Incredible machine, with best feature set of all next gen systems.

I am a self-proclaimed gaming addict. So, I've never been one limit myself to any one system. I currently have all the next gen consoles (Wii, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3)on the market. There are a few major differences between each console that, in the end, will determine which console is best for you. That being said, the Playstation 3(PS3) has the best overall feature set of any of the consoles, and is the most future proof. As a result, many hardcore gamers should consider purchasing it first of the three systems.

High-Def DVD Playback:
While the price of the PS3 is the highest of all the consoles on the market, don't let the price fool you. The system is an excellent value. Unlike it's competitors, the PS3 is the only console which offers Blu-ray dvd playback. Blu-ray is the current high-def standard. The format allows for higher video and audio quality, a greater level of interactivity, more storage capacity, as well as an in-movie pop-up menu. If you have a high-def tv, upgrading your dvd player is a great idea and the PS3 offers one of the most cost effective options for doing this.

Storage Options:
Additionally, though each console offers some form of storage for games, save files, and other content, the PS3's is probably the most versitile. The Wii requires SD cards in order to expand is extremely limit on-board flash storage. The 360 on the other has 2 seperate HDD options (a 20GB and 120GB version), as well as a USB port that can be used with flash drives, and the option to utilize Xbox proprietory memory cards. All models of the PS3 offer a built in HDD which can easily be removed and replaced with a larger capacity internal computer HDD. Like the 360, the system also allows for the use of USB drives. Some models, including the original 60GB model, also allow users to utilize Memory Sticks, Compact Flash, and SD cards in the system without any adapters. Finally, by purchasing an adapter for about $15, you can also transfer files back and forth from PS1 and PS2 memory cards.

Backwards Compatibility:
This is one area that the current generation of consoles can be incredibly confusing. The PS3 is no exception. The original 20GB and 60GB models allowed for near complete backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games, because of the inclusion of the emotion engine. However, later versions of the system removed the emotion engine. The 80GB model uses software emulation to provide backwards compatibility. While the number of PS1 and PS2 compatible with the system are still quite high, it's not as high with the earlier models. The 40GB model, on the other hand offers absolutely no form of compatibility with earlier titles. This model differs considerably from the other systems. The 360 provides extremely limited backwards compatibility through software, which is occasionally updated to increase this. The Wii, like the earlier PS3's offers complete backwards compatibility with Gamecube games. Though, due to it's smaller library of games and fewer people that had that system compared to the PS2, this is likely to be less important for many consumers.

Online Play:
This is another area where the three consoles differ greatly. The Wii has very limited online play. Most games offer no online functionality and those that do require use of a long friend code in order to play with people you know. Also, as of yet, none of the games allow for any form of voice chat. Luckily though, the system does have built-in wireless internet capabilities and the service is free. So, users can download games, send messages to friends, or surf the internet without paying for a seperate service. The 360, has the most robust online offerings right now. Users can voice and video chat with friends, play online, share your gamer score, and download content. However, this service requires a subscription of about $50 or more a year, depending on how long you pay in advance. If you do not pay for the service, you still can download files and chat with friends, but you are not able to play any games online. Additionally, there is no built-in wireless access and you either need to string a cord to your router, or you must purchase the wireless adaptor seperately for about $80. The PS3 is much like a combined version of the other two consoles in this area. The PS3 offers all its online services free of charge, and comes standard with a wireless adaptor built-in. Users can play online, voice and video chat with friends, download content, and surf the internet all for free.

Game Library:
Because of it's one year headstart, the 360 has the largest library of games as well as excellent third-party support. The Wii has excellent first-party Nintend games, but it's third-party games are often lacking terribly in overall quality. Luckily, the option to play Gamecube games greatly expands the systems library. The PS3 offers an excellent balance between first and third-party games, with most titles being of excellent quality. However, the system has the fewest titles currently available. Though, if you buy any model aside from the 40GB version, you will find an incredible wealth of older PS1 and PS2 game which you can play. There is also a difference in the type of games each system focuses on. The Wii is mainly geared towards families and younger audiences. So, there are a lot of party games and titles rated T or lower. The 360 tends to focus more on mature titles with a large emphasis on shooters and sports titles. While you can find them, there are not a lot of RPG's for the system. The PS3 also tends to lean more towards the more mature titles with most games rated T or M. However, the system is focused much less on shooters than the 360. Instead, it leans more towards action/adventure games and RPG's.

Other Considerations:
There are other things to take into consideration when comparing each console. The 360 does not come standard with wireless controls, a HDD, or wireless network adaptor. You either need to spend more to purchase one of the more expensive models, you need to pay for these features seperately, or settle for wired controls and no HDD. If you do get wireless controllers, you will also want to invest in rechargeable batteries so you can save on the cost of replacement batteries. The Wii, comes with wireless controllers and network adaptor, but does not have an HDD or an expandable internal memory. As such, you will likely require SD cards at some point in time. Additionally, the controllers do not have rechargeable batteries, so batteries can become costly unless you invest in a third-party battery pack. The PS3 is the only console that offers an HDD, wireless controllers with built-in batteries, and a wireless network adaptor standard. It is also the only system that can be linked to any bluetooth enabled headset or keyboard for online chatting. The Wii has no form of keyboard or headset compatibility and the 360 requires use of special versions that will only work with the 360. Finally, all of the systems offer the ability to link the system to other devices. The Wii can only be linked to a Nintendo DS, but only for use in certain games. The 360 can be linked to any PC that features media center capabilities, including Windows Vista. The PS3 can be linked to a PC like the 360, but ca also be linked to a PSP. If linked to a PSP, the PS3 can be accessed remotely from any wireless hotspot. This allows for some PS3 games to be played remotely, as well as access to all your media content stored on your system, and even the ability to watch a dvd (even a Blu-ray one) on your PSP when you are away from home.

Future Outlook:
All of the systems will continue to get additional features as new updates are released. However, what features will make it to each console is dependant on its hardware capabilities. Since the PS3 has the strongest processing power and HD capabilities built-in that are beyond those of either of the other two systems, it is likely to continue having the largest feature set of all the consoles. As a result, the system is the most future proofed of all the consoles and likely to have the longest lifespan.