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From a hardware point of view, the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 are leading the competition. Although Microsoft has packed in three symmetrical 3.2Ghz processors, it seems that Sony has been able to produce better performance numbers with their hardware. This is possibly from a superior graphics card, faster data bus, or any number of other technological differences. All three platforms jumped on the wireless controller and Wi-Fi network access bandwagon, with no company showing up as a clear leader in this area.

The struggle for market control will be fought on three battlefields – technology, games, and marketing. A fourth aspect, online play, also needs to be considered, but it can be included in the technology and games categories. As detailed earlier, the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 are very similar and very competitive technologically, whereas the Nintendo Revolution falls a little short. Evaluating the technology behind various platforms is very difficult and subject to error. The Playstation 3 is an all around solid gaming platform. The powerful processor, quick and plentiful memory, and impressive graphics chip all indicate that the PS3 will remain a major player in the videogame console market. Microsoft went for the “wow” factor with the Xbox 360. The triple core processor and built-in water cooling system all serve to impress the inner-geek in all of us. Unfortunately, with the first look information the manufacturers are providing, it is difficult to discern a distinct leader in the technological realm. Although the Xbox 360 is describing some extremely interesting hardware offerings, the Playstation 3 is claiming superior performance numbers. Coupled with the fact that game development may affect performance, clear market leadership between the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 will more likely be determined by other system features, game lineups, and how the platforms are marketed.

At this point, many game manufacturers are reluctant to create games which are exclusive to any one console. To this end, it will be difficult to evaluate the dominance of any of the platforms. However, each gaming system controls at least one game franchise, and will undoubtedly employ any tactic necessary to exhibit that franchise as a selling point for their platform. The Xbox 360 actually has several franchises, although none is as popular as the Halo series. There are rumors running that Microsoft will release Halo 3 on or around the release of the Playstation 3. This of course would be a brilliant marketing maneuver, short-circuiting the initial sales jolt of the PS3. One of Playstation’s major exclusive titles is Metal Gear Solid 4. Metal Gear Solid will be one of the early offerings of the Playstation 3 console, and thus will help to garner support for the system. However, if the rumors of the Halo 3 release are true, this would be a major obstacle for the Playstation no matter how many beautiful and exclusive titles are released. It is also important to note that Xbox’s Project Gotham Racing will entice gamers who prefer the racing genre. Racing titles are spectacular tools for exhibiting a system’s performance capability. Perhaps if the Playstation platform hadn’t released the latest Gran Turismo so recently, there would be an excellent title to counter Project Gotham. This isn’t to say the Playstation won’t release with a racing title, but it most likely won’t be releasing with one that carries a large existing fan-base. Final Fantasy has also been a title which kept users coming back to Sony’s console. Recent announcements have indicated that the legacy will also reside on the Xbox system, which will drastically hurt Playstation sales. At this point the Xbox seems to have a leg up on the competition, though this will most likely change as Sony starts announcing more titles.

Arguably, Nintendo’s saving grace has been exclusive titles. With the Metroid and Zelda series along with all things Mario, Nintendo has nurtured a dedicated audience. Focusing a growing emphasis on their handheld market, Nintendo hasn’t made the Nintendo Revolution technologically competitive. Thus, once again Nintendo will rely upon the success and popularity of their titles to carry them through to the next console battle. This is unfortunate since the Zelda and Metroid titles are such spectacular performers for the typical gaming demographic. Certainly Nintendo won’t be pushed out of the console gaming market with the latest system offerings, due to their prominent handheld systems and not entirely unsatisfactory Nintendo Revolution. It is actually quite nice to see the company stay competitive without trying to be a leader in the technological realm. We must also consider Nintendo’s target audience before we simply dismiss Nintendo as a failure. Generally, the gaming industry is dominated by males in their late teens and early twenties. Nintendo has always catered to a slightly younger audience, without entirely alienating the older gaming crowd. This seems to be the continuing trend for the next generation console as well.