I posted this over at TCE, and am trying to collect some thoughts and opinions before I go drop some cash. I know you guys are pretty avid gamers ( I think?) so help me out: 2 parts here, as I got some info and made a second post:

Okay, so last night I went to the Casino here in Kansas City, and ended up winning 800 bucks. I wasn't at all planning on it, and now have some extra expendable cash. I haven't told my wife yet -- but I'm gonna buy a next generation system. The problem is, I don't know which one.

First off, when are the release dates? I assume we have a video game nerd or two around here, and I was hoping someone could just give me a ton of info. Release dates, pricing, etc.

Secondly, I want some opinions on which one I should go with. To give you an idea of my needs/wants: I don't like shooters, and really am not all that into action/adventure games anymore. I love sports games, and it is about all I would play. Madden football, primarily, but would love to get into a new golf game (loved the Hot Shots series), and would probably get into the next GTA as well (despite never leaving Compton in the last version). Also, I am very retro. I think I remember hearing that the Wii would work like the popular modded Xbox's people have, in that it works as an emulator for tons of old NES, SNES, N64, etc. backtitles. That is a MAJOR selling point right there for me.

So, anyone that wants to dump some info on me, I would appreciate it. And please give me your thoughts as to which one I should go with. Also, am I going to be able to buy one of these fuckers?

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Okay, I think I'm going with Wii. Anyone want to tell me why this is a good decision, or a shitty one?

I'm a sports/puzzle/fun oriented guy, and I think the new Wiimote will really make those things fun. I also want something that my neice and nephew can get into and enjoy. I think the Wii will be a more kid friendly and family oriented system. Also, the pricetag doesn't hurt. It is the cheaper of the systems, and the games are less expensive as well.

A few questions if anyone knows:

1. The virtual console. I know these will cost money to purchase. But will any of them be free, or on a trial, or anything like that?

2. Can you play virtual console games with the Wiimote? Like, turn it sideways or something and have it act like the old school NES/SNES remote? I just want to know if I'll need another control for the VC, because I plan on using it alot.

3. Memory Cards. Will I need any? Is there a hard drive or what?

4. Can I rip music onto this thing, as I heard people always talking about with the Xbox. I am an avid PS2 guy, and have never really even played an Xbox. So I'm pretty clueless about all this.

5. Taylor thinks I should be able to get one, albeit possibly needing to wait in line on Saturday night. What have the rest of you heard about this, and what kind of time will I need to be somewhere to get one? And where would you recommend going?

The Wii has a good price. You'd probably get to keep half of the money you made and still get a bunch of stuff. I wouldn't get a PS3 though. If you even considered that why not just get a Wii and a 360 for the same price.

Wii.

Yahoo wants to help you decide

Isn't Yahoo like a big advertiser for Yahoo?

Also consider a Gamefly subscription instead of actual games. Only $22 a month for 2 games out at a time and they have a great selection.

I was intially interested in the PS3.. but once the details came out I decided to pass. I'm perfectly happy with my PS2.

Sony's already mentioned that they're expecting a shortage on PS3, so that might move the product out of your consideration. It'll be like the PS2 was in late 2000-- selling on eBay and stuff-- so I wouldn't realistically expect to see one in the stores, avalable to the casual buyer, until February.

It's also rumored to not have 100% backwards compatibility. But, I doubt anyone's really dying to play "Smurf Racer" on their new PS3. (But, pfft... that's MY reason for not buying it!!). Plus, 600 bucks for a video game system?!

Words out that the first PS3's won't have complete backwards compatibility

I've also heard that the PS3 will not have total backwards compatibility......

I just thought I'd mention that people spent two days camped out in front of my Best Buy to get a PS3. This morning I got to work at 6:30 for a meeting, and there are already two tents pitched, waiting for the Wii tomorrow. The fun never ends.

I'm buying me a Wii, but not just immediately. I may wait a bit. My brother is waiting until the black Wii comes out.

I'd love to get a Wii, but it's probably not happening for a bit. I'm definitly not going to get a PS3. The more I think about the PS3, the less I want one.

Seems like there'll be a decent amount of Wii's to go around tomorrow.

Target: 42
Wal-Mart: 53
EB Games/Gamestop: 24
Toys 'R' Us: 84

So in total, that's about 203 Wii units on sale.

Yeah, Nintendo was a lot more prepared for their launch. That hasn't stopped some people from camping out anyway, but it'll probably be worth it to them.

Whoops, I meant to say those were the total units for sale where I live at.

Had a chance to play Excite Truck @ Gamestop, and it was pretty fun from what I tried.. Gamestop had the controller behind their counter so nobody could steal it. So if you wanted to try out the Wii, you had to give them some I.D. until you were done.

Haha, I can't say I blame them. The Wii set up in my store is going to be up either tomorrow or monday, and I'm wondering how we're going to go about with the controllers.