PS3 vs. Wii: Power Takes On the Fun Factor

All of this gaming bliss comes at a price. The standard 20GB PS3 rings in at $500, and the 60GB version will cost you $600.

Is the PS3 right for you? If you're a hard-core gamer or gear head, then by all means pick one up if you can. (Best of luck to you.) Nothing will show off that brand-new HDTV better than the PS3. Even if you're not a gamer, the digital media features alone are worth looking into. If you're just a casual gamer, you might be better off with the Wii.

Nintendo Wii

Nintendo took a different approach with the Wii. While Sony and Microsoft compete over whose system is more powerful or has better-looking games, Nintendo made a new console that goes in a different direction. It created a console that doesn't match its competitors in terms of horsepower or graphical prowess but is focused instead on one thing: having fun.

Everything about the Wii is different from anything you've played before -- from the size of the console to the new controller. Nintendo took a gamble with the Wii, and it looks as though it will pay off.

Out of the box, the Nintendo Wii will surprise you. Considerably smaller than the PS3 and Xbox 360, the Wii measures 6.25 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep and is only 1.75 inches thick. The Wii is currently available only in white, although we expect that to change.

What's compelling about the Wii is how you play on it. The Wii controller comprises two parts -- the Wiimote and the Nunchuk. Both are connected by a single cord, and both have sensors inside that determine where the controller is in space and how you're holding it. It sends the signal to a sensor bar that mounts above or below your TV. So, for example, when playing Wii Sports (which comes included with the Wii), if you can swing a tennis racket in real life, then you can play Wii Tennis. The controller picks up your actual motion and translates it onto the screen. It's the same with Wii Bowling: Use the controller like a bowling ball, and it mimics the motion on the screen. It even senses how you twist your wrist, so you can change the way the ball rolls down the lane.

If action is your thing, Red Steel has you using the Wii controller to slash enemies with a samurai sword. The possibilities for this type of control are limitless.

Nintendo has made sure there are plenty of game titles available at launch. Zelda fans can get their fix with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Sports fans can play Madden NFL 07. Playing Wii versions of popular games does take some getting used to, but after some practice it will become second nature. Although the games are not in true HD (the Wii can put out only 480p signals), it doesn't detract from the experience. You'll have fun, no doubt about it.

GameCube games are compatible with the Wii. In addition, the Wii has a virtual console that allows you to play games from the original Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis and Turbografix-16 systems.

The Wii, however, does not play DVD movies.

So is the Wii for you? For the price ($250), it's a good choice. If you're looking for incredible HD graphics and a plethora of digital media features, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a fun and innovative way to play games that everyone in your family can experience, then the Wii is what you want.