Gaming Systems

These days, gaming is all the rage. If you''re in the market to buy your first or a new gaming system, you might be overwhelmed by the number of selections that are available. How can you be sure the gaming system you buy meets all of your gaming needs?

To make sure you''re getting the system that''s right for you, you''ll want to research the top gaming systems before investing in one. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Gaming System

Here''s a list of questions you should ask yourself before you begin shopping for a new gaming system:

1. How much can I afford to spend on a gaming system? Your budget will often dictate the type of system you will end up buying. While some gaming systems cost more than $6,000, you can get a good system for as little as $250.
2. How important are titles and compatibility? You buy a gaming system to play games. However, some systems support more titles than others. For example, the Sony PlayStation offers backward compatibility, allowing you to play many of the previous-generation PlayStation games.Also, some games are only manufactured for certain consoles. For example, you can only playHalo on the Xbox and Grand Theft Auto on the PlayStation. Consider which games you will want to play before investing in a system.
3. How important are graphics and sound? If you want the best sound and graphics possible, you might want to consider investing in a PC gaming setup, complete with high-resolution screen and surround-sound speakers. If, however, you still want to go the console route, you''ll want to buy one of the newest systems on the market, as they will feature the latest visual and audio technology.
4. Do I want to play DVDs and CDs? Some systems, such as the Xbox, allow you to play CDs and DVDs, while others do not. If you really want to go high-tech, opt for the PlayStation 3 (PS3), which allows you to play Blu-ray discs.

Top Gaming Systems

Here''s a rundown of some of the top gaming consoles on the market:

• Alienware Aurora ALX: This $6,000 gaming system is only for the most serious gamers. The Aurora features four graphics cards, widescreen resolution, plenty of RAM and four hard-drive bays. It also boasts an eight-channel surround-sound system and a subwoofer. If you get tired of gaming and want to work, you can also use the system to run Word and Excel.
• Microsoft Xbox 360: Expect to pay around $400 for the Xbox 360. The Xbox offers excellent graphics and Xbox Live Arcade, which lets you access a library of old titles, such as Robotron and Joust. As a plus, it''s also the only system that supports the popular Halo.
• Nintendo Wii: The main draw of the Nintendo Wii is its motion-sensor-equipped controller that uses a combination of buttons and infrared sensors to detect motion in 3-D. In other words, if you want to hit a tennis ball in a Wii game, you hold the controller and act like it''s a tennis racket.Although the Wii doesn''t feature top-of-the-line graphics, it does offer more than 60 games and backward compatibility with GameCube games. A Nintendo Wii will cost you approximately $250.
• Sony PlayStation 3: The Sony PlayStation 3 offers excellent graphics, a large selection of games, including Grand Theft Auto, and a Blu-ray drive. Also, it allows you to play many PS and PS2 games.The PS3 controller is button-based but also uses lateral-motion-detection capabilities that integrate your hand and wrist movements. Expect to pay approximately $600 for the PS3.