On November 22, 2005, Microsoft was the first company to enter the next generation of video game systems with the release of Xbox 360. Sony and Nintendo will now throw their hats into the ring with the release of Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Let the console war begin.
PlayStation 3 launches today, while the Wii hits shelves in two days. While both systems are assured to be smash hits, they offer different enticements to the gaming world. The new PlayStation model is geared toward those who are looking for more of a home-entertainment system (and those who can afford $600!); the Wii is a more affordable $250.
The PS3's hardware specs are certainly impressive: 20-gigabyte hard drive, 3.2 GHz cell processor, and Blu-ray disc technology, among others. Think back to your childhood, and you might remember a time when movies were in a strange, rectangular casing; those ancient relics (or "tapes") were replaced by DVDs. Look for the Blu-ray disc to be the next step in home entertainment in the coming years. Blu-ray is a form of HD-DVD that can hold more data than plain DVDs. The downside is that the Blu-ray capabilities are part of the reason for the ridiculous price tag.
While the PS3 boasts the most impressive visual features of the next-gen systems, it is lacking in the game department, at least as far as launch titles go. Yes, "Final Fantasy XIII," "Ninja Gaiden Sigma," and "Grand Theft Auto IV" are all PS3 titles, but of the three, the first two do not even have a confirmed release date yet, and "GTA IV" is not slated for release until the fall of 2007. "GTA" is also not a PS3 exclusive, as it will also appear for the 360. The quality launch titles are typically those of the sports variety and are not PS3-exclusive either. The lackluster launch, coupled with the ludicrous price, may ward off potential buyers unless the Sony hype-machine is able to get enough gamers to buy in.
Nintendo's new system, originally called the Revolution, but changed to Wii (much to the chagrin of fans and the press), is diametrically opposed to the PS3. The Wii, named because the gaming world is not about you or me, but the all-inclusive "we," is the weakest next-generation system graphically, but boasts the "Revolution"-ary "Wiimote" controller, which is able to detect its position in three-dimensional space. "Wii Sports," bundled with the system, shows off the possibilities of such a control mechanism; instead of pushing a button to swing a bat or throw a punch, the movement of the controller performs these actions. Though "Wii Sports" looks to be a fairly simple game, meant to demonstrate the controller's capabilities, launch titles like "Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" and "Red Steel" will provide immersive landscapes that will take the next step toward actually placing the gamer into the game.
Nintendo's last system, the Gamecube, was the definitive loser of last generation's console wars. However, early signs are pointing to a Renaissance in Nintendo gaming with the Wii. Nintendo's games have always been a blast for those willing to play them; unfortunately, over the past decade, Nintendo has been relegated to "kiddie" status. The new controller has people talking about Nintendo again (and what does it say about Sony that, after the unveiling of the Wii controller, they have added motion-sensing capabilities to the PS3 controller?). Gaming is all about personal preference and both systems are sure to do well.