans jumped on the 360 when it was released a full year before PS3, and then the rest jumped on the Wii for its unique gameplay controller and MUCH lower cost. The PS3 was released in 30 and 60 GB Harddrive versions. The 60GB was the more complete purchase providing you with more accessories. Saving you money from buying them seperately the 60GB still released at $599.99, and 30GB came out at $499.99. After months of low sales, Sony dropped the price by $100 and released a bigger 80GB model. Now the 60GB can be found at $399.99, and the $80 at $499.99. WHY SO MUCH?!?!?!

The PS3 is the MOST powerful of the 3 options. Sporting a more powerful processor and Blue Ray DVD player, the price tag fits the technology considering a Blue Ray player by itself can run between $600 to $900. Right now, consumers are just not ready to change their home movie technology, so while the Blue Ray makes it worth it money wise, people still don't see the need. Besides the high price, the main reason the PS3 is still behind is because they currently don't have the option in games. The 360 has been out a whole year longer and the Wii has specific games titles that fans have been following for years as well as specific games for the new motion based controller.

The fans who currently own a PS3 followed their love of the previous two systems by Sony, and still enjoy a very powerful gaming experience. As the games continue to be released, the PS3 may gain steps but it will take a miracle to take the #1 from the Wii. As far as making your own decision on the PS3, the main reason you should buy one is for the Blue Ray player. These systems have the same warrenty as a real Blue Ray, so you save money and still get an amazing video game system out of it. Also, Sony gives you the online gameplay for FREE! No monthly membership. Plus if you already own the PS2, the controller is almost 100% the same, so you don't have to get used to a whole new feel in your hands.

Xbox 360 follows next because it is currently second in popularity and sales, but overall is #1 in total number of systems sold to date. This stat is no surprise since it was released a whole year before the other two systems. The first versions of the 360 were the White $399.99 and Green $299.99 boxes. They are both still sold today. The White box includes the wireless controller and 20GB harddrive over the wired and no memory storage when comparing it to the Green box. The White also includes the headset for talking with players online. Then a year later Microsoft released the Elite (grey box with black console) for $499.99. The Elite was the answer to the PS3 as it comes with a 120GB harddrive but NO Built-In HD Dvd Player (the HD player is sold seperately as an add on drive to the 360 console). The original thought was that the Elite was going to have a built-in HD drive to compete with the PS3, but the main difference between the Elite over the regular 360 is it has a HDMI port & cable for broadcast in full 1080p over the 720p in the regular. If you want that highest HD quality and larger harddrive, the Elite is truly the one to buy. For most, the White is the way to go since you can still add on later and save the initial out of pocket money. You just have to be happy buying the drive seperately. It would be funny if the BluRay wins out, and Microsoft has to create their own BluRay drive.

The 360 currently has more titles than the other two systems. The full year of production ahead of the other two gave the 360 a huge advantage. Ask any hardcore gamer out there, and they will tell you the 360 has the best games right now for (non motion based controllers). Halo 3, Gears of War, Mass Effect, Call of Duty 4, Bioshock, Assassin's Creed, and Oblivian are among the top games for the system right now.  The 360 does not have free online game play like the PS3 and Wii. The Gold membership (1 year Online service) will cost you $50, which breaksdown $4.16 a month. While this is a pain, the online gameplay is a true bonus to playing video games at all, so if you go with the 360, you would be crazy not to go ahead and purchase the Gold membership. ALL 360 games can be played online, and one very unique feature about the 360 is the ability to build up your Gamerscore through points from Achievements in all the games. The 360 is the first system that has applied a reward program to all of their games that gives the gamer points for completing different aspects of different games. Playing the game through to the end is only the beginning, now you can go after VERY specific challenges that show everyone what you have accomplished through playing the game. All your points from all the games you have earned Achievements on add up to give your overall Gamerscore. This score is always under your specific ID. It can even be looked up online. From my experience, the added Achievements provide all gamers with a new reason to play any game over again or continue to play a game that normally would be done with. Plus it encourages gamers to play more games to get more points. This aspect may not appeal to everyone, but it can be a reason to choose this system over another.

Nintendo Wii  leads the world of video games by total sales over the past year in 2007. This stat is no surprise if you tried to find a Wii during the year. While the PS3 could be found easily in store at any time of day or week as of Feb, the Wii continues to be sold out across the country. It was the MOST popular toy for Christmas this past 2007, and still continues to fly off the shelf almost over a year after its release. Nintendo just cannot seem to meet the demand for their new video gaming experience.

Truly the Wii is very unique when it comes to a video game system. While it is NOT an HD system like the PS3 and 360, the Wii sports the first every Motion-Based Controller. For the first time since the Power Pad on the original NES system back in the '80s, the Wii allows the gamer to have FULL motion control while playing. The new remote (game controller) works no other controller. Rather than just pressing buttons to move or play the game, you literally play the game as though the remote was the real object. Madden you must THROW the ball for real. Bowling, Tennis, Baseball, all must be played like you are REALLY playing the sport. The Wii Remote makes the system fun and different.

The motion-based playing system has opened video gaming to a whole new world of players. Families can now play as a group and get exercise at the same time. Grandmas, Mom's, even Britney Spears can become a video game junky overnight with this new form of playing. The Wii has become the leader because it has this new technology AND the LOWEST price tag going for just $249.99. Families get a system that everyone can enjoy and save hundreds when compared to the other options. Its no wonder the Wii is ALWAYS out of stock at Walmart.

Ok, so I know this guide was not the best detailed guide for EVERY aspect of these 3 systems, but the main goal was to show everyone what you have to choose from. If nothing else it provided the basic info so you can make the best choice going forward. Thanks for you time, and please hit the "Yes" for helpful if you got anything from this at all.