The Next Generation

[rkotm]

Im not too sure the absolute definition of this topic, but i do know i want to discuss the possibilities of the next video game generation hardware. This generation feels like the last one except part 2, and not a wholly new experience like SNES-N64/PSX was.. Maybe i'm old school but i think it's time for a whole new change in how games are played, and i don't mean 3D, although that is a big subject in the industry for the future whether players like it or not. I'd really like a rebirth in all genres, instead of God Of War/Sandbox clones (which arent bad but we've been playing the same genres for years since their inception in the early to mid 00's), which the market is flooded with (plus FPS). UNLESS these genres can be revamped in some major way, it'll be more of the same with shinier coats of paint i mean. Anyways, heres some predictions/maybes of what could be in the next 5 years when these systems are released (i'd say a 2013-2014 window release)

Nintendo:Theyre on a roll since the DS, with the Wii and now the 3Ds, and i know they wont disappoint in the creative way of playing category. I'm sure the system will have an odd name that we'll have to live with, with a definite use of 3D in the involvement of the development stages, as well as a new style controller much like the wand. Or, a revamped wand or, if its not too soon, sensors that let your brain play based on your eye movements or brain waves. Im sure it'll be revolutionary once again, and if they learn from what the Wii didnt do (felt like a gimmick sorta after a while with motion controls) as in less shovel ware and more approved projects from Nintendo themselves (as in, more say on if a games released..

i remember when N64 was coming out, Nintendo was saying they were going more hands on with quality over quantity and making sure the product was worthy of the 64 system..) Then again, Nintendo doesnt like to listen to anyone but Nintendo, so we may see more of the same. A definite upgrade in visuals and HD support of course, and a much more useful and likeable online interface (its 2011!) with voice chat support on most if not all online games. I dont think the online Virtual Console store will be back though, seeing as how Nintendo treated it this generation, with titles petering out only 3 years in..maybe an import of your Wii catalogue wiiware/game purchases, and the store still there but nothing new..of course i suspect they'll try and integrate the 3DS in some way, just like theyve been saying with Consoles and Handhelds going hand in hand, which barely ever happened.

Sony:With mistakes made, theres a chance to have another go and learn from them. It's hard to say if the PS3 will have a 3.5, seeing as how it'd be expensive to go the new format war again, and with the economy still reeling i dont see another system for a long while, especially with the gears slowly moving in favor of their wand support, soon with more game support, but overall its secondary to controller based created games. The PS4, if its named that, may not look overall better than say Crysis 2 on PC, but thats not a bad thing. I see 3D being a huge impact on the creation of their next console, with different levels of 3D being adjusted for your experience.
Im sure the controller will be the DualShock 4, with maybe a small redesign, much like the PS3's trigger buttons and home button addition. We'll probably see more downloadable only games, but not singling out Disc purchases (Game stop needs money too!)as not everyone has DSL support. Could you imagine downloading a 56+ gig game on a 1.5 dsl/cable mb line? It'd take a while. Downloadable content like Red Dead did will be more common, like Half Life 2's orange box additons, it'll be the norm for a game to come out and an almost full sequel will be available for download for $10. Also possibly controller wise imagine a wiimote with Dualshock (with all the buttons of course) handles and those rubber noses at the end, making it like a wand AND a controller depending on how you hold it, with a port at the bottom for a wireless nunchuck, sort of integrating two controllers in one, without the messy motion controls from the DS3. Also until the 3D tv market expands slowly Sony and or any company will gauge when 3D is necessary, but i see 3D being top priority in the gameplay experience, after a cue from Nintendo first of course.


Microsoft:
Red ring of death for the new MS systems i dont see being an issue, or any related power problems. A kinect-type device will be included with the hardware, and a modified version of the controller will be standard, after all its not too old of a controller, it'd be their third iteration of it since the Controller S. It'll probably look like a more advanced PC-looking graphical capability with most of what Sony's going to do graphically. To be honest im not sure what kind of things they might do, all i can think of is upgrades of everything the 360 did, with 3D support too of course. The Kinect type add on should fix the 6 ft away and brightly lit room issues for more ease of use, although the content of the games is still complete speculation (as is most anything ive written) and remains to be seen what the Kinect will do for MS in the coming years (a Gears of War 3 type experience with toy guns hiding behind your couch would be niiice).

Apple:
I'd think they may step in the game and introduce a console, but thats highly unlikely with their focus on touchpads and Iphones and Ipods. But why not conquer all of Rome??
And yes, PSp2 should come out, unless its a phone hybrid, where games are download only..

Im sorry for any contradictions, length, and probably useless speculation, but thanks for reading anyway. My opinions could change anyday and dont reflect how i always feel. As for video game music, come on! Please get better (although SMGalaxy 1 and 2 had nice soundtracks).

[Clownzilla]

Samsung:

I think we will see Samsung enter the market in the next 5-10 years. They have been growing at a breakneck pace and to be honest everything Sony that I have purchased in the last decade has been sub-par (except my CRT TV I purchased in 2001 and still working great after heave use). Everything Samsung I have purchased within the same time frame has worked perfectly and had a lower price point. Speaking in the terms of an entire company, I think Samsung is the biggest competitor/threat to Sony. Samsung would LOVE to take Sony into the ring with the gaming market.

Sony:

I think Sony will learn from their mistakes and go back to the basics. With a higher price point, complex development suite (due to lack of programmer training), and taking away the highly popular (atleast in consumer perception) promised PS2 support Sony has taken their "king of the hill" status and threw it in the trash. You will see them concentrate less on an all-purpose entertainment machine and go back to making a video game system.

Microsoft:

Even with the disaster of the RROD Microsoft is on fire and does not want to lose that. Microsoft owns your virtual soul with their avatars and they won't let that go to waste. I would expect them to continue with the Xbox Live model (duh!) but continue to develop more of an avatar centric experience. I wouldn't be suprised to eventaully see them require developers to put avatars in all their games in some way.

Nintendo:

I expect to see them whip something out crazy after the Wii HD. I seriously think that some form of VR will be atleast a feature in their future system (post Wii HD). Now, it won't be like the Matrix or anything but I would think that putting on a VR helmet and playing a Mario 64 caliber game would be well within the realm of possibility. Sure, the graphics couldn't be up to the current standard but nobody will really care....... IT'S VR!!!!!!!

[Swamperon]

Hmmm, my predictions for the next generation:

General:

- They will all be marketed as family friendly devices for everyone and every type of gamer.

- All consoles will incorporate motion control to some degree, but it's exact form will vary between systems.

- Sony & Microsoft will have all their games available to download as well as major releases hitting retail. Nintendo will not.

- 3D will be an optional feature for most games.

- Headtracking may finally be implemented as a console feature.

- All consoles will come with some form of free packed-in launch game. Nintendo's Wii Sports 2 will still be considered the best.

Sony:

Learning from their mistakes, the PS4 (it won't be called that however) will be released as a cheaper, streamlined console that will be marginally more powerful than the PS3. It will be BC with the PS3 only. They will keep their standard controller design. It will be able to play Blu Ray/DVDs. Trophies will be a required feature of all games.

Microsoft:

Hoping to build off the success of the Kinect, they will launch a similar, more advanced device which will be included with all 720's, essentially 'splitting' the console into two parts. Voice control will be a standard alternative control method. It will be on par with the PS4, although Microsoft will claim it is the more powerful. Greater connectivity with Windows will be implemented. They will continue to have what is deemed the best online set-up. XBLA will offer Xbox/XB 360 titles for sale.

Nintendo:

The first to start the 8th generation, probably sometime in 2012. A more advanced version of MotionPlus will be standard and an evolution of the Wiimote design will be used. The wireless sensor will also be developed into devices similar, though not as advanced, to the Kinect/Eye-toy. The vitality sensor will be launched as well as a new balance board. They will use a slightly redesigned channel interface. FCs will still be used, but will be more user-friendly. GameCube, Dreamcast and possibly Saturn will be added to the VC. Memory size will still be smaller than the other consoles. Wii BC will added but GC BC will be dropped.

Handheld:

Nintendo:

The 3D will, after a slow summer, dominate sales and go on to sell more than the DS in its lifetime. After a year Nintendo will release the 3DS lite, followed by a third, less popular revision 2 years after that. Media controversy will surround the 3D and the 'damage' it does to children. They will continue to dominate the handheld market.

Sony:

The PSP2, whilst an initial strong seller will see its support dwindle, selling slightly less than the PSP. Dismayed by this, Sony will incorporate aspects of the PSP2 into its future phone models, advertising an all-in one device. All future games will be download only after this, effectively leaving the handheld market.

Apple:

After slowly building up support, within the next 5 years they will release a device more focused towards gaming whilst never actually declaring it is a handheld. It will be viewed as largely pointless due to every other iDevice being capable of playing the games and become known as for dedicated mobile gamers.

Microsoft:

They will not enter the handheld market.

Improbable predictions:

- The FPS's popularity will finally end. The genre that takes its place will make use of motion control in a fun, easy, innovative manner.

- EA will decline into bankruptcy. Apple will buy them out. Armed with EA's catalogue, they will launch their own console, proving to be quite popular, if not beating the other 3.

- Sega will make a glorious return! Their games will be hailed as masterpieces and Camelot will finally return to the Shining franchise.

[heybtbm]

XBLA will offer Xbox/XB 360 titles for sale.

The future is now! Well...3 years ago actually.

My prediction: 3D finally dies. No wants to upgrade their 2 year old HDTV's and wear funny glasses.

[buzz_n64]

The future is now! Well...3 years ago actually.

My prediction: 3D finally dies. No wants to upgrade their 2 year old HDTV's and wear funny glasses.

They are already coming out with 3D TVs that don't require glasses. Some people are waiting for that, and they were already demonstrated at CES 2011. 3D needs asome killer apps to really become mainstream.

[Swamperon]

3D needs asome killer apps to really become mainstream.

Wii Sports 3D? ;)

[Baloo]

Personally, I think this Generation has at least 3-4 more years left in it. As technology advances, you can only get so far with each console, and the jump becomes smaller and smaller. For example, 16-bit to 32-bit was a MUCH larger jump than the Gamecube to the Wii.

In my opinion, I don't expect to see any new consoles for a while. HD isn't something that everyone needs a new console for really, and considering how great graphics look now, how much better can they become? All the consoles have motion sensor effects in some way now. PS3 and 360 play DVDs/Blu-Rays. What more can they tack on for the next generation.

Really, this generation has a LOT more potential. Between Kinect, Move, Virtual Console/XBLA Arcade/PSN, more games coming out, It'd be extremely foolish for anyone to be putting out a new console in 2012, or dare I say even 2013?

[The 1 2 P]

Personally, I think this Generation has at least 3-4 more years left in it. As technology advances, you can only get so far with each console, and the jump becomes smaller and smaller. For example, 16-bit to 32-bit was a MUCH larger jump than the Gamecube to the Wii.

In my opinion, I don't expect to see any new consoles for a while. HD isn't something that everyone needs a new console for really, and considering how great graphics look now, how much better can they become? All the consoles have motion sensor effects in some way now. PS3 and 360 play DVDs/Blu-Rays. What more can they tack on for the next generation.

Really, this generation has a LOT more potential. Between Kinect, Move, Virtual Console/XBLA Arcade/PSN, more games coming out, It'd be extremely foolish for anyone to be putting out a new console in 2012, or dare I say even 2013?

I agree with most of your points. This gen still has lots of life left and thanks to Microsoft extending it with Kinect I don't expect any new console announcements anytime soon. I do think that Nintendo will probably launch a new console first, perhaps as early as 2012. But I could care less.

As you have already eluded to, theres not much more they can add to consoles to make the majority of people want to spend another $300-500 on a new one. Sure the graphics will be slightly updated but everything else will basically stay the same. Nothing beyond bluray disc will be released and since all three consoles now have motion controls the only thing left for Sony and Nintendo to do is add voice commands to be on par with Microsoft.

As you can tell I'm not that hyped about entering yet "another" next generation of consoles. Times have changed and the 5 year life cycles are finally over. I'd rather all future cycles(including this one) be as close to 10 years as possible.

[rkotm]

I agree fully Baloo and the 1 2 P, plus with the downfall of spending, who really wants to buy another console in 2 years? Exactly. Wasted potential. Especially Kinect (Which just came out, but still) could have at least 1 serious game either at launch or the next few months..doesnt look good and i admit i was excited by the prospect of the Natal/Kinect, i thought it was fix what Nintendo wanted to incorporate:immersion on a deeper level than a controller could. Then its like MS didnt really know what to do with their device so it became (so far) another eyetoy..what happened to the Peter Molyneux game?

Im gonna be pissed if Sony tries another format on us..They'll probably come out with "blu ray plus" with extra storage and extra yada yada..
Is Wii HD seriously Nintendos next step? A Wii 1.5? If that is the case then the Black and Red Wii's should have a)redesigned their systems and b)added HD support.. And yes, exactly:Sony seriously forgot what their system was supposed to do:play games!! Not have a multimedia center. Whats with them and multi media this and multi media that? The PSP, the PS2, Ps3, PSX (japan one), etc.. The original PS1 was fine. It read audio cds, and played games. If i wanted multimedia orgasms i'd use my computer. Thank you.

[kedawa]

The technology has already turned consoles into the 'set top boxes' predicted years ago, and I think the next generation will see the business model shift to reflect that.
I wouldn't be surprised if the next company to enter the hardware market ends up partnering with cable and telephone companies.

[Gameguy]

Is Wii HD seriously Nintendos next step? A Wii 1.5?
So a Gamecube 2.5? LOL

It's honestly getting to the point where I don't see a reason why people would bother with consoles instead of a computer. A main reason why people liked consoles instead of computers was because they were basically plug and play and you could stick with them for many years without having to upgrade anything or worry about compatibility problems.

Now it seems like you have to update the firmware, install games to the hard drive, be connected to a network, etc. Wasn't there a PS3 update that bricked consoles? With all this new hassle to worry about why bother with consoles at all? You can hook up a PC to modern TVs, just get some controllers and play PC games. If consoles keep becoming more like PCs they'll just become obsolete and be replaced entirely with PCs instead.

[RPG_Fanatic]

Personally, I think this Generation has at least 3-4 more years left in it. As technology advances, you can only get so far with each console, and the jump becomes smaller and smaller. For example, 16-bit to 32-bit was a MUCH larger jump than the Gamecube to the Wii.

But I thought the Wii was a Gamecube with a different controller :?

[Jisho23]

I have a feeling that PC gaming is, for the first time in a long time, going to become a powerhouse that the console makers cannot keep ignoring. I think this is in large part to steam: retailers have always been very bad about supplying PC titles, so this has proven to circumvent that. Additionally--although not publicly--I have a feeling many publishers, and already small time ones and indie developers, much prefer purely digital media (steam or their own stores, etc). The costs are much much less. For a console game to really be the smash hit these days, the minimum for sales seems to be near a million. For PC and DLC, it's far far far far less.

[chrisbid]

there are no credible rumors or leaked information on any next generation machine, so there likely are no new consoles in the pipeline.

[Rob2600]

there likely are no new consoles in the pipeline.

The next consoles are *always* being researched and developed, but the time hasn't come to unveil them yet.

[chrisbid]

The next consoles are *always* being researched and developed, but the time hasn't come to unveil them yet.

right, but you need at least 2 E3s showing off the fruits of that R&D before launch. and often there will be leaked images, concept shots, screen shots, tech specs, etc before the trade shows to generate interest.

plus, for ms and/or sony to put up yet another billion-plus dollars for a new console with cloudy sales prospects isnt the best financial move in a near-depression

[kedawa]

This isn't the 1990's. All console architectures are designed by the likes of IBM, NVIDIA, and ATI, and developing the next Playstation or XBOX could be as simple as a few conference calls and a handshake.

[chrisbid]

This isn't the 1990's. All console architectures are designed by the likes of IBM, NVIDIA, and ATI, and developing the next Playstation or XBOX could be as simple as a few conference calls and a handshake.



sure, the basics are not much more than glorified PCs, insert processor, insert graphics card, insert memory, etc... but the key in console design is to streamline the design to save money in manufacturing.

[kedawa]

That's a fair point, but if you take a look at Sony's internal hardware revisions with the Playstation family of consoles, they seem to pump out a new design at least once a year.
I think the more important concern is giving developers enough time and the right development tools to actually make decent games.

[j_factor]

right, but you need at least 2 E3s showing off the fruits of that R&D before launch.

I don't remember any Xbox 360 showing at E3 2004. In fact I don't recall hearing much of a whisper about it (other than debates about what its name might be) until 6-8 months before it launched.

Also Gamecube was not shown at E3 2000, and Sega basically sat out E3 '98.

[Press_Start]

Here's my quick two bits:

Sony or MS: They released 360 and PS3 too soon, IMO. High-priced graphical power and dev cost was more they could bite off and chew. If they waited 2 or 3 years, hardware sales and mishaps wouldn't take a big hit to their bottom line, learning that lesson the hard way.

So now a next-gen "leap" is out of the question for two reasons:
1) Dev and hardware cost would skyrocket upon already towering multi-million budget games leading to an eventually raise in merchandise in the neighborhood of $75-85.

2)Who'd want to buy a $800 PS4 or $600 720 during an economic recession (or depression)?

My bet is MS/Sony will ride the motion bundle wave for a good chuck for the decade (2016?) 'til they can build a next-gen system for an affordable price ($300-$400).

Nintendo: Wii 3D is coming! Mark my words! The big N will still have a gridlock on the current market. HD graphics makes it compelling to 3rd parties more taking a slice into PS360 pie as more flock to their system.

So the only question remaining is will Nintendo take advantage of the growing indie market in the future? If they emulate the MS business model or better, they'll have a stranglehold on the VG biz for years to come.


The technology has already turned consoles into the 'set top boxes' predicted years ago, and I think the next generation will see the business model shift to reflect that.
I wouldn't be surprised if the next company to enter the hardware market ends up partnering with cable and telephone companies.

OH GAWD NO! Disaster on top of disaster. So if a Sony/Comcast partnership is in the works, what? I have to pledge 50 clams a month just to be able to buy $60 games?! Or better yet, subscribe to Optimum/Verizon/Comcast if I want to buy any new-gen games?!

Like I said, it's a disaster! Not just for DLC but for video games entirely if that were to become a reality. The thought itself makes me shiver.

[The 1 2 P]

The technology has already turned consoles into the 'set top boxes' predicted years ago, and I think the next generation will see the business model shift to reflect that.
I wouldn't be surprised if the next company to enter the hardware market ends up partnering with cable and telephone companies.


OH GAWD NO! Disaster on top of disaster. So if a Sony/Comcast partnership is in the works, what? I have to pledge 50 clams a month just to be able to buy $60 games?! Or better yet, subscribe to Optimum/Verizon/Comcast if I want to buy any new-gen games?!

Like I said, it's a disaster! Not just for DLC but for video games entirely if that were to become a reality. The thought itself makes me shiver.

This may actually happen (http://www.industrygamers.com/news/microsoft-may-challenge-cable-companies-with-pay-tv-on-xbox/). To be honest, I wouldn't mind getting rid of my cable bill to watch shows on my 360 but they would have to make the price very affordable. If they try to charge as much(or more) as the cable companies than they can forget it.

[WCP]

The next consoles are *always* being researched and developed, but the time hasn't come to unveil them yet.


Remember when Robbie Bach left Microsoft this year? He left because Microsoft had decided to cancel the next gen console that they were working on. There isn't any hard facts to back this up, but if you read between the lines, the way I understand it, is that there were two camps inside Microsoft. One camp was interested in releasing Kinect as a an accessory to the current 360, and trying to prolong the life of the current 360 till at least November 2013, and the other camp was interested in bringing out a next gen console in November 2011 with Kinect as one of the key features of the new console.

Obviously, we know which camp won the argument, and Bach decided to quit after the decision came down.


Although all of this is rumor and speculation, it actually seems relatively plausible considering the timing of everything. We all know that as soon as a console is launched, work begins on the followup. The normal console cycle is 5 years, so it wouldn't seem totally out of line for a follow up to the 360 to come in November 2011, which would be a full 6 years after the launch of 360. So many people have a hard time understanding how 2 consoles from the same manufacturer can co-exist, but it would be expected that the 3rd Xbox would retail in the $399.99 range, with the current 360 as low as $149.99. They would be selling to different segments of the market, and could co-exist just fine. The hardcore Xbox fans would jump all over a new console, with the Wal-Mart crowd still buying 360 stuff for a few more years.


Unfortunately, the success of the Kinect has basically ruined any chance of any of this happening. Had Kinect bombed hard, we would still get a new console by November 2012. Now, we'll have to wait another year at least.

[buzz_n64]

Every time I see this thread, the only thing I can think of is Star Trek: The Next Generation.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1386.snc4/163818_502138224034_504254034_5971916_1520310_n.jp g

[Swamperon]

Every time I see this thread, the only thing I can think of is Star Trek: The Next Generation.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1386.snc4/163818_502138224034_504254034_5971916_1520310_n.jp g

Ohhh I hope we don't have to wait 70 years ;)

But really, we'll probably hear the first rumblings of a 8th generation console towards the end of this year. Probably not at E3 since that will all be about handhelds.

The Wii really hasn't got that long left in it now. After Zelda and Pikmin, there's what? All major franchises have been released for it, except F-Zero and Starfox and neither of them will prolong its lifespan.

E32012 will see Nintendo unveiling it's successor. Scheduled for a Christmas release.... and then delayed. Xbox 3 will follow in 2013. Pass on PS4.