Video Games Consoles
Playstation 2 | Playstation 3 | Xbox360 | PSP | Nintendo Wii
The main video game consoles at the moment are the XBox 360, Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3, both have recently been reduced in price for a basic set up, which includes the console and one controller.
Most companies make a bumper pack and console available for an extra £25 or so, this usually includes a second controller and usually a couple of games or a memory card etc.
It is usually worth purchasing a gift pack as you will probably go out and purchase a second controller and some games anyway.
PlayStation 2
New Model PS2 Console - features:
- Quieter cooling fan
- Built in infrared DVD remote receiver
- The ability to switch off the console via a DVD remote controller
Get ready for the 128-bit revolution that is Sony's PlayStation 2 - greater processing power, visual clarity and unrivaled gameplay. PlayStation 2 will play the majority of original PlayStation games as well as DVD movies.
Just as the PlayStation brought interactive gaming to an unprecedented mass market, PlayStation 2's combination of breathtaking digital graphics, superb sound and DVD video will open the doors to a new computer entertainment experience in the home. The handsome looking console can either be stored horizontally or vertically, and more than 270 titles are being developed worldwide.
The next generation of Dual Shock Analogue controller is included with the pack, with analogue buttons which sense how hard you're pressing them and react accordingly. In other words, the more you press down on 'X' if it's an accelerator button, the faster you will go. The Dual Shock2 is also backward compatible with the original Dual Shock analog controller.
Playstation 2 Prices Compared
| Company | Price | |
|---|---|---|
£99 (Silver) |
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£95 (Black) |
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GAME (incl. 1 Game) |
£99.99 |
|
£89.97 (Silver) |
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£89.98 (Black) |
Click here for more information on the PS2
PlayStation 3
New PS3 Console - features:
The PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system unleashes a brilliant, high-definition entertainment experience with its Cell Broadband Engine that delivers a gaming experience that is beyond what you know today. Its built-in Blu-ray Disc drive delivers a whole new generation in high-definition gaming and unmatched digital media storage. Whether it’s gaming, Blu-ray movies, music or online services, PlayStation 3 will change your digital life.
High-definition capabilities: Enjoy high-definition entertainment, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) means you can use your PlayStation 3 with high-definition televisions as well as conventional TVs.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): The PlayStation 3 comes with a 60GB removable hard disk drive (HDD) allowing you to store your music, images and video files as well as content downloaded from Sony’s online service.
System interoperability: The PlayStation 3 and PSP are designed to work together so you can easily exchange media like photos, videos and music from your PlayStation 3 system to your PSP. Game developers are also working on innovative and exciting ways of integrating the PSP system into PlayStation 3 games.
Backwards compatibility: The PlayStation 3 is compatible with over 1000, but not all, PSone and PlayStation 2 games as well as audio CDs and DVDs.
Always on: PlayStation 3 delivers an “always-on” online experience; offering a world of online possibilities including multiplayer gaming, text and video messaging, voice chatting, downloading content and browsing the internet.
Blu-Ray: The built-in Blu-ray disc player means you can enjoy next-generation high-definition entertainment, including games and movies.
Playstation 3 Prices Compared
| Company | Price | |
|---|---|---|
£299 (40 GB HD) |
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£299 (40GB HD) |
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£349 (60GB HD) |
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£299 (40 GB HD) |
Click here for more information on the PS3
Xbox360
Xbox offers: 
1. One of the most powerful graphics processor of any games console.
The Xbox sets a new standard in video game graphics. The graphics processor allows artists to design games with amazing realism, and many of these games only appear on Xbox.
2. Built in broadband capability
Xbox was designed from the start to be the future of on-line gaming: Online team play, new levels, new characters will all be waiting for you.
3. A built-in hard disk
- Explore bigger and more detailed fantasy worlds with games optimized for Xbox without interruption from loading screens during game play.
- Customize the music in your games. Save music from audio CDs to Xbox and play them back while playing games.
- Xbox never forgets. Save your games on the built-in hard disk and start from the same place you left three weeks ago.
- Download additional content for your games, like new characters and extra levels, and save them on your console.
4. Real time Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound *, experience video game audio like never before and feel like you are actually in the game. *Based on Dolby Digital 5.1 support in the users home theatre system.
5 DVD capability Enables DVD movie playback functionality on the Xbox video system. A DVD Movie Playback Kit is required to enable DVD movie playback. This is included in the Home Entertainment and Ultimate packs, but not with the solus console or Starter and Gamers packs.
Xbox 360 Prices Compared
| Company | Price | |
|---|---|---|
£175 (Core) |
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GAME + 3 Games |
£274.99 (Premium) |
|
£299 (Elite) |
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£249 (Premium) |
PSP - PlayStation Portable
PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. With graphics rendering capability comparable to that of PlayStation®2, PSP features a 4.3 inch widescreen, high-resolution TFT display. PSP also adopts a newly developed compact but high-capacity (1.8GB) optical disc, Universal Media Disc (UMD™ ), as its storage medium. With a wide range of accessories and connectivity options, including Memory Stick Duo, USB 2.0, IR port and WiFi wireless LAN, PSP is the new entertainment platform from PlayStation.
Sony PSP Prices Compared
| Company | Price | |
|---|---|---|
£129.99 |
||
£129.98 |
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Currys (+1 Game +1 Movie) |
£149.99 |
|
Game (+1 Game) |
£139.99 |
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii is the new console from Nintendo, which offers a new radical way of playing games by
waving around the joystick in the air for such games as golf, tennis and baseball.
Nintendo Wii features a compact design that makes it a natural addition to any television setup, the Wii console is white in color and can be displayed either vertically or horizontally.
The Wii console communicates wirelessly with the Internet via IEEE 802.11 or a Wii LAN Adapter. Wii also can connect wirelessly with Nintendo DS.
The Wii is backward-compatible to all Nintendo GameCube games and includes four ports for controllers and two slots for memory cards
The Wii console can communicate with the Internet even when the power is turned off. The WiiConnect24 service delivers a new surprise or game update, even if the system is idle. Users can connect wirelessly using IEEE 802.11 or a Wii LAN Adapter.
Nintendo Wii Prices Compared
| Company | Price | |
|---|---|---|
£179.97 |
||
GAME (+1 Game) |
£194.99 |
|
Currys (+2 Games) |
£239.99 |
Nintendo DS Console Price Compared
| Company | Price | |
|---|---|---|
£99.99 |
||
GAME (+1 Game) |
£104.99 |
|
£99.99 |
||
£94.99 |
