It takes a certain kind of dedication to brave freezing weather and long lines to get a chance at buying one of the next-generation video game consoles. Although some people doing it want to actually play the system, others are looking at it entrepreneurially.

Nov. 17 and 19 marked the release dates of the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, rounding out the last entries for the new console war that also includes Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

“I’ve been waiting for this night for a long time,” said Scott Thompson, Ames resident. “I’m in line for a Wii right now mostly because I can’t wait to get my hands on the new control setup – and basically because I love Nintendo.”

The Wii, pronounced “we,” separates itself from the competition by introducing a new control scheme that relies on hand motion, but in doing so, Nintendo sidestepped cutting-edge graphics. This allows players an innovative way to experience all different types of games, swinging one’s hand to control a sword on screen or driving a car by twisting the controller. The PS3, on the other hand, is relying more on processing power and advanced graphics to win over gamers. Apart from the gaming eye-candy, the PS3 also doubles as a Blu-Ray disc player.

Avid gamers and businessmen alike lined up outside of retail stores last weekend anticipating the release of the two new video game consoles. Although gamers like Thompson were waiting in line simply to get to play the new software, there were others waiting to turn a quick buck on online marketplaces such as eBay and Craigslist.

Prices for the PS3 were more than $2,000 on the days prior to the launch date, more than three times the $600 retail price, with the Wii reaching more than $700, triple the $250 retail price. The inflated prices stemmed from limited quantities and the very high demand.

“It was pretty easy to figure out that the Wii and PS3 are going to be the hot sellers this holiday season. That’s why I have a PS3 selling on eBay right now and I’m in line to get the Wii tonight,” said Greg Strunk, Ames resident. “I’m hoping to make at least a couple grand in profit this week.”

Strunk said he first began preordering the new systems more than a month ago, but because of the already long lists, he decided that waiting in line was the only guarantee to get a system on launch day.

Businessmen such as Strunk were common across America, even prompting eBay to enact a restriction to how many systems one seller could offer prior to launch day.

“There were people selling their PS3 and Wii preorders online even a week ahead of time, but to me, waiting in line and then selling them on the different launch days seemed like the best option,” Strunk said.

Although some people may be making plenty of money off of each PS3 sold, Sony itself is taking a drastic hit. According to iSuppli, a research firm that independently analyzed component costs for the PS3, Sony will lose $241.35 on every PlayStation 3 game console it sells at $599, and $306.85 on entry-priced models at $499.

Those losing sleep and waiting in the cold, however, are hardly concerned with Sony’s bottom line.

“This only comes around every three or four years, it would seem dumb not to take advantage of it,” Strunk said.