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WiiU:

This system represents a generational leap from Wii, which, honestly, is all I need. The technology inside is more than enough, especially considering how small, sleek, quiet, and dependable the console actually is.

WiiU is fully backward compatible, with Wii games and Wii accessories, which is a huge plus in my mind. Having already invested a lot in software and controllers over the last generation, it's nice being able to double dip, so to speak.

Moving on to the WiiU controllers, I'm impressed on all fronts. The GamePad is something new and exciting in a world of iterative controllers, and the Pro Controller is one of the best "traditional" controllers I've used. The sheer number of available controllers is something special, too. Many WiiU games allow players to choose from GamePad, Pro Controller, or Wiimote/Nunchuk combo.

Probably the most interesting and innovative thing about WiiU is its social networking apparatus Miiverse. I've never felt more connected to my peers around the world than I have on WiiU. Being able to join communities, share achievements, and view amazing artwork is a real treat.

Let's see, what else? The interest browser is by far the best I've used, thanks in large part to the GamePad. The eShop is easy to navigate and full of great titles, new and old -- although the Virtual Console library is rather anemic at this stage in the game.

So what's not so great? The online infrastructure is not as sophisticated or as reliable as those on Sony and Microsoft systems, not to mention PC. The system itself has a lot of parts -- if I want to move the thing I need to transport the console, the power brick, the HDMI, the sensor bar, the cradle, etc. It's a lot. Another potential issue: storage. 32GB is nice, but I'm coming from 160GB on PS3. The option for external hard drives is nice, but I'd rather the storage was internal. Don't want to lug around yet another piece of hardware  

As for price, I think $300 is more than reasonable for the WiiU, especially considering you'll get access to Nintendo's first-party games.

 

PSVita:

In terms of hardware, Vita is a pretty sweet little package. The system is smooth, sleek, easy to hold, and features a goregous OLED screen. The buttons on the right side of Vita are a little tiny, and the right stick is just a hair too close to the buttons, but otherwise no complaints. The rear touch-screen is a neat little feature, but, like the GamePad, we need more developers to actually use it. 

Honestly, in terms of hardware, Vita is pretty unimpeachable. It's a powerhouse. My only complaints are lack of backward compatibility, although some of that is solved by the Playstation Store, and proprietary memory cards. Cross-buy and cross-save is a great feature, as are the PSV-PS4 features, which, unfortunately, I haven't tried yet.

I haven't really used many of the applications on Vita, although it's nice to have them there. Online play is smooth and stable.

In terms of price, $200 is reasonable for Vita. The original price, $250, was too rich for my blood.

 

3DS (original model)

As with WiiU, 3DS is a generational leap from its predecessor. It doesn't have the horsepower of its competitor Vita, however. But it makes up for the power gap in a few important ways. First, backward compatibility: 3DS owners have access to the full library of DS games, which is pretty staggering in terms of quality and quantity. Second, storage: the 3DS uses non-proprietary SD cards, which are relatively inexpensive. Third, the 3D effect: this is a controversial feature of the 3DS -- people seem to love it or hate it -- but I love the ability to judge depth and distance. It's especially useful for games like Pilotwings Resort and Super Mario 3D Land, where players need to land on small platforms in a three-dimensional space. 

Some flaws: the system itself is uncomfortable to grip for long play sessions, and the home buttom along the bottom of the 3DS is a little flimsy. Other than that it's sturdy, reliable, and attractive. One of the nice things about 3DS is all the different skins, whether Fire Emblem, Zelda, Pokemon, or, most recently, Yoshi. Fans of a particular series can get their own branded system  

As for the price point, $170 is a steal for 3DS. I originally paid $200 for the Ocarina of Time 3DS. $250, however, was too high for me.