Product Summary

The good: Huge library of games; svelte design; built-in networking/modem ports and remote sensor; doubles as a CD/DVD player; free online gaming with select titles.

The bad: Top-loading disc tray; only two controller ports; no hard disk expansion option; Xbox's graphics capabilities are superior.

The bottom line: Sony's slimmed-down, network-ready PS2 is a welcome update to the world's most popular video game console.

Specs: Product Description: Sony PlayStation 2 Slim - Game console; Media Type: CD-ROM, DVD-ROM; Processor: Toshiba & Sony Emotion Engine 294.9 MHz

Product Summary

The good: Revolutionary controller design offers unique motion-sensitive gameplay options; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and gameplay; Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal; compatible with all GameCube games and controllers; built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing; includes Wii Sports game; most affordable home game console.

The bad: Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to; online gaming and community features hobbled by horrible "friends code" system; nunchuk controller sold separately; lacks the advanced HD graphics and surround sound found on the Xbox 360 and the PS3; requires a wired receiver unit placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers; can't play CDs or DVDs.

The bottom line: It lacks the graphical prowess and rich media features of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.

Specs: Product Description: Nintendo Wii - Game console; Media Type: Nintendo GAMECUBE disc, Nintendo Wii disc; Processor: IBM PowerPC

Introducing Xbox 360 Elite

Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 Elite
Xbox 360™ Elite is the newest addition to the Xbox family that includes a huge 120GB hard drive (the largest available for any gaming console), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable, and a premium black finish. The Xbox 360 Elite also includes a black wireless controller and black Xbox LIVE® headset.
Xbox 360 Elite

Components and Features
Elite Console
Xbox 360 Elite is equipped with a premium black finish and HDMI cable, and like all Xbox 360 systems, comes with three powerful core processors, full surround sound, and DVD playback with upscaling capabilities right out of the box.

120 Gigabyte Hard Drive
The huge 120GB detachable hard drive is the largest available on any console. It lets you save your games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, extra game levels, demos, and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also sold separately in gray.

Black Wireless Controller
The sleek black finish of this high-performance wireless controller matches the style of the Elite Console. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of 30 hours on two AA batteries. Also sold separately.
Xbox 360 Elite

Other Components Sold Separately
Black Rechargable Battery Pack Black Rechargable Battery Pack
Now available in black, Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Packs let you juice up additional wireless controllers with the Play and Charge Kit you already own. Match the style of Xbox 360 Elite with the black Rechargeable Battery Pack. (Sold Separately)
Black Play & Charge Kit Black Play & Charge Kit
Now available in black, the Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit comes complete with a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack. It’s all you need to juice up your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. (Sold Separately)
Xbox 360 Elite

Product Summary

The good: Superior selection of games, including several console-exclusive titles; all games in high-definition; easy-to-use Dashboard interface; excellent online gaming and communications via Xbox Live; plays hundreds of (but not all) original Xbox titles; doubles as a superior digital media hub and Windows Media Center extender; online Marketplace allows for easy purchases of downloadable full-scale games, mini-games, movies, and TV shows; latest version offers HDMI output with 1080p support.

The bad: Early versions of the console prone to "red ring of death" system crash; noisy exhaust fan and DVD drive; gigantic oversize power supply; no built-in wireless networking or flash media reader; DVD playback has substandard video quality; support for next-gen HD DVD movies requires a bulky external accessory; 20GB hard drive fills up very quickly; online gaming requires a paid subscription to Xbox Live.

The bottom line: With its extensive digital media features, a superior online service, and an excellent game library, the Xbox 360 remains the game console to beat.

Specs: Product Description: Xbox 360 - Game console; Media Type: DVD-ROM; Processor: 1 x IBM PowerPC 3 cores 3.2 GHz See full specs >>

Price range: $244.95 - $399.99

Product Summary

The good: Swanky design with quiet operation; all games in high-definition; PSP-like easy-to-use interface; plays high-def Blu-ray movies in addition to upscaling standard DVDs; built-in Wi-Fi and flash media reader; 80GB hard drive; online play is free; HDMI output with 1080p support; no external power supply; free online gaming service; plays most PS2 and PS1 games.

The bad: Compelling exclusive games are still few and far between; backwards compatibility is software-based; PlayStation Home and rumble controller not available until 2008; a USB port on the back would've been nice; no infrared port means non-Bluetooth universal remotes aren't compatible; glossy black finish is a fingerprint magnet; online gaming, media, and commerce options not nearly as developed as Xbox Live.

The bottom line: The high-end Sony PlayStation 3's larger hard drive and ability to play older PS2 games makes it a worthwhile alternative to the cheaper model--so long as you're willing to wait several months for the more promising exclusive titles to hit store shelves.

Specs: Product Description: Sony PlayStation 3 - Game console; Media Type: BD-ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM; Processor: Cell Broadband Engine See full specs >>

Price range: $499.99 - $695.00