It doesn't matter what time of year it is, there's never a bad time to purchase a video game console. With today's gaming consoles, there are so many features and capabilities it is easy to get confused, let alone spoiled for choice. The purpose of this guide to help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing that next generation console, whether it be the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 or Xbox 360.

All consoles have their advantages and disadvantages so lets go through and have a look at what each brings to the table. Lets start with the Nintendo Wii:

The most innovative console of the three, the Wii boasts the Wii Motion Controller, which allows players to act out their actions in real time. That means, with this controller you can swing a golf club, swing a tennis racquet and watch the ball fly to the other side. Your actions control what happens in the game.

The Nintendo Wii is most definitely popular with children and parents because it can involve the entire family. You can get off your couch and even burn some calories while your at it. The Wii also has a great price tag, making it the most affordable of the three consoles and with the younger gamers this is a great console.

Wii Pros

Motion controller

Fun games

Backwards compatibility

Great price tag

Wii Cons

No DVD drive

Not as powerful as other consoles

Sony have been making consoles for a while now and the PS3 is their best console to date. Boasting the incredible Blu-Ray Disc technology, Sony have definitely looked to the future when they created this console. The PS3 is also capable of outputting games in Full HD resolution to your screen, giving you the best possible experience when it comes to picture quality.

Aimed at a more mature audience, the PS3 is a practical all in one media centre capable of playing Blu-Ray Movies, PS3 games, browsing the Web, playing online against friends and shortened loading times. Above all the Sony PS3 is a good looking machine with the glossy black finishing and power house processing to back it up.

PS3 Pros

Most powerful

Quality Blu-Ray player

Full HD output

Free online play/service

PS3 Cons

Most expensive

Needs more games

The Xbox 360 was the first Next Generation console to be released to the hungry market of gamers one year before the Nintendo Wii and the Playstation 3. With this, the Xbox 360 stands today as one of the most popular video game consoles among the mature audience of gamers. With an impressive library of games and accessories, the Xbox 360 has become the definitive console for hardcore gamers.

Focusing on the present, Microsoft have aimed their efforts at strengthening their online service and content available to gamers. Like the PS3, the Xbox 360 is aimed at the more mature audience of gamers but is not as powerful. You can find more information about the Xbox 360 below.

Xbox 360 Pros

Has many games

Great online service

Different console variations

Full HD output

Xbox 360 Cons

Known to have overheating issues

Online service not free

Console lacks future technologies

So there you have it.

If you are looking for a fun, innovative, family oriented console then look no further than the Nintendo Wii.

If you want a powerful, HD compatible, future oriented machine complete with Blu-Ray, free online gaming and increasing game library, then the PS3 is the console for you.

Lastly, if you're looking for a large range of games to play with great picture and sound then the Xbox 360 is your best bet.