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Step 1
Consider the games you play. The true test of any console lies in the titles available. The Nintendo Wii is a great system for casual gamers, offering a wide variety of titles focusing on interactive play. The PS3 skews heavily towards core gamers. The Xbox 360 presents a balance. Research the games available for each online.
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Step 2
Determine whether you want to play online. The Xbox 360 has the most developed online system on the market, Xbox Live. Most titles can be played online, along with text and voice chat options. However, it comes with a monthly subscription fee. The PS3 and Wii have more rudimentary systems, offering mostly free play.
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Step 3
Think about add-ons. Having a Blu-Ray DVD player, as is included on the PS3, is a great bonus if you’re putting together an entertainment system. However, if simply gaming is your thing, a system like the Xbox 360 or Wii are cheaper options.
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Step 4
Calculate the value of backwards compatibility. For instance, the 80GB model of the PS3 gives you the option to play PS2 games. Ask whether that's worth spending a few hundred dollars more than the base system. If playing older games is a top priority, then buying a used version of a classic console is a cheaper alternative. The Wii offers older games for download online, which is another way to go.
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Step 5
Don’t purchase a system without trying it out first. Go to your local electronics store and give all three of them a test-drive. You’ll only really know if a system’s right for you once you’ve played it.
