Which games console should you buy this Christmas? Xbox, Wii or even a PS3?

Gerald Lynch of Techdigest writes: "It was all about the Wii twelve months ago, but who should get your cash this yuletide season?

Recent figures published by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk appear to reveal that this year's most sought after games console is the Xbox 360, outselling its nearest rival the PS3 by a ratio of 3:1.

But which machine really deserves to be crowned king of the console wars this Christmas; Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PS3 or Nintendo's Wii?

To decide which console is worthy of your cash, we'll be looking at seven key areas that need to be of the highest quality in order to warrant your attention: Games, Exclusive Titles, Media Options, Online."

[reintype]

The one that does EVERYTHING! For only $299.

[presto717]

.

[YungXclusive2K9]

They lost all credibility here
"There is a fair bit of cross over between both gaming catalogues, with massive titles such as Assassins Creed 2, the Rock Band and Guitar Hero games, Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead 2 and Batman: Arkham Asylum all available on both machines."

[cereal_killa]

L4D2 is only on the 360 but I get what your saying it's all a preference in what you like to play I have both but my PS3 is getting more play because there's nothing on the 360 that interests me until 2010 when SC and Alan wake releases.

[Saaking]

PS3, unless you're a moron.

[Aquarius]

Its obvious the PS3 is going to sell more this christmas as advertisements are everywhere, the console looks much more like a games console now and the Wii fad has already died down quite a margin. You don't hear the masses talk about the Wii anymore. 90% of people know about it now. Was even watching this documentary on Tv and a disabled person was playing with a Wii. Didn't show it on the camera but saw him swinging his hand and I thought "oh". Xbox 360? LMAO.

EDIT: I hope SONY starts doing custom paint-jobs for the PS3 soon :)

[sagapo]

fail!

[-Alpha]

Wow, talk about being an elitist.

People have the choice to choose between the 360 and PS3. Both are great consoles that have their ups and downs. No need to call someone a moron for wanting something you don't like. It's called an opinion, don't act like yours is the only one that counts SaaKing.

@Venomish

Again, stop asserting your opinion as better than others. Has it ever occurred to you that people have different tastes?

Sure PS3 is great but there's no need to act as if it's the ONLY thing.

[Venomish]

@1.4
PS3 is the way to go. unless you are a halo fanboy.
you can try to "politically correct" and say oh xbox has this and that, ps3 has this and that it is all a matter of opinion blah blah blah. but we all know ps3 is the thing.

[KiRBY3000]

That's good that he is an elitist because the question asked here is basically "what is the BEST system to buy?"

now that is an elitist question dont you think? i know because, I am an elitist too. That's why I have a PS3 and that's why I recommend people to buy one. I want the best, not the cheapest, not the trendiest, the BEST. ELITISM.

(the insult was unnecessary tho)

[-Alpha]

Where does it say BEST system?

Judging from the title, it's asking what system you should buy.

The question itself is problematic since all fanboys are going to go with whatever console they already own.

[Aquarius]

What proper games are there to buy for Xbox 360 this christmas?

Why should I consider buying a 360 when it has: RROD, E-74, disc-scratching, noisy DVD drive and its other errors that happens regularly, out-of-the-box? That's not really a nice present to put under the tree is it now?

PS3 is better value. The price difference is not that big and that's not even taking into account paying for Wi-Fi and XBL and a game.

EDIT: Lord. What if I were to buy HALO ODST and it never worked in my 360? I will feel ripped off, just like any other normal human being.
The GTA Craze has died down, that's not a reason to buy a 360 for.
Err, I don't need to write essays. I think I've expressed myself enough ( you mentioned two games ) maybe someoneelse can comment on what we said. I need bubbles, not enough time to edit :)

[-Alpha]

Those are good reasons not to buy a 360. The question is which console should people buy. In other words, your supposed to post positives for all consoles but I get that people are very militant towards other consoles other than the one they show an allegiance to.

Again, just because YOU don't want a 360 doesn't mean other people don't.

As for exclusives:

-Episodes from Liberty City (not an expansion pack since you dont need the original GTA IV)
-Forza 3 (best racing sim this year)
-Halo ODST (If you are going to rag on the short single player I can pull out games like Heavenly Sword that don't even have a multiplayer meaning that the lasting appeal to ODST is just fine)

Even if you try to wriggle out of the exclusives I listed it's still evident that there are exclusives that exist. It's funny that you asked what "PROPER" games exist, meaning you try to set yourself up to start bashing at games like ODST.

Sure, it's not the greatest year but neither was the PS3's the first year yet fanboys still pointed out great games.

Again, this is the fanboy cycle. When their console is doing bad, they will defend it against people who attack it. But when the other console is doing bad they turn into the attackers. It's hypocrisy

Edit: Um... huh? I answered your question but your response back makes no sense -_-

@Below

Your right, but they have a pretty good 2010 coming up. 09 hasn't been the best year but they have 3 great exclusives.

Edit 2: I knew you would start damage controlling. Your claim that GTA is dying down is false. One simply needs to look at the sales to see that EFLC is selling great. I listed 3 exclusives, all of which are reasons to own a 360. If you can't handle the fact that people have a different opinion then that's too bad.

[Trebius]

If you're strapped and need to go cheap...360 is the way to go.

If you want to get something for someone that you care about, PS3 is the best choice. There's no way to be disappointed in that christmas gift.

@above

lol...uhm...the PS3 on its first year didnt have many games that's true...

But 360 is about to be on its 4th...

Whats their excuse...?

[sikbeta]

I think the edge goes for PS3, every family can enjoy the PS3 not for being the "HARDCORE GAMER FAMILY", just because the PS3 deliver much more than GAMES and have an excellent price point for what they'll get

[KiRBY3000]

and shouldnt you (me, him, us, everybody) buy the best one??

nice spin on GTA episodes and ODST btw. comparing it with the 2 years old Heavenly Sword when Uncharted 2, Demon's Souls and Ratchet & Clank have released a month ago.

the only true 360 exclusive this year is Forza 3. get over it.

software or hardware, PS3 is the best value. merry christmas.

[mikeslemonade]

PS3 should have won in the features catagory too. Many critics don't know 75% of the features the PS3 does. Such as Folding@home and Linux.

[masterofpwnage]

well for me its like this
japan- ps3 because ff13
europe- ps3
usa- will be a tie with all console but i think wii will win just a little bit
worlwide- ps3 or wii not the 360 because imean come on this is there worst year ever and while this is the best for the ps3

well thats my opinion anyone agree

[ultimolu]

The Wii for me hopefully. I can't resist that new Super Mario game. I already own a PS3, har har. Just need a bigger harddrive.

[SeNiLe911]

then the console with the best community and most AAA games is the way to go.

Or get all three like me!!!

[hay]

@Alpha-Male22: I'm a bit late to the party but I think if Saaking prefers PS3 in his opinion, he can also have an opinion that everyone who thinks differently are a morons. This isn't a fact but still his opinion to which he's entitled to.
He's fanboy a lot though... But hey, there's a fanboy inside all of us.

IMO PS3 is a way to go. Since it's more affordable now and have emerged from elitist circles, with established lineup of great games and being really good movie player, you can't go wrong here. Unless!
You have one and want Xbox360, Wii, PSP or Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube-man for that matter. No probs here.

[jhooty14]

looks at the first comments disagree to agree ratio .. you know when a site is filled with ps3 fanboys when..... lol ya i agreed on it too though hahahaha

[badz149]

shouldn't it be "what you should (ask people buy for) you buy this Christmas?"

[lightningsax]

@AlphaMale - Just wanted to let you know that you said "People have the choice to choose." I'm just sayin'.

The analysis was pretty good, even though L4D2 isn't on the PS3.

[starcb26]

the wii smells like pee

[xTruthx]

Y do some people keep saying PS3 didn't have4 good games its first year? Because I would like to tell those people to name good games the 360 had its first year.

[N4g_null]

It would be so sad to miss out on the best Mario game of all time, it's like all of the rolled up into one. I don't know if you want to really get your family into gaming get nmbwii and throw your rivals In the pit! It great fun plus if some one says your gay or your cheating you can punch them square in the mouth how is that for online experience! Ahhh no mics to hide behind. Plus to there is only one console that supports all gamers except the pc like games.

I mean if you want feature go and buy blue Ray player stand along the ps3s are still slower and it's $58 dollars today! Yet if you actualy like console games get a console if you like pc games then get a pc.

Hey why argue about these things it comes down to what you want and what you think fun is. When I want to Bragg about hardware I tell people about my workstations lol. I'd rather have fun would you?

[callahan09]

"or even a PS3?"

What kind of phrasing is that?

The article also says that Left 4 Dead 2 is available on both platforms (meaning 360 and PS3), which is obviously inaccurate.

Kind of a weird article, all in all. Not sure I really learned anything from it and in fact I learned some untrue things from it.

[sikbeta]

As I said, this writers are getting EVEN WORSE!!!

[colonel179]

it's a tech site that doesn't know about tech...i guess... especially videogames

[coolcole93]

Are you 6, 13 or mature?

If 6, get a Wii. If 13, get a 360. If mature, get a PS3. If too mature(75+), also get a wii.

[Golfcoachh]

bubbles to you.

[kneon]

keep all those 13 year old foul mouthed morons on live, we don't need them on PSN :)

[sagapo]

fail

[-Alpha]

The funny thin with 13 yr olds is that some of them are more mature than the "older" guys that play on PSN (Lol yeah right).

Immature players exist in all ages, so your completely wrong to say that all the 13 yr olds are on LIVE.

Besides PS3 gamers dont even all have mics so clearly people who buy them do it because they likely enjoy communication.

See? it's not that hard to think before you generalize ;)

[Trebius]

Is that all you can say? :P

You fail for not being able to add anything of substance to the thread...

[sikbeta]

Is a good point, but you can't deny bad mouthing babies on Live, youtube is Witness of that, they are SO dumb to upload their bad behavior as if its something coolz

Me and my BRO used to watch those videos and start lol all day not because of the video, we laugh at those poor kids, is just sad but funny in some kind of twisted way lol

just look at this, is a little resume of what I'm talking about, I don't want to browse in youtube now, don't bother all the Valve talking and skip to 12:22

http://www.n4g.com/gaming/N...

[sagapo]

yeah, starting adult conversation here is basicly pointless.
I don't have a problem with someone else's opinion, but saying stuff like "... buy a ps3 or you're a moron" is beyond childish and the biggest fanboytalk off all.

To be honest, a PS3 is on my "to buy" list. I have a Xbox360, Wii, DS, an oldskool Sega Genesis en a mid/high end PC.
I'm no fanboy whatsoever, but crap talk around here from some (and always the same ones) piss me off!!

[Trebius]

A lot of the people on this site dont really understand the meaning of OPINION...

Im pretty loyal to my PS3 because my ps1 and ps2 never failed me...they STILL work to this day...

I had no respect for M$ before the Xbox, and now i've lost even more AFTER...

Thats just my personal opinion...

[sagapo]

I forgot to mention I own a PS2 as well :)

[StarCSR]

Or are you 30 like me? Then just buy 'em all:
The Wii for multiplayer fun with friends : Mario Kart, Sports (Resort), New Super Mario bros Wii
The 360 for the normal hardcore gaming: multiplatform titles and soms great exclusives
The PS3 for BD and for some of their exclusives that are unmissable like LBP, Uncharted, MGS and soon God Of War & Heavy Rain.

[123360]

i would go for the ps3 on value,reliability,looks. online its on a par with live here in the uk with out the fee.on exclusives in terms of games ps3 is the winner on the graphical point,quality and quantity point no question there this year going into next year as well.that said 360 has got some good games coming but i fear these may be timed exclusives mass effect,splinter cell may jump ship just depends on your taste. but reliabilty and no bluray or wifi out the box for the 360 puts the ps3 way in front in terms of spec.wi not even on my radar

[yoghurt]

I bought a PS3 at launch, I have to say though, knowing everything i know now and seeing all the games for the 360 - i'd still by a PS3

[UltimateSin]

That's what I don't get, 'or even a PS3', it's like their saying 'really? your actually considering to getting this?' The PS3 is great, even more so greatly-awesome.

[-Alpha]

not really.

It would be weird to phrase it "Xbox, Wii, or PS3?"

It makes the title sound static and uninteresting. This way, it makes sound as if there are plentiful consoles to buy and it's hard to choose which one. It makes the reader think "oh wow, even a PS3! So many consoles! Which one to choose from? Well luckily, this guy may help me decide" and thus the reader reads the article.

It's much more catchy the way it is. I know there are many conspiracy theories for consoles, especially the PS3, but I don't think this needs to be made into a big deal

[-Alpha]

I'd buy a 360 because I already have a PS3.

[The Meerkat]

How many times will this be talked about in the next month?

Third place will be obvious (although not palatable)for many N4G regulars.

But the race for first will be interesting this year.

[KRUSSIDULL]

Buy them ALL!

[xabmol]

Since you're so loaded. >$)

[BYE]

He should have put built quality in it, too.

It's a very important aspect when buying technology which shouldn't be left out.

[RetroPietro]

So im getting a Wii fir Christmas, used to own a 360 but it was quite simply awful! no games worth playing.

[xoxideu]

WOW LOL!

http://img442.imageshack.us...

[Noob]

There's been so many excuses for people that haven't brought a PS3 these past 2 years and they are now gone. What now?

[jjesso1993]

got all three console building my self a nice pc xmas

[bobdog626]

Got my 360 with hdmi playing SF4 ,Ninja Blade ,Dead or Alive,Saint Row and Gear's of War and Man you don't know what you guy's are missing.My Choice is 360 FTW.

[Noob]

And trust me because I own both consoles and all those games you mentioned, but YOU don't know what you're missing when you aren't playing PS3 games like Uncharted 2 or MGS4 or even KZ2. Your jaw will drop, especially with Uncharted 2.

[Karooo]

about ps3 games, play them and you will lol at the 360 games, ninja blade seriously?

[Captain Tuttle]

But christ the viral marketing in the gamer zone is sickening.

[Socomer 1979]

Ps3 has SF4, Demons souls, tekken6, saints row & uncharted2.
Free online & bluray player. You guys don't know the next generation.
My choice is ps3.

[Sir Ken_Kutaragi]

...Buy 3 PS3's!!! ;-D

[animboo]

that made me lol..have a bubble..

[kaz-hirai]

EXACTLY SIR KEN ! you are a wise man! Why would you want the 360 or the Wii ? Why not buy the TRUE next gen machine ;-D!!!!

[masterofpwnage]

lol that was funny

[fOrlOnhOpe57]

just whatever the hell you want and may the gaming gods smile down upon you (' cept Kratos cos he dont do smiling!)

Seriously, the thing that ALL console and PC gamers have in common is the freedom of choice to make a substantial financial investment in a pastime we all enjoy. Good gaming and peace to one and all.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

With PS3 outselling outselling 360 worldwide it's quite clear that everyone wants a PS3.

[cereal_killa]

Everyone was saying it's all about the price (the games Sony is now putting out is also a factor as well) now that they lowered the price everyone is making there way to getting a PS3.

[PS360PCROCKS]

PS TRES!! Sweet machine, get that and some blu-rays while you're at it.

[shutupandplay]

Well, 360 has more games and better online. Not to mention the 2010 lineup, makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Then again, you could just get a ps3, trolling on N4G with extreme jealousy comes standard.

[DRIIV]

How is the online better. Both have a lot of games and both have great games. PS3 has a great 2010 lineup so far.

[talltony]

"Well, 360 has more games and better online."

I'm sorry but that is another False statement unless your including lame games from 2006 that no one knows about and dont know what dedicated servers are. :)

[cereal_killa]

ROFLMMFAO What a Muppet I remember all the 360 Muppet's use to laugh at the Sony fanboys when they said "wait till this comes out wait till that comes out" Now Sony is filled with so many games the last 2 years it seems that 360 Muppets like your self are still living in the past with your the crap you still believe... Now the shoes on the other foot and it's now the 360 Muppets saying "wait till this comes out" You pathetic little troll you must be so bored with nothing to play with but your Facebook, Last FM, Sales and Graphic video comparison of multiplats games to make you feel like a big boy.

[Obama]

360 lineup in 2009 stinks. It is only saved by some great multiplatform games; exlcusive wise it failed completely this year.

[Aquarius]

Microshaft obviously never planned for 2009. They had no objectives.

HALO WARS: Have you seen my stats yet
HALO ODLC: Is it going to work on my flopbox :(
Forza 2: Special HD Edition
Left on the gimped shop shelf for PC too

were all used as quick bucks to mask the 360's poor year.

Xbox 360: 365 days and counting..........

[Scotty056]

Tell me, how is Xbox online better?
Because it costs money?

Fanboy alert.

[ZBlacktt]

Mar 2010, look up Sony's games.

[JonnyBigBoss]

Great article!

[Karum]

I bought a 360 Elite today but already own a PS3.

If I didn't own either though and had to choose, it'd be the PS3, simply because from a gaming perspective, the amount of quality exclusive games along with the ability to play all the major 3rd party games, and play them online for free, in that respect the PS3 has no equal.

[Redgehammer]

Sell a PS3 if it was given to me, in fact I would donate it to a childrens hospital and enjoy the tax deduction. The PS3 seems like an awesome machine, but really not anymore awesome than my 360, so all things being equal I will stick with my 360. The only game I have seen on the PS3 that has made me momentarily jealous is UC2. If someone else loves their PS3 then good for them, however; I would never call them a moron because their choice differs from mine, but then again I am mature enough to know that opinions are just like a$$holes; everyone has one and they all stink.

[Karooo]

awesome? ya right, first play ps3 games then you will realize how low your standards were when you were gaming on the 360.

[Redgehammer]

As I mentioned the only game on the PS3 that is interesting to me is UC2. No interest in KZ, or FF, ratchet, etc. Thanks for presuming to tell me what my standards are.

[Karum]

Even though I can't comprehend why people wouldn't like inFAMOUS or even Ratchet & Clank, because they are truly just awesome fun, bubbles to you for an honest and level headed opinion.

[piroh]

[sakura2009]

ps3 or wii

[Karlnag3]

the PSTriple coz it be ballin' as C Whizzy would say.

[sealion88]

ps2 is still out there. Still the best!

[Karum]

When I was buying my 360 today there was a woman in line next to me asking for MW2 on PS2, the store stopped carrying PS2 consoles/games as it is a small store but it's amazing tht there's still a lot of interest in that machine.

[Obama]

Not surprised that ps3 won. Every gamer knows that ps3 won this year.

[Karlnag3]

but I already own the one thing I need and a halo machine for the novelty...

Plus I already bought a whole new snowboard so yh... I need to buy a Wii for my mum though so she can use the wii fit for a few days then get bored... -.-; at least I might get to play mad world and endless ocean.

[jkhan]

It's funny how this article has become a ps3 vs 360. All the comments are either bashing ps3 or 360. Well what about the Wii. I bet it still will outsell both ps3 and 360 whether we like it or not.

[ikral]

Those guys just want furious fanboys to click their page, so i´ll pass.

[111111]

I think i skip the current cr@p and go for a megadrive :p

[timestoby]

lets see,do i get a console that will die in a year or get one that will last.

[ZBlacktt]

PS3 ( for SO many reasons ), Wii ( it's really a fun family console ), XBox ( no hate here at all, but 60%? No Wi-Fi, pay to play? Games have run dry? A DVD player? ).

[DonCorneo]

it has a larger game library than the 3fixme

[Immortal321]

the Ps3 I've waited so long for it to drop to 299$.

also it can play all the best games including the added exclusive with free online play.

Not only that, it's a blu-ray player.

the 360 is to much money if you ask me

[Auron]

maybe I'll get some games for em or not.

[Samus HD]

The right Choise ; if you are nintendo games fan,.;' is Wii/.' ps3 if you want HD.,;';'. don't buy 360 because the ps3 has all what you need

but Wii is the most unbored console

[boJABER]

the best feature everyone is missing the fact that blue-ray is region free. you can import movies,games from all over the world. ppl in my friends list were playing daemon souls a looooooooong time b4 the US release.

[PS3n360]

with the recession still going on that a family could get away with just one gift for everyone and that would be a ps3. Blu-ray for dad, games for the kids (and dad), some alone time for mom while dad and the kids fight over the ps3.

[Shnazzyone]

The one you don't own yet. If you own ps3, get a wii or 360, if you own a wii get an 360 or a ps3, if you own two of the three get the third one. The object in the end is to not miss out on any good titles for any system. Favoriteism in any generation is for retards. I may tout wii but only in defense. People always count it out on this site regardless of the fact it is as much part of this generation as any other option.

Oh and sony kids... please stop quoting commercials... for GODS SAKES! It's reasons like that why most people agree that PS3 fans are the greatest deterrent to owning the system right now. Insecure much?

[SportsFan]

STOP IT!! YOU ALL KNOW WHICH SYSTEM OWNS THE REST....

Come on now....PS3 owns in all the categories. I know that the Wii is leading in sales, but hey....Twilight: New Moon is smashing Batman: The Dark Knight. (Do really need to do a pole on which one is better?) So, the 360 got the edge for Extras, Future Add On's, and tied PS3 for online....RIGHT?

Let me get this straight....(and you 360 fans can get mad all you want) $50 for online. (360 came out in 2005 + $50...do the match!!) PSN is FREE, and NOTHING is better than that! This article said Sony BARLEY won for best exclusives?? Sure...with more AAA exclusives in just 2009 than MS and Nintendo Wii had, COMBINED! AGAIN....I DID OWN THE 360 (AS WELL AS THE 1ST XBOX) AND wII....until I took the Red Pill of truth!! (LOL)

[Shnazzyone]

last i checked ps3's exclusives this year were... infamous, uncharted 2, killzone 2, blazeblue, ratchet and clank and god of war collection... wii had madworld, NSMB wii, Boom Blox: bash party, metroid prime: trilogy, muramasa: demon blade, House of the dead: overkill, Dead space: extraction, Resident Evil: Darkside chronicles, Punch-out, Excite bots, Rune factory: frontier, Little kings story, Tiger woods 10(might as well be wii exclusive), and more if i spent some time on metacritic. By far wii had the most quality releases this year... There's a real "pill of truth" for you. Hate to do that but damn... that cap riddled reply almost demands it.

[jalen247]

you forgot MLB '09 which is the highest rated sports game on Metacritic. Ironically didn't get nominated for sports game of year award for VGA. I wonder why...Sony exclusive...?
You also forgot Demon Souls. Blazblue is not a PS3 exclusive, its on the 360 also.

[Killman]

I think we should know what quite a few families will buy. They will look at the $200 price tag and say "Oh what a bargain!" when they are actually losing money in the long run. There are just too many people that do not look into this. Trust me, the price tag is usually what many people look at first when buying these things. Oh, and I do not mean the Wii.

[jalen247]

PS3 for all the obvious reasons. For only $50 more than the Wii you get so...so...so much more. And being the same price as a 360(nonarcade), you still get so...so much more...i.e. Sony quality exclusives that are the best in the industry in their respective genres, blu-ray player, free online, wi-fi built in, web browser for non-gaming functionality like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace,movie streaming websites, or any other website you can access on a PC., youtube uploading, etc.