Let's break this down a bit, shall we?

Playstation 3

Being the latest in the new console releases, it has it's share of first release...problems. If I remember correctly, there's a compatibility issue with some of the previous PSOne and PS2 titles (a problem that was also seen when the Playstation 2 was first released). However, I have yet to hear anything about a system recall.

Near the end of 2006, the system only sold around 550,000 units in the United States. I know it looks sort of like a big number, but it's not when we're talking about Next Gen Console sales.

However, because of the PS3's less than average sales, talks have already begun in the company to drop the price on the console. While the actual amount of the discount is yet to be announced, I would personally predict a cut of about 20%.


XBox 360

While I'm personally a fan of Sony, I've dabbled a bit in the XBox before. A few fun games that come to mind are Halo and Conker. Despite his bulky, and if somewhat overcompensating, size of a controller, the system does handle fairly nicely.

I have yet to get my hands on a 360, but that's really no news, since I don't usually spend money on new consoles until massive price drops have rendered them affordable. The initial sales, ending in December of 2006, were around 10.4 million units worldwide, gaining Microsoft a solid foundation in the Next Gen market once more.

Sales of the console were fairly shallow in Japan, until the most recent release of a game called 'Blue Dragon'. According to sales reports, almost half of the game's sales were in conjunction with an XBox 360 console. In other words, people were purchasing the console SOLELY for the purpose of playing 'Blue Dragon'.

Though the 360 has boosted sales, it's placing second in the Next Gen sales, right below the Wii.


Wii

Nintendo's latest Next Gen console looks like a collection of player input and a batch of new ideas. By itself, the design is refreshing and clean cut, while maintaining a dignified look. Of course, this is just kind of funny coming from me, since I've disowned Nintendo since it's fall around the time of the Gamecube. The system had seemed to degenerate from what I had loved it for, and was releasing many game titles that were "moderate" at best.

I had even decided against purchasing a Nintendo DS, due to the huge flaw of the touch screen (but that's another rant).

However, looking at the Wii's specs, they seem to have made a bit of a comeback. Backwards compatibility (a first for any non-handheld console), a clever wireless controller, downloadable classic games, and online connectivity are just a few of the "perks" this system offers. And on top of all that, the system has a very nice pricetag attached with easily defeats Sony's gigantic PS3 price.

The primary assortment of games is a bit weak at the moment, though there's nothing new about that. All Next Gen consoles tend to have a thin library of games when they begin. In fact, you can't really judge a system by it's games until around a year after their release. But Nintendo headlined their system with a highly anticipated game: The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess. This smart move may have been one of the KEY points in their sales of the system, while they continued to play to their Gamecube market by releasing an alternate version of the game for their previous system.


The Final Word

To be honest, it's too early to say who will win the console wars for this set of Next Gen's. Each company has their plans to boost sales, and even the systems that are currently at the top of the list could be blow away by the sudden introduction of a new addition.

When it comes right down to it, all these PS3 vs XBox 360 vs Wii threads come down to only one thing: Personal Preference. A console's ability to be fun is not weighed by it's sales. Just look at the Dreamcast. Sure, the system is no longer being made (though I'm sure you can find a console or two for sale), but the system itself is still being played to this very day. And even some of it's exclusive games are being re-released on other consoles.

Until next time, kiddies.

Spyder Pyresphere
~The Game Devs~

well said there! Though I'm not sure what this DS 'flaw' is... it outsells the PSP 5 to 1, and I love the games for it. It's just that there's a lot of mediocre games too. My touch screen is still in mint condition, surviving around a year of Ouendan and other stylus-intensive games. No shoddy workmanship there.

Anyway, you're right about the consoles - it comes down to what you want to play more than anything (and at this stage, what you're willing to spend to play it)

The "flaw" is my own personal problem with the system. The handheld has a limited warranty, which will end far before the touch screen gives out. But once the touch screen dies, you're kind of screwed, since you'd have to spend MUCHO dollars on a replacement screen and repairs, or you'd have to buy a whole new system.

My NES and SNES still have their lifetime warranties. I can send them in for repairs at any time, and only pay for shipping costs. I miss those days. ;_;

ahh, I see. That's fair enough then. It's just that I've heard several groundless and rather pathetic complaints about the screen, so just wanted to clarify. I can understand your opinion though. I too still own my old NES and SNES consoles, so it is good to know that the lifetime warranty exists should we need to use it. Haven't so far though. I think the N64 also came with a lifetime warranty...at least I remember it being advertised with one.

It's a possibility. Though I haven't purchased one myself yet. I've been trolling through Ebay lately, and I could apparently pick up the system and the games I want for less than $150. And that's perfectly fine by me. I've been dying to get ahold of one.

As far as sales data goes, ps3's success will depend on sales once production is up. Right now, you can't base it sales on anything but lack of product.

I personally think sony overshot there market with the pricepoint, xbox the same, only to a much lesser extent considering the xbox debuted at 299 just like the 360 core system does. But the hardware should be getting getting better without such a price increase.

Nintendo nailed the pricepoint, but are relying on the usual nintendo gimmics. Different isn't always better, especially from a developer standpoint. Make a hit game for two system that use very similar control schemes? Or do a third with a totally different take on it, system specs and control scheme both.

Its back to the same deal, 3rd party support isn't going to pull nintendo through.

And throw back into play the lifespan. Its been consistently 3-5 years for the last 3 generations life. Then look at the HDTV tech being mandatory in 2009, a mere two years from now.

Don't know about you, but I'd rather be playing 1080i, 1080p, and 720p games on my HDTV (that I don't have just yet ) with a system that will use that technology.

You've got two years nintendo, to wow people enough with this "think different" crap and throw out some stuff that makes the cheaper price point, lesser tech, worth investing even the little investment there is.

I already have several friends selling their Wii's, disspointed already.

I have my sight set on a Xbox 360. I just don't know what people find fun about the Wii. My friend has one and I'm usually boared out of my mind while I'm playing it. Fact of the matter is, Sony and Microsoft should really get into gear if they really want to stay in this. Viva Pinata and RFOA isn't going to compete with Super Mario Galaxies or Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

This post has been edited by Anorudo on 2007-02-15, 03:40 PM

Quoted^(ref) Anorudo (on 15 February, 2007, 03:40 PM PST) —

I have my sight set on a Xbox 360. I just don't know what people find fun about the Wii. My friend has one and I'm usually boared out of my mind while I'm playing it. Fact of the matter is, Sony and Microsoft should really get into gear if they really want to stay in this. Viva Pinata and RFOA isn't going to compete with Super Mario Galaxies or Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

I agree with you there. I got a Three-Sixty myself, simply because it was the only console that appealed to me. The PS3 costs too much, and the Wii........I'm perfectly capable of hopping around like an idiot all on my own, thanks.

But yea, Microsoft's gonna hafta pull out the stops if they're gonna hope to match the Wii's future lineup.

Quoted^(ref) jimmyjoesr (on 15 February, 2007, 04:56 PM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) Anorudo (on 15 February, 2007, 03:40 PM PST) —

I have my sight set on a Xbox 360. I just don't know what people find fun about the Wii. My friend has one and I'm usually boared out of my mind while I'm playing it. Fact of the matter is, Sony and Microsoft should really get into gear if they really want to stay in this. Viva Pinata and RFOA isn't going to compete with Super Mario Galaxies or Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

I agree with you there. I got a Three-Sixty myself, simply because it was the only console that appealed to me. The PS3 costs too much, and the Wii........I'm perfectly capable of hopping around like an idiot all on my own, thanks.

But yea, Microsoft's gonna hafta pull out the stops if they're gonna hope to match the Wii's future lineup.

Wii's lineup?

I don't know what game news you guys read but I'm sure not seeing MS or Sony being threatened by what little they have going.

Seeing the butchered version of Far Cry on Wii was enough to count out any hope of some graphical flair.

Quoted^(ref) RahX (on 17 February, 2007, 12:23 AM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) jimmyjoesr (on 15 February, 2007, 04:56 PM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) Anorudo (on 15 February, 2007, 03:40 PM PST) —

I have my sight set on a Xbox 360. I just don't know what people find fun about the Wii. My friend has one and I'm usually boared out of my mind while I'm playing it. Fact of the matter is, Sony and Microsoft should really get into gear if they really want to stay in this. Viva Pinata and RFOA isn't going to compete with Super Mario Galaxies or Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

I agree with you there. I got a Three-Sixty myself, simply because it was the only console that appealed to me. The PS3 costs too much, and the Wii........I'm perfectly capable of hopping around like an idiot all on my own, thanks.

But yea, Microsoft's gonna hafta pull out the stops if they're gonna hope to match the Wii's future lineup.

Wii's lineup?

I don't know what game news you guys read but I'm sure not seeing MS or Sony being threatened by what little they have going.

Seeing the butchered version of Far Cry on Wii was enough to count out any hope of some graphical flair.

I was pretty disappointed in that too. I think Ubisoft tried for too much too soon. I think they had something like 7 titles, either on release or shortly after. 7!!! They could have cut 3 or 4 out, and given themselves time to polish things off. Ubisoft make some fantastic games, so I know what they're capable of, but they just rushed things there.

Games like Smash Brawl, Mario Galaxy and Metroid will sell at rapid rates, no question. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Smash Brawl brings an increase in Wii console sales. I think there's a Resident Evil on the way too, and Nintendo are supposedly already working on the next Zelda (well, before Twilight Princess was released/finished they were)

They do need to get some solid titles out, but they're not all that far away now. These titles will most definitely give M$ and Sony a run for their money. Personally, I think all the consoles are in relatively the same position - it will just take time for a good lineup of titles to be released. 360 has started to get some better titles now (launch titles were pretty pathetic in my view) and the PS3 offers me nothing interesting whatsoever - at least at this stage.

Also, Wii supports 480 res, so while it's not 'true' hi-def, it will still play on TV's that support that - and I guess most would. And I don't think there will be a mandatory HD TV upgrade here - so I'll have another year or two to enjoy my Wii. Probably just in time for the new generation.

Quoted^(ref) danbah (on 17 February, 2007, 03:50 AM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) RahX (on 17 February, 2007, 12:23 AM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) jimmyjoesr (on 15 February, 2007, 04:56 PM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) Anorudo (on 15 February, 2007, 03:40 PM PST) —

I have my sight set on a Xbox 360. I just don't know what people find fun about the Wii. My friend has one and I'm usually boared out of my mind while I'm playing it. Fact of the matter is, Sony and Microsoft should really get into gear if they really want to stay in this. Viva Pinata and RFOA isn't going to compete with Super Mario Galaxies or Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

I agree with you there. I got a Three-Sixty myself, simply because it was the only console that appealed to me. The PS3 costs too much, and the Wii........I'm perfectly capable of hopping around like an idiot all on my own, thanks.

But yea, Microsoft's gonna hafta pull out the stops if they're gonna hope to match the Wii's future lineup.

Wii's lineup?

I don't know what game news you guys read but I'm sure not seeing MS or Sony being threatened by what little they have going.

Seeing the butchered version of Far Cry on Wii was enough to count out any hope of some graphical flair.

I was pretty disappointed in that too. I think Ubisoft tried for too much too soon. I think they had something like 7 titles, either on release or shortly after. 7!!! They could have cut 3 or 4 out, and given themselves time to polish things off. Ubisoft make some fantastic games, so I know what they're capable of, but they just rushed things there.

Games like Smash Brawl, Mario Galaxy and Metroid will sell at rapid rates, no question. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Smash Brawl brings an increase in Wii console sales. I think there's a Resident Evil on the way too, and Nintendo are supposedly already working on the next Zelda (well, before Twilight Princess was released/finished they were)

They do need to get some solid titles out, but they're not all that far away now. These titles will most definitely give M$ and Sony a run for their money. Personally, I think all the consoles are in relatively the same position - it will just take time for a good lineup of titles to be released. 360 has started to get some better titles now (launch titles were pretty pathetic in my view) and the PS3 offers me nothing interesting whatsoever - at least at this stage.

Also, Wii supports 480 res, so while it's not 'true' hi-def, it will still play on TV's that support that - and I guess most would. And I don't think there will be a mandatory HD TV upgrade here - so I'll have another year or two to enjoy my Wii. Probably just in time for the new generation.

Well really fact of the matter all the games you listed were on gamecube, and that didn't get them anywhere. Only reason nintendo even is in the next gen race is because of all the profits from their handheld sales.

Don't get me wrong, I love nintendo, but damn, they are just doing the same old 1st party stuff again. With the exception of the new control scheme.

I don't see the problem with Nintendo's 1st party games. Nintendo make games, and games are games. The games I listed weren't ones on Gamecube - Smash Brawl is the Wii version of Smash Melee, Mario Galaxy, while still a Mario platformer, is something pretty new altogether. Metroid I'll concede is strikingly similar (well, near identical ) to the GC metroid games - but I don't see a problem with that. The controls are what intrigue me, not the graphics.

Personally, I think it's great that Nintendo still make their own games, and do them well. They sell remarkably well. Also, it's not really (or entirely) the handheld sales that allowed the Wii to exist - GC sat very comfortable at no.2 in Japan, which is probably where it counts for Nintendo. To be honest, I miss the days of Nintendo and Sega - companies making games for their own consoles means they know the hardware better than anyone else - and it's the 1st party Wii games that I own which display the best, most fluid control schemes using the Wiimote.

There will still be plenty of 3rd and 2nd party games for Wii, just not in the utterly overwhelming volume present on other consoles. For me Nintendo 1st party is more often than not, time tested quality.

I recently read that the WII is selling 3 to 1 to the PS3 and Xbox 360 saying that in general the WII is prefered more than the others. I am a WII person as it is but playing the WII can get preatty tiring, thats a downside.

Quoted^(ref) RahX (on 17 February, 2007, 12:23 AM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) jimmyjoesr (on 15 February, 2007, 04:56 PM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) Anorudo (on 15 February, 2007, 03:40 PM PST) —

I have my sight set on a Xbox 360. I just don't know what people find fun about the Wii. My friend has one and I'm usually boared out of my mind while I'm playing it. Fact of the matter is, Sony and Microsoft should really get into gear if they really want to stay in this. Viva Pinata and RFOA isn't going to compete with Super Mario Galaxies or Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

I agree with you there. I got a Three-Sixty myself, simply because it was the only console that appealed to me. The PS3 costs too much, and the Wii........I'm perfectly capable of hopping around like an idiot all on my own, thanks.

But yea, Microsoft's gonna hafta pull out the stops if they're gonna hope to match the Wii's future lineup.

Wii's lineup?

I don't know what game news you guys read but I'm sure not seeing MS or Sony being threatened by what little they have going.

Seeing the butchered version of Far Cry on Wii was enough to count out any hope of some graphical flair.

Little?

Super Smash Brothers Brawl
Super Mario Galaxies
Metroid Prime 3
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers
Battalion Wars 2
Mario Strikers Charged
Pokemon Battle Revolution

Good luck 360 and PS3.

Quoted^(ref) Anorudo (on 22 February, 2007, 03:55 PM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) RahX (on 17 February, 2007, 12:23 AM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) jimmyjoesr (on 15 February, 2007, 04:56 PM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) Anorudo (on 15 February, 2007, 03:40 PM PST) —

I have my sight set on a Xbox 360. I just don't know what people find fun about the Wii. My friend has one and I'm usually boared out of my mind while I'm playing it. Fact of the matter is, Sony and Microsoft should really get into gear if they really want to stay in this. Viva Pinata and RFOA isn't going to compete with Super Mario Galaxies or Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

I agree with you there. I got a Three-Sixty myself, simply because it was the only console that appealed to me. The PS3 costs too much, and the Wii........I'm perfectly capable of hopping around like an idiot all on my own, thanks.

But yea, Microsoft's gonna hafta pull out the stops if they're gonna hope to match the Wii's future lineup.

Wii's lineup?

I don't know what game news you guys read but I'm sure not seeing MS or Sony being threatened by what little they have going.

Seeing the butchered version of Far Cry on Wii was enough to count out any hope of some graphical flair.

Little?

Super Smash Brothers Brawl
Super Mario Galaxies
Metroid Prime 3
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers
Battalion Wars 2
Mario Strikers Charged
Pokemon Battle Revolution

Good luck 360 and PS3.

I wouldn't count the 360 dead just because of those games.

But, yea, the PS3, methinks, is utterly screwed.

Well nice put article but heres my perspective on this.

Playstation 3: Now as we can see the PS3 out of all the 3 is the greatest system that we have, but the only problem that comes to mind with the PS3 is the price. The reason why many people are not buying the PS3 is because it is way over its head with a 6 to 500 price range. Now if the price range was lowered to maybe 300 or 250 such as the wii then maybe sales would rise once more. Now yes, the PS3 does support up to 1080p but still would you rather spend your money on the 360 or PS3? Now the lineup for the PS3 may be good but i mean look at the price of the games as well as alot of other things you get with the systems, i mean another controller is around 40$ and also if you were to go and get a game it would be 60$, now add that to the already payed 6 to 500$.



Now, the good thing about the PS3 is the blu-ray player because it comes packed in that sorta middle-sized system and you don't have to worry about paying over 1,000$ for a standard blu-ray player and also the resolutions it can play as well as graphics,good games and many more but the thing thats mainly the problem is the pricing.




Xbox 360: Now the reason why this system is in second place is because it already has had about a one year advantage to the other systems yet it lacks many things. What I say is that if microsoft was thinking straight then they would have delayed the console so that they can fix glitches and enhance the system even better. I mean yeah it is cheap and when it came out alot of people bought the system but thats because it was the only next gen system out so thats mainly why it is second as well as the low pricing.

The good about the early release is ,well the sales because it sold more which is all i think microsoft wants is more money. Another good thing is that they are coming out with another version known as the pro version, i think it is out already. Now also, we get used game earlier for the 360 because people start getting tired of the games they have and sell them to gamestop which is then sold for a lower price. But, as of right now i think the 360 is a o.k. system though i've never experienced playing it before but maybe if it were launched later on like the same time as the other systems it would have been better.






Nintendo Wii: Now before i start and review the wii,I have my own wii and its the only next-gen console i have besides my PS2 and GC which together are the only three consoles i have so just to make sure you understand, i am not trying to be optimistic with the wii and not the others because the wii has downsides and up so thats just to tell you. So now to start off with whats bad with the wii is that as i can see nintendo isn't really showing us there full potential, i mean the resolution it can play is low, i know nintendo can do even better then what we are getting. I mean, as of right now the wii is not really a super great system like the PS3. I mean the bad things about it are that it really doesn't have much good games out now and also back when it launched and most of the games seem kinda kiddish but they really aren't. The wii may look bad but its an o.k. next gen-system except we all know nintendo didn't use there full potential on it.

Now the good thing about the wii is the low-price. If you were compare the prices of all three systems then of course the wii would win no matter what, the wii as you can see is way lower then the PS3 and also a bit lower then the 360. Also, another good thing about the wii is the motion sensing, i mean i just love how you can play games and sometimes it feels like your actually playing the game. Recent studies also show playing the wii alot can help people lose weight. The final thing that i shall end this with is that although the lineup now and back in launch was bad we have some good games to look forward to for the wii in the coming months.



So to rap this up, I say if you want a cheap and amazing system get the 360, If you want an Expensive system that has awesome and amazing things that can be done with it get the PS3 and finally if you want a cheap, fun for whole family, Motion sensored,full of exercise system then get a wii.

~Itachi Uchiha

Quoted^(ref) Itachi Uchiha (on 22 February, 2007, 06:23 PM PST) —

The wii may look bad but its an o.k. next gen-system except we all know nintendo didn't use there full potential on it.

Quoted^(ref) Kaneda-san (on 22 February, 2007, 09:21 PM PST) —

Quoted^(ref) Itachi Uchiha (on 22 February, 2007, 06:23 PM PST) —

The wii may look bad but its an o.k. next gen-system except we all know nintendo didn't use there full potential on it.

I'ma have to disgree with that statement as well. I may not like the Wii, but, I gotta hand it to Nintendo, they pulled out the stops on it.

Gundam Musou will be released in Japan soon. That'll have to increase the PS3 sales by tenfold. That doesn't necessarilly mean the game will be good, which it really isn't. Japan just eats up any liscenced material, especially Gundam, as well as the "Musou" styled games such as Dynasty Warriors. Having them together is an instant seller for them.

Then again...the same effect will happen to the Wii in America, once EA Games starts bringing over every single sports title they develop onto the Wii in the future. Japan too, but only with the release of "Dragon Quest: Swords."

I'm tired of the spastic statistics of consoles. Just let me play my games without worrying about which console is better.