Game Consoles XBOX 360, Wii, PS3, PS2, DS, PSP News and Reviews

Finding which video game console or handheld is right for you can be difficult. Choosing a system used to be very easy because there were only a few choices out there. Now, however, there are many systems available, and it might be hard to find the right one for you. Here’s some advice for helping you decide what system is right for you.

1. “Newest” doesn’t always mean “best.” If you’re looking for a great gaming system that is very affordable, you might want to think about buying a console that is has been available and has an established line of games. While the Next Gen consoles may have better graphics or new features, the previous line of consoles still has life in them. These systems are usually fairly affordable. Plus, if you buy from the previous generation, you’ll usually find that developers are still making games for that console, although the number of new games will drop as the consoles are phased out.

2. What type of game do you want to play? If you’re in love with Mario, don’t buy an Xbox or PlayStation because you won’t find him there since he’s a Nintendo-exclusive character. If you want to play games from the Final Fantasy series, though, you’re better off with a PlayStation since most of the games in that series are on Sony’s console. Check out the games available here at TestFreaks to see what games are available for each system before you buy one. Some games, like the Harry Potter series, will be available on just about every console.

3. Portability. Do you want to game on the go? If you do, you’ll want to invest in a handheld gaming system like the PSP or the Nintendo DS. These handhelds are made with the commuter in mind, and you can even compete against others while using them via wireless connection. The Nintendo DS can even share information with the Wii, as can the PSP and Playstation 3.

4. Do you already own a game console? If so, you will want to find out if your current games will play on the new system. Sony’s Playstation series is all backwards compatible, meaning most PS1 and PS2 games will play on a PS3. The Nintendo Wii, however, is the first Nintendo console to be backwards compatible and will only play GameCube games (and requires a GameCube controller).

5. Is the system you want in stock? If you’re looking for the newest system, especially if you want it when it’s released, you may have to do some serious searching. The Wii, for example, was very hard to find when it was first released. Also, if you’re buying an older console, you should check into how easy it is to find games for it.