This is going to get expensive.
Gamers who want to play in the next generation of video game hardware and software better start scanning the help-wanted ads. The future of gaming not only looks wonderful, it’s pricey.
The Xbox 360 will set back the average consumer close to $800, including the $299 console price, extra controllers, rechargeable batteries, Wi-Fi device, hard drive, a couple of games and that little share for the IRS.
Throw in another $800 for an HDTV and the right cables, and you’re talking significant overtime hours for the chance to have a little interactive fun.
Sony hasn’t revealed all the pricing on its PlayStation 3. But when the system hits the store shelves this fall, you’ll hear groaning as gamers heave bags of cash on the counter to cover the $499 for the low-end, or $599 for the fully HD-enabled model. Add another $400 for all the goodies and games, and a starter pack for the PS3 easily will run more than $1,000.
And then there is Wii, which is Nintendo-speak for, “The next big thing in gaming, we hope.” Mario and the gang let masses of gamers get their hands on the new console during this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo that was held earlier this month. And Nintendo must have figured that the system’s innovative motion-controlled controller and instantly attractive games were enough news.
It has so far declined to announce system pricing. Still, people watching the industry figure that Nintendo will ship the machine this fall at around $200 to $300. Even at this relative bargain price, the Wii will most likely suck $500 or more out of a typical buyer’s wallet.
So, which system should the cash- conscious consumer buy?
Well, all of them. Because whether or not you have $3,000 just sitting around, sooner or later it looks like you’ll need one of each.
Eventually, Microsoft will launch “Halo 3,” and then you’ll need a 360. And if you can’t wait that long, “Gears of War” looks more like a movie than a game. PS3 fans will want the new piece of Sony tech because it plays old PlayStation games, it has a cool new controller that mimics the motion input of the Wii and it can play high-definition movies. Besides, it’s a PlayStation, so you’ve got to have that.
And you’ll need a Wii too. High-end graphics are one thing. But watching someone enjoy tennis or golf by swinging what looks like a television remote around the living room just looks like fun. The Wii stands to take over as the biggest party game since Twister.
Gaming consoles
XBOX 360|Available now|$299-$399
SONY PLAYSTATION 3|Available Nov. 17|$499-$599
NINTENDO WII|Available in the fall|No pricing announced
THIS WEEK | New game titles
N3: Ninety-Nine Nights, X360, Microsoft, released Thursday; Hitman: Blood Money, X360, Xbox, PS2, PC, Eidos Interactive, today; Enchanted Arms, X360, FromSoftware, Thursday;
Half-Life 2: Episode One, PC, Valve, Thursday; Age of Conan – Hyborian Adventures, PC; Funcom, today; Big Brain Academy DS, Nintendo, June 5; Major League Baseball 2K6, GCN, 2K
Sports, June 5; City Life, PC, CDV, May 29; Painkiller: Hell Wars, Xbox, DreamCatcher Interactive, today; Call of Duty 2, Mac, Aspyr, today|Source: Gamermetrics.com
