Since the early 1990s, the video game industry has spread around the world like an uncontrollable brush fire. Controversial games have gained more notoriety than most actors and politicians, for violence, real life content, graphic depictions of brutality, and destruction of property. But the industry made its mark in 2001, when the top three video game systems met head on to see which system reigned supreme.
Sony’s PlayStation2, an updated, more advanced version of its little brother, the PlayStation, jumped out in front from the very moment the system was first introduced. It features more memory, an improved dualshock joypad, the ability to play on the Internet, and a built in CD/DVD player; most gamers feel is the essential reason they purchased the unit to begin with. Fans also feel that the games on the system, which include like “Grand Theft Auto” and “WWE Smackdown: Here Comes the Pain,” are more realistic than those offered on the other systems. Despite the staggering cost of the unit, a backbreaking $199, the system continues to fly off the shelves.
Not far behind the PS2 is Microsoft’s XBOX, which leapfrogged into second place, thanks in part to a massive media push and an expensive marketing campaign which, according to the XBOX.com website, hailed the unit as “the best video game system on the planet.” The XBOX, retailed at $179, features an extensive game catalog, including the popular “HALO” and various sports titles like “WWE Raw” and “NCAA College Basketball.” It comes with a larger joypad with smaller buttons, which most fans find comfortable. It also comes with a feature for interactive play on the Internet. Some titles on the system are mostly geared towards teenaged boys and adult men ages 21-35.
Recently it’s been the last pony in the race that has charged from out of the stables. Nintendo’s Game Cube, retailing at $119, features an advanced game catalog, due in part to the lack of violent games on the system and the flagship Zelda, Mario, Pokèmon and Crash Bandicoot titles within its library. The games on the NGC are geared towards young boys and girls aged 9-14.
But if you think of the unit as a mere child’s toy, that’s your first mistake. It features larger sized joypads with larger sized buttons, designed for more comfort and gameplay. The system can also be connected to the Nintendo GameBoy Advance with an additional attachment. The hand held video game unit allows the player to play GBA games on the NGC system. Many critics and gamers alike hail the NGC with the smoothest overall gameplay and graphics, as well as quick loading time, of the three systems.
Many parents, when asked to buy a gaming system by their children, choose the NGC because the games can be played without having to worry about violence, gore, or objectionable scenes within the game.
Another reason for the increase in sales of the Nintendo Game Cube is the price. As the PlayStation2 and XBOX continue to stay between the retail price, the Game Cube’s affordability seems to be drawing consumers to the stores. While all three systems rate high on each individual gamers choice among the three, each one has its own loyal following as far as game play, overall look and graphics and, of course, realism.
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