Tweens

Game On!

Ever since the Big 3 in the gaming world announced plans for their next generation consoles, fans have been filling up message boards arguing which new system will reign supreme.

Sony's® PlayStation 3® (PS3) console is due out in spring of 2006 and, besides all the new games, the console will allow users to play their PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games as well. Wireless controllers will come standard and the system will support up to seven simultaneous players.

The PS3 will come with a DVD drive and support the sharpest format for HDTV. It will also allow users to access digital video and audio files, view digital pictures, offer video chat and allow users to access the Internet (even wirelessly). There is still debate about whether the PS3 will ship with a hard drive or if that will be separate. Either way, gamers will have a choice of various-sized hard drives they can buy.

Many specifics are still undetermined for Nintendo's® new system, code named Revolution. No formal date has been set for the 2006 release. Revolution will allow users to play GameCube® titles as well as download 20 years worth of Nintendo games from earlier consoles. The new console may come in as many as five different colors. The system will play DVDs and feature inputs for four controllers and two memory cards. Revolution will support wireless controllers and WiFi Internet access. In the spirit of the successful Nintendo DS® (Dual Screen) portable system, the company will focus on unique controllers and other proprietary devices that will enhance the overall game experience and separate Revolution from its competitors.

Microsoft's® Xbox 360® is a “chilled white” console with chrome accents. It will come with a wireless controller, a small 20 gigabyte hard drive and built-in HD DVD playback. Gamers will also be able to buy a digital camera, WiFi adapter and up to three more wireless controllers. The Xbox 360 will be able to extract media from user's PCs or mobile devices. The popular Xbox Live function from the original console has been improved to support voice chat, video chat and messaging, and downloadable content such as trailers, demos and new game levels. No firm release date is set, but most expect the console to hit shelves around November 2005 and retail for $300 to $400. The system features high-def sound and graphics and Microsoft is betting heavily that this focus on high-definition gaming will win the day.

WonderGroup's Perspective

Microsoft and Sony seem content to battle each other head to head, while simply ignoring Nintendo like a pesky little brother. Nintendo is looking to build its library with older, edgier games in order to overcome the perception of being for “little kids.” The company has also made the choice to avoid directly duking it out with Sony and Microsoft. Instead, its console will focus on using unique controllers and accessories to change the

entire gaming experience and draw non-users into the market.

Microsoft has the ideal combination of technological expertise and a motivated corporate management that wants to win in the video game business. Its focus on high-definition gaming and an expanded library that has finally caught up to Sony's, should help Microsoft win sales from gamers in the market for their first console. Microsoft will also be first to market, which will help when it comes to trendsetters looking to get the hottest toys first. However, most gamers looking for the best overall system will likely wait for the release of the PS3 to see how the two systems stack up against each other. (Many gamers will also wait for the high introductory sale prices to fall on all the systems).

When it comes to experienced console owners who are looking to upgrade to a next generation system, Sony has a shot to win big. The company has a lot of very loyal PlayStation franchise lovers. In fact, from the beginning, Xbox was widely considered the superior system, yet, because of the immense popularity of the original PlayStation, according to Jupiter Research®, Microsoft only owns 19% of the U.S. console market, compared to 43% by Sony. Add to the mix that the new systems will allow users to play games from the older system and you can bet that most gamers will stay brand loyal when upgrading. So, unless Microsoft releases a truly superior product or Nintendo's unique approach to gaming overwhelming strikes a chord with users, Sony seems to have the early edge in the battle of the next generation consoles.