There are three major players in the video game market: Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Combined, these companies have six consoles on the market, almost all of which play separate games and provide different experiences. This article will help you decide which system is right for you and hopefully get you started in the exciting world of video games.

Sony

Coming out of nowhere in 1995, Sony launched their Playstation system to quite a bit of fanfare. The system went on not only to sustain one of the longest life spans of any console, but also shattered sales records. In 2001, Sony launched their follow-up, the aptly named Playstation 2 (PS2). Being first on the market, it put the company at a distinct advantage by providing great graphics, DVD playback (without any extra add-ons), and the ability to play standard Playstation games.

Of course, everyone bought the PS2 to play the new games. Sony offers some outstanding titles that are only available for its console, and that's the best reason to own one. They cover a wide range of age groups so the entire family can get in on the action. For adults, there's the outstanding Metal Gear Solid 3, a major turnaround from the disappointing Metal Gear Solid 2. Kids can dive in with the Sly Cooper series, which has surprised critics and gamers alike. Mature gamers will waste no time getting a game from the Grand Theft Auto series, which is both controversial and fun. Getting online is a snap too and most games are free to play.

The system also makes available some unique experiences. Buying the EyeToy, an innovative camera that simply plugs right into a USB port, anyone can actually be "in" the games. Only certain software titles support it, but those that do are great for parties, regardless of what age you are.

There are problems with the console. Due to its age, the graphics are slowly becoming outdated. Certain games that have been ported from either the Gamecube or Xbox can really look shaky. In fact, it can even make playing the games a problem. The hard drive that was released for the system was quickly and quietly abandoned. The new, slimmer model recently released doesn't even offer support for it. Memory cards, which are required to save games, are expensive (around $24.99 a piece). There are also only two controller ports compared to the four on the competition.

Recently, Sony has also entered into the portable market with the PSP. This is an expensive piece of hardware (currently $249), but it offers functionality that other systems can't match. In addition to playing games (stored on UMD discs, an exclusive format), you can also download music, pictures, and videos onto the system.

The games at launch are comprised from a variety of genres. Most of these titles have been ported from the PS2 with little loss in graphical detail. The system' s screen is brilliant with a high contrast and HDTV quality picture. Certain titles can also be played online if you have a wireless Internet connection in your home or a local hot spot. If not, you can always challenge friends with the wireless multi-player mode the system offers.

There are numerous problems with the system however. Notably, the screen is susceptible to scratches and dirt. This is not a system you can put unprotected in your pocket or one you want your kids to carelessly handle. In addition, to really take advantage of the extra features, you'll need a decent size Memory Stick. For the biggest size currently available (1 Gigabyte), expect to spend $130 or more. Some people find the battery life, which varies wildly depending on how the system is used, to be a problem too.

Microsoft

The Xbox was second to the market in this generation by a few days. Having money in the bank to spare, Microsoft wasted no expense in releasing their first home game system. Combining DVD playback (with a separately sold add-on), an internal hard drive, and the most powerful sound and graphics chips on the market, this is the system of choice for many people.

For the most part, this system is usually the recipient of the best multi-system games. The graphics are usually kicked up, the sound is remixed into the 5.1 Dolby Digital, and online play (via the Xbox Live service) is generally the best here. It's also the only system that widely supports HDTV signals. That doesn't mean there are no good exclusive games to go around though. One look at games like Jade Empire, MechAssault, or the ever-popular Halo, might be enough to make this a worthy purchase for you.

Problems include that otherwise excellent Xbox Live service. First, it's broadband only so if you only have a dial-up connection, you will be unable to use it. Secondly, it's not cheap, about $75 a year. There could be additional costs as well to download extra features in games if you wish. Another downside is the system itself. To call it big and bulky would be an understatement. While the size is almost necessary (especially with the hard drive), making space for it on your entertainment center could be difficult.

Nintendo

Of the three, Nintendo is easily the most well known in the market. They've been dealing with video games since 1985 when they single-handedly saved video games from a long downfall. They currently have three systems on the market, two of them portable.

Their home console is the Gamecube, a sleek, small, and powerful system that came out mere days after the Xbox. It's the only system on the market that doesn't play anything but games so if you expect your game systems to do more, the Gamecube is not what you want. What it does however, it does well. Its games cover a wide range of age groups, from the kid-friendly Super Mario Sunshine to the brutal (yet outstanding) Resident Evil 4. You'll do just fine here.

The Gamecube controller is the strangest on the market. At first glance, it seems as if the buttons were all placed randomly. Once into a game, you almost forget you're holding it. It really is a brilliant design for most games and its size means the kids will have no trouble holding on.

No matter how good the controller is, it doesn't really matter if online play is something you're looking for. Nintendo's online support for the system is minimal and there is nothing in the works to correct this.

Their older portable is the Game Boy Advance. This is almost a strictly 2-D system, offering up some great classics, that everyone should play, and numerous original titles that make the system worth owning (like Astro Boy: The Omega Factor). It's very kid friendly and re-released in a new incarnation, the Game Boy Advance SP. Software wise, there's no difference between this and the original model. It still plays all the original Game Boy games too. The difference is the lighted screen, which is far better than the murky, old dark one. It even features a flip-down screen so nothing is scratched or damaged. Currently, you can find these selling for about $79, a bargain considering that many of the games sell for about $10 range.

Unfortunately, GBA support is growing thin. The focus has now shifted to the Nintendo DS. This is a unique console, complete with two screens. The bottom screen is actually used for touching, which makes for some unique gameplay experiences (like in Sega's Feel the Magic). It features decent if somewhat under-whelming 3-D graphics, but at $150, it's not a bad deal. Software support has been slow, though this is a new system. Another problem is that developers are not being very creative with the touch screen, practically ignoring it except for selecting options in the menus.

A great feature of this new system is the ability to play GBA games thanks to an additional cartridge slot on the bottom of the system. Note that these titles can only be played in single player mode. There's no way to link up two DSs and play multi-player games. Instead, you can play DS games wirelessly without a single cable. All you need is a friend with another DS and you're set. Nintendo has also announced plans to take this system online in the near future.

Be aware that even after all of that, do not let this article be your stopping point. Research each of theses systems, figure out where the games that you want most are, and go with that system. That's the most important factor when buying a video game console. You'll never regret looking around the Internet or asking questions. You'll regret it if you don't.