The top selling video game consoles currently on the market are Playstation 3, XBox 360, and Nintendo Wii. These are known as seventh generation systems. Each video game console has its own set of unique features and capabilities. Buying the right one depends primarily on your play style and the type of games you enjoy.

Let’s Breakdown Each System

Sony's Playstation 3 Each PS3 system comes equipped with a hard drive that, as stated previously, plays blu-ray discs in addition to a wide variety of video games. The video game console has tilt sensing capabilities and connects to Bluetooth for easy communication during multi-player video games. It plays games such as: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Final Fantasy XII, Gran Turismo 5, and family friendly video games like Lego Rockband and Disney Sing It.

There are currently five versions of Playstation 3. The 20 and 60 GB HDD versions can only be purchased used, as they were discontinued in North America and Japan in 2006. There are also the 40 and 80 GB HDD versions that can only be purchased new in some territories outside of North America. Currently available in the Unites States are the 120 and 160 GB HDD video game consoles. The 120 GB HDD is available in a slim version.

XBox 360 Made by Microsoft, the Xbox Live service allows users to connect to the internet via a built-in ethernet port or a wireless accessory. Games for XBox 360 include Halo: Reach, Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions, Tom Clancy's HAWX 2, and family friendly video games like Cars, Star Wars, and Ratatouille.

There are two versions of XBox 360 Aracade and XBox 360 Elite. The difference is that the Elite has a 250 GB HDD, the other has no HDD. Older used versions of the Elite system have a 120 GB HDD.

Wii is made by Nintendo. This video game console, unlike other seventh generation systems doesn’t have a hard drive. In its place is a 512 MB Internal Flash memory that supports a removable SD Card. One of the most unique features of the Wii is the Wii Remote. The remote connects to a sensor bar that detects the user's movements when the remote is held.

The Wii is capable of playing Nintendo GameCube games and supports up to four GameCube controllers. It includes a virtual console that allows video games to be downloaded and purchased through the Internet.

Games for the Wii include classic SuperMario Brothers, Just Dance, Wii Resort and Wii Fit. Many families and schools have turned to the Wii for their every-day fitness routine because of the number of games that keep the body moving. Video games aren't always known for their ability to help the player become physically fit. The Nintendo Wii has shined an entirely new light on an activity that was previously only enjoyed by couch potatoes.

Top 5 Games and Extras for Each Video Game Console

You need to know what games are available for each system in order to make the purchase that best suits your play style. Sometimes just knowing the type of games that are available makes the big decision much less complicated.

Playstation 3

Games: Final Fantasy XIII, God of War 3, Heavy Rain, 3D Dot Game Heroes, and The Last Guardian

Extras: DualShock 3 PS3 Controller, Bluetooth Wireless Keypad, Move Gun Attachment, SingStar Wireless Microphone, Eye Camera with EyeCreate

XBox 360

Games: Halo: Combat Evolved, Knights of the Old Republic, Ninja Gaiden, Project Gotham Racing 2, and NBA Street Vol. 2

Extras: Wireless Wheel with Force Feedback, Turtle Beach Ear Force X3 Wireless Headphones, Live Vision Camera, Hori Fighting Stick EX2, Nyko Multi Card Reader and Hub,

HD DVD Drive

Wii

Games: Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Resident Evil 4, Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, and Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

Extras: Sports Pack, Steering Wheel, Classic GameCube Controllers, Balance Board, Recharging Unit for Remotes

Enhance Your Gaming Experience

Many extras are available for purchase with whatever console fits your taste. It all depends on what games you like and your price range. New consoles can cost over $300, while you can get a used video game system online for around $90.

Sony's Playstation 3 was the first console to support the playing of blu-ray discs, while Microsoft's XBox 360 supported high definition DVDs; but no blu-ray. Nintendo's Wii utilizes the newest form of motion input tracking to allow the player a full range of motion. All three of these consoles support the use of wireless controllers.