So how will Nintendo and Sony do with this? Let's see what the big N does to keep a fad in the public's eyes this year. A new "revolutionary" and "mature" peripheral, or a new system. Well, I mean besides DSi. And Sony... I hope they AT LEAST don't release PS4 earlier than they have their last 3 systems (6 years) but, when they do, I hope it's fully BC with all previous systems (including PSP) and that they NEVER make the mistake of gimping their system like that again. *hugs his 60 gig PS3*

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Well the PS2 still is/was going strong. So last generation could have kept going for another year or two.

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Microsoft will not upgrade till they can bring in the 3rd system with as little blood shed per unit as possible. Look for it to be highly stable, if any thing, the high amount of Q&A they put it though to bump up costs on the unit. There will be no RROD next gen, just like we don't have PS3's with DRE's.

Nintendo will likely upgrade at the same time Microsoft does. Look for complete GameCube and Wii BC and a match on the current PS3 specs, with more memory and a hard drive.

But in the end, it will come down to the games. Sony and Nintendo will have the strongest first party efforts, but Nintendo's will keep the trend of low development costs = sky high returns, where it will take Sony likely one more gen before it's first party studios are able to tone down their development costs.

Microsoft with it's current massive third party love and shift away from first party development will lock in strong third party development at all costs. They will stick with the trend of funding game development at various third party studios and locking in 360 only DLC, till the point where they become THE system for third party games. After they have strong third party support, look for them to finally enter the handheld field with the most unfriendly system towards homebrew ever, thus losing them support with some of the more hardcore, but gaining them developer support as they don't run the risk of a PSP like attachment rate.

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With that said, I think Bach is serious about this. Not really because what he said holds water (which it does) but more on they want to continue their "dominance" and of course make a pretty profit while at it.

Bit of a moot point really. As soon as Sony releases info or the system itself to the masses then expect MS to do the same. Or the other way around.

I would want this console gen to last longer to be honest. If not for the simple,selfish fact that I want to be able to buy all three and play all three systems' exclusives.

Oh and this thread will most probably be littered with typical RRoD jokes,fanboy ps3 vs 360 drivel...Yes I called it folks! It's like being the smartest one in summer school!

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Granted, if the "WiiHD" looks like "true current gen", I would see no reason as to why I would upgrade, either.

So far, sound move.

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I would have agreed with that until this generation, but at this point, with the technology we have implemented, I think the largest innovations in gaming will be in 'how' the games are played. Additionally, software innovations and what is considered a 'game' could be altered significantly. I don't believe change will be based upon the actual console hardware changing.

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The PS2 continues to get wonderful games, even though it's lived for ages. I think the 360 and the PS3 deserve a ten-year cycle, so they can be fully explored and so all kinds of games may be played in them to their full extent. Can you imagine how evolved stuff like Home might be in five years?

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