PS3: “Cross Media Bar (XMB)”
The minimal icon and text interface will be familiar to Sony PSP gamers. A slow moving ‘wave’ in the background changes colors from light to dark every hour throughout the day.

Thumbs Up: Very speedy to get around top level menu; clean, modern look.

Thumbs Down: Access to submenus buried inside.

Wii: “Wii Menu”
A “Channels” screen, similar to a grid of TV screens in a newsroom. Many channels will appear blank, as more will be coming online in the future. System settings are accessible from the lower left corner and a message indicator is in the lower right corner.

Thumbs Up: Easy to point and click with the Wii remote. Simple visual representation with little type to clutter the area.

Thumbs Down: Offline channels should have a easier to understand “offline” indicator, like a red dot, as users will need to click into a channel to find they are not there. Scrolling of blank channels unnecessary (and always has me scrolling to the back to see if there is an update!).

Xbox 360: “Xbox 360 Dashboard”
“Blades” are the tab-like interface where a gamer can click left or right to get to top level sections. The Xbox 360 has undergone two major dashboard updates since its release, with minor modifications along the way. The Xbox team listens to its community for feedback on features.

Thumbs Up: Lots of information from the topmost level. Good summary/landing page of your Gamertag Profile. Tons of features and options to customize (although some dashboard backgrounds don't work well with interface).

Thumbs Down: The design of interface feels like it is starting to show its age in its first year. Lots of colors, bevels and drop shadows. Varying layouts in each blade makes the space feel more cluttered.