Why I Don't Have A Favorite Game Console

Whenever I talk about game consoles here on SlashGear, much of the discussion reverts to arguments over which console – the Nintendo Wii, Sony's PlayStation 3, or the Xbox 360 – is best. And in many cases, gamers pick their favorites and defend it to the bitter end.

Now, it's important to note that these battles are nothing new. For decades, gamers have been picking sides and debating with their friends about why their respective console choice is better than the other's. I can still remember the heated battles that took place between Sega and Nintendo fans over which console (and mascot) was best.

But as I sit here, looking at my Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, I realize that I don't have a favorite. I see all of their virtues and I'm disheartened by their many shortcomings. Is there a single console that might deliver a more viable entertainment experience to me at any given point? Sure. But when it's all said and done, I can't point to a single "favorite."

Perhaps that's why I typically sit here and think about what my "super" console would really be. I envision it having the first-party support that Nintendo enjoys, the third-party library that the Xbox 360 has, and the multimedia extras that the PlayStation 3 boasts. It would deliver some of the best features of all three consoles into a single device. And it would undoubtedly improve the overall entertainment experience that I enjoy while using these game consoles.

But alas, it doesn't seem like that super console is in the cards. Nintendo is content with what it's offering and Microsoft doesn't seem too keen on bringing Blu-ray to its console. And until Sony's PlayStation 3 starts selling better, Microsoft's offering will still probably feature some of the best third-party experiences in the industry.

Now, just because I have a favorite, it doesn't mean that I don't have a console I tend to use more than others. I'll freely admit that I spend most of my time playing games on the Xbox 360 (Xbox Live is a significant factor there), but I watch most of my movie and TV content on the PlayStation 3. The Nintendo Wii, as I've mentioned here before, has been collecting dust in my house as of late, due to the overwhelming number of casual titles that just don't appeal to me.

The Wii might not deliver the most value to me at this very moment, but the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 aren't necessarily better than Nintendo's console, in my book. It's a fine line, for sure, but it's one that must be drawn.

So, as much as I might judge video game consoles, I feel confident in saying that I don't have a favorite. And until a single device delivers everything I'm looking for, I won't.

Who's with me?