1. Wii
1.1. Pros:
1.1.1. Wii is the first console in at least a decade that includes a pack-in game. For $249, not only do you get the console, but you're getting five games in one so you can start with the gaming goodness as soon as you hook up your system.
1.1.2. The unit also runs quietly. Don't think you can go around and warm your house with this baby because it practically runs cool, utilizing some very snazzy processing technologies that minimize power consumption.
1.2. Cons:
1.2.1. The internal storage is bleak at best with only a 512 internal flash memory — definitely not the hefty storage capacity of its competitors, PS3 and Xbox 360.
1.2.2. The graphics are not at the level of PS3 or Xbox 360, either, only pushing a moderately better video processor made by ATI than its predecessor, the Game Cube. Don't expect to see jaw-dropping graphics, incredible cell shading, bump mapping, or any of the graphic terminologies that give some credibility to consoles performance capabilities.
2. Playstation
2.1. Pros:
2.1.1. Unlike other gaming systems, the PS3 uses Blu-ray Disc format which allows for massive storage and pristine picture quality. If you wanted to you can use the PS3 as an ad hoc Blu-ray movie player, as more Blu-ray movies will be hitting the market in the near future.
2.1.2. Likewise, the PS3 boasts its ability to link up with other Sony products, namely the PSP. You can easily link your PSP into the PS3 and exploit both of their capabilities. The hardware has been streamlined much more to today's standards by incorporating four USB slots. Numerous USB-enabled devices such as a USB keyboard are supported on the PS3. Gamers can literally plug in Flash USB jump drive and put data onto their system.
2.2. Cons:
2.2.1. The most obvious and well-publicized is the price. Unless you're willing to take out a second mortgage on your home, the PS3 isn't going to be cheap. At a retail price of $499 for the entry level 20GB system, and games now starting at $59.99, it is a substantial increase from PS2.
2.2.2. Furthermore, the PS3 is backwards compatible, but to play with existing data from PS2 and PSOne titles you have to purchase an additional memory card adapter as the PS3 does not feature original PlayStation memory card slots. Likewise, Sony officials admit that not all PS2 and PSOne games will play properly on the PS3, only adding to the frustration of the gaming experience.
3. XBox
3.1. Pros:
3.1.1. The Xbox 360 was released before the PS3. This means you have a better selection of new games and accessories than you do for the PS3. The Xbox 360 is cheaper than the PS3. The machine generally sells for $299 while the PS3 sells for $499.
3.1.2. It also comes with X-box live. Once you sign up for it, you can download games and music. You can also play online multiplayer games. Soon it will also allow you to buy movies and TV shows online and then download them onto your machine (if all goes as planned).
3.2. Cons:
3.2.1. If you aren't into hardcore games, than you won't have as many choices of new games to choose from for the Xbox. Most of their newer games are considered hardcore.
3.2.2. The Xbox console itself is loud when playing. This can be especially annoying if you are playing a DVD movie. What is the solution for this problem? By turning up the volume of the machine you do not have to hear the swirling noise as much. Yet, this can be as annoying, too.