Since the advent of the first home video game console in 1972, the industry continues to revolutionize interactive entertainment with each successive generation. Today’s consoles feature massive game selections and cutting-edge graphics to attract both young and old gamers.

The multi-billion dollar industry now includes millions of American gamers, as 65 percent of the nation’s households play computer or video games and the U.S. economic sector reported $9.5 billion in sales in 2007, according to the Entertainment Software Assocation.

Although a majority of Americans play video games, some parents and other adults object to game content ? including blood and gore, language and mischievous themes among characters. But with a rating scale ranging most commonly from E (Everyone) to M (Mature), almost anyone can find a suitable game to play.

Claims of the mindless and brain-rotting aspects of video games notwithstanding, some games exist to challenge thinking or improve other cognitive functions. In fact, a study at the University of Rochester found that video games can increase eye vision by 20 percent. First-person action games increase spatial resolution the most ? improving the ability to see small, condensed letters clearly.

In addition to entertainment, the advancements in graphics technology owed to video games allow for actual combat training. When the U.S. Department of Defense sought its next generation of war simulation technology, a trip to the video arcade provided the shooting, flying and fighting programs they needed.

The military’s link to video game technology occurred again in 1997. The Marines, seeking a new training device, adapted a version of Doom. The game requires teamwork and decision-making skills which attracted military attention. The Marines paid a mere $49.95 to purchase Doom II and modify it to suit their needs. However, the game closely resembles the original; the Marines even released a free downloadable copy on the Internet.

The years of research and improvement to the technology of interactive entertainment paved the way for today’s next-generation consoles. Current designers use cutting-edge processes to enhance the gaming experience with never-before-seen realism.

Among the three competing consoles ? Sony’s PlayStation 3 (PS3), Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii ? the PS3 ranks at the top. The PS3 features 930,000 pixels to project its images, compared to the 30,000 of the PlayStation 2. The built-in Blu-Ray Disc player allows the PS3 to exclusively offer its games on Blu-Ray Discs. With the addition of a compatible high definition TV, PS3 games look incredibly realistic. The PS3 also enables owners to watch movies published on Blu-Ray Discs without the need to purchase a separate Blu-Ray Disc player. The PS3 has an assorted choice of games, which include educational, action, shooter, racing and puzzle.

Like many of the most recent video game consoles, the PS3 comes packaged with Internet connectivity. The online feature turns typical Artificial Intelligence (AI) opponents into human adversaries. Users can compete against and play with other players around the world. The online gaming aspect is diverse ? players can plan ambushes with allies through voice communication via headsets as well as network with others to compile a list of friends and track their recent gaming actions. Internet connectivity also allows users to download and install add-ons to the console. These extras include: games, demos for games, themes, wallpapers, videos and information.

The Xbox 360 rivals the PS3. It utilizes 920,000 pixels, which compliments deeper textures in game backgrounds. The 360 also allows users to remove its hard drive completely and replace it to save more game files. The extensive list of Xbox 360 games includes some of the highest-rated games in recent years, such as the Halo series and both Gears of War and Gears of War 2. The 360’s online service, Xbox Live, offers countless downloads for gamers through the Xbox Live Marketplace. The Marketplace includes game expansions and add-ons, game demos, themes, picture packs and actual movies and TV shows. Although the Marketplace is free to anyone with an Internet connection, the matchmaking between players and other additional content require a subscription.

The Nintendo Wii isolates itself from the PS3 and the 360 in terms of interactivity. The console requires players to move around and use a remote as a controller, with the ability to attach a nun-chuck. The optional nun-chuck adds a joystick and two buttons for increased versatility.

Along with the PS3 and 360, the Wii allows players to connect to the Internet and buy games and applications. It also allows owners to download Nintendo games from past consoles, such as the GameCube, and use their corresponding controllers. The most anticipated games for the Wii include Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Galaxy.

While I own all three of the aforementioned consoles, I prefer the PS3 because of its great selection of games ? I never get bored of them. Although many of the PS3 games are available on the 360, the PS3 provides more free services. Unlike the other two, the Wii allows players to break a sweat while having fun, but the games bore me too quickly. Regardless of the manufacturer, each console reveals a world of entertainment possibilities.