Are you passionate about the PlayStation 3? Are gamers going to remain ecstatic about the Xbox 360? Or will Wii win the war? Even though only one next-generation games console has been released so far (the Xbox 360), the race to see who gets to the top of the videogame pile has reached a new fever pitch after the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) unveiled further details about all of the next generation systems.

Sony's drew a line in the sand at this year's E3, announcing a global release date and pricing for its upcoming PlayStation 3. With a price tag that's close to AU$1000 for the premium bundle, the PS3 will be the most expensive of the three games consoles. But Sony is hoping the PS3's processing grunt and the inclusion of a Blu-ray DVD drive will be enough to entice gamers to part with their hard earned cash.

The name may still invoke giggles from some, but Nintendo's Wii won over many converts at E3 thanks to a solid games line-up and its unique control system that has to be played to be appreciated. In fact, "playing=believing" is Nintendo's catchcry for its next-generation console -- and from our initial plays, the Wii's wireless movement-sensitive control system feels and plays like a winner. The Wii is also widely expected to be the cheapest of the three next-gen consoles, although Nintendo has not as yet released final pricing.

Microsoft may have been the first off the rank with the Xbox 360, but it nonetheless has an exciting year planned out for its new console. Top of the list is the confirmation of a HD-DVD add-on for the 360, as well as the announcement of top new games including the new Halo and more Grand Theft Auto games.

Which next generation console will take the top prize?

Xbox 360

Microsoft's next generation console, the Xbox 360, launched in Australia in March 2006. With a strong line-up of games and almost a year's head start on its competitors, the 360 is in a top position to seriously challenge the PlayStation's gaming dominance.

* Australian release date: Already released locally
* Available in two bundles: the Xbox 360 System (RRP AU$649) and Xbox 360 Core System (RRP AU$449). Click here for more details.
* Processor: IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical 3.2GHz
* Graphics: 500MHz custom ATI Graphics Processor with 10MB of embedded DRAM
* Memory: 512MB GDDR3 RAM and 700MHz DDR
* Hard Drive: 20GB included with Xbox 360 System.
* Inputs: USB 2.0 x 3, Wi-Fi adaptor slot, Ethernet
* Outputs: Composite on Core System; Component on Xbox 360 System
* Controllers: Wireless
* Disc media: DVD
* Backwards compatability: Limited Xbox backwards compatibility. For full list of games, click here.

Sony PlayStation 3

Sony’s built the PlayStation 3 with a definite eye on the future -- and it has a high price tag because of it. Can it maintain its lead in the gaming arena with its new console?

* Australian release date: 17 November 2006
* Available in two bundles: Base model (RRP AU$829) features PS3 with a 20GB hard drive. Upgrade model (RRP AU$999) features 60GB hard drive, built-in 802.11b/g wireless, card slots and HDMI output
* Processor: Cell Processor PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
* Graphics: RSX @ 550MHz
* Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz
* Hard Drive: 20GB in base model, 60GB in upgrade model

* Inputs: USB Front x 4, Rear x 2 (USB2.0), Memory Stick standard/Duo (in upgrade model), PRO x 1 (in upgrade model), SD standard/mini x 1, CompactFlash(Type I, II) x 1 (in upgrade model)
* Outputs: HDMI out x 1 in upgrade model, AV multi out x 1, Digital out (optical) x 1
* Controllers: Wireless
* Disc Media: Blu-ray, DVD
* Backwards compatibility: Yes. With PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games.

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii (which used to bear the code name of Revolution) boasts the ability to play any title from Nintendo's back catalogue. Will that be enough to make it competitive against the powerful PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360?

* Australian release date: Late 2006
* Processor: IBM-developed CPU
* Graphics: ATI graphics chip
* Memory: TBA
* Inputs: USB 2.0 expansion ports, and built-in support for Wi-Fi Internet access.
* Outputs: TBA
* Controllers: Wireless
* Disc Media: DVD
* Backwards compatibility: Yes. With GameCube, NES, SNES and Nintendo 64.

News-Source: http://www.cnet.com.au"