Summing Up The Next-Gen Scene - 2.7.06

Metal Gear 4 producer Hideo Kojima has summed up the next-gen console battle more succinctly than any writer could hope to.

According to Pro-G Kojima’s been quoted as saying the PlayStation 3 is like a movie theater, the Xbox 360 is a DVD and the Wii is like a television.

"I had an interview at E3, and I responded like this," said Kojima. "The PS3 is a movie theatre. You pay 1,800 yen and view a movie with great sound and a huge image. These aren't movies that are remade directly from television, but video that's been made for the movies, and everyone comes wanting that. Xbox 360 is watching a DVD at home. It's for people who want to watch a movie, but anything is okay. The Wii is a television program. You turn on the television, and you can watch soccer or watch a variety show - enjoy a program lightly."

Based on the features of the three consoles, it sounds like Kojima’s analogy pretty much hits the mark. How this translates to sales will be interesting. And, if analysts are to be believed, many home gamers will opt for that good old DVD and the standby television before going all out to buy the PS3’s movie theater experience.

The next-gen race will come down a lot to what gamers can afford. It’s my opinion if Sony really plays up the Blu-ray and if HD-DVDs start to catch on more, that console – with the right gaming titles – could prove to be a real buy for gamers (justifying its price). But, if sheer money savings and a fun machine turns out to be the ticket for the undecided buyers, Wii might just rock the market. In the Xbox’s favor, Halo is always a winner, the pricing is right and might get better, and other big-name titles will capture gamers’ attention, too.

It will all come down to which console attracts those who don’t have a favorite going into November. The one that does will win the race - almost like a presidential election.

Related:
Analyst Says PS3 Could Lose The Race
Wii Flies In Early November, Maybe
PS3 Can Replace A PC?
Halo 3 To Launch Day Before PS3?
Xbox 360 Price Drop Coming?

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