Gamer Community Weigh Pros and Cons of Next-Gen Consoles

"Ok then dude, watch this because it's one of the coolest features about the system that they talked about," U. T. student Ryan Reed said to his friend and fellow alum, Paul Rosenberg.

What was being talked about was Ryan's Xbox 360 console, a seventh generation system he had decided to purchase over summer he said. Buying the costlier Premium package instead of the core, Ryan had decided to make an early leap onto to next generation gaming, ironically, much like his chosen console.

The games purchased by Reed, had been for the most part, "pretty awesome" he said. But the cool little niche about the system that's really gripped him doesn't have to do with gaming.
Reed had decided to show his friend Paul how the system is turned on, since his friend said, whenever he comes into the room for a visit, "Ryan is usually in the middle of a game."

"See, I just push the button on the controller, and the system just comes on," Reed said with a grin.

"Oh my God," his friend Rosenberg responds, eyes widening as the console booted itself to life.

"Dude, that is so freaking cool," Rosenberg said.

Reed is just one of many gamers who have already made the jump to the upcoming next generation of game consoles. And with more expecting to jump aboard as Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Wii near launch, one question some are considering is who will reach the top of the next console war?

The Early Lead

Microsoft had already begun its race for top game console a year earlier than Sony and Nintendo. Released in Nov. 22, 2005, the XBox360 has spent the year climbing to the top of the next generation console war making a more than decent sales count of 5 million units worldwide as of June 30, the company said on its website.

It's the year early jump that some believe has been a very helpful strategy for the new console.

"The fact that they had a year early start is what I think really helped them sell," an E.B. Games store employee in the West Town mall who goes by the name of T.J. said. "I think that's why Microsoft wanted to get them [Xbox 360s] out so fast because the Xbox had cost Microsoft money."

T.J. explained that the store sells an average of 12 to 15 Xbox 360s every month, which doesn't quite exceed the store's monthly stock of 20.

Selling itself in two versions-the $299 core system, and the $399 20 GB hardrive Premium package-Microsoft's latest offering was the first to launch simultaneously across three major regions: the United States and Canada, Europe, and Japan. And technically, it was also the very first system to feature wireless controllers as a standard

To some gamers, Microsoft appears to be trying to learn from any potential mistakes from the Xbox.

"Microsoft is actually doing quite well given their history," Reed said. "You have to take into account that this is their second take on the console game market."

Yet, not everyone is impressed with the system enough to jump on Microsoft's bandwagon.

"I haven't seen too many excellent games for the 360 with the exception of 'Call of Duty 2,'" T.J. said. "I'm just not convinced personally to buy a 360 right now."

In the Blue Corner

Sony's successor to the PS1 and PS2 will be called PS3, which is scheduled to launch before Nintendo's new system on Nov. 17 in the United States. Sony's strategy seems to stem from what's under its very powerful hood. Among the console's many features will include the new CELL microprocessor, wireless controllers, which up to seven can hook up to the console simultaneously via Bluetooth technology, and a stab at online capabilities. And although Microsoft has dominated online capabilities with its Xbox live, T.J. believes that Sony may have a chance of dethroning Microsoft in that area.

"It's interesting, because Sony plans on keeping their online feature free unlike Microsoft," T.J. said. "That could actually hurt Microsoft if this works for Sony."

According to T.J., all E.B. and GameStop game stores were given 16 PS3s each, all of which have already become pre-ordered.

Short production of launch systems may not hurt Sony after all.

"In the very beginning, no, because it's going to make it [PS3] the hot item the rest of the year," T.J. said. "But as far as next year and later down the line, it's gonna depend on more on
their production."

But at the same time, T.J. implies that it could also help out other consoles like the Wii.
"We've actually been getting more inquires for the Wii recently because some people have given up on getting a PS3 this year," T.J. said.

And although the system's price-$499 for the basic system and $599 for the premium-has caused stir recently, Not everyone is shaken by it.

"I looked at this and realized that Blueray players are $1,000," Reed said. "But I look at Sony, and when I look at them, I look at what they have compared to Blueray players. So the price isn't really that bad when you compare the two."

But not every gamer is completely comfertable with the PS3's price.

"It's more f**ing expensive than my first car, which was $500," U.T. student, gamer and PS2 owner Spencer Foust said. "Trust me, I'm going to be waiting."

The Underdog Revolution

Nintendo will officially enter the console war this year with the release of the Wii November 19 in the United States. Originally codenamed the Revolution, Nintendo made the name change shortly after unveiling details about its new system.

The Wii's biggest feature that's been the hot topic of the game industry is its controller. The initial controller that comes with the system is designed like a Wi-Fi remote that will require physical movement to operate most games. When turned on its side, the controller can play like a regular NES controller.

The controller will feature numerous types of "cousins" in the form of a gun zapper controller and a classic model meant to play games from Nintendo's older library of NES, SNES, and N64 games.

The game will also retail for $259, which is relatively cheaper when compared to Microsoft's and Sony's new consoles.

"The sheer lower cost and the fact that it's the first 'interactive system'" will be selling points for the Wii," T.J. said. "They're aiming for the overall experience and referring to it as the 'Wii experience.' Personally, I'm excited about the Wii."

Reed however, remains cautious of Nintendo's new system.

"I applaud them for thinking outside the box," Reed said. "But Nintendo is too traditional. They have a problem with relationships with third-party companies and they rely too much on their franchise characters."

T.J.'s manager at E.B. Games, Brandon, however, strongly opposes that idea.

"If the games were repetitive I could see that argument, but I've never played a bad Zelda game," Brandon said.

Unclear Victor

Despite what each console has to offer, a clear winner is hard to pinpoint at this time. While Microsoft may have an early lead, Sony's new console has the potential to become the hot item this holiday season. And Nintendo's interactive state and lower cost of their console could shift the company back onto the top spot.

"It's really hard to say right now who will come out on top. The answer has to do with major franchise titles," T.J. said.

"No one can tell what's going to happen," Reed said. "It just depends on if they each play on their strengths."

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