Five of the best
Xbox 360
Having been launched six months earlier than Sony’s PlayStation 3 in 2005, Xbox 360 has never relinquished its lead at the top of the console heap. Although slightly inferior to the PS3 in its technology, Microsoft’s console has the highest ‘next-generation’ console penetration in Ireland. It also has the biggest number of games available for its platform.
These two facts make the 360 the natural choice for a young teenager’s console, because they’re more likely to be able to swap games with friends. That saves you money and gives them more choice.
There is one other strength that the 360 has over its rivals – it leads the internet portal sphere, with hundreds of games available to download (legally) online, directly from the device.
Its internet prowess also includes a new film-downloading service, which is due to expand next year.
Compared to Sony’s PS3, the 360 is noisy, inelegant and clunky.
But with so many games available, your teenager is unlikely to care. Neither will you, when you realise it’s still €50 cheaper than a PS3. The Arcade model comes with almost no memory and should be avoided. The Elite model has 120GB, more than enough for a normal gamer.
Price: €180 (Arcade) or €250 (Elite)
PlayStation 3
ThePS3 remains a connoisseur’s console, a classy, discreet box that hums and doesn’t whirr. Sony loaded it with high-end technology from the beginning, packing a Blu-ray player into the device. This makes the PS3 the only gaming device capable of playing ‘full’ high-definition DVDs, films and games.
Although not as comprehensive as the Xbox, PlayStation has a pretty developed internet gaming network and webstore. This is accessible directly from the console, once connected to an internet access point in your house.
Being one of the ‘big two’, the PS3 generally gets all the big game releases for its platform. It has also had a number of impressive exclusive titles released this year, including Little Big Planet and Assassin’s Creed. (The latest Assassin’s Creed II is available on multiple consoles.)
For an occasional gamer who also likes films, high definition and a sophisticated looking living room accessory, this is the one to go for. It comes in two variations: 120GB and 250GB.The larger memory option is a better value choice.
Price: €300 (120GB) and €350 (250GB)
Nintendo DSi
If your child already has a Nintendo DS, look away now. Because there is precious little reason to ‘upgrade’ to a DSi. Regardless of what Nintendo says, this is a barely beefed-up version of the original DS. Other than an on-board camera, some improved networking ability and a slightly bigger screen, this is the same machine as the existing model.
For those who do not have the older model in the house, the DS’s main charm is its touchscreen interface.
Like the Wii, games are mainly for young kids. And, like the Wii, adult women are a second target market, with a number of brain-sharpening games heavily marketed. It comes in five colours.
Price: €170
Nintendo Wii
If one’s choice of game consoles reflects their music collection, here is what is on a Wii-owner’s iPod: Westlife, Steps, Girls Aloud, Robbie Williams and – possibly – the Jonas Brothers. Make no mistake about it: Nintendo’s Wii is a device for young kids and their Dettol-loving parents.
There are very few ‘video nasties’ on offer here.
Instead, little blobby, mustachioed characters float about, bumping off each other and racing cute, wee dragons.
The wireless, motion-sensitive game controllers are the Wii’s prize asset, making games like golf, tennis and boxing (but no blood, mind!) possible.
An extra element has been laid on for mums, who are encouraged to partake in the various fitness and aerobics ‘games’ that are being heavily marketed. Price: €180
PSP Go
Sony has updated its handheld console, although there are not many new features. The device has been reduced in size, has added Bluetooth and has eliminated Sony’s UMD disc slot.
It is also designed to synchronise with the PlayStation 3 over a wireless network.
Instead of games you buy in shops, Sony is hoping kids and grown-ups will use its wireless capability to buy games online from the PlayStation Store.
Without using a credit card, buying games from the PlayStation Store means purchasing credit (via a scratchcard) from a shop .
Technically and graphically, the PSP Go is not a superior machine to its predecessor. However, its screen is a little brighter. It’s a shiny gadget that packs considerably more power than its chief rival, Nintendo’s DSi.
However, there are not yet enough games available online to make it a must-have device. Price: €250
