Last week, two new video-game consoles came out to much buzz — and hand-wringing — when games ran out before gamers got their hands on them: Sony's ultra-coveted, ultra-scarce PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's less sexy but more available Wii.

Thanks to a much-publicized production snafu, Sony was only able to roll out about 400,000 of its new consoles during the initial launch on Friday. While scarcity may have contributed to the PlayStation 3's aura of desirability, it may also lead to strong sales for Nintendo's Wii this Christmas season.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox 360, the sensation of last year's holiday cycle, remains an option for gamers looking for quality games, good graphics and online play.

Wii may have been overshadowed by the PS3 launch, but that didn't stop fans from rushing stores to get one as soon as it went on sale. People lined up a day early at Circuit City for a shot at 31 Wii consoles, while the Ke'eaumoku Wal-Mart got 60 Wii consoles, and sold them all in less than an hour after they went on sale at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.

"I saved up for a PS3 but I couldn't get one," said Jason Jong, 18, of Mo'ili'ili. "The Wii is different but it's still cool and it's, like, half the cost. I may not even get a PS3 now if this one works out good."

At Toys n' Joys, which sold out of their more than 70 Wiis Sunday morning, assistant manager Keoni Dunn said the shortage of PS3 consoles could be good for Nintendo.

"PS3 is more popular and there's more demand for it," he said. "But it's hard to buy games if you don't have the console. It might end up working out for Nintendo."

GAMERS' REACTION

Retailing for $500 to $600, the PS3 is considered the more technologically advanced system, with top-of-the-line graphics, massive memory capacity and other goodies.

Evan Parker, 21, of Kailua, who camped out for a day and a half at Wal-Mart to get a PS3, which he gave to his brother, Robert, as an early Christmas gift. He said the graphics were as good as advertised when he played "Resistance: Fall of Man"; he also enjoys the wireless controls.

Brad Kouke, 23, of Kailua, was with Parker for those long 36 hours at Wal-Mart, but he's not sure if it was worth the wait.

"(The PS3) is a long-term investment if I were to keep it, but I'm actually seriously considering selling it after all," he said.

Kouke said he finds the console "mostly of value as a media hub for photos, video, music, etc." He enjoys playing "Resistance," but without a high-definition TV, he can't fully appreciate the increased image clarity — and he finds that "one of its two best functions is already served better by my PC.

The Wii ($250), while essentially conceding the graphic-quality battle, has attracted attention for its motion-sensor controllers.

The company is banking that the lower cost of the console will make up for the lack of extras.

Nintendo also released the new video game "Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" in conjunction with the Wii launch. The game sold out at Wal-Mart the same night the Wii was released.

"If and when I sell, I'll definitely pick up (a Wii) for "Zelda" and the virtual console feature," Kouke said.

With the two new consoles and last year's Xbox 360 competing for sales, deciding on the right console this Christmas can be difficult.

Jim Shackleford, 22, of Kailua was second in line at Wal-Mart when the PS3s went on sale. But he's also a devotee of the Nintendo line, with an original Super Nintendo, an Xbox (borrowed) and a Xbox 360 at home.

For Shackleford, access to the best games are a big factor. A fan of zombie-themed games, Shackleford uses his Xbox 360 to play "Dead Rising."

WANT ONE?

If you're looking to pick up a PS3 or Wii at a retail outlet right now, you're out of luck. Additional shipments are expected before Christmas, but local retailers haven't been told exactly when and how many will come in.

Consoles are up for bid or sale on eBay, Craigslist and in the classifieds. But the price could be steep. Online, PS3s have been selling for as much as $4,000 (about half of the maximum asking price on eBay). Wiis are going for $500 to $2,000.

For those willing to wait, the best bet is to stay in regular contact with your favorite electronics or gaming store. It may be possible to get on a reserve list, but keep in mind that there are hundreds of rainchecks still pending from the initial PS3 sale.

Need to play now? Most electronics stores still have ample supplies of Xbox 360, which retail for about $400 each.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.