Next-gen consoles cuts out the wires and brings on the hi-def in a grudge match that will leave no gamer standing. This year three upcoming consoles made their stunning debut. The Xbox 360 hits stores this fall, while the Playstation 3 and Nintendo Revolution aren't due out until next year. From the Xbox 360's Chia Pet faceplate, to the Playstation 3's array of ports, plugs and readers to the Nintendo Revolutions ability to download 20 years worth of classics, gaming is finally breaking out of the box.
The Xbox 360, at 10 1/4 inches by 2 inches, is about 20 percent smaller than its predecessor and a whole lot sleeker. The white console can rest on it's side or on end and features sucked in sides, an over-sized glowing green button and a faceplate that you can swap out to personalize. Faceplates will come in a variety of colors, themes and of course of the homebrew variety.
At about 13 1/2 inches by 3 1/4 inches, this is the largest of the next-gen consoles but still manages to look like something that you wouldn't be embarrassed to have sitting next to your stereo. The sleek console, which can sit horizontally or vertically in your entertainment center, will come in three colors, the ubiquitous silver and sexy white and black models.
About the size of three DVD cases stacked atop each other, this is by far the smallest console. The small slanted black box will come with it's own silver stand and can be displayed horizontally or vertically. A variety of colors were being shown off at E3.
Function
The 360 is all about high-definition and multimedia, transforming the console into more of an entertainment hub than a mere gaming device. The console comes with three USB ports, two memory slots and a removable 20 GB harddrive. The console can also connect to your computer or portable multimedia device and extract the videos, pictures and music to play them on your high-def television.
The WiFi-enabled PS3 will come jam-packed with six USB ports, readers for memory stick, compact flash and SD memory and a slot-loading optical disc drive that can read CDs, DVDs, Playstation, Playstation 2 and the new Blu-ray discs. The console will also be a music and movie-playing hub, allowing you to check out your favorites in staggering high definition.
The diminutive console will come with two USB ports, built-in WiFi access and support wireless controllers. The console will play GameCube games and also DVDs with an add-on. Finally, 20 years worth of Nintendo classics from the Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo and classic Nintendo Entertainment System will be available for download for the Revolution.
Killer Apps
Gears of War - A brand new franchise created exclusively for the Xbox 360, this game combines survival horror with tactical shooting.
Prey - Although the only demo shown so far for this sci-fi first-person shooter was for the PC, Prey will likely become one of the 360's most wanted games.
Vision Gran Turismo - The Playstation exclusive racing franchise continues to impress, finally increasing the number of vehicles that can compete in a race, pumping the typical half-dozen cars to more than a dozen.
Killzone 2 - The sequel to the Playstation 2's gritty Sci-Fi first-person shooter sports the most impressive graphics seen on the PS3 to date and perhaps the most exciting demo shown at E3.
No specific titles were announced for the Revolution, but a ten-second video hinted at Metroid Prime 3. Nintendo also said gamers can expect to see new Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros. and Donkey Kong titles for their next generation console.
