Heart's Guide to Games Consoles

Having never been interested in games before, you've suddently found yourself taking notice of the incredible new generation of games machines available. But what does what and which is the best for you?

We've got all the info you need to help make your choice.

 

Nintendo Wii

The Wii is the machine that has truly bought gaming to the masses. Far more immediate and family-friendly than any of its rivals, the USP is the amazing motion-sensing controller that allows you to really get into the game. There is a wide selection of fun titles, which allow you to play games like never before!

Why we love it: The most fun of any of the consoles.

Why we don't love it: The day after your first game, your arms start aching!

Best Games: Wii Sports, Guitar Hero, Mario Kart

Buy a Wii

 

PlayStation 3

This isn't just a games console, but a full-on HD Home Entertainment System. By far the most powerful games platform around - featuring amazingly realistic graphics and gameplay - this is also a high-definition Blu-Ray Player and online service, while Play TV turns it into a Digital TV recorder.

Why we love it: It has everything in one box - and is the cheapest entry point into Blu-Ray players.

Why we don't love it: It's fairly pricey, and the range of games available at present isn't great.

Best Games: Grand Theft Auto IV, Singstar, Lego: Indiana Jones

Buy a PS3

XBox 360

Microsoft's attempt at breaking into the market, the XBox has slowly been getting better and better. The latest version - the Elite - has a massive Hard Drive, great online gaming and a better selection of games than any other console. It is well specced, with Wi-Fi and HD, but it's not as powerful as the PS3 and not as fun as the Wii

Why we love it: The best selection of great games.

Why we don't love it: HD-DVD has lost out in the format battle to the PS3's Blu-Ray.

Best Games: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Legend, Grand Theft Auto IV, Pro Evolution Soccer

Buy an XBox 360

 

PlayStation 2

It seems a little old hat now, seeing the PS3 has been released, but it does mean that you'll be able to get your hands on one for a bargain price. Being the oldest of the consoles, it has a wide selection of games - and really great games at that - and will still be great to play, but is nowhere near as impressive as the PS3 or Xbox.

Why we love it: You can buy one for under £85.

Why we don't love it: No HD and it won't be too long before games will stop being created for it.

Best Games: SingStar, Gran Turismo 4, Buzz

Buy a PS2

 

Nintendo DS

A surprise success, the DS had been around for a while before becoming a must-have item. The two-touch-screen system is a doddle to use and the range of odd, yet wonderfully-addictive games is a joy. You can even connect to gamers around the world via free Wi-Fi. There's no better way of whiling away the hours on a long journey.

Why we love it: The screen is bright and battery life is great.

Why we don't love it: Doesn't have the multimedia capabilities of the PSP.

Best Games: Dr Kawashima's Brain Training, New Super Mario Bros, Sonic and Mario at the Olympic Games

Buy a Nintendo DS

 

PlayStation Portable

This is the most powerful handheld games machine and offers high-quality gaming on the move. The first thing that hits you is how beautiful it looks, with sleek black shinyness all over. As well as great games (especially driving ones), you can watch movies on the impressive screen.

Why we love it: It's like being able to take a PlayStation on the road with you. Amazing.

Why we don't love it: The battery life is poor and it's a little bit fussy over what movie formats it will play.

Best Games: Lego Star Wars 2, The Simpsons Game, Need For Speed Carbon

Buy a PSP

 

PC

The likelihood is that you already own a PC, so don't forget the possibility of turning it into a games machine. Most games are released on PC now and it would mean not having to buy another machine. However, if your computer is a couple of years old, it may not be powerful to play a lot of the modern games.

Why we love it: You can use it for all the other things you have a computer for. The Alienware PCs (pictured) look stunning.

Why we don't love it: You may need extra memory and power to play some games.

Best Games: The Sims, Football Manager, World of Warcraft

Buy a PC