[xxxplizit]

Here are my thoughts:

Microsoft XBox360 sold very well all around the world except for Japan. This system was the first to take advantage of HDTV's and the first of the Next-Generation consoles, meaning it gets a head start. Microsoft had made a dramatic impact comparison from its predecessor with a more feel-good controller (first XBox controller blows), massive support with XBox Live, the sexy hourglass shape, the strong business hold in the Market in terms of non-japanese related support, simple development kits, and the fact that it is supportive with PC's and other USB-related peripherals. The biggest downfalls that the system had is the newly aquired glitches and problems it currently has, reasoning why specific 360's are shipped back. Another downlfall is that it does NOT prove anything else new., meaning less ways to expand the video game market. Power? It is basically the same power as a high-end PC, which can be a problem when tryin to fight the colossal PS3 which is superior hardware-wise. Another bad news is that Microsoft decides to drop the HD-DVD formats, meaning they are stuck with standard DVDs. Is it a big problem? Yes, because the amount of room space needed to pump HD itself is a healthy amount and DVD's may be a tad too short to do so. Spending 2 standard DVD's just in case is One of the biggest problems with Microsoft's new system is that it doesn't acquire the needed amount of Japanese developers who make up most of the Video Game industry. Not that I am saying that it is a requirement, but less support equals trouble attracting others from the competition. Of course, its launch wasn't too impressive, the same reason why XBox almost failed as a product until Halo alone saved their @sses. The games is where it is supposed to deliver because THAT is where they are supposed to make their money. Every system they sell loese their revenue because it costs around $100 more in production than to sell. Accessories are about even in capita. The only hyped game is has is PDZ and Kameo. Overall, it doesn't deliver more exclusive content as some or most of the stuff are released in other systems or not new. Only time will tell if Microsoft will survive this battle. It will do pretty well mainly for its "Microsoft" Logo (IMO where the OS's make their money) and Bill Gates's business tactics, but can it take tops against the heavier competition?

The Playstation 3? We all know it's going to sell. Sony had the ability to dethrone Nintendo in the past when both companies had major conflicts with each other. Though Sony is going to gamble on every PS3 sold (yes they may lose more than $150 per sold system), their games will make up for their revenue just as how their PS1 and PS2 has sold more games than any other system, making it the the #1 system in the video game business. The main reason is because of the heavy support from big third-party companies like SquareSoft, Konami, and Capcom. However, that does not mean they Sony has a perfect system. One of the biggest problems it has so far is that it currently has problems hardware-wise. I would assume this will be fixed before it ships in as they are well known for having fragile equipment (PSP is no exception to this). Of course, the biggest challenge that the PS3 face is the distribution of the Blu-Ray. The Blu-Ray, though space-intense and efficient enough to withstand the data the PS3 will pump, isn't as popular to the consuming market yet (not many devices are released with Blu-Ray support) and is very expensive to produce both production-wise and retail. But because the blu-ray readers are capable of raading DVD's and CD's, expect it to have decent compatibility unlike the PSP's UMD's which are inefficient market-wise. Of course, the controller itself has given laughs to those calling it the 'boomerang'. However, with the amount of success that Sony has in the PS3's cutting edge technology (yes it's the most poweful of the three systems) and the dominant market share around the world, its label itself is destined to sell regardless. But at this day of age, can it still deem itself as #1 in the console market? Can Ken Kutaragi deliver his divine creation?

Revolution, on the other hand, will be one that will step up into going the extra mile with its new innovation with its controller. The biggest advantage that this system has is that it comes with a very affordable price ($200 on system and less than $50 on games) and profits overall. Rather than the standard 12-14 buttons, it takes another direction of playing games just like how the DS reinvents handhelds. Shall this open new doors to creative developers? I believe so. If not, then Nintendo games can make up for it as the quality that Nintendo delivers exceed people's expectations with successful new innovation and top-notch standards especially by the game guru himself, Shigeru Miyamoto. The only thing is the amount of developers who are willing to go that mile and the development kits along with it as production, though not expensive, takes more time to develop and possibly more difficult. In addition, not only will it standard DVD's in its production, but it is the least powerful of the three systems which can be a disadvantage to those who demand intense graphics. Not that I am saying that the Revolution won't deliver such as it depends on the developers to pump that much power, but many people can't live without their HD. Also, many spread rumors about Nintendo being a child image, which can drawback the older audiences, but it seems more like a stereotype than what is in truth (see RE4 for Gamecube par se). Reggie Fils-Aime and Iwata have shown some strong premises for ths upcoming system considering how much criticism they have taken from Nintendo's previous designs, the Gamecube and the DS. With the reputation the Gamecube has build up compared to the N64 (great system but was overwhelmed by the PS1/PS2) and the success of the DS (currently beating PSP), only time will tell if this 'innovation' will sell, and I feel that IS what games are meant to be played: "To be played like games". The only thing is, while it straws away from the mainstreamed way of playing games, can it create that "Revolution" and blow the competition away from the bigger behemoths like Sony and Microsoft?

Of course, all three systems support the following features:
-Online play.
-Wireless controllers.

It's really a tough decision, but I would buy the Revolution mainly cuz of budget issues plus I entrust their reputation since the 80's. PS3 looks nice as it has the most power. XBox360 is sold out and won't come out til the PS3 is launched.