Nintendo Wii vs. Playstation 3

Hardware

• The PlayStation 3 uses the 3.2 GHz, multicore "cell" processor as its main CPU. It has 512 MB of internal memory, divided equally between the system and the graphics engine. The newest version of the PS3, the PS3 Slim, contains a 120 GB internal hard drive. The system can also output video in 1080p--1,080 lines of progressive scan--high definition.

  The Wii uses the 729 MHz "broadway" processor and contains 88 MB of system memory. It has 512 MB of internal flash memory. Gamers must purchase SD or SDHC cards for additional storage. The system can output video in 480p definition. The Wii's less-powerful hardware allowed Nintendo to sell the system at a lower price point, which, in addition to its signature motion controller, distinguished the system from its competitors.

Features

• The Wii's most prominent feature is its motion controller, which allows gamers to control the game with their movements instead of pressing buttons. The PS3's controller contains a simple tilt sensor, but does not have the same range of control as the Wii Remote. The PS3 also contains built-in Bluetooth support and the ability to play DVDs and Blu-Rays. The Wii can play GameCube games, while the PS3 Slim can play PlayStation (but not PlayStation 2) games. Both systems contain WiFi support.

Games

• Many games, such as "Rock Band," "Lego Star Wars" and "Madden NFL," have been released for both systems; however, the Wii versions often contain fewer features and simpler graphics due to the Wii's less-powerful CPU. Games that are exclusive to the PS3 include "Metal Gear Solid IV," "LittleBigPlanet," "Killzone 2" and "Uncharted." Exclusive Wii games include "Wii Sports," "Super Mario Galaxy," "Metroid Prime 3" and "No More Heroes." Generally speaking, Wii games tend to aim for the family-friendly, casual gaming market, while PS3 games cater more to the hardcore gaming audience.

Online

• The PlayStation 3 gives gamers access to the PlayStation network, a free online service that allows them to play online and purchase games and movies to download to their hard drives. The Wii's online service gives gamers access to the Virtual Console, which allows them to purchase and download classic console games, such as "Super Mario Bros." and "Sonic the Hedgehog." In order to compete online, Wii gamers must exchange friend codes, which are 12-digit numbers unique to each console.

Price

• The original premium model PlayStation 3 cost $599.99, which kept sales slow upon its initial release. The Wii's $259.99 price tag allowed Nintendo to position the system as the "value console," since it cost significantly less than the PS3 and the Xbox 360. The price gap between the two systems has narrowed recently, with the PS3 Slim dropping to $299.99.