PS3 vs. Xbox 360 vs. WII?

A look at the next generation video game console landscape

(CP) - It's been about a month since the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii came on the market and while many consumers have been foiled in their attempts to buy one, it's worth a look at the next generation console landscape now that the Xbox 360 finally has company.

To use a car comparison, in my book the PS3 is a Lexus, the 360 a Ford Mustang and the Wii a VW Beetle.

Like the Lexus, the PS3 has all the bells and whistles. I'm still figuring it all out and I'm pretty sure PlayStation has more tricks up its sleeve. It's a sleek luxury machine with a massive engine, an eye-catching look and a price to match.

The 360 is a Mustang, with slightly fewer luxuries but more than enough muscle under the hood. It looks great, is well engineered if a little noisy, and will get you from A to B with the needle riding high on the enjoyment meter.

The Wii is fun and frothy, a fetching design albeit not nearly as powerful as the other two.

To see how each runs, I tested EA's made-in-Vancouver Need For Speed Carbon, a beautifully rendered car chase game on the PS3, 360 and Wii consoles.

Need for Speed Carbon brings out the best of the PS3. The cutscenes are remarkably slick but the game play is just as glossy - it's as though each car just got a fresh wax job. The 360 is just a tad behind when it comes to looks. The 360 cutscenes match up with the PS3. The game play is slick and sharp, but not quite as shiny as the PS3.

The Wii trails in the graphics department, but does a more than adequate job. And the Nintendo machine scores bonus points by allowing you to steer by moving the controller.

Like the car, the choice of console is a matter of personal taste and budget. And what you need it for. Hardcore gaming, with an online option? Family fun? High-definition DVD watching? Do you need a fully loaded machine?

Bear in mind, the PS3 and 360 are designed for a high-definition TV. If you want to get the most out of both consoles and their games, you'll want to dig into your wallet again if you don't have a hi-def set.