With so much hype surrounding the next-gen video game craze, parents and young consumers alike are undoubtedly filled with questions about which is the right system for them.

Microsoft's release of the Xbox 360 in November of 2005 gave them a decisive head start in the next-gen console wars, but with release of Sony's highly anticipated PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's revolutionary Wii over the weekend, there are plenty of options to choose from this year.

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Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3)
Undoubtedly the most anticipated of the next-generation gaming consoles, Sony's huge market share coupled with their prolific fan base have already guaranteed that the bulk of the initial 400,000-unit U.S. shipment is already sold or accounted for.

Much like Microsoft's 360, Sony offers their newest console packaged in two different bundles. Both offer the same peripherals, with the only true difference being the size of included hard drive and integrated Wi-Fi. The most affordably priced of the bundles retails for $499 and is packaged with a 20GB hard drive, while the pricier $599 system offers gamers a massive 60GB drive and integrated Wi-Fi.

Other notable PS3 milestones include the first-ever integration of the cutting edge Blu-ray media technology into a gaming console, as well wireless networking support.

Blu-ray support will allow PS3 game discs up to five times the capacity of traditional DVD-based games, as well as full backward compatibility with all current DVD formats. With standalone Blu-ray DVD players from manufactures like Sony and Samsung hitting store shelves with price tags in excess of a $1,000, a $500 Blu-ray and gaming console combination seems far more economical.

Aware of the need for wireless controllers, the major three console producers have all opted to incorporate some sort of wireless technology into their next-generation offerings. Both Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Wii support Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology, allowing multiple wireless controllers to connect simultaneously.

The addition of full 1080i/1080p high-definition and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) out makes PlayStation 3 an attractive console for graphics purists and HD junkies.

Nintendo Wii
Although it burst onto the console scene in the early 1980s and quickly gained a stranglehold on the blossoming video gaming industry, Nintendo's iron grip slipped firmly after the release of its GameCube. Considered substandard in comparison to beefier machines of the same generation, like Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation 2, GameCube had many wondering whether Nintendo's days were numbered.

Dedicated to revitalizing their slumping market share, Nintendo's next-generation outing looks to offer some groundbreaking features, as well as some surprising shortcomings.

The debut of a revolutionary style of controller has many gamers eager to get hands on with the new system. While your garden variety console controller generally features analog input and vibration functions, Wii takes it one step further with a motion-sensing, three-axis "Nunchuk" design. The only questionable sacrifice made by the Wii development team was the omission of high-definition support. Wii will function with any television, but sadly will not display games in HD.

On a positive note, for gamers that can't get enough of the classics, Wii also offers users access to over 20 years of Nintendo titles, including those originally released for Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Nintendo Entertainment System. In addition to archived first-party titles, Nintendo will feature a "best of" section, offering some of the best Sega Genesis and TURBO GRAFX16 titles, as well as games produced by independent developers.

Which Console Is Right For Me?
Sadly, in a race that is all too often focused on delivering the fastest, most powerful hardware to consumers, Nintendo once again falls short. Opting to develop a small, quiet and affordable console, Nintendo has many wondering if they have essentially taken themselves out of the race to the top.

While its revolutionary controller is certainly impressive and their development team deserves high marks for innovation, the lack of HD support will quickly have users wondering why they didn't invest in an HD-ready PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.

PlayStation 3's industry-leading processor and highly developed online service make it a sure bet for anyone lucky enough to get their hands on one. Many pre-ordered units have already been posted on eBay for bidding, with some auctions already closing as high as $1,600.

Although Nintendo has made a valiant effort to redefine the gaming console, an underpowered system with no HD support will have consumers hopping in line for a PlayStation 3, or at very least taking another look at Microsoft's Xbox 360 and its impressive catalog of games.

Additional Resources:

• Video: PS3 Vs. Wii
  
• Survey: Which Will You Buy?
  
• Story: Wait Comes To End For Some PS3 Gamers