This Console Gen Has To End. New Consoles – The Time Is Now

Aaron of RipTen: It’s now 2011, the sixth year since the Xbox360 was released, and while it can be argued that we have progressed in leaps and bounds, we’ve ultimately come to a slow halt. The current age of gaming feels like the end days of the Playstation 2, we’re seeing the same games only somewhat prettier, with a few new features here and there for good measure. Sure, there have been games that have revolutionized gaming as we know it – and I’m sure we’ll continue to see game changers this generation, but think of how much more expansive these games could truly be with new hardware

[Invadersims]

I honestly think that we should keep this generation going for as long as we can. I honestly don't feel like the tech is outdated yet, and I don't want to invest in new hardware anytime soon.

[Dark_Charizard]

I honestly think we need new consoles by 2012

[Starhawk]

Yep, can't wait to buy consoles even more expensive than this geneneration and 80$/90$ games ( because development cost will be higher ) even though the PS3/360 aren't maxed out yet.

[Chubear]

There is a group of gamers that have a feeling for the NEED of a new console and another from yet another console that really don't feel the need anytime soon

Can you guess which is which? :D

[Best]

Well if it ended today, clearly the box would win.

[malandra]

there won't be a new generation at least until 2014, that's the earliest for a new Xbox and 2015 the earliest for a new PS

a new Wii might be announced this year and release the next but it won't mark a generation change

after 2011 there will be another round/year of lots of AAA releases, probably 2013 and that's the last one, after that its trading water until the next gen arrives because developers will already be busy with next gen games

360 had a great run but it has reached its limit although it has Kinect to artificially extend its lifetime, and the PS3 still has plenty to offer

[Ryudo]

@Starhawk

Not true, saying current consoles aren't maxed out is pointless, the PS2 ain't maxed out either is the PSX.

The reason games keep getting better is because developers are finding cleaver ways to get around the limited resources consoles have.

The PS3 and Xbox 360 have 512MB of ram, my Iphone has the same amount. it's utterly looney to believe anything other then current consoles are slowing developers down.

When consoles are getting to the point of here phones have more memory it's time to move on.

A new consoles wouldn't cost developers more to make games it would save them money. Look at games being developed as PC exclusive at the moment. The amount of money piled into making the games is way less then a Sony exclusive or 360 exclusive.

They save money because they don't have to spend 100's of man hours trying to get the best out of extremely limited hardware.

[DigitalHorror81]

I'm cool with my NGP and my brand new 160 Gig PS3.

[Reibooi]

I don't think we need to consoles anytime soon. The tech from this gen is still growing and certain devs are JUST now getting into the game.

On top of that I doubt the next gen will happen soon anyway. Sony stated they wanted the PS3 to last at least 10 years which has not yet happened and MS probably wants to keep the 360 around for as long as they can because despite it's high sales they lost a metric crap ton of money early on because of the whole RROD thing. Not to mention launching a new console after just introducing Kinect would be rather ignorant.

Bottom line there are plenty of reasons for both companies to keep this current gen around for at least another 4-5 years.

As for Nintendo. They don't really compete with MS and Sony. The stuff they make tends to stand on it's own. While I think we could use a higher powered Wii I don't know if Nintendo even plans on doing that. It's more likely they will do something completely new.

[Active Reload]

Nope, we don't need new consoles right now. Show me something that presents a huge jump in EVERYTHING the way Gears of War splashed onto the seen, then I'll say we need new consoles.

[ProjectVulcan]

I believe we will see them in 18 months - 2 years. PS3 is still relatively expensive. I do not see sony launching first.

[zootang]

Blu Ray has helped the PS3 a lot and I would like to see it more utilized by all developers. A lot of room for improvement still. I'm confident the PS3 has a while left yet.

[Vherostar]

I dont think we should get new consoles for at least 5 years. Only people who want new now are those who want it to happen before ps3 finally takes over 360. If its graphics your looking for get a decent PC for the price you would pay for a new console.

[jjohan35]

Both consoles are still selling well. There's no point, from a business perspective, to introduce new consoles yet. The way I see it, Microsoft is still making a lot of money from annual subscriptions while Sony is making a lot of money off of their exclusive studios.

[nix]

PS3 is just warming up. not now. maybe in 2 yrs time.

[Daver]

@Malandra

They will be out before 2015 and that is more conceivable than saying at earliest 2015.
I say they will launch in 2013

[Pixel_Pusher]

For the Xbox maybe but the PS3 still has room to stretch it's legs. Still I wouldn't say no to a PS4.

[AngryTypingGuy]

It all has to do with money. When the tech gets inexpensive enough to produce a game without the average company having to worry about going bankrupt should it fail, then the new gen will start.

I'm in no hurry. The PS3 makes amazing looking exclusives and now the 360 will apparently start using tessellations, so this gen still has life in it graphics-wise.

[RioKing]

Yeah DARK_CHARZARD I'm sure you want one and I'm sure your mommy will buy you one as soon as it comes out ;)

[Dee_91]

am i the only who think there wont be a xbox 720 ?
they need more in house studios because people arent going to keep going for timed exclusives

unless they go the nintendo route and just focus on the casuals with kinect
which is what i think will happen
but i was also thinking if the the wii2 had an eye cam thats more high tech than kinect and gave the controllers the same/better tech than move
it would take over the casual market next gen
all in all I dont know lol
ask sega. its not enough room for 3 lol

edit: wow what if sega made a console next gen?
i would buy it just for sonic lol

[MaxXAttaxX]

Yes, because a goddamn iPhone has the same graphical output as PS3.

/s

[HappyGaming]

Saying the PS3 hasn't been maxed out is a stupid argument...

At the end of the day even if the PS4 was released tomorrow with 2010 technology it would make PS3 graphics look outdated.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

2012 is too soon. 2013 definitely. Each generation the cost of creating games goes up and as the cost of creating games go up devs have to try to get as much out of a generation as possible. So expect each following generation to be longer than the last.

[pixelsword]

Basically, the manufacturers are going to wait out the world economic collapse that's underway, so you're out of luck if you think a new console will be coming out in the next two years. The only console that really future-proofed itself was Sony; Microsoft still has the Windows OS mentality where a new product is made available every two years, so they kinda punked themselves out on the 360.

Nintendo is poised to put out a new console, they probably waited for the newest tech to cheapen so it can sell a newer console at a price that is competitive with the current gen's consoles. This is the year that Nintendo may be able to retake the gaming world if they do it right.

[PoweredParaglider]

I do agree with this sentiment.

Although somen fanboys want to believe otherwise, the ps3 is now over 5 years old and the 360 is 6 years old.

Both consoles struggle to run good-looking games above 720p. Even at this low resolution, we have to contend with dropped frames, comparatively poor textures, pop-in, slow loading, screen tear and the list goes on.

To say the ps3 somehow has significant untapped potential compared to the 360 is simply naive. If there was so much untappedn potential in the ps3 we wouldn't be seeing ps3 crysis running at the lowest resolution. That's a no-brainer.

As far as optimisation goes, both consoles will show marginal graphical improvements, sure, but after 5-6 years, the ps3/360 hardware is OLD in anyone's language. Also a no-brainer.

I would be keen to see more powerful processors coupled with a combination of move/kinect to harness some of the cool kinect hacks we have seen, maybe with the accuracy of the move controller, or something like it.
That would make the next gen worthwhile, imo.

No need to reply if all you want to do is fanboy hype the ps3.. that's getting old too, isn't it?

[BX81]

Look at it this way. Only a hand full of devs have really pushed the systems. So we get new systems and 90% of the devs can't even make good looking games on the old systems. Where is the science in that? I say wait a couple of years, maybe around 2014 then push new systems. It's clear in this gen a lot of devs haven't figured out how to make great looking games. Let's play catch up, then move on.

[Spydiggity]

we won't see new consoles til the developers settle on a new format. the thing about DVD was that it was a huge medium. when blu-ray hit, it just wasn't the same kind of hit. sure they look better and hold more, but ppl already had their dvd collections.

the obvious choice would be digital distribution, but the problem is that there's no way to predict where the tech is going. it would be foolish for MS or Sony to jump on the digital distribution bandwagon if cloud gaming ends up being the better choice...or there could be another tech we don't even know about.

i don't see blu-ray lasting another generation.

my money is on a combination of the cloud and digital distribution. digital distribution alone would mean needing very large HDDs, and by removing blu-ray/dvd publishers could keep costs down and the consoles themselves would be cheaper to make if they didn't need a disc drive.

no matter what, it's gonna be a few more years. pretty sure sony is still down money on development costs of the ps3 so they aren't going to be in a rush... and since MS is still winning month over month in the US, they aren't going to jump to a new gen either. they are profitable and will be happy milking it for as long as sony is.

i'm leaving nintendo outta this because you just don't know what they will do. they made more money than god with the Wii, so they could easily jump to a next gen console...the question is will they? the last 2 times they tried to keep up (n64, and gamecube) they didn't do so hot. i think they'll wait to see what 3ds does and wait for 3d tv sales figures before making their decision.

[Theonetheonly]

dude i had a major epiphany

i looked it up and they have thought of it but while listening to this dude talk i came up with the idea to use 3d technology to make multiplayer same screen gaming on set of glasses sees one screen at 01hz and the other player sees his screen at 02hz

i almost shit myself that no one thought of that but i looked it up and sony has but still how cool would that be to game IN FULL SCREEN (i remember hating having to share the screen) full on multiplayer with 240hz tvs you could prally do 4 player OMG please make this happen i would be so happy.

[dabri5]

There seems to be some really bad misconceptions regarding new consoles on this site.

1: Sony said PS3 will have a 10 year life cycle
- So did PS1 and PS2. they both DID have a 10 year life cycle BUT Sony started selling the next gen console 5-6 years into that cycle.

2: PS3 and 360 still have untapped power or are just now hitting their stride.
- Just because it took a console a while to start producing good looking games doesn't mean anything to sales division of companies. They will push to release a new product when the old one starts to run out of market share.
Previously, when the price of the console gets low enough, it opens up to a new bracket of sales. To keep from not having income from the higher bracket, they release a new product.

3: development costs for games are still too high.
- development costs on average have gone down since the beginning of this generation. Most studios have already developed the tools they need to work with this and next gen consoles. The big difference between this and last gen was updating all the tools/ talent so they could work with multicore processing. Time to develop a game has gone down some and so has the cost. When next gen hits, you will see a bump in both, but nothing like what we saw last gen. Also, there is heavy talk about next gen consoles pushing digital downloads hard. This should cut costs for everyone. I am 95% sure we will not see a raise in price for a new game because of all of this.

----------------------

Because of all of this, I expect announcements for new consoles to start this year. I then expect those consoles to be released late next year, early 2013. Not all of them. Just the initial one or two. I doubt Sony wants as big of a time gap between MS release and their next console as last time though.

[paintsville]

Sony definately needs the next gen to come quickly. I mean antiquated RAM architecture, inferior GPU, convoluted CPU, bandwidth bottlenecks. These things have all contributed to the frame rate, tearing, fill rates, lighting, shadowing, alpha, "mandatory" installs, and ssao problems we've seen on the system since it's release. Next gen for Sony can't come soon enough.

[DeadlyFire]

Here is how its going to happen.

Wii 2 - Fall/Winter 2012
Xbox 3/720/whatever - Fall/Winter 2012/2013
PS4 - Spring 2013

Either way I am betting that there is at least a few heavy hints at E3 2011.

OMG what? Why?

Kinect and Move both can keep their SDK and just jump directing onto the next platform. That would mean that an aim to keep backwards compatibility is almost essential.

Have none of you seen Epic's preview of UE 4.0 they showed off at GDC. Its very close to being complete. If that fictional number of a game engine number existed that they gave us. 3.975 ha. Just an illusion to show how close they are to 4.0 if you ask me. Which if you ask me. Means that 2012/2013 is when they plan on releasing it.

Microsoft signed a deal with AMD. That is fact. No rumor about it.

Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft all had rumors around of them talking to Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, Imagination Tech for their next graphics chips in 2009/2010.

Rumors of Marvel Quad Core CPU + Wii 2 are on the net.

Statements starting like we will have this, this, and that in future consoles are out there. Stereo-3D, Epic, Crytek, among others. They are spread thin though. Hard to dig and find em all.

As far as productions costs being so high. The blame for PS3 cost being so high is 99% of Blu-Ray to blame. Everything else put together was just fine. Blu-Ray added another $500 to the production costs. That will not be a problem this time around. Blu-Ray is out there and getting cheaper.

[Boon Tarkas]

I'd wager a new xbox late 2012.

[Deios]

Naw, I say we need consoles by 2014.

[Equinoxe_7]

DeadlyFire, PS4 2014.

[movements]

I agree with this thread. Bring on Xbox 2 and PS4 now! Nintendo can go home.

[RioKing]

Once again, it's easy to want everything NOW when mommy & daddy will buy it for you. LMFAO

[RioKing]

^Aand again.

[Dee_91]

if nintendo dont go the wii route like they did last gen
im buying a nintendo
i want it to go back to the n64 days
new crazy taxi etc

[multipayer]

If nintendo made a powerful console and got all the good multiplats, I'd be all over it. They'll probably be the first 1 out the gate at this years E3 though, and share multiplats with ps3 and 360 for a year or two...

[damnyouretall]

rioking whats your point? you too broke to buy a new console? why dont you save a lil of your paycheck each week and save for one. cause being jelous of kids and their mommy and daddy buying them shit is pathetic. i have a 4 yo and i buy him games. somethin wrong with that?

[RioKing]

Actually no lol. I'm in the Army reserve, which means I get a monthly paycheck...plus my $20K sign-on bonus, no BS. Also, I install hvac systems making $17/hr. I have an 09 zx6r sportbike and supercharged vr6 jetta..all paid for. And I just bought a new 320gb ps3 because the old one died on me. Therefore, I have money and can buy any game/system I want but I am more annoyed as I get alittle older at the whiny little 16 year olds who WANT THE NEXT GEN NOW simply because they know mommy & daddy will be forced to buy it for them or else be subjected to endless B**ching. And go ahead, buy your kid stuff...i'd do it too if he was 4...it's different when he's a demanding/unappreciative teenager.

[Blad3star]

Please let this happen!!!!

Sony and MS and can continue to support the PS3 and 36o for those who are not ready to move on and for people like me who feel that 4 years of the same tech is enough they can give me the next gen console.

[RioKing]

^Aaand again.

[GMWPS3]

Yup, I'm ready for the next Gen. 2012 is fine by me. Though I doubt we will see such a leap of graphics as from PS1 to PS2 or PS2 to PS3. It is becoming more expensive to make the games more detailed. Therefore, I only expect a slight increase in graphics but a more notable increase in the smaller details like better textures, smoother character movement and better effects.

[RedDead]

I would LIKE for that to happen, but the gap between PC and Console is just about to get far too noticable.

Here's a post from before from me

"""
Te only problem I see with that is some devs WANT to move on, they have the tech too move on and there's no reason for them not too from a business standpoint. Battlefield 3 for example. This game will force other devs to try and catch up.

This generation will be pushed into the next. We have to understand that engineers keep on going with the tech and innovation. They don't want to stop, it's their job and an interest. Game devs see this new amazing hardware and think what they can do with it. Then they do it. Generations get pushed forward. Competition ensures that."""

[NBT91]

So what you are saying there is, once this current gen of consoles is pushed to the limits regularly (like the PS2 was at the end of its life), then it is time to introduce new hardware? ;]

[stevenhiggster]

I think its actually about time console devs stopped trying to push the technical boundaries and start focusing on game play! The PS2/Xbox/GameCube era wasnt that awesome graphically but by christ it produced some of the most fun and original games around.
This gen it has mostly been all about teh graphics, gameplay and originality have been after thoughts. Once devs realise that there is no more they can do with graphics and such like, then maybe they'll start to focus on originality and fun!
I dont see any problem with the PC starting to pull away from consoles, PC's were ahead of consoles when the PS2 launched and it never did that any harm. Owners of beastly gaming rigs must be raging with current consoles, current PC hardware is not being pushed hard at all because of consoles this gen. I mean for christ sake, I have an old 8800gt in my PC and it still runs all current games at better than console settings!

[iamtehpwn]

In my opinion, the industry doesn't need new consoles until PS3 and 360 can be purchased for about $150, brand new... which will be about 2014, most likely.

Console generation spans are going to become smaller. Rightfully, Consoles going forward should last about 10-15 years...

We literally don't have the man power and budget to make games any bigger and better at the moment either.

[dabri5]

But thats the thing. They could be purchased at 150 if the console makers weren't putting in bigger hard drives each year. This gives them a reason to keep the price where it is. If you wanted to buy a 20 gig 360 it would be that cheap. Same with the PS3.

[eraursls84]

Bigger hard drives are not that much of an increase in cost for Tue manufactures, they can make a 320 hard drive for a couple bucks more than a 120 gb. I bought a 500 gb hd for $55 over a year ago, I just saw a 320 gb for $25, and these are marked up consumer prices, they can probably build or buy a 320 for $10 the biggest cost is still blue ray,

[saladthieves]

In a sense no, we don't need new consoles right now. I agree that the tech is yet outdated in terms of comparison to its PC counterparts which is miles ahead, but the tech in consoles is still good enough to produce good games like Killzone 3 or Gears of War 3, or Uncharted 2.

Not to mention the fact that next gen consoles would be more powerful but would come at a cost, including more expensive games.

[NBT91]

Exactly I say keep going on with this gen, until the next gen stuff is... Well ya know, affordable.
I would love a top of the range gaming PC, just the price (and my tiny room which has no space) is putting me off :D

[shooterexpert]

why not release new consoles that have almost the same architecture as current gen consoles that way they are 100 percent backward compatible and devs can continue to make games for both consoles.

Next gen games that scale down for current gen consoles.

DX 11 effects on new console, DX9 on 360 and ps3.

[kaveti6616]

so basically, you want them to make PCs.

Limited PCs that don't have options for web browsers and OSes, and the millions of programs that exist.

Oh wait. That's what consoles already are.

[JayD-1K]

@kave
The PS3 has a browser. But you are right about one thing, they are becoming mini towered PC's.

[Persistantthug]

It takes years to design consoles, put marketing budgets and build ad campaigns.

Then you need lead time to make the games.

Some of you may want new consoles now, but other than Nintendo (they usually have a way of staying silent), you're not getting one any sooner than holiday 2013...and that's at the extreme earliest.

[dabri5]

You act like they don't designing the next console as soon as the last one was finished. You think the engineers just sit around on the butt doing nothing until about 2 years before the new console comes out?

[fatstarr]

the tech is outdated by 6 years if phones can run some of the best engines...
3DS has xbox 360 visuals
and NGP is ps3 visuals
... yea its time for an upgrade.

or maybe games cant look any better they reached the peak of the mountain.

but this article is `100% right and if you don't agree your blind sure it would be nice to have consoles around for 3 more years but ask your self this could you be stuck with the phone you had from 2005 till now?

[etowntwo]

"3DS has xbox 360 visuals"

That was just stupid to say.
NGP does even have 360 or Ps3 visuals kid.

[fatstarr]

wow you are blind to not admit the fact that the 3DS for a handhelds visuals dont come close to some 360 games and that the NGP version of uncharted looks better than a majority of the 360games?

also that the lg phone running unreal is that not impressive?

or is the ps3 the best visuals that you have seen in your life?

[truehunter]

fatstarr im sure not blind but if your going to make a game that runs low PPI i doubt it would look good running on full HD. Avg apps games are at less 20 MB of data an as high as 400 MB of data when your trying to dual with 5 to 8GB of data of this gen console. If the next gen is needed then 1080p is in the pass WQHD is the future Yes thats 1440p witch was release in 2007 or we can go with QFHD 2160P release in 2008 So i gotta hand it to you. Go buy SRM-L560 TV for 77.3k .. i hope you can spill that money up. While you add it, i hope u can also donate me that TV also ..... Once the next gen hits im sure be ready.

[LordZ]

@etowntwo
You're a bad bad girl, Let's spank that avatar of yours.... lol.

[8thnightvolley]

Out of pure observation, i dont think we need another console cycle just yet for any of the HD console at least, ps3 is still pumping beautiful visuals, and after seeing games like upcoming gears3 and crysis2 seriously doing some stuff on the 360, i am confident on at least 3 more years left on them each.
Secondly, cost to devs and also the learning curve of devs on the HD consoles still still around 40 percent that acutally knw their way around them.

nEw and small studios still are finding it hard to cover cost after trying to have the transition into HD programming, having to go another step would require alot of overhaul of their skills, tools, process, which just pushing the cost to another level. so its not exactly good business decision in these economical times to even go into transition.

Thirdly, The market is still rapidly growing for HD consoles and adoption rate is picking up and not in decline, majority of the world or not yet in HD. so it doesnt make too much logical sense to rush, besides the cost of consoles are still relatively not too cheap.

With all that in mind.. personally.. lets roll on.. baby

[JsonHenry]

If I didn't play PC games I could see how I might feel that the consoles are fine as is. However, for the last 3 years I have been really hard pressed to play any games on the consoles because they look and feel so outdated compared to the PC games I have been playing.

My PS3 is basically just a blu-ray player for me and my 360 only gets used by my kids when they play kinect or use Netflix.

Unless a game is truly exclusive to a console I just wait for the PC port. If nothing else I can play at much higher than 60fps and NATIVE 1920*1080-60hz (or higher) But now days just look at BFBC2. Not only is DX10/11 make the game look completely diff from the console version but it also can play at higher rezs.

We need new console NOW. Not later.

[insomnium2]

Too bad for you PS3 has the best games around and they are exclusive to the platform too. If you use your PS3 only as a BD-player you are out of touch with the best games this gen. Sorry to brake this to you. Nothing beats Sony's first party devs.

[lil Titan]

PS3 isnt even tapped out yet nor has it reached its full potential so why a PS4 when the exclusive games look better than the last exclusive? when the exclusives are start to look the same thats when its time.

[mantisimo]

Not yet please.

lets get the very best out of this gen first.

[gunnerforlife]

"it had timed blockbuster exclusives like Metal Gear Solid 4 and God of War 3"

uuhhhhh whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat

[morkendo23]

we’re seeing the same games only somewhat prettier,

I agree with that statement same crummy games since 2006 ps3 has no variety as of yet.

[Xfanboy]

This gen is outdated!! If you want your games to look like BF3 on PC with 64 players & big maps you need new tech!!

I really hope Sony & M$ wont hold back progress for 10 years!!

[cemelc]

Considering that if devs wanted to go all out, they could do so on PC any time they wanted.

They dont do so because they are all in for the money nothing more. Is not MS or Sony fault they dont do a BF3, is Dice desition to do so.

[AzaziL]

It's great for PC gamers since developers are working to optimize games for 5 year old hardware, which results in games that don't require $3,000 gaming rigs to run the best settings for once.

[stevenhiggster]

True, I have an 8800gt and it still runs games better than current consoles, and its old.
Just ordered a GT460 though, a decent up grade without bursting the bank ;-)

[BattleAxe]

Not only that, but Sony will probably focus more on NGP and how it integrates with the PSN rather than investing in the PS4 just yet. I don't think we'll be hearing about a new Console from Sony until at least 2013, with maybe a 2014 release date.

[theonlylolking]

When 2013 hits that is when the first one should be released.

[DigitalAnalog]

Looking at the consoles provided this generation and the release of smartphones that are proven capable of modern technologies, it's safe to say the companies are waiting for technology to become cheaper (such as the NGP) so that they can provide a long lasting service to the customer, giving the best graphics they can in that era.

With the new "Samaritan" demo released utilizing 3 560Ti's. No doubt many would consider this the standard of "next-gen", considering that it costs more than $1000 to get a rig just for a tech demo would be far more risky and unproductive for a company to utilize such tech into a console today. Never-mind the value of production with said tech is going to be MUCH higher. Engines would have to be rebuilt again from scratch, etc etc etc. And the fact that COD could still sell with "last-gen" engines (cost efficient), going forward with this is development"suicide" .

Trust me, the day when those graphics or Battlefield 3's graphics could be maxed out on 1 GFX card is the day we may see news on next-gen consoles. It would be a slap to the face to devs like Crytek finding out a "new" console is released when they are just finishing their engine for their new game this gen.

-End statement

[Ravenor]

Was the PAX Demo or GDC demo(forget which) not confirmed already to be running on a single GTX 580?

[chak_]

lol yeah, BF3 demo was maxed out on a GTX580.

[COINTELPRO]

I think it's either time you get a job or rob a bank if you're a college student. Your choice. Just remember that although 97% of the world is composed by peasants the other 3% is ready for new cutting edge hardware. Have a good day sir.

[pcz]

i just bought a ps3... i will be seriously pissed if the ps4 comes within the year. 2013 and i will be contendt.

this generation isnt over.

[Redgehammer]

Invadersims, thx for summing up my thoughts.

[DigitalPiracy]

Meh, just buy a PC.

[RatherHavaBigGirl]

"This Console Gen Has To End. New Consoles – The Time Is Now"

bullshit. i dont know about anyone else but im not ready to pay another 5-6 hundred dollars on a console. and wtf is he talking about 'slow hault'? look at the games coming out. this guy has lost his mind

[kaveti6616]

Does anyone else hate it when users on this site always use the same terminology when they post?

"I honestly think..."
"Personally..."
"To be honest..."
"Let's face it..."
"To tell you the truth...."
"To be frank..."

It would be very disturbing if it turned out that the majority of the accounts here all belong to one or two people who have internet conversations with themselves.

And if not that, it is irritating to read comments written in such a similar style. Can you guys be a little more original?

[zeal0us]

"I honestly think that we should keep this generation going for as long as we can. I honestly don't feel like the tech is outdated yet, and I don't want to invest in new hardware anytime soon. "

Not only that but also I don't feel like folking more $$$ for a new console. College expenses and the damage economy is enough don't really need any new tech. It make me question should nintendo come out with a new console..

[astrobrights]

The article is rather dumb in my opinion. Why should we waste a ton of money upgrading to new consoles when there's plenty of life left in the current generation? I definitely agree that we should keep this generation going for as long as we can.

[princejb134]

this gen has to continue, i could care less if our hardwares are maxed out, why would i want to invest more money in a new console
all we need is new better games

[Electroshocked]

Yeah, I believe that 2014 or 2015 would be a much better time for new consoles.

[Shani]

Totally agree with first comment.
We don't need new gen consoles yet. Another 3-4 years to get new consoles. I m not ready to buy new consoles yet. I just baught ps3 around 2 yrs ago.
I m pretty sure that there are still new games to come on both plateforms.
Not so sure about wii.

[Maddens Raiders]

doesn't own a PS3.

[Dagobert]

Agreed, I don't think it's time for a new generation of consoles. Even for the Wii, I mean it's still selling, and I don't think either of the companies should bring out a new system anytime soon. I'd say another 4 years or so and it'd be fine.

[matey]

im sick of the same games again and again on ps3/360 its like games from the end of gamecube/ps2 life cycle in HD with added textures and very little if any gameplay enhances at least the wii has amazing games like Galaxy 2 and Smash bros ect as well as NMH2 desperate struggle and Red steel 2 ect it has good games instead of the gritter u make them the better motto on 360/ps3 game development its getting stale as most games are 30fps if that and have no improvement on gameplay wii games improve gameplay im talking fps and interaction on fps games like conduit 2 ect

[frostypants]

We will see the next gen by late 2012, or very shortly after. Mark it down. I guaran-freaking-tee it.

Just because MS and Sony are being tight lipped, doesn't mean they aren't working on it.

[avengers1978]

@Invadersims is right no need to rush into a next gen of consoles when the ones that are out are still delivering

[Shaunass]

I feel as if this gen is way too out of date. I just upgraded my PC today, but even on what I call "old hardware" Blops looked a million times better than 360. Sure I play it on 360 over PC, but that's because it's a console game now.

[-Mezzo-]

I Say "B"ring it On.

[Ayer99]

I say "N"o.

[jaredhart]

From a financial standpoint Im fine with staying in theis current generation but that's not to say I wouldn't love to see new tech and even more breathtaking graphics.

[Marked]

I'm fine with this gen also... I just want better online servers and stable networking.

[dangert12]

The next Gen of PC gamig is looking to start ith battlefield 3,if you want a next gen now game on your pc as for me i'm a console gamer and i'm not switching until
syphon filter ps3 is out and has been clocked
until yakuza 4 is out and been clocked (in the eu)
until uncharted 3 comes out and i see this new ND game
GT6 as GT5 let me down(i play on projector the graphics ruined the exprience the lacjk of AA etc
WKC 2 THERE LOADS THE PS3 HAS TO OFFER IM NOTY READY FOR A NEXT GEN YET!

[Pintheshadows]

I mentioned Syphon Filter the other day. Where the hell is it?

[KingNintendoFanboy]

No mention of the Wii? Come on.

[CrzyFooL]

Must you troll every PS3 and 360 article!?

[KingNintendoFanboy]

It is you, sir, who is trolling me!

[dangert12]

NO WHY NOT MENTION NINTENDO

[BattleAxe]

Why would they mention the Wii? Other than bringing out the Wiimote, what the heck has Nintendo done for Next Gen gaming or HD graphics?

[CrzyFooL]

I think we will finally see the new stuff in 2012. The new engines and upgraded engines have started to outgrow the current console gen. Look at what DICE and Epic and Crytek have been able to do lately - by next year consoles will not be able to hanldle it without massive FPS loss and giant HD installs.

[hennessey86]

for an announcment this e3 or next. We need a graphix boost to keep with the pc games coming out this year and next

[frostypants]

This is how every gen goes. Consoles close the gap with PCs, then PCs slowly pull away. But with each gen, consoles hang with the PCs longer and longer. In a generation or two, consoles will be AHEAD of PCs for a little while upon introduction (at least, sub-$2000 PCs).

[drsnobby]

Dont forget gamers we are stil in a recession.let them take there time and give us a grand intro to next gen.plenty of juice left in the 360 and the ps3,as for the wii,well you make the call.

[frostypants]

Sony has already proven that they can support multiple gens in parallel. There are still a few quality PS2 games being made even today.

Microsoft, on the other hand, needs to learn that lesson. The way they completely abandoned the Xbox was unforgivable. That thing should still be on the shelves.

[drsnobby]

If you think MS is just gonna give up there bread and butter next gen then you are sadly mistaken. the 360 fan base is large and XBL is making money hand over fist.i,ll bet lots of money that sony will not underestimate the online aspect of its next console,hard lesson for them to learn this generation.

[citan]

Maybe X360 users need another console, I really don't yet.

[8thnightvolley]

i dont think so not after seeing crysis2 running on that thing... only reason i would see it is the dvd other than that .. thats it

[DevilishSix]

Crysis 2 looks incredible on 360 and I believe it's on one disc. Compression technology has made some advances since these consoles were launched.

[tweet75]

no consoles need to become a standard like DVD. As long as great games are made for consoles they could be around a minimum of 15 years. Im tired of console cycles and having to dish out hundreds of dollars every 5 years or so. I would rather spend that money on many great games.

[hennessey86]

technology moves on and the consoles need to move with it. I would like to see upgradable consoles to atleast double there life span.

[rayzorn]

that sounds like a great idea I would love to see it happen but I just dont.

It hurts developers to much since they can only market to the people that buy the upgrades. since alot of people might not buy the upgrade it separates who thier market is and who can buy thier game.

It has never worked in the past with other systems adding on and i dont see it working now. I am one of the few that bought into the sega cd, and atari jaguar cd to improve them both. it bombed on both fronts.

[Ravenor]

The Nintendo 64 Expansion pack.

[Shackdaddy836]

15 years??? So with your logic the N64 should be just retiring this year. You don't have a good grasp of technology advancement do you... (no offense)

Look up Moore's Law. Although its not exact these years, it basically sums up why that would be a horrible idea.

You know after a year you look back at a game and say "why did I think that looked so great"? Well, imagine that happening except instead of one year, graphics wouldn't improve after 5+ years. Basically, after the 10th year (or sooner) most devs would just move to PC...

[Tex117]

I 100% whole heartedly disagree with this article.

We are now seeing development costs come down a little bit and the arms race for "ZOMG, THE BEST GRAPHICS" has slowed.

This leaves room for developers to experiment with games and get more creative...take some more risks.

In other words, we are going to see more creative, better games and more often than we did in the beginning of the generation.

[guigsy]

100% agree. At the beginning of this generation most of the games you were seeing were last-gen games in HD. Now that developers are starting to hit the ceiling in graphical performance, they can spend more time being creative, whether it be unique art styles, gameplay mechanics or deep storytelling.

And anyway, why are people so desperate to throw their money at new consoles, which are inevitably going to cost upwards of £500?

[Bounkass]

The time is not now. Otherwise Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo would've let uw know.

[ForROME]

Sony believes in the 10 yr cycle - the old cycle was 5 yrs

The new one I think will be 7 yrs as the standard

Which puts us at 2012

[RevXM]

I think you are mixing it up.
Sony didnt say cycle, but console Lifespan.
Meaning they will support each console for 10 years.
The cycle could be 4,5,6 or seven years.
I believe 5-6 years is perfect.
---------------------

People here see things like there is no colors just simplifying things. like there is only consequences.
The only one would be that youll spend a few hundred bucks, but its really worth it. its like night and day.

There is still much that ps3 or 360 can give us, but again Ps2 could also bring something new?
My point is that we need to let ourselfes and the industry move on and expand, evolve and let their creativity go wild.

New hardware brings new posibilites, standards and freshness to teh max.
It removes the limits of what wa earlier thought of as possible. WHO wasnt blown over by say Gears of war back or Motorstorm in 05/06?
Someone far above me also made a good point regarding developement costs.

New hardware wouldnt necassarily cost more to make games for!
You see with NEW hardware you wouldnt need too work so hard to get a pretty result because you have yet to face its limits and yet to find ways around those limits.

Perhaps they might want to use new expensive tools and techniques but that is pretty much optional.

I would welcome a new gen of consoles!
I cant wait especially for PS4, but until then Ill enjoy PS3 and 360.
To me 2012/2013 sounds right, but hey thats my opinion.

[stonecold3]

i think 2014 because sony has more than 20 other titles to be announced by to come out on ps3 but for microsoft they really need to bring more 1st and 2nd party games to the 360 if they want the 360 to last then if dont happened its pretty confimed its going to be multiplats all th way until the day the next gen consoles

[Morbius420]

Yeah that's why games went from $50 last gen to $60 this gen.

[ForROME]

It will be 7.5 years splitting the difference of 5 and 7

The economy helped this become a new standard and extended the life of consoles

[RyuDrinksTheDew]

i dont see whats wrong with this gen, why does it have to end?

in my eyes, as of last year, its just hitting its stride.

be more patient.

i for one, am not ready to shell out another $400-$500.

[B1663r]

There could be a whole new console cycle, and there will still be (when all is said and done) 150 million ps3's and xboxs in use. With that kind of install base, there will be games coming out for many years to come.

But other than that, yeah, for the first two years the only difference the new consoles will have is the current games, but running at 1080p resolution...

[JusenkyoGuide]

i'm just fine with my ps3 until 2015 at the earliest. were people in such a rush when the ps2/xbox/gamecube was still in their prime? probably not. this guy is crazy if he thinks i'm gonna just leave my ps3 like it's nothing.

[Stealth20k]

another god damn stupid article from someone who has no idea whats right for the companies or gamers

[PS360PCROCKS]

no no no!! You mention how awesome the games could be over the next 3 years with better hardware? I say watch how broken, boring and uninspired they are in the next 3 years while all companies are starting the SLOWWWWW transition to the next gen of consoles. Boo, no.

I love my graphics, that's why I built a PC, Gears 3, KZ3 and UC3 are good enough for me. I'll be interested in 2014

[Dr Face Doctor]

With Kinect just recently releasing, a few games for this gen (like Bioshock Infinite) still to come in 2012, and new optimization tech for Xbox 360 (which I'm sure will be learned by PS3 and Wii devs), I'm fairly sure this console generation for last at least another 2 years.

[PS360PCROCKS]

no that console tech is not Wii and PS. It can't be, you cannot use SPU knowledge and wii and xbox and you cannot use xenos technology for spu's. It's console specific to take advantage of xbox GPU. The xbox GPU is fairly powerful and extremely underutilized.

[Dr Face Doctor]

All I'm saying is that I'm sure some Nintendo and Sony devs will be inspired or something and utilize similar techniques in their own games. No need to get your jimmies in a bunch about the details.

[MysticStrummer]

No new consoles are needed yet. Still lots to look forward to.

[brandonb21]

il be ready whenever sony and Microsoft is

[StarScream4Ever]

iLol'd PS3 just started rolling. 360 just started flying casual. Perhaps its the Wii that needs to jump forward.

[_LarZen_]

It wil be a while before the next gen comes...so dont hold your breath people.

[dkgshiz]

Nintendo needs a new console pretty badly. Also they need to revamp their online portion of things. Its really bad. The friend codes, the crappy online games. Its time to get on the ball with it. No friend codes next time Nintendo.

[Fallouts]

we dont NEED a new gen, but i wouldnt mind a new gen..

[Raoh]

Tell the writer to STFU

xbox 360 hardware is getting better designed and ps3 software is getting better developed.. so many years left in this current life cycle..

want a new more powerful platform? Build a better pc..

[drsnobby]

Thats wat i,m doing now.i,m taking the next step in gaming.waiting on those current video cards to come down.bubbles for ya man

[OpiZA]

By the end of 2012 I think it's time for something a bit more up to date

[Anderson8]

by the end of 2012 we'll all be dead!!!!

OT.. i think theres still a few years of life left in my ps3.. 2013/14 would be a nice time to change

[OpiZA]

Haha I gave an audible chuckle :) True, end of 13/14 seems more likely, but heck, it sure would be nice to have that hardware sooner ;)

[JonnyBigBoss]

PS3 is still producing quality visuals... and has awesome features. Forget a new generation.

[evilmonkey501]

What are people thinking? The ps3 IS this next generation. It just launched early.

[Pandamobile]

720p at 30 FPS is "next-gen"?

Kill me now.

[Firstkn1ghT]

Panda. LOL! Dude your a punk!

[Pandamobile]

Okay.

[Horny Melon]

on schedule, we will see hints this E3.

If Sony follows it's normal time line of 2 years after its hand held and 7 years after launch the PS4 will be released in 2013. One problem with Sony is that there is no whiz bang technology to put in it's next console.

If Microsoft was following it's normal time line it would have launched last year. So who knows what they are doing.

If you don't hear hints of it at this years E3 from somebody that means the new consoles are following a new time line.

[gijsbrecht]

As long as my PS3 can produce visuals and Gameplay like KZ2 & 3, UC2 & 3, LBP1 & 2, Heavy Rain, Infamous 2 & GT5 then I am cool with the current gen for some more years. I'm really curious what ( mainly first party ) developers can still squeeze out of the PS3.

[danthebios]

Yup,i agree,its the developers role to do something awesome on the ps3.I think if they wanted to really max out the ps3 the cost will be more and the time to make it would take longer like 5 years or 6 and i think most developers wont take that risk for now cause who knows maybe the ps4 is just around the corner,but for me,i too am cool with the ps3.I believe the ps3 has still alot to offer,it only depends on the developers.peace

[Trroy]

New consoles, worthy of a generational upgrade over a PS3 or 360, would cost like $800-1000, using 28-32nm chips.

I don't think the world is ready for that pricetag. I think it might be best to wait a couple more years. Retail-scale 22nm production isn't too awful far away... but we're still talking 2013-2014, at a minimum.

Remember that its basically stupid to release hardware that is overpriced, especially if it also loses you money on each unit sold. Even if new hardware made an appearance at 22nm tech, for $600... when do you think the price would come down? 16nm is a stretch limit for modern day fabrication techinques -- if released at 22nm, the chips would not hardly get cheaper.

A $600 console, at 22nm, would remain at $400, or more, for its entire lifespan, until new fabrication techniques are brought to commercial production levels. That's just not gonna fly, in terms of business.

The next console generation will probably have to be the first one that doesn't trounce its predecessors by leaps and bounds, in order to remain affordable. That's also going to require a new business model. Only one company has already adopted a new model (Nintendo), slowing hardware advancement such that business can proceed as usual -- unfortunately they also had to embrace a new crowd, because the old one is still hungry for tech.

[Bob570]

Actually in case you did not know, the 360 and PS3 originally cost over $700 per unit to produce, the 360 sold for $400 at launch, and PS3 dropped to $400 shortly after it's launch. So doing what you just said makes perfect sense.

Making money on the consoles themselves is not their business model, it's the games.

[Trroy]

The point is that said consoles could never get lower than $400, and starting at $600 was a bad idea...

[Raider69]

I have a feeling that most of the people how dont want a new and more powerful console are the ones that adopt this generation 3 year ago till now!Because I own the all the systems from the release day 6 years ago and im ready too jump to the next evolution in consoles!Its obvious that people that brought consoles in,2009,2010,and this year dont want this cicle to end!

[madjedi]

Got a ps3 about 2-4pm the day it launched, in 2-4 yrs yes the next generation will be needed, so no it's not only mid console lifespan owners saying it's soon it's launch owners as well.

@people Wanting consoles to get near or approach pc visuals, never going to happen reasons cooling and no one will buy a $1000 ps or xbox.

When sony 1st party devs can't make their titles look or run better, then i'll consider a new generation nesscary.

[Dogswithguns]

No no no.

[evilmonkey501]

The next system I will buy will be a high def wii. I miss my Zelda games. I need a controller option too this time.I like to get high and sit on the couch sometimes NINTENDO!

[Desert Turtle]

If Microsoft actually names their next console the "Xbox 720" I will eat a hat.

[DanSolo]

I'm definately not saying this as any sort of fan-boy, just from how I see it.

But I think the 360 has been pushed as far as it can go in the larger sense. Don't get me wrong the devs will still be able to get more out of it by adapting the way they do things, but I think it's well and truly peaked and now it's more a question of tweaks. But so far it's been the more successful of the two consoles overall.

The PS3 however is just coming into it's own now. First party devs are doing good things with it and other devs have got to grips with it. Even Valve who previously were talking it down are interested now. The PS3 still has a lot of life in it yet and will continue to pull away from the competition in terms of quality, even if not in sales.

I am looking forward to seeing what the next gen consoles will be like though, hopefully it will be a big and impressive leap forward when they do come. I have no particular views or bias about which one will be best.... I will just wait until they are both out and then pick the one that seems the best choice for me at the time... it really could go either way!

[byeGollum]

go ahead and release new consoles, I wont be buying any of them for a long! time.. so many games to play right now.. hardware doesnt matter to me

[jbiz320]

games seem to be getting better on platforms year after year.. theres a lot of juice left in both consoles.

[iNMyFiN4LH0uR]

i dont think we need the next gen for at least 2 more years. There is a steady flow of new IPs springing up i.e LBP, Rage, LA Noire, Heavy Rain, Alan Wake etc although it is true the market is filled with sequels. However, those sequels might as well be called new IPs considering their level of quality and innovation. we are getting amazing games and these consoles (especially the PS3) is on track for the 10 years life cycle where the 360 too will pump more juice for another 2. Nintendo is another story and should have had a console out last year!

[bobrea]

I'm happy with consoles right now. This gen still has some strength behind it. what we need are more good, NEW IPs. New ideas are much more important than newer hardware.

[MeNoRasta]

There is lots of life left for this gen after seeing the new xbox 360 graphics engine whitch is coming soon i hope.

[Miths]

I don't think a new console generation sooner (ie. within the next two years or so) rather than later is a bad idea.

If it's going to mean even larger budgets for the already ridiculously expensive triple A titles I can see why it could be a problem for the gaming industry, but rather than vastly more advanced game engines and more detailed art assets (ie. quickly increasing development costs), I'm more interested in running current generation graphics at 1080p, 60 fps - plus higher resolution textures that are likely created anyway in many cases, but left out of console games due to strict memory limitations - instead of the vast majority of them being limited to 720p (or even lower) and struggling to manage a steady 30 fps.

Of course I could just switch completely to PC gaming (I'm currently around 50/50 between PS3 and PC), but I actually quite like console gaming and of course a number of the PS3 exclusives.

[Mikeyy]

Well said, I also think that new consoles would bankrupt the industry right now.

If anybody thinks this gen has plateaued, its because we keep getting 360 ports. If people would Lead development on the PS3(still in growing stages), then tweak and fit it on 360(in its tweak/min-max stage), we would start seeing leaps again.

[mcstorm]

I hope there is no new consoles out yet as this Gen still has legs left in it. Ps3 games are looking better and better. Kinect is getting stronger and has a bunch of new games comming out for it and the Wii is still selling very well and giving us some amazing games.

Plus I think if there was a new console to come out now we would be paying around £60 per game because of the cost it takes to make a game for the current Gen.

I think we should let Sony Microsoft and Nintendo keep addind software updates to the consoles as this is making the consoles better and better. Look at what the 360 and ps3 were like when they came out and look at what they do now and the hardware has not changed just the software.

[emk2004]

Why the rush for new expensive hardware? Everything about current gen consoles are fine. If you want more then just buy a computer.

[GrandMaxPain]

Microsoft and sony are not graphics lovers. On top of all they are companies caring about their profirs. They are certainly not on favour of the idea of releasing new consoles this soon. I reckon nintendo will be the first to anounce thier next gen concole maybe as early as 2013!

[HacSawJimThugin]

let me see...the unemployment rate is a record lows. Jobs are far and few in between, and people can't afford to keep their homes. The last thing we need at this point is a new generation of consoles. Who's going to by them? Certainly not me and the great majority of this country's population.

Do remember, the PS3 cost Sony hundreds of dollars for every unit sold for years. I honestly don't believe that Microsoft and Sony have the money to gamble with because they would lose big time.

If they build them, I WON'T come!!!

[ivant]

I'm guessing there wont be a Ps4 before 2014.

Sony should introduce a Ps3 PLUS:
-- 2 Gb RAM
-- revised true multi-tasking game OS
-- improved Browser, Media players
-- FM tuner
-- HDMI input

The rest of the hardware will be the same as Ps3 and this machine would be a monster with massive improvements over the Ps3 for a couple of hundred extra.

The Ps3 Plus would be able to play all existing games. Developers will have option of making/selling a standard Ps3 game or Ps3 PLUS. The Ps3 Plus should make it easier to make higher definition games with higher more stable frame rates.

Also, the Ps3 PLus new game OS and more RAM, should function like a PC allowing Meida player, web browser, a game to active at the same time.

The HDMI input will allow you to run your Cable/Satellite receiver through your Ps3.

The Ps3 PLUS would be a brilliant move ... as good as what Nintendo did with the Wii by keeping it simple, with minor hardware improvements.

[Moerdigan]

"we’re seeing the same games only somewhat prettier"

except for a few exceptions, welcome to the first 2 years of every next gen.

[etowntwo]

There is are huge differences between this gen and the previous gens that easily extend the console lifecycle past the regular estimated 5 yrs.

Games get updates and DLC.
PSN and LIVE get amazing cheap games. (LIVE gets Indy games too)
Firmware for the hardware.
Both consoles have become multimedia beasts with Netflix, Movie rentals, Facebook, etc..
Both consoles just launched motion controllers.

And as much as I would love a new Xbox, since I've had mine since launch, seeing the videos of Crysis 2 and Battlefield 3 show there is definitely life left in them. Those two games look friggin amazing .... and both multiplats. How sweet is that.

I'm hoping for 2012 .... but I'm going to assume 2013 for next gen.

[Neko_Mega]

No thanks, the last thing I need is to waste money over and over to keep my PC being able to run games at there best.

Plus it is easy to bring over a console then a PC, I would hate bring my PC over to a friends house to play a huge PC game (I do have a friend that has about five gaming PC's in one part of his house).

[NaiNaiNai]

you want a new system, go update your PC you nub.

[Holeran]

The latter part of 2013 is when I believe they should start selling new consoles. Early November so they are there for chrsitmas and people can go broke then. We still have a solid 2 years plus until we see the end of what these consoles are capable of.

[sNsKid]

I'm not ready for this console generation to end.

[GoldPS3]

No just No. I don't want next gen to come yet becuz we all know prices will be alot higher. $60 is already high enough. The way the economy is why would you want to spend more.

[Inzo]

Dont be insane, 3D is just starting to empty our pockets and now you want next gen consoles which obviously will bring more expensive games, besides the PS3 still has a year or so before it peaks, 2014 for me.

[CrimsonEngage]

New consoles aren't coming out for a few more years. Sony just brought out Move and Microsoft just brought out Kinect AND a new 360 model. And no one cares about Nintendo. They don't make good games any more.

Nintendo USED to have games like Mortal Kombat but now all they have are kiddy games like Pokemon.

[therapist]

the only place for next-gen/ current-gen gaming is pc,

all consoles are LAST-GEN.

720p is LAST-GEN
30 frames per second is LAST-GEN
sub-hd is LAST-GEN
no or little anti-aliasing is LAST-GEN
horrible pop-in and load times are LAST-GEN

it was time for new consoles a year ago
they are milking the audience because MS lost their ass with RRoD and sony was getting SHIT on for the first 3 years and is only recently seeing a profit

kinect and move are TRASH aimed at kids and fat housewives like the wii, but "hardcore" gamers are falling for it too.

it's a shame because console gamers could be playing in HD with 8x anti-alising with beautiful stunning particle effects like pc gamers are, buy no, you want to be cheap-asses and hold on to this sub-hd gen for another year

hate to tell you but, a new console will be announced this year at e3, wheather you like it or not, devs are sick of the restraints the consoles pose.

[Firstkn1ghT]

As long as next gen destroys this gen than I'm ready. I want the next gen to be able to run Battlefield 3 with maximum settings with at least 60fps locked without a slight hiccup. Hell I want the next gen to make Battlefield 3 look like a ps2 game!!!! BRING IT MAN!

[therapist]

lol, that won't happen unless you're ready to spend $500-$800 on a console, to get what pc gamers will be getting this fall

you'll need;

4gb ram ddr3
1.5 gb vRam
quad core proc (i-7, something devs can work with)

I and a lot of pc gamers with be playing BF3 with specs beyond that

6gb ddr3
3gb vRam
i-7

the new console announcemet will happen this year at e3, who will go first, my guess is microsoft again.

[mrmancs]

pc games from several years ago could give this console generation a run for there money , lets move on.. im ready :)

[Allowen]

If a gen is decided my 1st party games (what it is not )then the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox360 already delivered all they could.
Besides Gears of War 3 and Zelda Skyward sward there i no more real uber 1st party or even exclusive aaa 3rd party game coming to those consoles.
DQX will probably got cancealed on the Wii .

On the other hand this gen can still continue to breath real well on the PS3.

I m not sure if MS & Nintendo are in a hurry to launch a new console before 2 more years has passed since they could not deliver many "next gen "uber aaa games on this gen.

Not to mention that not every 3rd party atm can make graphically amazing games such Crytec (Crysis2) or Square-Enix ( FF13 & FFv13).
To launch a new console now will be a waste ...

Another crystal clear exemple is Nintendo 3DS , it seems that it will keep reciving minor remake games of N64 and PS2 for a LONG while before new games arrives to fully use the 3DS full potential .

Just enjoy your console / portable of choice for now while BigN , MS & Sony continues to build their game's library for the next gen consoles.

[Nivalis]

If you're sick of feeling like this gen's tech is maxed out, stop complaining and buy a gaming PC, chances are it'll run things nicer than the next generation of consoles anyway.

When 360 launched, it's tech (cpu/gpu) were relatively low end compared to gaming PC's of that generation, while it's not as easy to compare the ps3 since it's processors so different, I think all of us deep down know that, regardless of their differences, the PS3 and 360 are pretty much evenly matched in terms of capability.

Yet PC has been leaps and bounds ahead, and always will be.

Consider this, people were playing Quake and Quake 2 on their CRT screens at 720p+ when the xbox 1 and ps2 had only just hit the market, and this console gen barely seems to scrape 720p for most games these days.

Only benefit a console has is price.

That said, if Sony jumped the gun last generation, games like Shadow of the Colossus would never have made it to market, additionally, despite the PS3's release, the PS2 continued to sell decent numbers right up till the start of this year, pretty damn good considering - with that in mind, I think Microsoft will announce a new console in the 8th year of the 360, and Sony will follow suit within a year of the 360's successor being announced.
(to the lazy, that means 2013 for next xbox, late 2013/2014 for the next playstation.

I am pretty much willing to set up a large cash bet with anyone here, that this will be the case.

[The_Zeitgeist]

I don't even think this gen has hit its stride yet. Not to mention the current economic conditions around the world are too dire to even think about releasing a new console. In case you didn't know, the industry has been losing money in year to year sales comparisons for nearly two years now.

[9thWonder]

why have new gen consoles no one needs them when the current still have at least 5 years left in them, new features and games if your gonna have new consoles now what will they offer that the current ones cant.......oh i thought so

[DrFUD]

"think of how much more expansive these games could truly be with new hardware"

True new hardware would ramp things up, but so would larger file limits. If Microsoft would allow 3rd parties to release retail games as downloads without file size restrictions instead of being pinned down to DVD disc limits, I'm sure quality would increase.
If you look at the multiple disc games already out they are better in most cases.
And while the freedom of space isn't a guarantee of a better product, it certainly is one less obstacle.

[BigBacon87]

This guy doesn't know a damn thing. I mean sure the 360's best days are behind it but the PS3 hasn't been fully tapped yet.

[Aarix]

Oh hell no ms and Sony have just learned their lesson consumers are not ready for more bs and developers are not ready to go bankrupt over games that will cost more and take more tine

[MrBeatdown]

We don't need a new generation and I don't want a new generation.

PS3 and 360 can be updated with just about any feature we want. The only reason for a new set of consoles is faster loading and better graphics. I'm not ready to spend hundreds of dollars just for that, when I'm still impressed with what the current gen offers.

[adonchris]

hello

[anasurimbor]

There's no way I could possibly disagree more.

No, no, no, and no.

[TheDeftGamer]

This reminds me of this article:
http://thedeftgamer.blogspo...

The current gen consoles are too powerful to be put away, and next gen consoles would be way too expensive. Sony halted PS4 development indefinetly because of the pure expense required.

It would be a burnen on the gaming world.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

the gamers who bought there 360/ps3 on day one and have been gaming on them the last 5-6 years are ready for a new console or ready to move on to PC with superior graphics and game play New feneration of gamers who just bought there 360/ps3 and getting into gaming may not be ready for a new console. What they have now is good enough for them. I think MS is much further ahead of Sony to bring a new console to the market. Sony already announced they have stop research on the ps4 to concentrate on the psp2 and xperia market.

[DNAbro]

This would be absolutely horrible. I still need to get myself a 360 before this gen ends. Plus the next generation of handhelds are coming so do we really need the next gen of consoles too?

[Kemicalbeliefs]

The only thing I'd welcome, is Sega back into the arena of consoles. Spice it up a bit.

I love my PS3 and my 360 right now so I don't want anything new just yet thanks.

[btk]

Dec 2012 at least unveiling of the new console gen. PS3 + Move and pricedrop will see PS3 sales take off.

[Merivigian]

When do we need new consoles? Well the answer is simply this: when we get there. The reason why new consoles come out is because there is something the game developers are trying to achieve that the current generation just can not produce. So we upgrade the hardware. I don't think we'll start to see signs of a new gen at least 2-3 years from now.

[caperjim]

I agree. We need new consoles now!! Games are looking the same. PS3 move or kinect isnt going to save this generation. If you dont want to buy a new console then wait but ill be first in line with my wallet open. If nothing is announced soon ill be making the switch to PC and retiring my PS3/360.

[kevnb]

you could use both, although i find myself only playing sony exclusives on console.

[caperjim]

Yeah i more likely will just play exclusives for the consoles. Everything else will be on PC if no new console is announced at this E3. I couldnt imagine playing BATTLEFIELD 3 or SKYRIM on my PS3/360.

[Wardog1368]

I think we are starting to halt with the giant graphical leaps that we saw from say n64/ps1/ to the xbox/ps2 generation. Graphics will get better but I don't see it being as great a jump as the author here is expecting.

[sarshelyam]

Uncharted 3 is knocking and wants to know what the hell you're talking about!

[zackacloud]

Xbox 360 fanboy said that we need next gen console because we dont want a ps3

[ceed911]

I feel like the graphical improvements will be minor making it unworthy.

The only reason a new console should come out is if they make the systems strong enough to support more players in online games.

I just dont see people willing to fork over the $400 for a new system on top of games.

[jalen247]

Looks at Killzone 2/3, Uncharted 2/3, GOW III, and Crysis 2 (PS3) and Crysis 2 (360)...this console gen still has a lot of legs...PS3 has the legs....dare I say 360 has legs too based off Crysis 2 (360) single player videos.

[mimizone]

Only new games are needed now.
New hardware that doesn't use 5kw of power and doesn't second has a heater just to render better explosion and more pixels for less than $600 with 40% loss for the vendor the first year doesn't exist yet.
There is a lot that can be done with a mix of motion controllers, buttons, cameras and current hardware in terms of gameplay.

[kevnb]

a console from sony or microsoft right now would be a sega like move.

[firetaw]

well see new consoles once graphics cards are 100x better then the consoles. then we will see consoles using a custom version of a cheap but powerful graphics card that can perform just as good as the top of the line graphics cards. the design of the next generation console will change again because thats what game consoles are. they are highly specialize and sophisticated in 3D hardware acceleration. i wouldn't be surprise if we start seeing specialized hardware for lighting and animation to strain less work off the graphics card of consoles. we already see this happening for physics, most of them are integrated inside the graphics card but its still hardware. so we will see the CPU be more of a manager then a calculating cruncher probably, or there will be soo many core that the developer will just decide which does what.

[R_aVe_N]

There is not a NEED for a new console generation right now. Dev's are just not starting to do great things with current console why would they even bother to release another at this point in time. It will be a few years until you will see anything on this. Sony has there NGP releasing at the end of this year/beginning of new year. So they will have nothing until maybe E3 2013 to announce at all. They want all focus to be on the NGP and rightfully so.

[Masterchef2007]

I feel that this generation of consoles can last a few years longer. Who really needs to be up 2 spec is Nintendo because they are really behind where tech is concerd. Sure they are number one this gen but that is just because they stuck to old tech so they could produce the console cheaply. What i really would like to see is Nintendo step up in the graphics department. Yes i know that Gameplay > Graphics. But better hardware allows you to do more things with the games which is why it can improve gameplay.

[tigertron]

I'm expecting an E3 2012 unveiling of all 3 consoles with Xmas 2012/Spring 2013 releases, because I think this current gen still has alot of life left in it.

I think this gen is more like the PS/N64 gen as oppossed to the one we just had becausse that gen lasted about 6 years, whereas the PS2/GC/Xbox era lasted for 5 years.

Besides, with all the great games coming out this year (especially for the PS3) why do we need another console this year? Next year, maybe, but it all depends on what games are going to be announced for next year. I just want these companies to take their time developing their technology and really make the next generation truly special - no rushed hardware and faults please.

[jalen247]

Unless PS4 and Xbox 720 and Wii 2 launch games look like the Unreal Engine 3.9....demo then I am not interested in new hardware.

Technology needs to catch up to my expectations...

[tigertron]

Exactly why I said they should wait to improve their technology. I want things like 1080p and 60fps standard.

Although I don't know about the Wii 2 in that department...

[ELite_Ghost]

lolz no cash for that

[VonBraunschweigg]

I dunno, I'll buy anything:) but this generation isn't over before The Last Guardian releases.

[yugioh100]

"This Console Gen Has To End"

Why even if new consoles came out people would still be buying these anyway just like the ps2.

[Bob570]

I am so ready for the next generation of consoles. The current consoles are way outdated, and it's time to weed out some, or all of the casuals.

As things are right now, it is way to easy to make a quick buck, there is no passion anymore. All you have to do is make a game somewhat reminiscent of Call of Duty, make an epic trailer, add a countdown timer to your website, and you instantly make huge money because everybody and their brother have a PS3 or Xbox 360.

Releasing a new console generation will weed out the casuals because only extremely rich people and the hardcore gamers will have them. The developers will have to make quality games again to do well because the people they will be marketing to will be (for the most part) true gamers.

[Kemicalbeliefs]

So only the rich can afford them? what and limit your console sales to a few million, wasting all that development cost.
Then there is the issue of having to sell the console for at least $2500 to break even due to limited numbers and the games at about $200 each?

Yeah makes sense.

[Bob570]

That was not what I was trying to imply at all. I was simply going over what happens every time a new console gets released, the only people who have the consoles are A) real gamers or B) people who think nothing of spending $400-$500, rich people.

The typical casual gamer doesn't care enough about gaming to spend $400-$500 on a console, unless that amount of money is nothing to them. And thus, the majority of owners of that console will be real gamers, and so developers will have to make games that appeal to real gamers once again, for at least a short time.

[Blaine]

There's nothing wrong with having more casual people gaming--nor is there with devs being able to make a quick buck.

IN FACT, both these things *help* get us better games. More gamers means more sales, sure-fire hits means ensured revenue; both these means developers are able to take more chances on IPs. You think Demon's Souls would have been produced as a release title? NOT a CHANCE. But in the coming years, if this gen keeps up, we'll see more and more low-key releases turn out to be amazing games. They won't sell record-breaking numbers, and only the core gamers will know about them/ buy them, but it'll only be the casual gamer's loss. And all the while they'll be footing the bill for our amazing games by buying their re-hashes.

It's a win/win/win (devs, core, casuals), and everyone's happy. If they start the new gen too early, though, then it's losses across the board.

[jamboza]

screw that...(aint readign the article jus the head line)....but as i said screw that im going through a hard time right now and to get a new gaming system and then prob the price of gamees more than likely would go up, this would jus make me wana go back to wow or some other online mmo game

[BABY-JEDI]

I don't think the Dev's have quite got the best out of this Generation of consoles. Let them decide.
After all, no one has said they have maxed out a system, then not bettered it.

[Rob946]

We dont need a new console till at least 2013, we are getting 3ds and ngp and i now there handhelds but still thats enough for now

[LMS]

we need new consoles yesterday, bungie is already and has been working on a game for next gen, the new unreal engine is built for next gen, 343 studios has a new halo game, crytech is already moving onto cryengine 4,

The Next Gen is Coming Soon!!!!!!!!

wheather you want it or not

hopefully this fall, if not, 100% sure fall 2012 (that would be lame but it sure as fu@k won't be some 2014 crap,

are you on drugs, these games are running like shit at 20-30 frames per second in sub hd, you want that crap for YEARS to come??

I want my console replaced now, I play NOTHING on ps3 or 360, I hate 720p with aliasing jaggies EVERYWHERE!

I guarentee you will hear something about a new console this year at e3

[caperjim]

Amen!! Couldnt have said it better myself.

[frankymv]

Finally somebody who makes sense.

NEW CONSOLES SOON.

[gcolley]

new consoles = same old games. graphics are not the problem. creativity is

[iliimaster]

how bout scotty noooo~!

[CYBERHATER]

I'm very happy with what we have now for a while.

[Ascalon94]

I was just getting use to the awesomeness of my PS3, why do we need new systems already, tho the Xbox and Wii could use an upgrade to match the PS3's graphics and whatnot it doenst have to be a full blown next gen console

[NotSoSilentBob]

There is a difference between NEED and WANT. It is a shame that people think they have a given right to get new hardware. The 360 Might be maxed out but it's main competitor the PS3 is still showing signs that it is improving. Just because 1 system is starting to show signs of not keeping up, doesn't mean a whole new console Gen Needs to start. If any of the Big threw launch a new console especially in this world economy it isn't going to do well. There hasn't been enough of a Tech increase to justify a new console gen.

[Bull5hifT]

The Illuminati Are going to End the World in 2012... So id prefer spending my Money On Hookers n Happy Stuff before its all over

[V0LT]

I actually feel like the PS3 is just getting started...

[Hurmun]

Didn't even read the article yet, but I can't agree based off the title. There is still so much going on with the 360 and PS3, that they're full fledged entertainment systems and not just gaming platforms.

We wont need a new console until 2014 and even then, we may not need one.

[TBONEJF]

Theirs no NEED FOR NEW CONSOLES at this time right now. we are still in the middle of the 10yr cycle for all systems. Think it's kinda too early for the BIG 3 to make and move on to newer consoles plus their are soo many games that's coming out that non of us haven't played yet. SO IT'S TOO DAMN EARLY.

[assaulth3ro911]

This article is hot because the majority of the picture has to do with Playstation.

[gustave154]

I don't see Sony releasing a new console this year or next year. Last year PS3 sales peaked at 14.5 million units. And this happened with the price at $299. This means that the PS3 sales still hasn't reach its potential because consoles tend to sell the most at $199. Once the PS3's price is at $199, then i can see Sony announcing the PS4.

[zero_cool]

Sony already said their not in any rush to jump into next gen & are quite comfortable where they currently are so get over it people sony's mind is made up so quit bitching & begging & just enjoy the rest of this gen's offerings.

[LoneWanderer09]

If a Next gen comes out soon, am going to focus on my PS3 am not interested in another Generation until 3 or 4 years

[TheLig32]

I'm not seeing any reason to upgrade. Graphically, this generation continues to blow me away. Also, I'm not seeing any new PC games coming out that have visuals that make me want to spend $699 to upgrade. Keep this gen going for another 3 years is what I say.

[gypsygib]

Sony and MS should just release PS3HD and 360HD for 300 bucks. The older and HD consoles would play the same games but the HD versions would be 1080p, 60FPS, better AA and less bloom.

Then release PS4 and 720 in 2014-15

[zero_cool]

Watch the whole video & learn the truth:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

For those who disagree need to stick to what they know & leave technology talk to tech savvy people.

[TheLastGuardian]

WTF is this shit. It's only been like 4 years. It feels like this gen just started. This gen is really starting to get good. I don't want it to end now. Keep it going as long as possible.

I know Microsoft are going to be a douches and release their 720 asap so they can get a head start again. There tech might be dated but that's their fault so why does Sony have to suffer and play catch up every gen? The PS3 is now starting to reach it's peak. I want the PS3 to last 'til at least 2014. I don't want to have to pay for new consoles anytime soon.

Microsoft needs to release a console that can actually compete with the PS3 and then a few years later release another new console at the same time as the PS4.

[gypsygib]

I wouldn't worry. Earliest PS4/720 would be announced is 2012, then probably released 2013. Don't be an early adopter and you'd end up buying one earliest 2014 but probably 2015 when prices drop and hardware issues are ironed out.

[frankymv]

Its time for new consoles.

E3 2011 will be huge.

[media73]

We are stuck with current gen. Bf3 would of been delayed

[DFresh]

Oh hell no.

We still haven't seen everything the consoles this gen can do.

I'm in no hurry to buy even more expensive hardware, games, accessories, and DLC.

T_T

We're not gonna see any new consoles for at least 5 more years.

2015: Xbox 720

2016: PS4/Wii 2

[frankymv]

Dream on.

[Orionsangel]

I know it's been 6 years, but it doesn't feel like it. It still feels like it just started.

[AnxietyAttack]

New generation? I just bought a new 250G XboX 360 Slim, I can wait another couple of years at least.

[HINDERIZATION]

SEGA DREAMCAST 2!!!!

[Droid Control]

I'm ready for Next-Gen NOW!
A six year old console is clearly pushing it.

I'm tired of playing the same games with little to no improvement. Time for some more POWER!!!

[Pl4sm4]

id say when the economy recovers ( if it does ) ... Boom PS4 and lead in gaming like Sony is doing

[SolidMGSnake]

They dont even need a complete overhaul w/ the systems. Just add some more damn MEMORY and a better GPU. Sorta like a small upgrade. It would make more developers spend more time creating the game they want rather than scratching their heads figuring out how to make this work in the game and cram this in the game without stressing the system. and as an added bonus, backward compatiable games will have increased performance. WOuldn't you like to see a game like Uncharted and Killzone above 30fps? That'd kick ass! Games would actually be 1080p native! And PC elitest can stfu then. Its time consoles step it up in performance and get our games to at least 60fps or true 1080p or both.

Also screw 3D tvs we need 4k resolution hdtvs.

[sak500]

You have something there. HOwever instead of releasing new hardware they can offer an external processing device to be attached to existing hardware so that it's a more affordable option and more people can buy this. It's something like Asus XG station or soemthing which was external VGA card for notebooks which had gimped specs. But with this device they could play 3D games.

[Blaine]

LOOOL this opinion piece fails hard. He claims progression in games has come to a halt, during what looks to be the biggest year this gen! Rage, Crysis 2, Killzone 3, Gears 3, Uncharted 3, The Last Guardian, Portal 2, Brink, Arkham City, Elder Scrolls V, Deus Ex, etc., etc. Really there's too many blockbuster games to name--and I'm a PS3 gamer, so I don't even know what's coming out for 360 but I'm sure there's more to add to the list from that console (I threw Gears in there for good measure!).

[NotSoSilentBob]

This guy also bases his want for a new Gen on innovation. Innovative games can be done this Gen it just needs the Devs to actually do it. This is were the sheep who buy the same game every year ruin it for the rest of us who like new things.

[Blaine]

Those "sheep" are good for the industry, thus they're good for us too as core gamers. Read my comment on page 4.

[Vorgier]

No.

[TheLastGuardian]

I hate the headline of this article with a passion.

[earbus]

Yep getting new pc sick of waiting .

[UKwoods]

Whilst I think the current gen is fine for the time being, I think 2013 would be a good time to release new consoles. You simply can't ignore the fact that iPad/smartphones will be more powerful than current consoles within 1-2 years. Also, PC is making a comeback, surly based on the fact that it's games can look vastly superior to console equivalents.

[ATiElite]

Now that consolers are getting restless and want new consoles.....this is where the value of PC gaming shows up again. Any new console will be $500 and theres no guarantee it will play all your old games.

plus it takes a while for the kinks to be worked out RROD YLOD but if you had a PC you could just upgrade the graphics card for $250 and play all your old games no problem and enjoy the BRAND NEW tech today DX11 and not 2 console generations from now.

just a thought.

[Blaine]

PC can't play Sony first-party games. Not saying they're the only good games, but those titles are the ones I spend most of my gaming time on.

[Pillage05]

As a consumer, I would personally be ok with a new gen now. I'd purchase a new console...but I don't think the general public is ready. Holding off a while is ok by me too. Though I suspect we'll hear announcements of next gen consoles this year or next.

[Blaine]

I don't think the devs are anywhere near ready either. It takes a while for a gen to really get profitable for them (once they've used their engine a few times, and they can start churning out more games) and I think we've only recently got to that point. Let them make some money before jumping on the next, even more costly development-wise gen starts.

(What gamers need to realize, is that when games are too expensive to make, that's when devs take the least chances. Then they make the same old games that are sure to sell relatively well, but they don't innovate.)

[aaronobst]

Dear god I hope not

This gen is just really getting into the swing of things, don't make me fork out more money for a console that's not even necessary

[Mikeyy]

Are we all kidding ourselves? I really don't believe a fraction of gamers are ready to shell out $700+ for a new console tomorrow.

And I really doubt developers are ready also. Look at this gen, developers are really lazy, and cut corners like you would'nt belive, delivering Sub-HD game after game.

Look at what we got in previous generations, versus this one. We've only gotten 1 MGS, 1 Final Fantasy, 1 Gran Turismo, 1 GTA, We are about to get our First True Mortal Kombat... This generation has been moving at a slow crawl.

If you dump new tech out there today, all the developers would be lost, it would take another 4 years for them to learn it, and by time they do, PC games will still look superior.

all we would get with a PS4 and Xbox720 is more of the same, 5 hour long games not worth the price tag.

I say we enter the next generation when developers start to show they are serious.

I'll also add this is the first generation where I've never rented a game. The gap between "great game" and "crappy game" is so large that there is no grey area for renting them. All the games worth owning I own, and the rest can sit on store shelves for the Clueless Casuals.

[zero_gamer]

One of the best posts I've read on this comments board. Yeah as much as I would like a new generation of consoles there are many problems to consider, and this generation has many problems that are left unresolved even after 5 years since the launch of the 360. If the problems don't get solved this generation, they will only carry over to the next generation, in new heights as well.

This generation also has a lot of unused potential and the PS3 is future proof for a couple years. The PS3 is yet to be pushed to its very limits. The vast majority of PS3 titles haven't even slightly achieved that goal. Not to mention we got the Move last year and would want to see blockbuster games that utilize it as opposed to the assorted shovelware on the Wii.

What I fear is the next generation will have $70 games, 1 hour single player modes, a huge surge of FPS games and a massive decline in many other genres (like this gen's JRPG decline), more DLC milking, more corporate laziness, more bugs and glitches, more shovelware, more wasted potential, and full game passes (instead of passes for just the online portion), all in favor of better graphics. IMO the trouble isn't worth it at this point.

[chewmystink]

@reedbananaboat
The concept of using a single display to display different content to multiple viewers at the same time has already been done.
2 players would be the limit and the glasses just keep showing the left frame through both lenses to one player and the other player keeps getting the right frame through both lenses of the glasses.

[sak500]

Fortunately i have a high end gaming pc and few 360s so in no hurry to jump on a new gaming platform. Still have plenty of games on the horizon. HOwever i hope Kinnect doesn't become teh main focus of MS for the rest of current gen since we are losing games to casuals.

[insomnium2]

We aren't losing games on the PS3.

Why do you have x360s if you have a PC is beyond me. There are like 2 games worth mentioning that are exclusive to x360. No matter how you slice it you would get a TONNE more for your money with a PC+PS3 combo. Not my problem though just my 2 cents.

[bangoskank]

This article is nonsense. What we need is a steady flow of original games.

[SicilianGunner]

hey i just got my ps3 move a week ago lemme enjoy that before u guys start talking about ps4 plz i would like some good games to come out for it i hope theres at least 2 years left for this gen

[Biasmania]

What I would just kill for is Sony, {sorry no 360 here.} to throw their weight behind new features and such. I mean this gen is awesome, just look at what we have so far this year and toward the end of 2011.... I want Sony to deliver the greatest handheld of all time, and give PSN some TLC..... PS2 classics..... Fine tune the dash..... Stuff the store full.... I know people are tired of it but cross game chat.... The PS3 could ride till 2013 easily.... Hell maybe 14..

[Ingram]

Wii has to be replaced, there's no doubt about it.

I think 360 and PS3 can still stretch their wings until 2013-15, but I wouldn't mind if expensive, feature packed 700~$ Behemoth consoles came out soon.Early adopters would drive costs down in a couple of years, and such tech would last several years.I don't want casual consoles, I don't want a small step forward but a full fledged home system, with massive performance.

I predict we will get the first hints this TGS, the announcement in 2012 and the launch of the 8th generation in 2013.

[XeNoStRatoS]

"This Console Gen Has To End. New Consoles – The Time Is Now"

That's one legitimate opinion. My opinion is that there is no need for new hardware at this point yet. I would not jump onto the next gen already - way of too expensive. And there is still more potential with the current gen so why get a new system?

[Droid Control]

The problem is, there are a lot of noobs commenting here. Many are casual gamers PRETENDING to be real gamers. Others are so poor they fear the extra cost. The truth is, the 360 is SIX years old!

6 years!

The PS1 was replaced after 6 years.
The PS2 was replaced after 6 years.

People complained then too!
Noobs always will. There are many so-called 'gamers'posting here that only brought a 360 or a PS3 last year. Those are the people holding us back! Ask and TRUE gamer, anyone that brought a 360 back in 2005 if they are ready for new hardware and see what they tell you...

Look noobs, when next gen starts either this year or next, no one is forcing you to buy a new xbox. Microsoft will continue to support the 360 with Kinect and shovelware. You'll be happy playing Dragon Age 3 will no improvements.

Let us, the REAL gamers move on with bleeding edge hardware, Halo 4 launch games, and unrivaled scope and clarity.

[XeNoStRatoS]

"The problem is, there are a lot of noobs commenting here. Many are casual gamers PRETENDING to be real gamers. Others are so poor they fear the extra cost. The truth is, the 360 is SIX years old!"

Dude, I can just talk for myself - used to be a "real gamer" for more than a decade (1992 - 2005) when I had plenty of time besides school and first 2 years of my study. The truth is lots of people of this older generation who enjoyed awesome games and a vast development of the gaming biz are in the late twens or far ahead (up to 40+). They don't have the time or have a family to feed so the money is rare sometimes for investment into this hobby.

Besides this fact there is still lots of potential with the current consoles, at least with 360/PS3 - for the Wii - technically - the glory days are gone.
Why is there any need to have a cut every six years? Who defined that period for new releases of entertainment hardware? Sugreev2001 has a good point. The new generation of gaming is mobile - fitted to the needs of ppl who have less time then earlier in the history of gaming who still want to play games abroad. They get what they need. And still I'd say I am a true gamer although there might be more important topics in my life by now.

[Garethvk]

Many have already stated that until the economy picks up, it is the wrongt time to drop 500.00 consoles on people.

[Armyntt]

I want new consoles myself. I always buy launch and then buy another one when they drop under the 200 range because by that time my launch ones are starting to really wear. My 360/PS3 were both launch and just in the last 6 mos i bought 2 more. Im ready for nex-gen. Its not like once the nex-gen starts you have to abandon support for the old one. Although i believe M$ will. $ony has a history of supporting their previous consoles.

[rapidturtle]

Prices have to drop this Gen, before we see a next Gen.

[Saleem101]

I'm ready move on Ps4, sub HD graphics on xbox360 and ps3 is retarded the games don't look that great anymore...

[DisgustingTramp]

who ever wrote this is a chubby little rich kid who just loves spending money on shiny new things...

i'd be gutted if they released the next gen of consoles, i've only just bought myself a 360! and the potential hasn't been reached yet, we're just on the brink of all the most amazing game releases! there are a good few games i'm super hyped for atm, including skyrim and battlefield3. the developers of these games are at the very edge of practical releasable game design... and the work they have had to put in to their games still doesn't max out the consoles potential... so a new console would be pointless.

neither the consumer or industry are ready for the next gen consoles... what a dumb article.

[R6ex]

I'm getting my games on the PC ... best graphics!!!

[thekiddfran]

it doesn't have to end at all!ps3 will keep going till at least 2012

[midgard227]

thier shouldnt be a new gen of systems till 2016, mainly because the ps3 and 360 are pumping out better looking games every year. the 360 still has some space for improvement and the ps3 has tons of potential left.

i feel like this gen just started, i mean its only 5 years old. devs r just getting used to the consoles and dev times are going down, with new consoles the dev time is going to take longer, games more expensive and, um yeah we dont need that

[iistuii]

New hardware so all games come 1080p with proper AA and running without a stutter. New hardware will be the only way to achieve this. Or buy a top end PC of course.

[starchild]

God I really hate consoles sometimes. Console fanboys seem content to have ancient technology and have generations drag on forever. I have already been sick of this generation for a long time.

I actually have nothing against consoles per se and I do own all the consoles, but by the 3rd year of this gen I was having a really hard time putting up with the low frame rates, massive jaggies, screen tearing and low resolutions that console games often suffer from.

The thing that makes it worse is that consoles are holding the PC back. Given how big the console market is, most developers want to develop multiplatform games, which of course means that they develop to the lowest common denominator.

Sadly, we won't see a consistent increase in game graphics on the PC until we see a new generation of consoles. Of course we get to enjoy higher quality graphics on the PC than on the consoles and there are at least a few developers that are taking advantage of the power of PCs (Battlefield 3), but there is so much vast potential in modern PC graphics tech that is simply not being taken advantage of by most developers due to the dumbing down of games for consoles.

[iistuii]

I actually sold my PC, which was at the top end of things due to no games taking advantage of it. I have both consoles, but god I HATE JAGGIES, and the sooner a new console arrives the better. I really am tempted to build another top PC for Crysis 2 and especially Battlefield 3.

[zodiac909]

News flash: Not all of us aren't millionaires here.

[Thoreau]

the rampaging new age crybaby-ism gaming attitude needs to die. i would like to see new consoles, but the devs i think need another year or two to understand today's tech.

[RAmar101]

i would not want to buy a new round of consoles as of right now. ps3 and 360 are just fine its only the wii that needs a new console.

[plb]

Seems there has been a surge of new console talk after the BF3 video was shown. That said, I do not see it happening anytime soon at least not from MS or Sony. Nintendo maybe though.

[T3MPL3TON]

2013 we get info on them 2014/2015 they drop. Their is no reason for anyone to even think or believe or ask for it to be sooner than that.

[plb]

I don't think it will be that far off tbh. I think e3 2012 MS will announce a new console and it will go on sale holiday that year.

[T3MPL3TON]

I just feel like, if they were gonna drop in 2012, we'd have heard some grumblings by now.

Besides, I'm pretty sure shortly after the Kinect dropped someone from M$ said that, the 360 has at least 3 more years to go. And that he doesn't see anything new even being talked about for a while.

I honestly believe M$ will be last to the party for a new console.

[ManiacMansion]

new console gen FTW... its a shame that we get hardware which costs 600 bucks.. and after 5 years we see the power for that hardware when it already costs the half, lol.

The 360 is a great example with Gears of War (1), that good dev tools + support allow developers to create GREAT looking games in its first two years till the end of the GEN.

Sure, The PS3 is also a power machine but it took WAY LONGER for the devs to create great looking games.

Just imagine how PC gamers would feel if they would buy a 800 USD Graphics card and there wouldnt be any game which could use the power of it.. how would PC gamers feel if they would get games 2-3 years later when the card is already 200 bucks worth?? REVOLUTION i think...

The Target should always be to create games which can fully take advantage of the hardware.. and not years later... the best example is the PS3.

[hillshitify]

So please cite the data you are basing these comments off of... apparently the PS3 is the best example of taking full advantage of the hardware....how so? So the xbox/wii doesn't take full advantage of its hardware and the PS3 does? Somehow developers are able to squeeze more efficiency out of 8 SPEs than a traditional processor?

Sounds like you own a PS3 - and you're a fandoosh..

[Equinoxe_7]

Wii 2 2012 XB3 2013 PS4 2014

[hillshitify]

Yeah, sorry to troll here but whoever wrote this is a f**king idiot. I mean, we invested in the consoles, the library, etc. Who knows if the next systems are going to be back. compat...

Also, they are JUST finally hitting their stride in terms of development utilization of the current gen. Now he wants to start over again - with no doubt higher priced consoles, games, etc.

I have a tip for the author of this article - become a PC gamer - you can decide whenever you want that it is time to upgrade. It doesn't bother me one bit that there are pretty handheld/portable games out there - console graphics are still better, and they are still impressive to me (some games anyway). Honestly, just enjoy your games instead of worrying about graphics technology. I swear - after that xbox 360 tech demo and what the Lionhead guy said you'd think this moron wouldn't have written this.

[zero_gamer]

Unfortunately gamers nowadays play games for the graphics. Gameplay has become a secondary reason for playing a next gen game in the eyes of the majority.

[XeNoStRatoS]

100% right that´s worth some bubbs

[olit123]

Already? Fuck off...

[Gmarino]

Firstly I think this guys an Xbox Fanboy, saying that the "PlayStation 3 was released and it offered us the same experiences we had come to expect from the Xbox." Saying that it offered nothing more than the Xbox 360! Bullshit! Try the brand new Blu-Ray drives and much higher graphical ability. Eurgh.....

Then the main point he's got is that games are big, 40gb+ and Xbox is still behind with there DVD's. But he never says that PS3's aren't capable, basically he just wants a new Xbox to be released.

All I can say is...wow...Fanboy article by a true Fanboy.

[SillyBastid]

how much money do you think I have?

I just had to buy a new PS3 slim because my 60 gig fatty finally got the YLOD... lucky it lasted this long. PS3 handles all the new technology, HD, 3D, you name it...

absolutely no need for a new console yet, especially in this economy, if they released it this year or next year it will be a miserable failure.

[kirajc]

It is too soon people... The PS3 still has a lot of life left and so does the the 360...

First we must ask our selves:
Price? PS4 and XBOX720 would be in the $800+ range and development cost would go up to make games 70+... Sony and Microsoft are going to look at these numbers and decide if the average gamer can afford this... the answer will be no.. this is really true for Sony.. hopefully they learned from the 2006-2007 year with the PS3 at $600... It would be smarter to at least wait for technology prices to go down as well as material.

Second:
Is this technology really outdated? The answer, not really, the 360 and the ps3 has their motion gaming, PS3 still hasn't been maxed out yet... there is still time for many more great games.. more stuff to add and do... there is still life..

Third:
Would it be wise? No there is still life... make this cycle at least 10 years.. 2015... the companies want to make money.. wait for more developments in technology etc...

It isn't time... except for the wii.. didn't really talk about it because its like the ps2 but with motion controllers.. ps2 lasted 6 years until the ps3 came out thus the wii has had 6 years so maybe its about time for the wii. who knows

[Tzuno]

What do you think that the new consoles will do? For a little improved graphic i would prefer to stay with this generation. It's only the greed of the companies that want to make more money that's all. And gamers don't have money to throw. Really what is making the consoles going are the exclusives because i would prefer to upgrade my PC to play games than to pay for a new expensive console.

[A7XEric]

There's no reason to have a new generation of consoles at least for another 2 years, other than for selfish reasons.

Just from a technology standpoint, developers keep finding ways to squeeze more and more power out of these systems. Just look at the new lionhead tech demo that popped up the other day. Just look at any 1st party Sony games coming out. The systems still have more juice left to them that have yet to be tapped.

Secondly, Microsoft and Sony both just launched their motion controllers. It'd be insane for them to release this tech, only to abandon it a year later if they were to launch a new console. It's not going to happen. Sony and Microsoft are going to want developers to have time to take advantage of them and keep moving units for these peripherals. These motion controllers are going to extend the life of the system by a couple years.

And third, it's just fucking retarded from a financial standpoint to release these new consoles unless you don't mind spending $600 on a system and $100 per game. That alone makes the idea of a new console generation a lot less attractive, and that's not even taking into consideration how terrible the global economy is right now.

[XeNoStRatoS]

Btw. today is the 4th birthday of PS3 in Europe (it is far away from beeing on the market for six years) and this one is far away from beeing outdated with Move, 3D, HD and BluRay with lots of capacity for epic games. So make your wish for Wii/360 maybe they react to the demand of rich kids...