Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii have been on the market for a few years now. When deciding what console to purchase, it’s hard to ignore these two competitors. Even though the Wii and PS3 are very different as far as function goes, consumers tend to buy one or the other.

Both the PS3 and the Wii offer a world of fun gaming. However, one console may outweigh the other when it comes to price and extra features. At the time of this writing, a PlayStation 3 will cost you around $350, while a Nintendo Wii can be purchased for less than $200.

What’s Included With Each Console

Both the PS3 and the Nintendo Wii come with everything you need to begin playing. If you want a higher resolution, you’ll have to purchase component cables. The PS3 comes with one controller, so you’ll have to purchase another one (around $40 at the time of this writing) if you intend to play with a partner.

Nintendo will provide you with one controller and one nunchuk, which can be used with a number of Wii games. Purchasing a separate Wii remote will cost around $40 as well. Both consoles can be set up within a matter of minutes.

Graphics Capabilities

Even though the Wii has gained a lot of praise since its release, the current Wii model can’t compete with the PS3 graphics wise. This is largely due to the audience that PlayStation caters to. Essentially, the PS3 is a true gaming console. PS3 games tend to consist of action games that are taken seriously by competitive gamers. Thus, PlayStation had to create a console that came with excellent graphics.

Wii graphics are nothing to shun, though serious gamers may not find these graphics up to par. Comparatively, the Wii does have better graphics than the PS2 did. Presumably, the next generation of Wii will be equipped with some stellar graphics.

Extras

One of the best things about the PS3 is this console’s ability to play Blu-ray discs. Not only can the PS3 play Blu-rays, but the PS3 Blu-ray player outdoes many Blu-rays on the market. If you want a gaming console that can double as a Blu-ray player, the PS3 is the way to go.

Nintendo’s Wii doesn’t have a Blu-ray player. However, the Wii will grant you access to all kinds of Internet sites. You can check the weather and the news by using your Wii, and Nintendo has also included a specific Wii channel that’s lots of fun.

Game Availability

Nintendo created around 60 games when the Wii was first released. Since that release date, Nintendo has made many more games that are compatible with the Wii. You’ll find all of your favorite games are now available for the Wii – including the ever-popular The Legend of Zelda.

Sony has also made many games available to PS3 gamers. However, these game titles tend to be more serious than Wii titles. You’ll find games like Resistance are available for use with the PS3, and some former PS2 titles are also available. Nintendo offers more game options, but there’s no shortage of good PS3 games either.

The Choice

In the end, the Nintendo Wii is best suited for those people who enjoy playing fun and participant oriented games. Exercise games, cooking games, and other types of lighthearted interactive games are available for use with the Wii.

The PS3, on the other hand, is for serious gamers who want a console that can double as an excellent Blu-ray player. If you can’t decide between the two, you may want to get both. Or, you can wait for Nintendo to release the latest version of the Wii before you make your decision.