Celebritoyz
Wii vs. PS3: Battle of the Consoles

Now that both next gen systems have hit stores, sucking hard-earned cash out of gamer wallets, let's take a look at the very different console launches.
PS3 / Wii
The PS3, with its cell processor and Blu-Ray, was created and marketed for the hardcore gamer. Gamers who flocked to the release of the $600 system were a bit more tenacious than retailers expected; stabbings, shootings, robberies and mini-riots plagued campout lines. Not exactly the welcome Sony expected. Most of those waiting in line were planning to sell the system on eBay for a quick buck; some sold as high as $2500, they're now selling for more reasonable $1200 on the auction site. Still a tidy profit (if you don't mind standing in the rain for three days).

Conversely, the Wii launch was a well-oiled machine. Most who waited in lines were guaranteed a Wii for $250, with chances of bodily harm remaining slim. A virtual love fest. In order to choose console recipients, raffle tickets were handed out to people in line, instead of the lunatic PS3 race for chairs that caused one gamer to receive a dislocated jaw -- the guy hung in there and got a PS3. Seriously dude, that's hardcore.

An unscientific poll of gamers (friends) and non-gamers (the rest of the TMZ staff) has the Wii on top, citing the wireless remote and lower cost as main factors.

Tags: console, ebay, lines, nintendo, playstation 3, Playstation3, ps3, riot, riots, roundup, shortage, shoting, sony, stabbing, system, video game, video games, VideoGame, VideoGames, wii

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Reader Comments

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1. Nerds rejoice. Even more ways to avoid getting to second base with a real live girl.

Posted at 7:08PM on Nov 20th 2006 by Mitch McCoy

2. I spent about 8 hours in line for a Wii Saturday night. I could have spent considerably less than that, (3 hours would have sufficed), and still gotten a system. The people in the Wii line were all very considerate, saving spots when others had to run errands, offering food/drinks, etc. Of note, the man at the head of the line, who was evidently paid to hold someone else's spot, began seizing and foaming at the mouth at around 2 a.m. The people in line called 911 and he was taken to hospital. I am told that his spot was held until the person who paid him arrived to get his voucher when the store handed them out later that morning. I was very impressed in their overall humanity. Nintendo gamers rule. PS3 gamers drool.

Posted at 2:06PM on Nov 25th 2006 by wittbelle

3. please do not let the actions of those lunatics in ps3 lines represent ps3 gamers. most of them just wanted to make a quick buck and sold their ps3.i am a long time sony gamer and i was apaulled by the way many stores and many customers handled the release of such an awesome system.in the end sony will rule.

Posted at 9:03PM on Nov 20th 2006 by brian johnson

4. Not surprised, considering that most of the PS3 gamers will be using the much needed consoles to trigger their "gestation periods" of nerdiness morphism.

Posted at 9:32AM on Nov 25th 2006 by David

5. zelda + wii = duh... no contest.

Posted at 11:02PM on Nov 25th 2006 by kingtucker

6. I couldn't have gotten in-line for the Wii rush for the holidays, so I have to wait another month or two to get a Wii that those maniacs have already taken out of the cheapest stores.

AAARRRGGGHH! THE PS3 IS JUST TOO EXPENSIVE!!! Why bother buying a PS3 for $600 when you can have even more fun with a family-friendly Wii?

THE Wii RULES EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 10:47AM on Jan 1st 2007 by Matthew