Video Game Consoles: Expert Guides and Resources

Connecting your PlayStation 3 to a wireless network is the first step to joining in the world of online gaming. Almost all versions of the PS3 (all except the 20GB) have a built-in wireless capability. Many of today's most popular games operate entirely over online game servers and those that don't usually have an option for online game play.

Connect your Wii to a wireless network to play against online gamers around the world or locally. Using the Wii and your wireless network, you can also browse the Internet, share pictures, chat with friends, or read e-mail. All you need to get started is a wireless access point.Turn off all your network equipment (modem and router), as well as the Wii.

When you add friends on the Wii, you connect your Wii consoles to each other. Adding Wii friends enables you to play games with (or against) them. You can also send messages, chat, share photos, and even talk them (if you both have a Wii Speak Microphone). The Wii allows you to store up to 20 friends in your Wii Address Book by registering their friend codes.

With the Xbox 360's outstanding graphics card and a high-speed Internet connection, you have everything you need to stream Netflix videos directly to a TV. No need to wait for a DVD to arrive in the mail. The only other thing you need to get started is a Gold Netflix account. Within minutes you can be watching Netflix’s vast collection of movies and TV shows using your Xbox 360.

Connecting to the Internet using the Nintendo DSi or DSi XL allows you to use your gaming device to shop for new DSiWare and download it directly to your device. You can also connect with your friends by sending notes, animations, and photos to them and, of course, playing games with them. Connecting your Nintendo DSi or DSi XL to the Internet is easy as long as you're in a wireless hotspot or you have a broadband Internet connection and a wireless router at home.

Use your PlayStation 3 console to stream Netflix movies straight to your TV. When you combine the PlayStation 3's built-in high-definition Blu-Ray disc player with a high-speed Internet connection and enough hard drive space to store thousands of movies, you have the perfect setup for streaming Netflix movies.

To set up your PlayStation 3 to connect to the Internet, you must establish a wireless access point. You can then use your PlayStation 3 to browse the Internet, download games and videos, and play against gamers around the world. Almost all versions of the PS3 (all except the 20GB) have a built-in wireless capability.

The biggest upgrade to the Nintendo DSi is the ability to download games directly from the Internet. Connecting to the Internet using the Nintendo DSi allows you to use the Nintendo DSi Shop and to download DSiWare directly to your DSi — no game cartridges necessary. Before you can download games from the Nintendo DSi Shop you must purchase DSi Points.

The Wii isn’t just a great gaming console, it’s also a great way to connect with friends. You can connect with friends on the Wii by using friend codes, which enable you to play games with and against each other. You can also use the Wii’s built-in messaging service, as well as Wii Channels to send and receive photos and to chat with your friends.