Yet another branch of our everyday habits is covered by the game industry, and the competition between PC games developers and console developers is quite the thing. Back in 1972 the first video game console was released (Magnavox Odyssey), and all you had to do is plug it in to your TV set, and enjoy the fun. Since then, the industry had grown tall, going through phases of evolution that we could have never imagined some 40 years ago. It is believed that in 2007 the video game consoles industry was responsible for 75% of the world’s gaming market. Today, some of the the leading producers are Microsoft with their Xbox, Sony with PlayStation, and Nintendo with the popular Nintendo Wii. The price of these products can vary, depending on memory size, power of the processor, graphics capability, and so forth. As such, finding the best deals on game consoles could require some time and effort. Here is our list of preferred consoles in terms of quality-price.
10. PS2 (PlayStation 2)
The sixth generation PS2 sold over 140 million units, quickly becoming one of the most famous gaming platforms. Sony was among the first to introduce online gaming by approaching the DNAS (Dynamic Network Authentication) technology. While the PS1 was only compatible with audio CDs, the second generation of PlayStation (in this case PS2) was compatible with CDs, DVDs and other multimedia formats. The price is of only $99 and comes with a package that includes the analog controller, an A/V cable, and the AC adapter.
Here are some prices for Playstation 2, in case you want to buy it.
9. Nintendo DS Lite
The Nintendo DS Lite is the first of its generation to revolutionize handled gameplaying. With a price range of $140, this gadget delivers cutting-edge technology for enthusiasts all over the world, taking the ninth place in our best deals on game consoles. Both the graphic processor unit and the internal processor deliver a power of 67 Mhz, aided by the console’s video output, capable of handling 16-bit color depth. Also, the touch screen and built-in microphone are a plus, enhancing the overall experience.
8. Nintendo DSi XL
Unlike its predecessor (the DS Lite), the DSi XL’s core processor has twice the power, going up to 133 Mhz. Its most prized feature are the two 4.2 inches touch LCD screens, both designed with a single goal – to further enhance the gaming and web browsing experience. The DSi XL also includes two cameras, one in front and one in the back, both being quite useful for certain games that you may choose to play. The two screens are capable of playing 260,000 colors, while the battery can last up to 5 hours on maximum brightness, respectively 17 hours on minimum brightness. The price of this console is approximately $170.
7. Sega Dreamcast
Also being part of the sixth generation and Sega’s final console, the Dreamcast was released in 1998 (in Japan), just after Sony’s PS2, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Nintendo’s GameCube saw the light of the day. Dreamcast was “tagged” as one of the most important and innovative products of the 20th century, featuring a built-in 56Kbps modem, a processor of 200MHz, graphic card capable of playing a resolution of 640×480, and much more. As for Dreamcast’s controller, it has 11 buttons and one analog joystick, all ready to transport you into the wonderful world of gaming. Lastly, the 45MHz Yamaha Super Intelligent sound processor is developed to deliver incredible sound quality at a sample rate of 44.1 KHz. You can acquire it for about $44.
6. PSP 3000
Taking the sixth place in our best deals on game consoles, the PSP 3000 can be purchased for only $129. Besides obvious improvements to the screen’s brightness and contrast, the PSP 3000 was the first handled console to use Sony’s Universal Media Disc (UMD) which can hold up to 1.8GB of data, thus making the product capable of playing not only video games but also other video and audio formats (Mp3, Wav, Wma, ATRAC3+, and Mp4). The gadget’s connectivity includes 802.11b, IrDA and USB (for internet connections). Compared to Sony’s first PSP, this one has a GPU of 166MHz, and a processor of 333MHz. It is a great choice for entertainment activities, whether you’re an adult or want to buy it for your kid(s).
5. Nintendo Wii
Released in November 2006, the Nintendo Wii is part of the seventh generation gaming consoles, featuring outstanding and out-of-the-oven specs, such as the built-in Wi-Fi, a revolutionary motion-sensitive controller, the Virtual Console that’s compatible with all of GameCube’s games and controllers (for old school players), built-in SD slot, and the Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort games, plus MotionPlus attachment that goes hand in hand with Netflix video streaming. In December 2009 Nintendo Wii established a new record, being recognized as the best-selling console in a single month in the United States. Its price is of $150.
4. Nintendo 3DS
This is no ordinary handled console, it’s Nintendo’s 3DS that allows you to play 3D games without any special glasses, all thanks to its special dual back-facing cameras. The 3DS comes with a bundle of pre-installed software, alongside with StreetPass and SpotPass services, and a drop-and-charge dock. The internet package includes eShop, Virtual Console, video marketplace, Internet browsing functionality, DSiWare transferring, and Netflix support. Besides these features, Nintendo 3DS also includes the 3DS Stylus, SD memory card (2GB), AR Card(s), etc. The price can vary from $153 to $182 on Amazon.
3. PSP Go
As our best deals on game consoles top closes in, the number three position is occupied by Sony’s PSP Go, a small but powerful device that, instead of using UMD discs, utilizes a flash memory in order to download and install games, applications, and other media content. PSP Go has a CPU of up to 333MHz, a built-in memory of 16GB (Expandable Memory Stick Micro), flash memory of 16GB, a 3.8 inch display (480×272), built-in stereo speakers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more. You can buy it for $147.
2. Xbox 360 S
With a slick design (17% smaller than the original Xbox 360 who, by the way, was the spearhead of its generation, exceeding both Nintendo’s and Sony’s products at the time) Microsoft’s Xbox 360 S comes with an improved cooling system for better performance, and features a 250GB built-in hard drive, 5.1 sound card, a wireless controller, fast networking, 5 USB ports, dedicated Kinect port, etc. It is a known fact the Xbox completely changed the face of the console games industry by bringing into play the Xbox Live, an online marketplace, and user achievements. Xbox 360 Slim can cost as much as $340, but can also be found at about $294.
1. Sony PlayStation 3 Slim
Our number one gaming console is the PS3 Slim for several reasons. Sony’s product features the PlayStation Network (a unified online gaming service which simulates a far better experience than Xbox Live), multimedia capabilities that are ready to fulfill anyone’s demands, connectivity with PlayStation Portable, and a Blue-Ray Disc as its main storage medium. PS3 Slim comes with built-in Wi-Fi, a big hard drive, HDMI output that can support 1080 (all games can be played in high-definition), web browser, and the free online gaming service we’ve mentioned before. There are currently three versions – PS3 Slim with a 160GB hard drive ($300), PS3 Slim with a 320GB hard drive ($350), and PS3 Move Bundle with yet another 320GB hard drive ($400) – that also includes a PlayStation Eye Camera, a PlayStation Move Controller, and a copy of Sports Championships.
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