Which game system is best?

By Steven L. Kent

There are pros and cons to every game system out there. What’s best for you? It’s up to you to decide.

DS Lite

Category: Portables

Cost: $129

Features: Two screens; WiFi wireless; touch-sensitive screen. Plays Game Boy Advance and DS games.

The Good: This best-selling system has a huge library of games. Rechargeable battery can last up to 19 hours. Good price.

The Not So Good: Least powerful of the new systems, with poorest graphics. Holding system and using stylus can be clumsy.

PSP

Category: Portables

Cost: $170

Features: High-resolution wide screen; WiFi. Plays games and movies on mini DVDs called UMDs.

The Good: The nicest screen ever included in a handheld. UMDs make for bigger and better looking games.

The Not So Good: Smaller and often disappointing library of games. System and games designed more for adults.

PlayStation 3

Category: Consoles

Cost: $400 for 40 GB hard drive. $500 for 80 GB hard drive.

Features: Plays games and movies on Blu-Ray and DVD disks; WiFi. Backward compatible to PS2; wireless controllers.

The Good: The most powerful game system ever made; games look great. Many online options.

The Not So Good: Costs nearly twice as much as other systems. Few games released for 2007; most are for adults. Some problems with backward compatibility.

Wii

Category: Consoles

Cost: $250

Features: Uses wireless motion-tracking controller called Wii-mote: WiFi; backward compatible to GameCube.

The Good: Wii-mote is unique. Comes with Wii Sports. Better backward compatibility than PS3 or Xbox 360. Family-friendly library and excellent classic games through online service.

The Not So Good: By far the least powerful of the new consoles. Few must-have games, and Nintendo has announced few future games than Microsoft or Sony. Does not play movies.

Xbox 360