Just in time for finals, the Sony and Nintendo corporations have unveiled their "next-gen" (next generation) systems. The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is scheduled to be released Nov. 17 after many pushed-back release dates, and the Nintendo Wii will be released on Nov. 19.

According to Sony PlayStation’s Web site (www.us.playstation.com), the PS3 will be available with two different hard drive options a 20GB model for $499 and a 60GB model for $599. The system is powered by a cell processor, features Bluetooth and blu-ray technology, and has optional wi-fi connection.

The Nintendo Wii, according to www.wii.nintendo.com, is slightly scaled down compared to the PS3, but it also costs significantly less at around $250. The Wii comes with a standard bundle of sports games already installed, any Nintendo game from any previous system can be downloaded to the Wii, and the remote control has motion-sensing abilities.

"I think the PS3 has been receiving a lot of public buzz, and I think it’s warranted," said Ashley Wellens, Troy junior. "I think it’s definitely going to be (and is) the most anticipated system that is going to be released, but I think the price is going to turn a lot of people off to it. The Nintendo Wii, which is just as revolutionary, is good in other aspects [and] is about $300 cheaper. I think the PS3 is going to be a good quality system. I just think it’s priced more than it necessarily should be."

The price difference has made the Nintendo Wii slightly more favored on the college scene, as a $600 price tag is a bit of a turn off for some students. Some students see it as a money making venture. As the buzz about these systems has created so much demand and only a limited number will be shipped at first, many people would be willing to get a Wii or PS3 no matter the price.

"I have one PS3 pre-ordered," said Firas Marenkos, Fort Gratiot sophomore. "I plan to get at least two more if I can. People will pay a lot for a PS3 on eBay."

For others, the asking price is just too much.

"The PS3 is a sweet system, but incredibly overpriced," said Justin Willbrandt, Plainwell sophomore. "I’m loyal to Xbox. I spent around $400 on the 360 last year. I’m not going to be spending $600 on a PS3."

As for the impact on students and their finals, that lies within the hands of the students themselves.

"I plan to play around eight hours a day the first week I get my PS3," Marenkos said. "I don’t think it will affect my studies. All you have to do is manage your time. The damn thing could probably take my finals for me, it’s so advanced."

Wellens believes that both systems will catch on with students around the country. It will be up to the students to manage their time.

"I think that depends on the person buying them," Wellens said. "I think people will buy them right when they come out no matter what time they’re released, so that definitely poses a problem in relation to finals and college students. But I think if a student cares enough, they won’t waste all of their time playing video games when studying is much more important."

Wellens also believes the system release is probably motivated more by the anticipation of holiday sales than the idea of ruining college careers.

"I don’t think gaming companies are necessarily thinking about that when they release their systems," Wellens said. "They most likely see a spike in sales around Christmas time which allows for a bigger product purchasing ratio."

However, the price tag could still be a restraint for some students. Many students have decidedly less money at the end of the semester, making the purchase of a new gaming system next to impossible.