Which console now provides the most value?

With the announcement late Wednesday that Nintendo has dropped the price of its Wii console to $199.99, effective Sunday, all three companies in the video game space have reduced the price of their consoles. Now, the Xbox 360 Elite is available for $299.99. Microsoft's Xbox 360 Arcade is offered for $199.99. And the PlayStation 3 sports a $299.99 price tag.

But price shouldn't be the only consideration when determining your video game purchase. When all's said and done, value is important.

That's why I've compiled a list outlining the cost of the consoles, important peripherals gamers might want to buy, and some additional features that users might care about. I won't tally the full cost, since every gamer is different. I also won't determine the real value of a respective console--that's your job.

Let's take a look.

Microsoft Xbox 360

Console: Xbox 360 Elite

Price: $299.99. A $50 rebate is available through October 5.

Cost of extra wireless controller: $49.99

Cost of online gaming: $49.99 with Xbox Live Gold membership

Wi-Fi connection (optional): $99.99. Free with Ethernet

Storage: 120GB built-in

HD movie playback? Not built-in, but possible through Xbox Live

Motion gaming? Not yet. Natal is the future.

Typical new game cost: $59.99

Standout exclusives: Fable II, Halo series, Gears of War 2

Standout online features: Huge online-gaming community, exclusive Netflix streaming, downloadable game and entertainment content

Console: Xbox 360 Arcade

Price: $199.99

Cost of extra wireless controller: $49.99

Cost of online gaming: $49.99 with Xbox Live Gold membership

Wi-Fi connection (optional): $99.99. Free with Ethernet.

Storage: 256MB internal memory. 60GB hard drive with a three-month Xbox Live membership, headset, and Ethernet cable for $99.99.

HD movie playback? Not built-in

Motion gaming? Not yet

Standout exclusives: Fable II, Halo series, Gears of War 2

Standout online features: Huge online-gaming community, exclusive Netflix streaming, downloadable game and entertainment content

Nintendo Wii

Price: $199.99 (starting on Sunday)

Cost of extra wireless controller: $39.99. $19.99 for Nunchuck. $19.99 for Wii MotionPlus.

Cost of online gaming: Free

Wi-Fi connection (optional): Built-in

Storage: 512MB internal Flash memory built-in

HD movie playback? No

Motion gaming? Yes

Typical new game cost: $49.99

Standout exclusives: Super Mario Galaxy, Wii Fit, Mario Kart Wii

Standout online features: Free online gaming, downloadable classic games, Web browsing

Sony PlayStation 3

Price: $299.99

Cost of extra wireless controller: $54.99

Cost of online gaming: Free

Wi-Fi connection (optional): Built-in

Storage: 120GB built-in

HD movie playback? Yes

Motion gaming? Somewhat. New motion controller to be available in spring 2010.

Typical new game cost: $59.99

Standout exclusives: Killzone 2, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Resistance 2

Standout online features: Free online gaming, downloadable game and entertainment content

So there you have it, a breakdown of the many costs and features that go along with each newly priced console on the market. Which console provides the most value? Let us know in the comments below.

Check out Don's Facebook profile, Twitter stream, and FriendFeed.

Updated at 11:19 a.m. PDT to add Xbox Live video feature.

[superjay77]

Not another article from this Sony fanboy

[chrkeller]

There is nothing fanboy about this article. A ps3 is comes with a 120 gb HD, is a top end bluray player and has wifi for $300. The 360 comes with a 120 gb HD, no bluray player and wifi is another $100. I can upgrade my ps3 to 500 gb for $80, that isn't possible on the 360. The 360 is inferior hardware, plain and simple. Don't get me wrong, I own a 360 because Gears and Halo own, but it isn't like the ps3 doesn't have Little Big Planet, Killzone 2, MGS4, Uncharted, Ratchet, etc. The ps3 is a great console and is the best bang for the buck, period.

[superjay77]

Sounds like more Sony fanboys coming up to his aid. You guys are so cute standing up for each other like that.

[chrkeller]

Cute about what. For $300 I get a bluray player, wifi and a great video system... That is a good deal. Hate the break the news to you kid I am a xbox fan, got one at launch. I am a 360 fan, got one at launch. Halo ODST should be at my house today. There is nothing fanboy about facts. The ps3 is a fantastic deal, for the money it does more than the 360 does. That doesn't mean the 360 isn't a great system with a strong lineup, it just means the ps3 does more for less.

[superjay77]

Listen kid. Calm down. They are just videogame systems. Neither of them can cure cancer. they just play videogames. No reason to have a heart attack on a message board.

[parallelrhymes]

@superjay ...ummm...you do realize the Xbox 360 and PS3 both have the upgradable option of "Cancer Curing Abilities" now...get your facts right before you hit submit next time...thanks in adavance

[superjay77]

My bad. Sorry for the outburst it won't happen again. Now if we could only cure aids.

[Miguel_Zorro]

Superjay, you're coming across as a massive fanboy more than anybody else.

[parallelrhymes]

The Nintendo DS can actually cure both aids and type 2 diabetes...

The PSP can only cure minor STDs that can normally be cured with creams

The Sega Dreamcast could only cure smallpox and that is why the system died :(

[twenty_two]

@parallelrhymes - Sarcasm noted, but actually a PS3 can do Folding@home, which may cure something... someday.

http://folding.stanford.edu/

[superjay77]

@ parallel they really need to update those wiki pages

@ Miguel-Zorro I never pledged my love for any console so you obviously don't even know the meaning of fanboy.

[pdditty]

Playstation 3. For people who have or will get a HDTV, the built in blu-ray player is awesome. This is what sets it apart from the 360 and Wii

[parallelrhymes]

I still do not feel like the Wii is considered the top value of either of these consoles, even with the price drop.

Right now I have it at:

1. Xbox 360 (online community is really helping this with the number 1 spot)
2. PS3 (will probably be number 1 shortly when their library expands...which will probably happen soon enough with the recent sellings of the slim)
3. Wii (seems kind of burnt out right now...started strong but just couldn't finish...the Chicago Cubs of this list)

[parallelrhymes]

I was speaking solely from a "gaming" perspective...if you are using the console for more than gaming (i.e. movies) then I'd have to say the value becomes a tie with the PS3 and Xbox for first place...the PS3 takes the advantage in the movie department obviously but the Xbox's Netflix streaming keeps it in the running at least

[chrkeller]

Netflix is junk. I watch a good 3-5 movies a week with my wife. I tried the streaming and it was so disappointing. The HD streaming is made up, the picture quality was lifeless. Colors were pale, the resolution was ok and the motion had far too many pixels. The audio was worst than the video, so I won't even go there. Gaming to gaming I call the 360 and ps3 a tie, depends on personal taste. However if one factors in doing stuff other than gaming, no contest. Overall I adore the Netflix idea, but the quality is not good at all. I was majorly disappointed. Perhaps with the next round of consoles it will be better, but comparing Netflix HD to bluray, no contest.

[superjay77]

Listen kid. Just because you don't enjoy netflix means its junk. Many people love to watch movies together with the avatars and either make fun of the film or enjoy it.

[parallelrhymes]

@chrkeller I already said that blu ray was better than netflix...I said netflix kept xbox in the running, its a good idea and should improve in the future...calm down and step your internet speed up :)

and please don't comment about your internet specs I could care less...now I'm going to go watch Debbie Does Dallas on Netflix if you don't mind

[chrkeller]

Wow, xbox fans are damn defensive. Look as I already stated the idea is fantastic, unfortunately the quality isn't there. As for my internet speed, that isn't a problem, when streamed Netflix I was able to in "HD," the problem is their version of HD isn't that great. Netflix is just a bit ahead of it's time right now, one of the reasons I bought stock recently in their company.

[parallelrhymes]

lol @ "xbox fan" when I present my opinion unbiased on both issues...its funn you went from arguing with that other guy about being a "fanboy" to trying to claim I am one based off the same reasoning you claimed you were not...

WHERE ON THE INTERNET WILL MY OPINION BE ACCEPTED AS AN OPINION!?!?!? WHERE GOD/ALLAH/SHIVA WHERE!?!?!?

[xmaster_dosx]

all 3 are great systems in there own way. i have the ps3 and a 360. i play my 360 more, because i feel that xbox live is a better product, but i feel that the ps3 has a better future in front of it.
as for the value question its really a tie to me. i love xbox live, how fun it can be, and its exclusives(all the halo games, gears of war 1-2, left for dead 1-2). and i love blu-ray and some of the exclusives(MGS4, little big planet, MAG, demon souls, and GoW3).

[tw1975]

Agreed. Whichever one floats your twinkie, get it. Get two. Get all three. All this "best console" crap is, well.... crap. They have differences, as does the consumer. Streaming video, blu-ray, expandable HDDs, online gaming... all of it is relative to the CURRENT technology, and all of it will change. Soon. So just get one, and &%ing enjoy it.

****.

[Zoobie]

I'd say the answer is whichever console each individual will use. I appreciate Don not putting totals, because every person has different views of what's important.

My value vote is the Wii offers the best value for family and friends gaming and the PS3 for when I want to blow things up after a stressful day of work or watch movies (I find the Netflix streaming to be intriguing, but I just don't want another monthly payment and it's hard to beat the Redbox at only $1).

[RockaTech]

I bought the 360 a year ago because I thought it had the best value. But that was back when sony's console cost a fortune and the Wii was crap. Now that the ps3 is only 300 bucks I think that the PS3 is the best value. And the Wii is still just crap only $50 less than a year ago. By the way Wii Fit is not exercise. That is just a fat man's excuse to not leave the house.

[viper396]

@RockaTech " By the way Wii Fit is not exercise."

I have to disagree with you on that. Buy a gym membership and do some of the cardo and Aerobic classes at the gym. You'll soon realize alot of it mimics the things Wii Fit was trying to get you to do, only without a TV screen and a fancy box to stand on.

[lm_nyc]

One correction: for the XBox 360 Elite console HD Movie Playback should be set to YES since you can rent or purchase HD movies from the XBox 360 Video Marketplace (and soon the Zune Video Marketplace). Granted these downloaded videos aren't 1080p like Blu-ray, but I have rented several HD movies on my XBox 360 and they look equivalent in quality to a cable HD channel (which i think transmit in 1080i or 720p). So how is that not considered HD video playback?

Physical media is becoming irrelevant in the age of ubiquitous broadband internet. Even Sony got rid of physical media in the PSP GO for this reason. But of course for some people having full Blu-ray is important so the PS3 would be a better value for those people. Blu-ray is not important to me and I have no need for wireless (I have a ethernet connection right next to the TV), so for me the XBox 360 is the best value. I also think what type of games you prefer is an important factor. For example, I was a lifelong PC gamer before I decided to switch to console, and the XBox 360 had more exclusives that appealed to my traditional demographic (non-Japanese RPGs like Fable 2, Mass Effect, shooters like Halo, strategy games like Halo Wars).

I think it breaks down like this:
XBox 360 is best value if you are a traditional PC gamer type and don't need Blu-Ray
PS3 is best value if you are a traditional console gamer (Action/Adventure games, JRPGs, Platformers, etc.),and Blu-Ray is important
Wii is best value if you are a non-gamer or only play games like music games, sports games, etc., or if motion controls are really what you're interested in

[djoynson]

1. PS3
2. 360
I got a ps3 during the first few months that it was released, i had a 360 at that time as well. I wanted a blue ray player and was a huge fan of the ps2. up until a year and a half ago i probably played my 360 more than the PS3 i think they just had better games. but more recently the PS3 has released some fantastic games (MGS4,Killzone,LBP,MLB the show, fat princess etc) so i've begun to play the ps3 more.

Graphically they are about the same but MGS4 and uncharted 2's graphics are just better than anything the 360 has. the fact that you can easily and inexpensively upgrade a ps3 HD is very nice. the free online gaming is HUGE for me. on the flipside of that i now find myself about to spend $40 once again after a one year hiatus from xbox live because most of my friends own a 360 and i am now willing again to pay a fee to play online with them. i think within a few months the PS3 will only continue to gain ground, and probably very fast.

It depends on what you want. if you want a do-everything system with great games go with the PS3 it's a fantastic deal! if you are into great games and socializing and netflix go with the 360. THey are both great systems even if the 360 did give me a ring of death last year

[Hellcat]

More Pro gamers use 360's, more Pro gamer tournaments use 360's, Gears and Halo sell more games than any PS3 title. More games have downloadable content for the 360 than with the PS3. Since the game developers have to build the online separately into each game the online isn't consistent and doesn't work as well as the 360 which is built into the system. So for real gamers the 360 is better.

[roachbrain]

Yeah for real gamers that like the same recycled crap like ODST, and enjoy talking to MS techsupport.

We talking about value not getting owned by fees on your 360.

[Super2online]

Consider todays article by Ina Fried:

Microsoft: Major gamemakers developing for Natal (September 24, 2009 9:03 AM PDT)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10360806-56.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

No matter what you think of today's console value by Microsoft, Sony and Nintindo, it's about to change in a very big way!

[mista77]

XBOX 360 is really cool in terms of graphics and available games. One thing that I noticed from my kid, he is very unhappy about not being able to get on-line and use XBox live out of the box. Granted, he did get the arcade version knowing the limitations. But after some time and saving his pennies patiently, he does not like the process of having to buy additional accessories separately with such a high cost to enjoy the full capabilities of the console. We do have a Wii as well, connected to our wireless network, go on-line, download games etc, with ease. However, he considers himself a hardcore gamer and gets bored with the games on the Wii quickly.

Conclusion, wish the console came with wifi built in. But that's our situation.... ;-(

[Miguel_Zorro]

"So there you have it, a breakdown of the many costs and features that go along with each newly priced console on the market. Which console provides the most value? Let us know in the comments below."

Huge mistake asking for comments. The fanboys are going to go nuts.

[parallelrhymes]

I'm not a fan boy or anything...but...

The Xbox 360 destroys the PS3 and Wii...I would rather play Leisure Suit Larry on the 360 then play 10 minutes of InFamous on the PS3 or Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii...











...just kidding

[quadj]

I have read/heard debates for years now as to which console is the best. Everyone's opinion is correct because it's just that--an opinion. However, what was interesting to me on how Don laid the comparison out was in what each company/console wanted to be known for (i.e., what are the standout exclusives). For example, for XBox it was Fable II, Halo series, Gears of War 2. For Wii it was Super Mario Galaxy, Wii Fit, Mario Kart Wii. For Playstation it was Killzone 2, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Resistance 2.

Does anyone see a pattern here? Why is it that the exclusives for XBox and Playstaion focus a lot around war and killing (or blood and gore), and for the Wii it's not? Many of the arguments I've heard (the responses to the article included) are based around hard-core gamers and family/kids. To me, the divide doesn't just seem focused on skill sets, but also around morals.

Now before anyone starts blasting away at the fact that each console has games that fit on both sides of the morality fence, I know that. I get it. But my point is more based on the image of the company/console and on people's reasoning why they think one is better than the other. When looking at that, I think anyone would be hard pressed to argue that the focus does have a morality slant to it (whether it is intentional or not).

[kingrah1]

YAY SONY!!

[sav1981]

In my opinion, the PS3 have the best value. Here's why.
-Free but not perfect online play.
-WiFi built in
-Expandable Hard drive
-Top notch Bluray player. I've tried both the LG and Samsung brand and both are not of the same quality of the PS3. Heck both have a hard time connecting to my network and there are some movies that these players just don't play. Don't believe me read the horror stories of people who own these other bluray players whether it's on Amazon, Cnet, BestBuy, and etc.
-Higher Quality than the 360.
-Bluray disc are more durable than DVD. This is a blessing for those who like to purchase used games. Just compare used PS3 games to 360 or Wii's games and you can clearly see that the Bluray discs have very few to nonexistent scratches.
-Can log in to media servers or act like one. PS3 may not have the ability to stream Netflix or Hulu through their internal software like the 360 but with PlayOn it can.
-Buit in Internet browser with Flash support. May not be the best but it do works. Can we say Myspace, Youtube, Crunchyroll, NFL, Gamespot, IGN, etc? No other console can do that except the PS3.
-Remote Play. You will need a PSP but still no other console can do that.
-Free online world through Playstation Home.
-Can use any available blutooth headsets.
-Can hook up to a printer as long as it is listed in the PS3. I think it takes Epson and HP printers for right now.

Like I said this is my opinion in terms of value of these 3 console. In a nutshell, you get more features built in for your money. 360 gamers that means no $100 for WiFi, no $100 for hard drive if arcade owner and no $50 a year for XBox Live. Do the math $50 a year times the average life of a console 5 years. That's $250. Enough money to buy the console twice. So if someone's budget is $300. What better system than the PS3 to get all of these features built in. The Bluray player part is free.

[f4denz]

First off the Blu Ray player in the PS3 is anything but top end, it is mediorce at best but it does add some value to the new lower price that Sony is offering. The xbox 360 still wins out because until Oct 5th there is a $50 rebate on the Elite driving the price down to $249 and making it the best value, consider it like getting a year of Xbox Live Gold included.

the "online" experience with the PS3 is weak and that is being kind, the reality is that quality and diversity of games goes to the 360, online play is simply too important to most gamers to deal with Sony's debacle.

I like all 3 systems but the 360 gets most of my playing time and that is what makes it the better value.

[djoynson]

i don't know where you got that information regarding the blu ray playing quality but the PS3 is actually one of the BEST blu ray players out right now especially considering it's only $300

[Miguel_Zorro]

The PS3 Blu-Ray player is high end. Let's see what CNet has to say about it:
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-blu-ray-players/
4 stars - only one Blu-Ray player is rated higher, and it's a very expensive model.

Here's another site that rates the PS3 as the best Blu-Ray player:
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/guide/171-page-11/10-best-blu-ray-players
.. and another
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/best/blu-ray-players
.. and another
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/01/new-nlu-ray-2-0-spec-makes-ps3-the-most-future-proof-player.ars

[sav1981]

I am not bashing the 360. I have it also and just looking at it from a value stand point. When I speak of value I'm talking the money I spent at that time for that product and not having to purchase anything extra for that product. Even if the 360 elite offers a $50 mail in rebate that's assuming you did everything right to qualifty for that rebate and we all know how fraudelent mail in rebates can be you still have to shell an extra $50 for Xbox Live right away and if you want WiFi that's another $60 or $100 depending on whether it's new or not. Also assumming you have a HDTV and is considering to get a Bluray bluray player that's another $200. So by far the PS3 will offer you more features without having to buy anything extra. That's my definition of value. Both have the same diversity of games and online play depends on the delevopers. I played both version of Call of Duty 4 and the only difference to online play is that you can easily contact the other gamer on the 360. Both have lags and paying for the Xbox Live that is unacceptable. As for diversity of games goes to the 360...Are you blind? The vast majority of games coming out now are mulitiplatform. As for the Bluray player on the PS3 is mediocre you must have not your homework. It is considered one of the top 3 Bluray players around. If you like playing the 360 more that's fine if your definition of value is having to spend more to have the same.

[solid-snake1975]

I have to reply to this because I am a subscriber to G4 TechTV and watch Attack of the Show religiously and they have a segment called Gadget Pron where they review the latest in gadgets and tech and often review Blu-ray players. They use the PS3 as the benchmark for their reviews on these players and after seeing close to 50 players reviewed in the last year and a half there has not been one that has surpassed it according to them and these guys know what they are talking about. So I have to disagree with you about the blu-ray player in the PS3 being mediocre. Now of course this show isn't the only one to use the PS3 Blu-ray player as a benchmark against other players, in fact CNET on G4 also has done the same thing...

[kknights]

Playstation 3 ALL THE WAY!
I'm putting Wii out of the picture because in 480p, the console is crap. Sorry if I offend any Wii fanboys. The technology its gonna get old once 360's NAPAL and PS3's motion controller comes out. Wii is gonna fall behind... they won't be able to compete with the big boys... So here's why I think PS3 better value then the 360:
1. It's got Blu-ray. That's a big plus right there.
2. Free on-line compare to the paid subscription you have to pay with 360.
3. Better, faster and responsive interface in true 1080p resolution.
4. Exclusives that puts 360 to shame.
5. Better controllers, don't need to buy the rechargeable crap for the 360 controllers.
6. PS3 is the ONLY console that can help the aid to cure cancer. 360 doesn't have this.
7. Home, great free software to meet people around the world.
8. Any internal 2.5 SATA hard drives can be use where you're stuck with what Microsoft has to offer for 360.

I own both consoles.Since I love the PS3 more, that probably makes me a PS3 fanboy, I'm okay with that ;-)

[nathandrake]

kknights - I like your points, they have all been made before, however, I have to call you on number 6. PS3 is the ONLY (emphasis on only) console that can help the aid to cure cancer. 360 doesn't have this.

So why should this be of any interest when choosing a console? Bill Gates global philanthropy will never be paralleled, and yet it never gets brought up as a reason to purchase an XBOX 3fixme.

I have a PS3 and a Wii and I like them both for different reasons. Wish I had a 360, because it has a few exclusives that appeal to me.

I don't get the pissing match that goes on between the two console factions. The way I look at it is I want both consoles, companies to flourish because we the consumer benefit. What is the end game for a Sony or XBOX fanboy? Total console domination? That would mean the loser would be forced out of the console business. Who does that help. That means less choices for the consumer. I want great games from Sony, I want great games from XBOX. The only way that will happen is if they are both successful.

[justmelbori]

fanboys suck from both sides...i love the ps3 nut dont really like the 360/wii..am i a fanboy? no its a game system..

its sad because we all come on forums/blogs/ to argue about something thats out of our hands..

some say sony sucks..some say 360 sucks..the wii is the only odd ball here..well sorry to say bt sony a microsoft are in bed together...they work with each other to keep fanboys burning ..why? because if we co-exsist they dont make as much money..

dont believe me?

sony i swell know for approving certain features found on 360...aswell as microsoft is know for approving software found on the ps3...

lmaol there windows 7 commercial has a sony laptop for gods sake..

not only that if ou do enough digging..sony and microsoft both have a load of companys under code or false names so that the general public wont get confused and start questioning them..


ps3 is good..just has better reliability
360 is good..games look 20% darker and sharper due to the solid intergration of the memory
wii is good for the whole family..but from the new games i see coming for it ..it might take a leap to a bit more hardcore...

[justmelbori]

.i love the ps3 NOT lol!! looks like peanut

[crusadex]

1.Xbox 360
2.Ps3
3.Wii

Games,content and communication.The 360 beats the others hands down.
I own a 360 and a Wii.The Wii gets used a few hours a month,total waste of money from the former king of gaming.
The 360 a few hours a day on a slow day.
If other systems had the title library of the 360 and the online capability i might change my mind.
What sony and nintendo can't understand is: It the games stupid.
It would be like building a Corvette with a lawnmower engine.it looks great but what's the point.