PS3: $399.99 Wii: $249.99 Realizing that you just bought the worlds most expensive mini game player: Priceless. for everything else, there's ACTUAL VIDEO GAMES THAT YOU WANT TO PLAY!

When I first entered the newest chapter in "The Console Wars" I was pretty sure that the Playstation 3 would continue right on trucking as it's older siblings had done, and Nintendo would get regain it's dignity it simply handed over to Sony with it's last two console outings.

Sony's PS2 was as common as a PC or a DVD player (which Sony also had a hand in pushing into the main stream) after several years on the market. So, when Sony had announced the arrival of the PS3 fans and gamers rejoiced in what was sure to be a continuance of their gaming mecca. And at first it appeared that it might be a done deal. Gamers flocked to retail outlets nation wide to be one of the lucky first to snag Sony's newest baby.

Media coverage for the systems launch was everywhere you turned. From mainstream press and internet, right down to local hometown media coverage local hobby shops. There were even reports of people being shot for the right to play their favorite console. Everything seemed right as rain for Sony and their beloved faithful. And with their earlier announcement and showing of Motorstorm, Lair, and Killzone Sony had their fans begging for their system and games to release. And they wanted them released right now.

So, here we are a little over a year later and two of the three games mentioned have released, and fans overall have been treated to less than stellar titles. Lair and Motorstorm have been released and pale greatly in comparison to the demoed video's shown at the system announcement. However, as is the norm for a new system these title's have the benefit of being launch window titles and as such are not going to be the greatest example of what a system is capable of no matter how much hype is behind them.

The Wii is on the other end of the spectrum. Outside of the unique interface, the system itself is grossly underpowered when considering the fact that this generation of systems is supposed to be about power and the ultimate in player/game interaction. Not to mention the fact that the Wii has proven itself as a dumping ground for any and everything developers can come up with. In my estimation for every fifty games on the Wii, forty of them are mini-games or just the most random garbage you can thin of.

With that in mind, it brings another question to mind. If it's not the system and games themselves that are keeping the system down, then what is it? What could possibly be pulling the Wii so far ahead of all other challengers, that it is forcing them to fore go the fact that the system is a testing bed for developers to try out something just a little different that more than likely wouldn't fly on the PS3?

I'll just say it. rather than spewing some clever catch line or witty observation I will just say what it is. Money. The all mighty dollar. Greenbacks. Dinero. Clamshells (CSP ;) ). This isn't a great revelation. I'm not making this statement as if you haven't thought this yourself, but it is a simple truth.

I am a father of three children. and as such I have to see things from a different light than others who have their money free from the constraints of providing for the welfare of others around them. So, when I go to my local games retailer after my kids say "Dad, we want a sweet new video game for christmas!", that means I have to go to the store and "shop around". I have to bargain hunt. I have to take a look at everything available to me and say "Gee, what should I do? Should I spend $400 and $500 for a new system or should I spend $250?" After making that statement, it's a no brainer. It's a system that's half the price of the PS3 and it comes with a disc full of games. Why wouldn't I buy a Wii over the PS3?

To put it in another light: It's a freaking Playstation 3! Sony has dominated the market since the mid 90's! There isn't a legitimate reason anyone can come up with as to why it still isn't holding true today. So, it has to be money. If I make the money in my household, and my three small children ask me for a new gaming system, of course I'm going to look for the best bang for my buck. Keep in mind that by small children I mean all under ten years of age.

Is that it then? Is this what it takes to come out from the "Shadow of the Colossus"? By jumping right into the middle of the battlefield and saying "I'M CHEAP"? In my eyes it is, because there is no other reason as to why the PS3 isn't mopping the floor of Nintendo's entrails and finally putting them out of their misery.

On a final note, good job Nintendo. So far so good. Let's just hope that nobody notices that you no longer put the Official Nintendo seal of quality on your games anymore. Chin up PS3 lover's, the times they are a changing. Oh, by the way. My youngest is playing a Wii game right now.