For the last year or so, I’ve asked multiple companies when they thought their next-next-gen systems would be arriving. Everyone seemed to agree this generation will most likely break the mold of the typical 5-year console cycle. Now with Microsoft exec Steve Ballmer dropping word on his company bringing out a "new console" next year, my stomach's getting a little uneasy. Sure, Microsoft as a company is denying it, but Microsoft can keep a secret about as well as TMZ.
Dear console makers: We don’t need new machines yet.
There are a number of things that push the coming of a new generation, the main two being current hardware becoming dated and developers can’t push the hardware any further. The third push comes from companies trying to one-up each other; if one thinks the other is making a new console, the others will follow suit. Last? The consumer is demanding it.
Even though developers have said from the outset they were pushing the limits of each console, the truth of the matter is we still haven’t seen the full potential of any of them. The jump from standard-definition to high-definition has been a long and arduous road for all developers. The proof is in the past two to three years, where every year you see deeper and richer gaming experiences on each platform. Graphical fidelity is still improving, and all three consoles still have plenty of legs – even the Wii. And speaking of the Wii, it’s not until recently where we’re finally seeing developers figuring out how to make a solid Wii game out of the new control scheme.
Let's be honest, there’s still quite a number of things that still need to be addressed on each console. Why release a new console that’s going to be full of new technical catastrophes when the current generation still has problems to be worked out?
If Microsoft wants to release some new Xbox 360 that’s Natal-enabled and a bigger hard drive that doesn’t sound like a freight train when it’s powered on - fine. Sony, a PS3 slim? Okay.
But, we really don’t need anything new yet.
Out of all three console makers, the only company I’d like to see make a new console is Nintendo. If Nintendo added true HD support, digital audio out and backwards compatibility with everything Wii – including all controllers - I’d personally be there on day one. The casual set that Nintendo is currently marketing to wouldn’t care to upgrade, but the hardcore Nintendo fan who wants to see Mario and Zelda in high-definition would be completely appeased. And it would be easier for developers to bring their PS3/360 projects over, as well. Just saying.
Does the consumer really want to drop funds on a new set of consoles yet? I’ll toss that to you, the reader. But I’m guessing probably not, especially considering how much more expensive consoles, games, and accessories were this generation. The thought of another new console at this point makes my wallet cringe.
So much as like sands through the hour glass, let's hope when the clock hits five years we won’t be at the store with a few hundred dollars to get the latest system. Until console manufacturers and developers can maximize and utilize each of the current generations’ consoles to the best of their abilities, we’ll be fine with what we have now.
Word.
B
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JRylan
This man speaks truth.
vismortis
As a Console owner I realy dont want to have to start over howerver i can see MS atleast showing a new console next year ( 5 years after the 360 came out) and making us wait a year giving the 360 6 years. I say this because As a PC gamer if you tried to push a PC with the stats of the 360 I would not take it. I have seen laptops beat it out. The PS3 is aging too the only thing that realy keeps it up to par is the Cell Chip which the PC market still can not beat. Also remember we hard about the 360 and PS3 in 2004 and didnt get them till 05 and 06
ZombiekingX
No, no new systems for awhile. I am however, like most probably are, curious to see what the next gen will look like though.
DBJAY
I'm more than ready for a next-gen. Looking at the example of the PS2, there's no reason that Microsoft or Nintendo for example couldn't be in the market with two consoles. Nintendo also runs the DS and DSi product lines together. Even going through the best looking 360 and PS3 games, plenty of visual flaws and limitations are quite obvious. For example, the sandbox genre (GTA4, Infamous, Protoype, Fuel) shows the limitations of current hardware quite clearly. Imo, what is throwing people off about the age of this gen of hardware is that the prices have remained very high compared to other gens. The Wii still at 249, 360 Pro still at 299, PS3 still at 399. Imo, that is high prices for what is "old" tech at this point.
jhoe45
it wont make it 10 years and you can thannk motion control for that. both sony and ms are going to want to realease new systems with motion control elements by 2012. maybe it will be held off until 2014 but no way will it last until 2016.
Hand_Banana
Please fix the XBOX 360 we don't need a new console just one that works.
Giga
Im fine with current gen I think we should see closer to a 7 or maybe even 10 year span depending on how things run the companies are saying 10 year life spans might as well put new system releases closer to that
RTR
I'm happy with my 360 and Wii just as they are now, but an HD Wii would be sweet. Thanks, Billy.
jhoe45
how did this thread turn into an iphone thread
BogusGnarly
And yes, I read through this article thoroughly and understand the arguments you make, and they're not bad ones, just at odds with your previous article. Here's a quote from this article, in which I replaced words to make my point.
"Let's be honest, there’s still quite a number of things that still need to be addressed on each IPHONE. Why release a new IPHONE that’s going to be full of new technical catastrophes when the current generation still has problems to be worked out?"
See? And it actually makes sense, surprisingly.
BogusGnarly
lol There's nothing wrong with buying a new iPhone, let me scroll up and see if I said that....nope. You're obviously a fan of new techs and devices, so you went and bought the newest and best. There's lots of people like you, myself included. But the entire enveloping idea of this article seems to put you at odds with people...like yourself? In a admittedly sarcastic way, I was asking why you thing it's wrong for people to spend $800 in 5 years on 2 consoles from the same company, when people have spent upwards $1000+ on 3 iPhones in 3 years from the same company, as you did?
agentcooperfbi
Thanks for the comments all :). For the person giving me crap about buying a new iPhone, I also sold the old one for $300.
I'm actually not playing PES which is funny - I was playing the latest FIFA. In retrospect makes me laugh since I've got the Winning Eleven jersey on the back of my chair.
jhoe45
ps3 games
jhoe45
hardware doesnt need to change until developers catch up which will be 2-4 years away. with that said both 360 and sony will try to add on motion control games which will be a failure until they release new systems with motion control already built in. this could speed up new consoles. nintendo will follow suit with a system that offers both motion control and regular contollers. look to 2012 for possible new systems but no later then 2014 putting 360 at a 6-8 year cycle and ps3 at a 5-7 year. games will still be released though to fill out the 10 year commitment but 360 games will be shut down.
achillez77
Word B
Okonoko
@amazingjakeo
Are you serious?
Bookshelf
in these days of downloadable firmware updates, A company can just continue adding features/services as they wish and not have to come out with a whole new console. I think this will be the longest running console generation. For 360 and PS3 at least.
apnance
It seems to me that MS could introduce what is essentially a higher powered 360 that plays games that are all fully downward compatible with the older hardware. Creating these games would essentially be like creating modern PC games where the developers have to accomadate a wide range of system specs. So for instance the newer Xbox might have more graphical effects and maybe a higher resolution, but the games would still scale down for the old Xbox. Since they will likely be targeting the hardest core players, they could also charge an un-subsidized price for the new system and perhaps even make money on the console itself.
This system would have the advantage of one-upping Sony but not alienating the legion of faithful 360 owners by continuing to offer the latest games on the platform.
Rox
Microsoft should be the last one to put out a new system. Someone needs to teach them what "reliability" means.
amazingjakeo
@ Billy I get it that you have your own opinions, but can u stop pressing them on us? Please? These articles really need to stop.
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