Next-Gen Wars - Nintendo Wii Versus PlayStation 3

Last year brought on a flurry of new and/or improved game systems available for purchase all over the world, including Xbox 360, Playstation Portable, Gameboy Advance DS, and two of the hottest, must have systems, the Nintendo Wii, and PlayStation 3. Both the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3 were widely anticipated among gamers all over the United States. Conveniently released in time for the Christmas rush, both game systems sold out in record time. The systems were virtually impossible to obtain unless you were willing to spend any were from five hundred to a few thousand in an online auction such as ebay. Since then the dust has settled, prices have dropped, and while the systems may still be a bit tough to get a hold of, they are not impossible to obtain as they had been in previous months. So how do these two ground breaking products stack up to each other? Which game system should you purchase, the Nintendo Wii or PlayStation 3. I have had the pleasure and luck to have acquired both of these game systems is recent months and can offer a little information concerning the quality of these widely sought after systems.

The Nintendo Wii is a creative game system with a one of a kind game controlling mechanism. I'm sure most people have seen the new controllers for this product, but I will explain the basics for those who do not know. The Wii is set up with a movement sensor bar that utilizes bluetooth technology to transmit the signals from a wireless remote control to the video game console, allowing the character on the screen to move the way that you direct it. The Wii controllers are made up of a Wii remote and a Nunchuck remote used conjunctively to control the characters and the actions they make. For example: in one of the popular Nintendo Wii game, The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess, the Wii remote is used to aim and fire a bow and arrow, and the nunchuck controller can be used to make the character move forward, back, right and left. The two controllers are used together to create swordplay.

The Nintendo Wii, unlike every other game system made, allows the player to be more active in the game play due to such creative controllers. This, in turn, makes the users get off of the couch and be physically active while playing the games. Playing games such as golf and tennis allow the gamer to swing the controller in the same fashion that you would swing and actual golf club and tennis racket, burning calories and getting some much needed exercise.

The graphics on the Nintendo Wii games however, leave a little to me desired. While other game systems focus on excellent computer graphics, Nintendo Wii seemly did not spend so much time and money on that type of state of the art equipment. On a positive note, since the Wii did not go all out on graphics and special effects the game system is set at a more affordable price, around $250.00 each.

The PlayStation 3 offers the traditional style of game play but with wireless controllers, so users can sit further away from the screen, and avoid a common frustration with wired controllers, tangling and nots among the many wires. However, should a gamer desire to use a wired controller the game system is equipped for this capability as well. The PS3 controller, like the Wii is made wireless by bluetooth technology. Another upside to the PlayStation 3 is that the controller is shaped and used exactly like the controller of the PS2, so you can begin playing the games as soon as you purchase the system, instead of having to read through about half an hour to an hour of instructions.

The PlayStation 3 focuses a lot of it's attention on the computer graphics (CG) elements is all of it's games. Brilliant colors and clear pictures are brought through PS3 games, each of which are made capable with high definition technology. Thus the games available on this game system are significantly better in graphics than the Nintendo Wii, which allows the games to come alive on the screen.

Lastly, the PlayStation 3 is what is called "Backwards Compatible." This means that the game system can be used to play games created for the PlayStation one, two or three! This feature can save a lot of money when purchasing games, offers a wide selection of what games are available, and saves space in your house (you can get rid or the older game systems and just keep the PS3).

In addition, the PlayStation can play your DVD's and CD's in the game console as well! Just another reason why it is space saving!

Both video game systems have a lot to offer depending on how important certain features are to you. If graphics are important to you the PlayStation 3 is definitely a sure choice for you, but if you are looking to be a little more active in your game playing experience or want to burn a few calories maybe you should try the Nintendo Wii.