Companies to release long-awaited videogame systems this weekend

Credit: Jason Hall

Credit: Jason Hall

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Would you do anything to get your hands on a Playstation 3, or is it the Nintendo Wii that you have been waiting for?

Consumers seem to be divided over which soon-to-be-released game system to invest in. Videogame expert and host of G4 TV Kevin Pereira tried to help clear up any confusion.

“People have been camped outside of Best Buys all over the country for two weeks waiting to get their hands on one of the few Playstation 3’s that will become available,” Pereira said. “Because of a few technical setbacks, Sony was only able to release about 400,000 units worldwide on the November 17th launch date.”

The PS3 will be available in two different versions, 20 gigabyte and 60 gigabytes. The price for the 20 gigabyte version is slated to be $499.99, but consumers who want the full package will be paying $599.99. The PS3 features Blu-ray technology, wireless controllers, a web browser, the ability to output 1080p hi-def graphics, a DVD player and the ability to play MP3s and CDs.

“The Playstation [3] will sell out,” Pereira said. “Sony has all the hype, all the television commercials, but they just don’t have enough units to go around. I think part of the selling point for the PS3 is the fact that it’s going to be so hard to get for about the next year or so.”

Sony has exclusive rights to many best-selling game companies such as Squaresoft, producers of the popular Final Fantasy series.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Nintendo Wii is getting ready to make a quieter debut Saturday. The Wii will be the first fully interactive videogame console system. The controller, called the Wii-mote, responds to the body movement of the person holding it. For Nintendo, innovation is the selling point.

“The interactive aspect is really the first of its kind. You have to actually get up and move around to play these games . Zelda fans will love the new Zelda game coming out for the Wii; you have to slash to use your sword, pull back to use your bow and actually row in the parts of the game when you’re in a boat.”

The Nintendo Wii will be more readily available for Christmas consumers. Pereira estimates that about 1.2 million units will be made available on its launch day.

The suggested retail price for the Nintendo is Wii is $249.99, a difference from the PS3 of about $200 to $300.

Price and availability will be huge factors in determining which system will reign supreme for the hardcore gamers.

“I’ve been covering video games for about 15 years, and this is really the most incredible launch I’ve ever seen. This is the pinnacle of console launches, even when X-Box 360 was released it seemed like everyone was still just holding their breath waiting to see what would happen with these two systems.”

Pereira said Sony’s release of fewer than half a million units will “either be the most brilliant marketing ploy ever or it will be the biggest botched sales launch ever, we’re just going to have to sit back and watch.”

All consumers who seek to get their hands on a PS3 should plan to purchase other accouterments along with the system itself. Wal-Mart and Best Buy are offering bundle packages which include games, extra controllers and various other Playstation accessories. The packages are priced at around $1,400, Pereira said.

Videogame fans can find more information about both systems when Pereira hosts a special on Nintendo and Playstation tomorrow on G4 TV from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact ALL correspondent Dave Bolger at [email protected].