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Microsoft and Nintendo jump in
The console battle rages at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Sony shocked on Monday with its PlayStation3 sticker price ($499-$599 depending on whether you want the full deal or hobbled hardware), then on Tuesday it was time for Microsoft and Nintendo to strut their stuff in carefully orchestrated press conferences.
Nintendo’s Wii, which despite tons of press is still the most mysterious of the three next-gen consoles, made an interesting showing that leaned heavily on its motion-sensor-enabled remote control controller (called by many the Wii-mote). A photo of the controller shell was revealed, and footage from E3 seemed to indicate that what the Wii console will lack in graphical power it will make up for in price and gameplay fun. Imagine your kids or friends in your living room waving their arms around to simulate sword fighting, golf club swinging or gunplay.
Nintendo said a new Zelda game will launch with the Wii and that a current-gen GameCube version will also ship. Other details were more vague. No launch date (though Nintendo promises a fourth-quarter debut) and no price, although insiders say it’ll be about $250 or less. Will Sony’s revelation of a gyroscope-enabled controller steal some of Nintendo’s thunder? Only time will tell.
Microsoft’s message on Tuesday was about connectivity. The Xbox 360 will be one leg of a gaming barstool (like my metaphor?) that will include Windows PCs and cell phones. The popular Xbox Live Service will be reachable via Windows PCs and cell phones allowing you to keep track of your online friends and game information on the go or in your office. Some games you buy on Xbox Live Marketplace (say Zuma or similar low-tech puzzlers) will also be available to you on your cell. And some games will launch simultaneously for Xbox 360 and PC allowing gamers on each end to compete online against each other. Hello, console vs. PC wars!
Microsoft revealed that Grand Theft Auto 4 will launch in October 2007 (it’ll also be on PS3), that a plug-in HD-DVD player will be out by the holidays, and that a slew of arcade classics are on the way for Xbox Live. A wireless headset and Eyetoy-like camera are on the way. Microsoft also showed a Halo 3 trailer, but nobody thinks that game will be in gamers’ hands anytime soon.
So here’s what we know so far:
Sony PlayStation3: Expensive, but worth it, according to Sony. Blu-Ray DVD support, lots of action and war games, a free online gaming service, camera card ports and wireless capabilities. An unproven new controller feature that seeks to take some of the novelty off Nintendo’s “revolutionary” gamepad. Many of the games themselves, however, looked underwhelming and that $600 price tag is going to be an uphill battle. Self image: We are an expensive dinner at the best restaurant in town. Don’t settle for fast food.
Nintendo Wii: Potentially paradigm-changing system looks to make games more fun, but will it work as advertised? Nintendo is a goofy company and many of its small risks pay off big time. The Wii will likely be cheaper than the Xbox 360 or PS3, so it could win among many casual gamers by default. And no matter what happens with the Wii, Nintendo will still make a fortune off its portable games and Pokemon franchise. Self image: We are crazy, but you love us. Forget high-definition graphics, it’s all about the gameplay. Mario! Zelda! Pokemon! Your kids will love it!
Microsoft Xbox 360: With its console already in gamers’ hands and a proven online gaming system, Microsoft has the least to lose at E3 this year. As long as good games keep hitting the system and Xbox Live Marketplace offerings continue to grow, Microsoft can pick up gamers who will balk at the PS3’s $600 pricetag. New peripherals are nice, but the jury is still out on Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD. The smartest thing Microsoft could do is give the 360 a modest price drop ($50, at least) before November to sway on-the-fence gamers. Self image: We own Windows. We’re taking this Xbox Live thing to the next level and we don’t need gimmicks like making you wave your controller around to get there.
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