| Video game consoles such as Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii | | | | comes with integrated WiFi and a free online serviceo |
| or Microsoft Xbox 360 are close to the heart of | | | | The Sony Playstation 3 comes with a sizeable hard |
| many a child (of any age). The phrase "playing | | | | drive and Bluetooth connectivityo Microsoft's Xbox |
| games" takes on a whole new meaning when it | | | | 360 can connect to computers running Windows XP |
| comes to these entertainment powerhouses. From | | | | and play audio and video files on a televisiono Digital |
| simple fun to complicated plots, video games made | | | | video recording is an upcoming feature, and will allow |
| for these systems are becoming more and more | | | | users to pause, rewind and fast forward live and |
| sophisticated - including smooth action, sharp graphics, | | | | recorded televisiono Consoles come with slots for |
| more interactive play, better audio, and the ability to | | | | memory cardso USB ports are included, allowing use |
| play with others in living rooms thousands of miles | | | | of plug-and-play accessories like digital cameras and |
| away or just next door. | | | | MP3 playerso Add-on components are many, including |
| Having fun with a gaming console can include more | | | | wireless controllers, headsets, web cams, racing |
| than video games, too. There are "games" available | | | | wheels, standing platforms, wireless network |
| for cooking, exercising, dancing, practicing for | | | | adapters, guitars, drum sets, hard drives, joysticks |
| American Idol, or even playing guitar in a rock band. | | | | and remote controls; motion-sensitive controllers |
| The following info will help when shopping for the | | | | allow for a more real-life experience (the player's |
| best in family-room adventures... | | | | motions determine what happens in the game) |
| Features of Video Game Consoleso Consoles come | | | | Keep in Mindo Cost for a basic game consoles range |
| with handheld controllers for multiple playerso | | | | from $250 for a basic Wii to $599 for a bells 'n |
| Bluetooth technology offers the ability to connect up | | | | whistles PS3; higher-cost models typically include hard |
| to 7 controllers to one systemo Hard drives (included | | | | drives, headsets, wireless controllers and other |
| in the systems) vary in size and contribute to cost; a | | | | enhancementso While some games are offered for |
| large hard drive is important for players who wish to | | | | all three major systems, others are limited to one |
| download TV programs and movieso Xbox 360 and | | | | particular system, or may only play on an older |
| PlayStation 3 play CDs and DVDs as well as games, | | | | model; make sure desired games are compatible with |
| and are compatible with home theater components | | | | the selected systemo The Nintendo Wii is the only |
| (PS3 plays Blue-Ray DVDS); players can create music | | | | system that comes with included gameso Xbox 360 |
| CDs on their computer to play on their console as | | | | offers a more extensive online presence, as it has |
| game soundtracks; Wii does not play DVDs or | | | | provided this service longer; PS3 offers the best |
| support surround soundo Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 | | | | gaming performance; Wii controllers are much more |
| support HD quality video; Xbox 360 requires an | | | | sophisticated with motion-sensor technology and |
| additional componento Online gaming using a wireless | | | | "rumble" (force feedback) |
| broadband Internet connection allows play over the | | | | Before purchasing a video game console, carefully |
| Internet with friends and family including voice chat; | | | | compare the quality and range of games available for |
| Xbox 360 requires the purchase of an additional | | | | each of the three big systems. Consider renting |
| component for this capability and an additional annual | | | | systems and games before you purchase to test |
| membership fee, while PS3's WiFi is included in some | | | | them out. |
| models and the online community is free; Wii also | | | | |