1,2,3,4..........I Declare Console War

If you are reading this, then chances are you know about the next generation consoles due out in a few months, right on time for the holiday season. There are a good number of customers who come in and ask who I think is going to win the "console wars" - the X-Box 360, Wii, or PS3. I'd like to state my opintion on this subject by first saying: I HATE THE TERM CONSOLE WARS.

By referring to the introduction of new gaming systems from several different companies as "console wars", the media is relating the entire situation to a business perspective. And while it's true that money makes the world go round, I am first and foremost a gamer. This means that I really, really enjoy playing games, and could care less about Sony's business strategy or Nintendo's fourth quarter profit earning. What the console wars mean to me is that I'm going to have a boatload of new material to play in the near future, so ya know who wins the console wars? I DO.

As a consumer, the console wars world view also reduces me to a mindless peon, who votes for the winner in this contest by shelling out my hard earned money to the company that impresses me with the best new specs. Well guess what, I'm more than just a number on a fourth quarter sales report, I'm someone who enjoys the hobby and would rather have the software developers spend their time making games that are innovate and fun to play, rather than CD-length advertisements for their machines.

And in this "war", does there have to be only one winner and two losers? Can't each console sell well to the specific area of gamers it has been designed for? What these companies should do is combine their efforts, and use their strong points to create the most impressive piece of gaming hardware the world has ever seen:
The Playstation Wii60

This monster console would feature:
Nintendo's outstanding manufacturing quality. I still know of NES systems that run fine after a dust off. Both Microsoft and Sony have had known issues with their units breaking down or overheating. The big N could handle the production of these game systems.

Microsoft's online design. What first struck me about the 360 was the online content, from Live features to downloadable demos. Both Sony and the big "N" have been weak with the online department.

Sony's huge library of games, which just about cover every aspect of gaming, from keeping the little kids entertained to playing through a 60 hour RPG. The Gamecube is still being called a "kid's console", and the 360 is geared for upscale, serious gamers. Having Sony's library of titles and thrid party support would please just about anyone who picks up a game.

So remember, when the smoke and dust settles from the Battle of the Bulge taking place this November, if creativity and quality is delivered by all three companies, YOU, my friend, have emerged victorious in the Console Wars.