The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 11/15/06 Section: Entertainment

As if the video game console world wasn't already full of choices, gamers will have two more systems at their disposal come mid-November: the much anticipated Nintendo Wii and gaming industry leader Sony's PlayStation 3.

Wii, priced at $249.99 in the United States, will be released on Nov. 19. The system comes equipped with a one-handed, Bluetooth-connected wireless controller and sensor bar. The console is Nintendo's smallest unit thus far, measuring approximately the size of three stacked DVD cases. It boasts a 512MB built-in flash memory, and is compatible with both Wii and GameCube discs.

Nintendo, which first introduced Wii in 2005 at the now defunct Electronic Entertainment Expo, will launch 26 game titles available in North America on the system's same release date, including Need for Speed: Carbon, Madden NFL '07 and the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

PS3 carries a hefty price tag at $499 for its basic configuration, and $599 for Premium. Both configurations come complete with Bluetooth controllers and upgradeable hard drives, however, the Premium configuration comes Wi-Fi equipped; Basic does not. Sony has made statements suggesting an increase in PS3-compatible game costs, possibly more than the standard $60 price.

PS3 launch-titles also include two of the previously mentioned games available for the Wii-Madden NFL '07 and Need for Speed: Carbon-and College Hoops 2K7, Tony Hawk's Project 8 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.

Sony has added firmware download and update capability to the system to compliment a full Internet browser and friends menu, which will help keep the system up to date. The PS3 system includes SIXAXIS controllers, priced at $50, with features similar to the previous PS2 DualShock controllers, minus the vibration feature. Third in the series, Sony's PS3 is expected to compete with both Wii and Microsoft's Xbox 360, and is scheduled for release on Nov. 17.

While PS3 appeals more to the "hardcore" gamer, Wii is likely to attract a younger audience, as well as parents looking to save a few dollars during the holiday season. Despite PS3's plethora of features, the price discrepancy between the two consoles may just give Wii the upper hand in the battle to control the console gaming market.

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