Now that enough time has past from the E3 2006 announcements of the big game companies Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony regarding their next game console generations the picture becomes clearer, at least I think it does.

Nintendo’s presentation of the Wii (former Revolution) console was very impressive and the controller is a master piece. I mean motion sensor game consoles are not a new thing. Just look at Xavix who introduced their platform with Jackie Chan at the CES 2005. What Nintendo did though is not only picking up this concept but really improving on it. Combining 3D motion with pointing, sound effects and force feedback is a great accomplishment (Sony could not do it). Adding a second device (the Nunchuk) is broading the possibilities of game play even more.

What Wii does not give you is hyper realistic graphics and HD content experience. But I want both as you do - I know you do. Microsoft’s Peter Moore already has the answer for you: Buy an Xbox 360 if you do not have one already and a Nintendo Wii, because both together might cost less (Nintendo Wii price is still unknown) than a Sony PS3 (Via Washington Post).
I say not so quick Mr. Moore. Price is relevant but not that important. Microsoft also says with this statement that they cannot or plan to do what Nintendo offers. Sony tried to jump on the 3D motion controller bandwagon, but nobody is really convinced by their solution.

The Sony PS3 hype clearly suffered from last year. Some of it is normal though, because of the long time that has passed and there are still 6 months until the PS3 will launch.

For me I think the criteria for choosing which console to combine with the Nintendo Wii are:
Games
Games are the reason you buy consoles in the frist place. The line-up of games needs to cater your taste. Every gamer has his favorite genre and of course there are established franchises you keep following. For me gaming is about immersion and fun, for you it might be all just about HALO 3 or Final Fantasy XII.

Content Availability of Blu-ray versus HD DVD
This holiday season the content battle of HD DVD and Blu-ray should go into full swing. It will still though be too early to base the decision on which format to go in November.
If of course Blu-ray disc players come on the market that are cheaper than the Sony PS3, this decision argument becomes less important.

Network Gaming
With the announcement of Xbox Live Anywhere Microsoft just showed the way to a very solid environment for online gameplay with a single gametag across multiple platforms. Such a system is hard to beat.
Sony will have their own online service, but it is not known yet how close it will get to Xbox Live. I do not think anybody believes they will exceed Microsoft’s capabilities.

Fanboyism
Japan is full of Sony Fanboys/girls, the US is full of Xbox Fanboys/girls so there is just no discussion, what they are going to buy. The difference in this console generation is though that Sony Fans and Xbox Fans will also become most likely Nintendo fanboys, at least I will become one.