The next generation is here

The release of Xbox 360 in late 2005 ushered in the era of "seventh generation" videogames. Having sold over 6 million consoles worldwide, the Xbox 360 has pushed the limits of previous generation consoles with an emphasis on high-definition graphics and a robust Xbox Live online platform.

Despite Microsoft's apparent leg-up on the market, both Sony and Nintendo hope to reclaim their respective places atop the gaming totem pole.

For Sony, whose Playstation console enjoyed relatively unchallenged dominance in the past, success this time around is far from guaranteed. Set to launch this Friday, PS3 will be available in two different models. The premium version, selling for $599, will come with a 60-gigabyte hard drive, Wi-Fi connectivity, and multiple memory card readers. The basic version, for $499, will have a 20-gigabyte hard drive, but will not feature Wi-Fi or a memory card reader. Both versions sport advanced Nvidia graphics, a custom-designed IBM cell processor, and new Blu-ray drive technology.

Sony has also developed its own online network, and it's free. Similar to the Xbox Live service, the Playstation Network will include community features and online multiplayer gameplay. Sony's service will also offer an Xbox Marketplace-like Playstation Store where users can download a variety of media content including games, game demos, and video files such as movie trailers and music videos.

Despite the scope of these new features, the comparative high price of PS3 and its games - more than the standard $60 for popular games - may hinder its initial success.

Nintendo, on the other hand, has refocused its strategy to attract a new market of "non-gamers" or "lapsed gamers." Instead of developing an expensive console with impressive hardware specifications like the Xbox 360 or PS3, Nintendo decided to set its Wii apart. Launching this Sunday for $249.99, Wii should succeed in making game control more intuitive with the Wii remote. Using a combination of accelerometers and infrared detection to sense its position in 3D space, the wireless controller will allow users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses.

For instance, instead of pressing buttons in a certain sequence to swing a golf club, expect to pull the wireless controller back and then whip it forward in a real swinging motion.

Though Nintendo initially codenamed it's new console "Revolution," the name was changed to Wii (pronounced like "we") to emphasize that the console is for everyone.

Nintendo's smallest home unit yet, Wii also features WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power. Over 20 years of Nintendo games are also available for purchase online via the Virtual Console.

The Wii will also have a Wii channel menu system that will offer a selection of information designed to make the console a daily visit for everyone in the household.

The advent of online features for videogame consoles demonstrates the bigger picture of the gaming industry.

While videogames used to be considered the domain of geeks and children, this new generation of videogames has reached the mainstream global entertainment community.

Only time will tell which console leaves the biggest mark.