Recently, there has been a lot of hoopla on the so-called "Next-Gen Console Wars" (Next Generation Consoles) which have driven many unsuspecting Mothers into a frenzy. The purpose of this article is to bring those with limited amount of video game experience into the light.

1) Microsoft Corporation's XBOX 360

The XBOX 360, in comparison to the other Next-Gen Consoles, has been released for quite some time now. With that in mind, this console boosts a larger library of games at this moment in time then the other consoles.

Its XBOX Live enhancement can be considered a strong component to the appeal of the 360 for it allows players to interact and play online with fellow XBOX Live members (a field which is rather weak for the other consoles).

There are 2 different bundles at the moment in which the XBOX 360 can be purchased, one being the XBOX 360 Core and the other the XBOX 360 Platinum. The Core rings up at $299 while the Platinum at $399. It may seem to most parents that the Core would be the better investment but I would say it is not. Included in the Platinum version, that is not in the Core, is a Hard Drive needed for online game play and as well act as the only memory card you will ever need. All the cables needed are also included as well as a wireless controller which in the end if you decide to buy a Core system will cost about $100 just for the Hard Drive.

Also, Microsoft has recently announced measures to improve the 360's capabilities, one being a system similar to that of TiVo.

With the future of gaming surrounding the idea of consoles acting as a focal point for all multimedia type activities, Microsoft has certainly taken measures to stay a strong participant of the console war.

2) Sony's Playstation 3

The Playstation 3 offers the consumer the highest quality of graphics on the market at the moment. Though that may seem to be strength, it can also be seen as a weakness which I will explain momentarily.

The Playstation 3 uses a new-type of disc called Blu-Ray which holds a larger amount of memory in comparison to DVDs. A problem that may be seen is that the DVD companies have just released HD (High Definition) DVDs which, though still not as elaborate as Blu-Ray, still provides consoles the necessary tools for games. Within 2 years, Blu-Ray will more then likely replace DVDs, however that is still a lengthy amount of time.

There are 2 different bundles for the Playstation 3, a 20 GB version and a 60 GB version. The 20 GB rings up at $499 while the 60 GB rings up at $599. The reason to purchase the 60 GB rather then the 20 GB is similar in nature to the XBOX. 40 more GB for $100 is an extreme worthwhile investment. However the price is now $599 which is a rather hefty price to pay for the average person.

There is not a doubt in my mind the Playstation 3 probably carries the longest life in comparison to the other systems with all of it's "Next-Gen" qualities. The problem is, with the best "Next-Gen" qualities, come the best "Next-Gen" Price.

3) Nintendo's Wii

The Nintendo Wii when pitted against the 360 and PS3, in terms of graphics, rates the lowest. Where in graphics, they are the lowest, the Wii rates on par or higher in almost every almost other area imaginable.

The first which can be considered is the affordable price of the Wii. The Wii rings up at $250, basically half the amount it costs to purchase a PS3.

Nintendo also implements to the mainstream a new type of game play which is completely interactive. Using sensor remotes, Wii places the player further into the game creating a totally different gaming experience for all types of players.

The Wii is becoming the center of many social gatherings as will as family gatherings. "Whether a experienced player, or brand new to the gaming scene, Wii offers an enjoyable experience to all".

I hope that this article has shed more light on all the struggling parents out their thinking to purchase a "Next-Gen" console.