Home video game consoles have come a long way from the original 8-bit systems. One huge benefit to the wholesale industry is the console wars, and the continual release of new video games, accessories, and even entire game systems. These console wars and new releases mean the games and systems replaced are now the hottest commodities on the wholesale market. Here is a quick guide to the wholesale video game world by system.

Let's begin with an overview of the world of video games. There are three major console players: Nintendo, Microsoft, and the largest one, Sony. Each company has released what are now called third generation consoles. These consoles are the Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

Prior to the third generation consoles, gamers had Nintendo's GameCube, Microsoft's Xbox, and Sony's PlayStation 2 to keep their thumbs in shape. The games and accessories of these second generation consoles are what primarily make up the wholesale video game market today. One key aspect to keeping these wholesale games and overstock video game accessories in value is backward compatibility. Backward compatibility is the ability of older video games and accessories, such as controllers and memory cards, to interface with newer generation consoles.

Nintendo GameCube

The saving grace of the Nintendo GameCube games and accessories are backward compatible with the Nintendo Wii. Wholesale retailers can capitalize on the fact the Nintendo GameCube, and Wii appeal to younger game players, so customers of wholesale GameCube games are less concerned with the lack of graphics and innovation. Additionally, Nintendo's GameCube controller and memory card is compatible with the new generation Wii, and a requirement for some games' backward compatibility.

Top selling wholesale video game titles for the Nintendo GameCube include Animal Crossing, Super Monkey Ball, and anything Super Mario or Zelda franchise related. Parents will appreciate the general nonviolent nature of Nintendo GameCube games, and therefore the shelf-life for wholesale accessories and games is long. Purchase of the Nintendo GameCube at wholesale prices is the best first console for children aged six and above, and for those adults who still have a child at heart.

Microsoft Xbox

Xbox is the least backward compatible console to its third generation counterpart. In typical Microsoft fashion, Xbox 360 players must download a patch for individual Xbox games they desire to play on the Xbox 360. Also, since memory cards are almost unnecessary to save progress, there is no sense to install the Xbox's now dwarfed 10GB hard drive in place of the Xbox 360's 20GB or even 120GB hard drive. Popular titles for the Xbox franchise continue to be the Halo series and EA Sports titles, all of which can be found readily available in wholesale video game bargain bins. Wholesale Xbox consoles and games will appeal most to late comers in the violent and action packed video game genres, and those unwilling to spring for the hefty price tag of the Xbox 360.

PlayStation 2

Wholesale PlayStation 2 consoles, games, and accessories are the best solution for wholesale video game retailers. First, the price is much more stable because of the near complete backward compatibility of the wholesale PlayStation 2 games on the new third generation PlayStation 3. Also, the PlayStation 2 is the only second generation console still receiving support; new game titles and accessories are released in conjunction with the same title release for the third generation consoles. The next biggest advantage of wholesale PlayStation 2 games and accessories is the vastness of its catalog and reach. Over 120 million consoles have sold worldwide and game titles range from the cutesy Lego series for kids to the hard core action packed Call of Duty franchise. The shelf-life and profit margin is the highest for wholesale PlayStation 2 games and accessories.