It’s amazing to think we’re in our third year of “next generation” console bliss. Three years have passed since the first Xbox 360 shipped, for good or bad, and it’s time to start thinking about the future.
Or is it?
Bobbie Bach, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices president, seems to believe this generation of consoles will expand out further than the typical four-year release cycle. Perhaps because the console developers have invested so much money in defeating each other in the market and making their console “number one” in the eyes of their investors.
Bach does not believe we’re cresting on the current generation, that is for certain, and we’ve yet to hear any hype over a new next-generation console from Microsoft. They were the first to market so, theoretically, they should be the first in the next-generation as well, right?
Their move to be number one was really a strategic attack which has paid out well, leading them above the past domination of Sony and Nintendo before it. However, they are holding strong with the Xbox 360 and there might be cause to sit tight and let this generation playout before bringing in another piece of hardware.
Bach stated that he believes consoles today are competing at different levels than ten years ago. There isn’t one clear winner, there isn’t one dominating console. There will be victors in different areas of the industry; casual consoles, top game sellers, best graphics and others. It’s not about sheer “units sold” it’s more about being profitable and building a community around your hardware, see Xbox Live as a great example.
Next generation will be full of fantastic new features, ways to connect and crazy hardware specifications, no doubt, but… for many of us, it will take years before we forget the pain and suffering we paid shipping our dead Xbox 360’s back to Microsoft for repairs. Would you be willing to buy into their next generation as their first customer?
(Thanks, 1up)
Hey guys. I’m back from commenting retirement forced to do so once again by your grim opinions on my favorite console 🙂
@Vita
The Vita isn’t going anywhere. While I already said that I partially agree with Jordan that there is no constant flow of exclusive games, I still can’t say that this means that there is nothing to play on the Vita. Especially now with the cheaper version and the PS4 Remote Play, people will think again about buying one. Heck, if Jonah is considering getting one… maybe… By the way – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:PlayStation_Vita-only_games sure, there is crapware there but there’s at least a dozen perfectly good, big games.
I also think Borderlands 2 isn’t really a system seller but it’s a well-known title that will make people look at the Vita and I believe that once you play it for a while, you realize how good of a system it really is for on-the-go gaming.
@PSNow
Obviously, people will,in general, not pay a subscription to play PS1 games, but PS3… I bet there are many people who would rather sell their PS3 and get PSNow for PS4 than keep the two consoles. It’s obvious to me that Sony shouldn’t be aiming at the latest releases to be available via PSNow. It’s going to be tough but if they play it right, they might be able to pull it off. I wonder if the games people own digitally will be available via PSNow for free… Also the ones obtained from PS+.
@QOTW
I didn’t really introduce anyone to video gaming. However, I convinced two friends to get a PS+ subscription for their PS3. I guess this counts. I also introduces some friend to board gaming and we meet regularly to play but this is easier since it’s intrinsically a more social activity.
Hey guys,
Don’t have too much to add this time but I’ll answer the QOtW.
I think I can say my wife and I introduced our daughter into Gaming. She loves to play Minecraft, Sims, Fable, and some other web based games.
Great show guys and keep up the good work. I also like it when you have 3 man team going with Paul or Dan.