Next-gen gaming console shootout: Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3 vs. Nintendo Wii

The Xbox 360 finally has some competition: The PlayStation 3 is now available (in extremely limited quantities), as is the Nintendo Wii. We've tested them all, and the good news is they all have a lot to offer: wireless controllers, online gameplay, and varying degrees of media functionality. If you can choose only one, it'll be a tough choice indeed, but there are some basic rules of thumb. The Xbox 360 has already been on the market for a year--it has the most impressive list of games (with an emphasis on mature titles such as Gears of War and Saints Row), the well-developed Xbox Live online gaming service (which requires a yearly fee), and the new pay-per-view downloadable movies and TV shows--plus the HD-DVD add-on--make it a great companion for any HDTV owner. The PS3, while pricier, is even more impressive: built-in Blu-ray drive, Wi-Fi networking, HDMI output, and free online head-to-head gaming make it a must-have for those consumers who need to be on the bleeding edge. And last--but certainly not least--is the Nintendo Wii. It offers the most unique gameplay--courtesy of its motion-sensitive controller--and it's the most affordable of the lot. It's also the most family-friendly machine, though grown-ups will find plenty of diverting fare: the Wii will have its share of M-rated titles, not to mention a growing library of retro games from past consoles, including classic favorites from Nintendo and Sega. The bottom line: there's something for everyone on each of these consoles, so you're better off seeing which of the exclusive games most appeal to you, and picking up the corresponding machine. And remember: there's nothing wrong with getting two--or even all three.