Nintendo has released its next-generation video game console, the Wii U, while Microsoft and Sony are speculated to unveil their revamped versions of their Xbox and PS3, respectively, soon. The introduction of all three popular gaming consoles will pose a question in the mind of gamers whether to buy the Wii U, or wait for the Xbox and the PlayStation 4 (PS4).

Nintendo revolutionized gaming world with the launch of Wii, but then the Xbox and the PS3 moved ahead in popularity and market share. With the Wii U, Nintendo will hope that tide will turn in its favor.

Nintendo brings additional processing power and graphics to the Wii U that would be able to drive more immersive games. With the introduction of the gamepad in the Wii U, Nintendo intends to provide users with two screens, one on the external display like a television and another on the gamepad itself. The gamepad gives an enhanced experience, which feels as if a gamer is playing on the 3DS as well as on a big external display.

The basic version of the console has a price tag of $299, 8GB of storage, a charger, and Gamepad, and all the additional cables. For an extra $100 a buyer gets 32GB of storage, a charging stand, Nintendo land, and all additional cables.

The Wii U is made of IBM Power-based multi-core microprocessor, AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU, and storage of up to 32GB. The Wii U also supports SD memory cards of up to 2GB and SDHC Cards of up to 32GB.

"PS4 will include the AMD Radeon HD 7670 video system, based on Turks XT architecture, featuring a 128-bit Bus and GDDR5 1GB of GDDR5 video memory. Each unit will come equipped with either 8GB or 16GB of system RAM, as well as Blu-ray and 256GB hard drives. Sony's goal, say the anonymous sources, is to run games at 60 frames per second and 1080p resolution," reported Complex.com

Microsoft is also expected to launch its Xbox 720 in 2013 and rumors indicate that the console will have a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM. Of all the popular game consoles, the Wii U is the first to arrive and the Xbox 720 and PS4 are expected to make their appearance soon.

A million dollar question that piques the mind is whether one should buy the Wii U now, or wait for Xbox 720 and PS4. Considering not too many feature details of the forthcoming Sony and Microsoft consoles are known, it ultimately boils down to user preference and pricing. Fans who have waited six years for Nintendo to launch a successor to the Wii would be eagerly waiting to lay their hands on the new Wii U. What will you buy?