The first to drop the bomb was Microsoft with the presenting of Xbox 360. But that was just the beginning, the competition will be even more interesting when Sony and Nintendo launch their new consoles.

PlayStation 3 will be presented today, during a precursory event to E3 (Electronic Entertainment Exposition), the launching being announced since last year's July. Although this console won't be commercialized until the autumn of 2006, the performances and components announced for this model have aroused the fans' curiosity from all around the world.

The main attraction is the Cell processor, with performances 10 times better than the competition's. Another highly expected feature is the compatibility with the DVD high-definition format, which will be a treat for the race and sporting events simulators.

Nintendo is the other player on the console market to launch a new generation of products during E3. Nintendo Revolution will include gyroscope type devices for more realistic movement and better control. Similar to Xbox, the console will be online connectable and will allow competitions between players spread across the globe.

However, the main battle will be fought between Microsoft and Sony, and the last competition was indisputably won by the Japanese producer which sold 87.5 million PS2, compared to Xbox's 20 million. Nintendo's GameCube is on third place with 18 million sold units.

If Xbox caused Microsoft heavy losses, experts estimate the early launching of Xbox 360 will narrow the difference between the two companies, but not enough to dethrone Sony.