A lot has changed since the Xbox 360 debuted in Australia in March 2006. After what has seemed like dozens of upgrades, improvements, omissions, price drops and bundles, the dust has settled (for now) and we're left with three competitively priced consoles.
Such an evenly matched trio of hardware makes for the perfect time to reignite the ultimate question for prospective video game console buyers: which home console should you buy?
Which game console should you buy? It depends... (Credit: CNET)
This question doesn't necessarily have a definitive answer. Quite frankly, the answer could be any of the three. In other words, there is no default "best console". It's about finding the one that's right for you — and what will be the deciding factor in your case will ultimately depend on what you plan to use the console for. That said, in lieu of detailing every last bit of functionality that each console offers, let's discuss the type of person we think would benefit most from each console.
The Xbox 360 is an excellent game machine. Most triple-A titles are available on the 360, save for a few PlayStation 3-only games, and the games generally look as good as or better than their PS3 counterparts. The console also has its fair share of exclusives, including the Gears of War, Halo, Forza and Fable series.
The Xbox 360 is best for: those who want an easy-to-use interface; gamers who take online gameplay seriously; gamers who already have friends on Xbox Live; hardcore and casual gamers; anyone who wants a good all-in-one gaming and entertainment system.
The Xbox 360 is not the best choice for: those who want the PS3's added value of built-in Blu-ray and Wi-Fi.
Key Xbox 360 exclusives: the Halo, Gears of War, Forza, Fable and Left 4 Dead series.
Gears of War 2 is possibly the best-looking game on the Xbox 360. (Credit: GameSpot)
The PS3 is best for: hardcore and casual gamers who aren't concerned with the ultimate online experience, early adopters, do-it-yourselfers and videophiles who need the latest and greatest in Blu-ray.
The PS3 is not the best choice for: those who don't care about HD graphics or video.
Key PS3 exclusives: the Uncharted, Gran Turismo, Resistance and Killzone series; LittleBigPlanet.
Uncharted has quickly become the PS3's staple franchise. (Credit: GameSpot)
The Nintendo Wii is best for: parents with children who are just beginning to enter the world of gaming, family gaming, and an environment with a lot of people (shared accommodation with numerous flatmates).
The Wii is not the best choice for: those who are looking for a game console that doubles as an all-purpose entertainment hub, want state-of-the-art HD graphics, enjoy a robust online community and/or those who prefer a wide selection of adult-targeted titles.
Key Wii exclusives: all Zelda, Mario and Metroid games.
Super Mario Galaxy is one of the best games available for the Wii. (Credit: GameSpot)
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