There are three sites that claim to estimate the total worldwide sales of the three next generation gaming consoles. These sites are:

- nexgenwars.com
- vgchartz.com
- consolecount.com

Their numbers are pretty close on the PS3 but vary greatly on the Xbox 360:

nexgenwars

- Xbox 360 - 11,236,789
- PS3 - 3,514,858
- Wii - 8,298,532

vgchartz

- Xbox 360 - 10,070,000
- PS3 - 3,570,000
- Wii - 8,610,000

consoleccount

- Xbox 360 - 11,125, 076
- PS3 - 3,820,154
- Wii - 7,919,773

Which site do you think is the most accurate?

Console Wars are a funny thing. Some folks really get heated when discussing their gaming hardware and platform exclusive titles. With the recent release of the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, there has been a large flare-up in activity and discussion. Why even MSNBC now has a section dedicated to Console Wars.

Here at GameSpot, there is an entire forum named System Wars dedicated to the fanboys. Apparently, there are even nicknames for each type of fanboy:

- Cows = Sony Fanboys
- Sheep = Nintendo Fanboys
- Lemmings = Microsoft Fanboys
- Hermit = PC Fanboys
- Manticore = All of the above

Although, from what I understand, that type of talk is only understood in that particular forum. GameSpot also knowingly adds fuel to the fire with articles like this one: Xbox 360 Versus PlayStation 3: Graphics Comparison.

There's also a website named NextGenWars.com which shows you the current (estimated) sales of each console. Here are the current statistics:

Anyway, this stuff is fun to debate -- especially since each company (Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo) has taken a distinct business approach this generation.

- Microsoft wants to put out great hardware with the best online experience (Xbox Live).

- Sony wants to put out the best hardware with the best features of their rivals (online network and controller motion sensitivity)

- Nintendo wants the lowest price point with a unique game controller (Wii-mote) and play method.

It will be interesting to see how these companies and consoles fare in the next few years.

Okay, I've had Gears of War since it was released on November 7th, and I can honestly say it is without a doubt one of the best "next generation" gaming experiences I've had on my Xbox 360 thus far. From graphics to gameplay to music, this really is an absorbing and intriguing game. I was expecting something different from Epic but they have really exceeded my expectations with this unique shooter.

Now, as you can tell from my games list, I have been a gaming fan for a very long time (circa 1980). I've owned consoles from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft and for a long time really stood off to the sidelines in the console wars. I certainly have my favorites but I never took part in the "bashing" that typically goes on daily around here. That said, I've piped up a bit more lately ... mostly due to the arrogance of Sony. After selling 100,000 million PS2 units, Ken Kutaragi and Kaz Hirai figure they can do no wrong. However, Epic Games feels a little differently. Check out these two quotes:

Kaz Hirai (President of Sony Computer Entertainment America): "The next generation doesn't start until we say it does." (referring to the launch of the PS3)

Mark Rein (President of Epic Games): "Sony says the next generation starts when they say so. I say, that’s bullsh*t! Gears of War is the first second-generation game for Xbox 360 and it looks very fine. You will never see launch titles that look this good."

Ouch! That's pretty harsh. Now, if you're a Sony-lover and think Mark is not impartial, consider this:

- Epic Games develops games for multiple platforms (PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360)

- Sony has licensed Epic's Unreal 3 engine for inclusion in their development kits.

- Epic's Unreal Tournament 2007 is planned as a console exclusive for the PS3 (although it will also be available on the PC)

I think Mark is just being brutally honest about a clearly idiotic and arrogant statement from Sony. The Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii all offer next generation gaming experiences. Just because you're in a heated competition doesn't mean you need to be an a**hole, Kaz.

What do you guys think?

Since the launch of the Xbox 360, I've been very pleased with the available games. I find it typically takes a year or so for the "really" good games to come out for any platform. However, Dead or Alive 4, Project Gotham 3, Kameo and Oblivion have all been very satisfying experiences. Also, Xbox Live Marketplace has been unexpectedly cool. I downloaded Bejeweled 2 and got my wife, who normally doesn't play any video games, hooked immediately. With continued support from the major game developers, this console should have a very long life.