boys movies music and more: November 2006

SO WHATS ALL THE HYPE ABOUT ?
Let's Compare all these consoles :


PLAYSTATION 3

NINTENDO'S Wii

MICROSOFT - XBox 360

PlayStation 3: Also known as the PS3, the follow-up to Sony's top-selling consoles. Encountered a series of complications en route to launch, including a six-month delay and low initial supply.

But Sony has huge momentum because of PlayStation 2's popularity. Launches Friday, Nov. 17.

Wii: Pronounced "wee," a new take on gaming from industry veteran Nintendo. Focuses less on computing horsepower and more on a unique method of playing games using motion-sensitive controllers. Nintendo is hoping to broaden the market for video games by making the interface more approachable and intuitive to use.

Launches Sunday, Nov. 19.

Xbox 360: The second installment in Microsoft's console business, successor to the original Xbox.

Launched a year ago in an effort to get a jump on the new Sony and Nintendo machines. More than 6 million units sold thus far, but has still struggled in the key Japanese market. May benefit from greater availability this holiday compared with rivals.

Hardware

PlayStation 3: Comes with 20-gigabyte or 60-gigabyte hard drive. Ethernet, USB ports. Wireless, motion-sensitive controller.

Blu-ray Disc high-definition DVD drive.

Wii: Comes with 512 megabytes flash memory. SD memory card slots for storage.

Comes with primary Wii controller, resembling a TV remote, and a "nunchuk" for other hand. Requires sensor bar near TV. Classic controller available separately.

Built-in wireless Internet networking.

Xbox 360: Comes with 20-gigabyte detachable hard drive or without a hard drive. Ethernet, USB ports.

Wireless controller in full system, wired controller in basic system.
Console size

PlayStation 3: 12.8 x 3.

8 x 10.8 inches.

Wii: 8.

5 x 6 x 2 inches.

Xbox 360: 12.2 x 3.

1 x 10.2 inches.

PlayStation 3: PlayStation Network multiplayer gaming free in first-party Sony titles.

Online multiplayer pricing for third-party games left up to individual developers and publishers. Internet browsing, online marketplace.

Wii: Downloadable games available for purchase through Virtual Console feature.

Internet browsing, online marketplace. Future games to offer online multiplayer gaming. Wireless connectivity to Internet and Nintendo DS hand-held gaming device.

Xbox 360: Xbox Live online system, offers basic messaging and other functions free, but requires $49.99 annual subscription for online multiplayer gaming. Microsoft plans to start offering TV and movie downloads this month through the related Xbox Live Marketplace.

Price

PlayStation 3: $499.99 for 20-gigabyte model; $599.99 for model with 60-gigabyte hard drive and other features.

Wii: $249.99

Xbox 360: $299.99 for basic "Core System," without hard drive; $399.

99 for full model with 20-gigabyte hard drive and other features.