DRM restrictions, lack of resale and an attachment to a physical product – there are some pretty strong arguments against digital downloads. But while it will be a few more years yet before you'll be able to/want to download the latest FIFA or GTA to your console or PC the market for smaller download games is booming. PC has historically been the main home to this business but the consoles have been catching up. Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 all have sizable online stores, with each having a couple of must-buy games. Eurogamer has taken a look at the three stores and finds it hard to decide which one is the best:
The 360 currently has the advantage in four of the areas discussed, with the PS3 edging it out in terms of the overall shopping experience, as well as having a much better quality-to-crap ratio. The Wii Shop, on the other hand, is over-priced and horrible to navigate, but does let you buy The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros 3 and Metroid for just over a tenner.
I think they've pretty much nailed it, although I'd be more critical of the Wii Shop which is horribly backward compared to the 360 and PS3 offerings. Picking between the 360 and PS3 stores is harder. The PS3 shop is far easier to navigate than the 360's – though that may change when the 360's dashboard gets updated - but the 360 has a better selection of games.
So anyway, you sold on digital downloads? And if so which console do you think has the best store?
