After a five-year wait, Sony is dazzling the gaming community again with its new Playstation 3 (PS3).

The PS3 is the most technologically advanced gaming console to date. It features a cell processor, which is a first in computing history. A cell processor is a very powerful computer chip that is specifically designed for gaming. Its graphics card is a Nvidia G70, one of the most powerful graphics processors ever made, it supports HDTV resolutions up to 1080p, and can run most games at very high graphics settings with minimal frame rate lag. The PS3’s most unique feature however is it’s Blu-Ray disc drive, which can read any Blu-Ray disc as well as DVDs and Cds. Although Blu-Ray is still developing, it can support up to 50 gigabytes of data, which is equivalent to 13 full length movies. The Blu-Ray doesn’t actually put 13 on a disc, but instead uses its space to put more advanced graphics and physics, pushing the bounds of what console games can do. However, at this point, the PS3 splits into two different packages. One package includes a 20 gigabyte hard drive without wireless Internet built in, the other has a 60 gigabyte hard drive with built- in wireless Internet, and the ability to read data from memory sticks, so you can upload your favorite photos to your PS3 and watch them on the TV. The 20 gigabyte version costs $499 while the 60 gigabyte version costs $599. Although this may seem like a steep price to pay, it is actually a very good deal, considering that a Blu-Ray player alone starts at around $700, and the PS3 can play all your old games on your Playstation 2, and even the Playstation 1.

The game selection is also very reasonable, ranging from the critically acclaimed “Resistance: Fall of Man,” a game where instead of World War 2, aliens invade the Earth, to all of the staple sports games like “Madden 07,” and “NBA 07”. All of these games make full use of the new “SIXAXIS” controller, which has built in gyroscopes, so if you turn your controller to the right, your character will turn right as well. In NBA 07, you can perform moves such as crossovers and spin moves by moving your controller a certain way. Overall, the PS3 is a solid system, and if you have the cash, is worth every penny.

—Alex Rasgon

When it comes to engineering creative ways to game, Nintendo is the first company to come to mind. With the release of the Wii (pronounced ‘we’), Nintendo has once again breached gaming borders. The Wii features wireless Bluetooth remotes (Wiimotes), which can detect motion and rotation in three axes, and WiiConnect24, which allows the Wii to stay connected to the Internet and receive updates and messages even while the console is off. But why the Wii? Why not the PlayStation 3 or Xbox360? Not only is the Wii only a measly $250 (compared to the $500+ PS3 and $300 Xbox360), but also features a brand new way to play.

To prove just how revolutionary the Wii is, Nintendo packaged Wii Sports with the system, a collection of five sports games to demonstrate the Wii’s capabilities. In all the sports games (tennis, golf, bowling, boxing and baseball), the Wiimote is used to detect the motions made while playing the sport in real life. For example, players use the Wiimote as a tennis racket and swing to hit the ball in tennis. While it is fun to play solo, greater joy can be derived from playing with friends. After all, the Wii was named so that it would symbolize “we,” as in people playing together. Even parents and people out of touch with technology can play due to the simple controls.

Although the Wiimote is a novelty, it can be a bit of a hassle. The sensor inside the Wiimote is sometimes too sensitive and detects the slightest movements, causing you to swing too early in baseball, but can also be too dull and not detect the small putting motion when the golf ball is really close to the hole. The controls take a while to get accustomed to, but once the initial testing phase is past, playing the Wii is almost a second nature.

With an innovative way to play, low price tag and mom’s approval, the Wii is a prime choice for a holiday treat for the family and friends or for yourself (you’ll end up sharing it with the family and friends anyway). Still not convinced? You can look forward to Super Smash Brothers Brawl coming out exclusively for the Wii next year.

—Julius Tarng