In the previous installment about video game consoles, we covered the origin of Sony’s PlayStation, the current models, and what they do. This time around, we’ll go over Microsoft’s Xbox 360.
If you’re wondering what the differences are between all the brands, you’ve come to the right place. So hang on to your game controller as we tackle Part Two of “Video Game Consoles: Which one should you buy?”
Xbox 101
Microsoft was considered a late comer in the game industry and didn’t offer its version of a video game console until 2001 with its Xbox. By then the field was led by Sony’s PlayStation, and Nintendo’s GameCube.
When the Xbox first arrived on the scene, it sported several milestones such as the first video console to offer an onboard hard disk drive, the first one to offer Dolby Interactive Content Encoding Technology that allowed real-time audio rather than going to pre-recorded playback while playing, and a superior integrated online gaming service called Xbox Live that allowed members to play interactive games with each other via a broadband connection. More...
By Frank Ling
Nintendo’s Wii U video game console launched in mid-November and it is a sure bet that many holiday shoppers will put this game machine at the top of their lists as a possible gift for friends, family or even themselves. But just what is the Wii U and does it really offer a new gaming experience as promised by Nintendo?
Two versions
Nintendo offers the Wii U in two different versions. The “Deluxe” bundle has 32GB of internal memory, a Wii U game console in black, one Wii U GamePad controller, Wii U GamePad Stand, Wii U console stand, and one copy of Nintendo Land. The Deluxe package retails for $349.
The “Basic version of the Wii U comes with 8GB of internal memory, a white Wii U game console, and one Wii U GamePad controller. The basic Wii U retails for $299.
Both Wii U versions come with built in accelerometers, gyroscope, rumble feedback, camera, microphone, stereo speakers on the GamePad, sensor strip, stylus and touchscreen capabilities on the GamePad controller. More...
By Frank Ling
If you want to see some sparks fly among dedicated gamers and smartphone users, just mention that smartphones are as good as handheld game consoles for gaming---you’ll witness some intense debates on the subject and in some cases, perhaps a bit of yelling, too.
To clear the air, we’ll try to give a general overview of the two types of devices and make a determination on which one wins in terms of being the best portable mobile video game platform.
Handheld game consoles
When it comes to these types of gaming machines, Nintendo rules the pack as far as the selection of different models. They range from the standard versions such as the DS Lite to Nintendo’s crowning achievement, the 3DS, which offers three-dimensional graphics that pop right out of the screen without wearing special glasses.
Sony offers three handheld gaming machines; the Sony PSP ( PlayStation Portable) that allows gamers to play from Sony’s library of old and new games; the PSP Go, a smaller edition of the PSP; and the recently launched Sony Vita that sports a quad-core processor, super-fast performance, 3G connectivity, and other upgrades.More...