In the last days Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo presented their next generation game consoles. Each company actually has a very different approach that in my opinion will attract different consumer segments.
Microsoft talks about a universal machine that does everything the consumer (make it yours!) wants. The Xbox Live online service is a major aspect for the appeal and success of the Xbox 360. The hardware capabilities are nice, but fade in direct comparison to the Sony PS3.
This is where Sony sees its way: Immersive gameplay through hyper-realistic graphics and physics simulations. Sony has two new ground breaking technologies inside the Sony PS3. The CELL CPU and the RSX GPU. The graphics and game demos where all around amazing real-time graphics effects and reality simulations.
The Nintendo Revolution has still some unknowns, but for now the virtual game console concept that allows to play any Nintendo game published in the last 20 years is sure a big hit with Nintendo fans.

For me the Sony PS3 is meeting my expectations of a next generation game console. It is about getting closer to total immersive reality simulators like Star Trek Holodecks and similar systems dreamed up by sci-fi authors. The Xbox 360 is a step forward, but is more about making current technologies usable and accessible to the mainstream. Which is not a bad thing pre-se. The Xbox 360 will be a huge success because of that mainstream appeal.
Based on what is known so far about the Nintendo Revolution, I do not think it will attract many new consumers, who have not been Nintendo customers already. The whole retro gaming is just not doing it for me. Sony Playstation 3 will define my future!


Detailed information on the New Game Consoles:
Microsoft Xbox 360
Sony Playstation 3
Nintendo Revolution

Today the E3 2005 Expo show floor finally opens. Stay with I4U for more first hand E3 coverage. Our two reporters will start E3 Show floor coverage today.