Back in November the last two consoles of the next-generation graced Americans with their presence. Well, only about 197,000 bought a Playstation 3 and 476,000 purchased a Nintendo Wii [pronounced We]. For those who havent picked up either here is a quick run-down of each system.

First, is the simplest thing that everyone can relate to: the exterior design of the system. PS3 is simply gorgeous. The PS3 logo runs perpendicular to the system if you look at it upright and the chrome trim gives it a nice look. It looks like a computer modem. The 60 gigabyte system has flash memory card holders, built-in Wi-Fi and four USB outlets. Instead of the regular DVD player for games, Sony has instituted a cheaper version of its new format, BluRay disc. All in all, this is a great system that should play outstanding games.

The Wii is much smaller. It has a secure digital memory card holder, a spot for Gamecube memory cards and four ports for Gamecube controllers. It also has a built- in Wi-Fi. However, the hard drive only has 512 megabytes of space. To keep it from toppling over there is a small gray casing that you can slide under the Wii to make it look like a simple game system.

Now for the most important aspect: the games. The PS3 is the underdog here in the beginning stages of each consoles life. Since the PS3 is using BluRay discs to play their games, software developers have had a harder time producing games.

Therefore, the gaming line-up is not much to be proud of with most games scoring below eight out of 10 in top rating video game web sites and magazines. Even the motion sensor of the PS3s controller looks thrown together compared to the motion sensor controller of the Wii. However, this simple little tool for measuring the controllers tilt from side to side and front-to-back is useful in certain flight or car games. Only time will tell, but the PS3 is definitely a promising system.

The Wii offers a significantly better selection of games in this initial stage. With the game, Wii Sports [this comes with the system], a person can have hours of fun with just one game.With this game bowling and boxing have never been more fun. It causes great anticipation to think how a real [not included in the box] boxing game such as Fight Night, will play on the Wii. The possibilities are beyond comprehension.

Nintendo is smart though, they didnt worry about expensive discs or system hardware. Their motion sensor controller makes games that would appear ordinary transform into something simply magical, almost as if it were from Disney. For example, Elebits is a fairly ordinary game. It is a point and shoot game in which players shoot little creatures in the ultimate hide-and-go-seek game. The motion sensor controller enhances the game so that players can cause virtual destruction in normal places to find these little creatures. Instead of moving an analog stick on a controller and pressing a button to shoot, it becomes more interactive. That interaction makes for a unique, unmatched experience.

Nintendo has always and will always be a family- friendly system. Sony Playstation 3 is in the same realm with the Microsoft Xbox 360 because its for more serious gamers. Right now, Wii takes the edge simply because of its price [$250, as compared to PS3s $500-$600], its ease of use with games and its gaming selection. The tide may turn when developers figure out how to use the PS3 to its best capacity and when other top rated games that serious gamers are waiting for drop for the PS3. Both are great systems with clear distinct advantages. Different types of people will have different preferences. PS3 will only get better and the Wii will become more innovative.

Reporter: Jeremy White - 02/22/07