Why you'll remain loyal to either Sony or Microsoft next gen

With consumers sticking with what they know, here's some reasons why many will stay with either Sony or Microsoft when new consoles arrive in the near future.

[fluffydelusions]

I have no loyalty to any one company. I have a 360, PS3, and gaming PC. IF I did have to choose just one (not counting PC of course) though it would be Sony.

[RedDead]

Depends on release time and games at the time. Xbox was better than Ps3 till about 2009 imo

[theonlylolking]

Only for those who did not know what games the PS3 had before 2009.

[dark-hollow]

some people preferred the ps3 in 2007-2008 and some people still prefer the 360 now.

different opinions. different tastes.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

Meh, I've went this long without a Sony product...

[Megaton]

2007 was the last year the 360 had better exclusive games than the PS3. 2010 is arguable.

[Anarki]

^^^^^^^^^^^
And you sir, are missing out.

[EVILDEAD360]

When it comes to moving to the next gen there are alot of intangible factors

720..Xbox Live will be a HUGE factor for the next Xbox.

Carrying over achievements and Xbox Live friends list are going to be essential.

If you were one of the intial 360 install base like me then you remember stil playing the wheels of Halo 2 against your old Xbox buddies. We did this all the way till Halo 3 was launched.

This time around it'll be Halo 4 and whatever Call of Duty that will carry over into next gen. It'll be interesting to see if Crytek and Epic remain key players for Micrsoft moving forward.

Micrsoft is clearly positionibg Windows 8 and Live as a one stop shop for the next gen. From cell phone to PC to the next console all in communication.

If Wii-U still relies on Wii-motes and last gen tech come next year's E3, then they are in for a bumpy ride.

But, it is those key Nintendo franchises that are crucial to Wii-U becoming successful.

Sony will also have a user base that would riot without their Trophies and profile information.

For games just the thought of SEA studios Naughty Dog, Poly D, and Santa Monica moving to next gen has to give gamers goosebumps.

It'll be interesting to see what Micrsft and Sony have in store for this coming E3.

Evil

[ProjectVulcan]

Nah. Whatever machine comes first, i will buy to be an early adopter. Then the rival machine i will buy when it justifies its presence with different types of games. I enjoy being an early adopter it lets me see the landscape and potential of a new generation. I admit it is more costly, but it is exciting to have this shiny brand new hardware few others have- its a thrill lets face it as a gamer!

Getting the game you waited years for is a thrill for most people, but absolutely the biggest thrill for console gaming for me is getting a brand spanking new generation piece of hardware- unboxing, getting familiar with the feel of the buttons and functions, finding the perfect place to display it.....this only happens every 5 years or so!

When 360 arrived it was the first ever HD console and that was proper exciting, it also meant a leap forward for PC games of that era and within a few months we had Oblivion, GRAW, PGR3 and the absolutely mind blowing Fight night round 3, which really showed the leap. These were some of the most exciting times for me - waiting for Gears of War too.

I bought a PS3 early on and in truth it was kinda underwhelming in its launch and games after having a 360 for a year, and it took a while for PS3 to truly wow me.

In the end despite being a slow starter PS3 seems to have a bit more life in it. So my preference at least has reversed somewhat. I can't say i will have a set 'loyalty' for next gen, i have never had much of a loyalty before.

[KingSlayer]

Meh, I've went this long without paying for the Internet twice...

[Projekt7tuning]

Wow what a great Flame fuel article for a fan based forum.
Why not just ask, "What system do think is best and why?" lol.

[hay]

I'm not loyal to companies. But I'm loyal to quality. I'll buy whichever will be SOLID.

[badz149]

if Sony still offer free PSN, then I think I'm in. afterall, that's the sole reason I went for the PS3 and Steam this gen.

[BrutallyBlunt]

Funny how things change throughout the lifespan of a system.

People stood in line to pay upwards of $600 to stay loyal to the Playstation 3 thinking games would be best on the latest hardware and once again getting the bulk of the exclusives. In reality games like Final Fantasy, Devil May Cry and many others became multiplats. Not only that but a lot of multiplat games didn't perform the best on it.

Then we have those who went from the original XBOX and stayed loyal. So for their loyalty they got shoddy hardware. Now it seems the exclusives are getting thinner and moving onto casual territory thanks to Kinect.

Last we have Nintendo who started off oh so strong. With a great gimmick to get everyone off the couch. Slowly (or fast for others) the fad wore off. We wanted to sit down again and eat our Cheeto's. Good games became months apart and multiplats became much more inferior. Cheap hardware multiplied by shovelware with Nintendo once again holding it's exclusives high above.

Morale of the story, why stay loyal to anyone?

[blumatt]

I'll remain loyal to the one that actually invests in first party games and doesn't just rely on third party games. The fact is that there are some good third party games, but for a console to practically rely on those to supply its fans with games is not a good strategy.

I'll stick with Sony and the PS4 for sure, but if the Xbox 720 proves to have a slew of first party titles and is priced right and is actually reliable this time, I might just buy one of those too.
----------------------------- --------------------
@badz149

And Sony will keep PSN free to play online on the PS4. Even cross game chat and a party system will be free to use. (See Vita) I guarantee it. There will still be PS+ which will give you free games and discounts (as opposed to XBL's $50 fee giving you access to the online portion of your already bought game).

[insomnium2]

It's all about games. Sony has teh studios for those and multiplats will be available for everyone. No matter how many former exclusives Sony loses there will be 5 new ones to replace'em. There really is nothing that can beat that.

Yakuza, Disgaea, Valkyria Cronicles, etc. are only on PS so PS it will be for me.

I don't have time for ALL games in the world so I have to choose the one giving me the MOST of the best games. Nothing can be said to argue this but feel free to disagree and debubble me.

[Why o why]

Ill remain loyal for want of a better word for the company that remaind loyal to my gaming tastes and needs. Ill leave it at that.

[Dac2u]

I have no real loyalty to either side, but I do prefer what Sony has to offer, atm. Between multiplats and exclusives for my PC, PS3 & Wii, there's very little I'm left not being able to or wanting to play. I have no interest in Gears or Halo after playing the first in their respective series.

[jeseth]

Sony convinced me to turn away from the Nintendo brand I was brought up on along with Sega.

No company since has convinced me they are better or have given me enough reasons to buy anything else. Sony has the best exclusives, push the enveloped more than anyone else, and do more for their consumer than anyone else.

I will play anything and give credit where credit is due, but ts definitely Playstation for me.

[Drake117]

It all depends on what impresses me most at E3.

[JaredH]

I'm more loyal to Sony since I bought a ps3 first this gen but I'm open minded in buying new technology unlike most people on this site who just hate on things they don't have and never consider buying them.

I used to do that saying how I hated Halo and Gears even after playing both but when I bought a 360 and played them again I realized that I was just hating the games because I couldn't own them before. I was looking for faults in the games and not positive things like I do with games I own.

I still do that to the Wii though since I haven't bought one motion control thing this gen because I see them as gimmicky. I also see Nintendo as just rehashing the same IPs every couple years instead of making new ones. If I bought a Wii I'm sure these ideas would change though.

[slayorofgods]

Sony and MS have some different next gen tactics. MS is quick to end support for their xbox as soon as the next one arrives. Sony eases people into it by continuing support for their previous model. That is why MS gains strong footing to start a new gen.

Here is a quote from pirates of silicon valley that sums up why MS is so successful and despised. "You know how you survive? You make people need you. You survive because you make them need what you have. And then they have no where else to go."

[dredgewalker]

I believe in polygamy when it comes to gaming....though I do have my favorites :)

[SonyWarrior]

I'll buy which ever one has free online and if they both have free online then I'll buy ps4.

[AngryTypingGuy]

I think I'll do the same thing a I did this gen. I'll get the next Xbox when it's a bit newer and wait a little bit to grab a PS4. I will get both however, and don't give a crap about Nintendo. Being the father of a young child though, I'm sure there is a purchase of at least a DS in my future.

[yesmynameissumo]

My only loyalty depends on playing great games. Sony does that for me. Nintendo does that for my kids. I'll stick to those.

[miyamoto]

If this generation has proven anything its these facts:

Nintendo was in it for the money.
Miyamoto has said it himself the Wii was the last safe bet against Sony and Microsoft. The Wii was not even their own idea & patent. It was a lucky shot too given the recession of 2008 it was the cheapest home console. The overpriced $250 3DS shows us how greedy & arrogant Nintendo really has become. Milking the Mario, Pokemon and Zelda series to no end without pushing new ideas tell on their tale too. Now they plan on stealing the PlayStation market with 3DS & Wii U which I doubt could ever catch on what the DS & Wii did.

M$ is in this for the money.
The lack of new & original games, stealing PlayStation exclusives & ideas proves their their laziness & no care on nurturing the video games industry. Even Kinect technology wasn't their own. If staying in the game because of deeper pockets is their thing then I won't buy it. It's an empty success from a long time gamer's perspective.

Sony is in this for the games industry.
The PlayStation brand took away the "toy" image that kept Nintendo in business for decades and popularized video games as a mainstream form of entertainment for the young and old. They pushed the hardware and software so hard and made video gaming the billion dollar industry it is today.
PS Move proves that Sony makes its OWN hardware from Eye Toy to Blu-Ray disks to its own Cell processors. That is passion for games! They are in the fore front of bringing in new game IPs like ICO, Shadow of Colossus, Demon Souls, Uncharted, Little Big Planet, inFamous, Flower, etc.
The PS Vita proves that Sony will stand toe to toe with whatever threat Apple can throw at the traditional games industry & will not surrender it samrt phones and tablets that easily.
One needs to look at PlayStation history and realize that Sony will stay like the immovable mountain that it is today and in the future.

[Ryudo]

They are all in it for the money why don't you remove that penis from you rear hole...

[Drake117]

wow axel u dont even try to mask your fanboyism a little bit with that one

[AngryTypingGuy]

Wow, looks like someone is a bit naive. Sony is in it for the same reason as Microsoft. They both want their console to be the center of your home entertainment center for games, movies and other digital content, all in the name of...MONEY!!!

[Joule]

Poor guy. All you need is one console.

PS3.

[_Aarix_]

Wow thanks for the laugh. Its hilarious how some people say missing out on all the awesome games on the 360 are not worth getting a 360 for.

[QuodEratDemonstrandm]

@Aarix
I'm not into fps or racing games (Halo and Forza).
There is a general consensus, even among 360 gamers, that Kinect is stupid.
I've seen game play footage of Gears of War 3, but not Alan Wake.
Would you spend $300 to play 2 games?
I have no justification for buying a 360.

[_Aarix_]

You can get a $200 4 gb slim or a $100 20gb pro at gamestop.

Just because YOU dont like them doesnt mean everyone else doesnt.

If you dont think these games are worth playing
Halo 3, odst, reach
Gears of war 2.3
Lost odyssey
Blue dragon
Last remnant
Splinter cell conviction
Ace combat 6
Shadow Complex
Crackdown
Fable 2,3
Forza series
99 nights (I liked it)

and if you dont have a pc then you have games like mass effect, left 4 dead and alan wake.

I feel sorry for the people in denial that say they dont want to play these games. I wont deny all the games on the ps3.

[Thatguy-310]

If I ever had to choose one I will always pick Sony just because I grew up with that brand and it's home to some of my favorite franchises. That being said, it's not ok to just limit yourself with one console. All three of them offer different things which you benefit of at the end.

[nnotdead]

it's more than ok to own only one console. i doubt many people have both the time and money to spend on every game offered on one console. not to mention 3 plus PC

[Thatguy-310]

Well you don't have to play all three of them at the same time. For example base off my experience I tend to get bored of a game pretty quick and lile this yr when 360 had not much games I used my ps3. Plus having a ps3 and a 360 I don't miss out on Any titles.

[Gamer1982]

If new xbox comes with Kinect as standard they will lose a lot of fans as people will worry about the direction MS are going.

[nnotdead]

i would think most people interested would find it to be a plus.

[kaveti6616]

The next Kinect might be more powerful and more intuitive than the current version.

I wouldn't mind using voice commands to boot up my console.

But I don't know if I'll buy any of the next gen consoles. Maybe a Wii-U to play Smash Brothers.

[gotgame1985]

It depends on what kinect leads to this gen, if they can do something ground breaking then I'm sure people won't mind it. but I still think they need to make kinect optional, and not force it on gamers.

[E2M]

I was only looking at the hardware at the time of when choosing the 360 or ps3. So whichever I see as better overall I will choose.

[Vortex3D]

I also have no loyalty to any one company. It will be Microsoft and Sony. Which console I play more depends on the games. Only company that I have no interest is Nintendo. I have Wii and it gets played 0.1% of the time. Wii U is only current gen which 6 years behind.

Seriously, why be loyal to one game console company? Being loyal means you are missing out the exclusives and unable to choose the best version for non-exclusives.

[yabhero]

LOL you're missing out on some of the best exclusives with Nintendo. Also come up with a better reason for disliking WiiU. We have no solid proof about power, in fact we know almost nothing. A lot of rumors say 3-5 the power of ps3 some say only 1-2. Everyone says it was only 50% but those were unfinished demo kits not final products.

[QuodEratDemonstrandm]

Are you saying that, because I don't own a 360, I can't play Gears of War, or Alan Wake? Halo? Forza? None of them? Oh my life is ruined! WhatEver will I do?
Boohoohoooghoooh give me a break.

[Vortex3D]

Reply to yabhero:
True until Wii U is physically out, the console power is speculated. But you need to remember that this is Nintendo making Wii U. They are never into putting too much power because they want to make profit from day one. The 3-5X the PS3 is highly unlikely. My personal guess is about the same as PS3 and X360. Why, it's the cheapest way to manufacture from old tech. If Wii U turned out to be PS3/X360 power, then there's little point. It's like getting all excited with 6 years old tech again because it's in a new box.

So far, Nintendo has shown zero real demo using Wii U hardware other than concepts. The demos shown at E3 this year were fake. I don't buy into hype and Nintendo needs a lot of hyping with Wii U to gain interests.

I bought Wii years back to play exclusives but I found very few Wii exclusive interest me. I have no interest in kids games. So, the few exclusives I have are all M rated.

Nintendo keeps promising more mature games from PS3/X360 and yet doing next to doing anything about it. The problem is Nintendo wants to seen as family friendly console by not having too many mature games but yet that's what more gamers asking. So, Nintendo just keep talking and doing nothing.

Online multiplayer on Wii is a joke. Yes there are a few games that work but seriously, Nintendo is doing nothing to push the online. They keep saying let the game developers do it. Has that gone anywhere? And Nintendo said they are going to let game developers do the online again on Wii U. Yeah, good luck. I like to see a lot of proofs than hype since it has been several years and not much has happened for online multiplayer.

[zeddy]

going to have to be ps4 for me just for the 1st party games, i'll get the new xbox eventually though.

[JsonHenry]

I'll stick with my PC. I've bought all three current generation consoles. They mostly collect dust.

[Darrius Cole]

The two biggest things that determine where people will go next generation are.

1) PRICE - If the PS3 had cost the same or less than the Wii and 360 then this generation would have looked like last gen. But the 360 has had a cheaper entry point throughout the entire generation. Therefore the sales have been about 50/50 overall even though the PS3 has had better games then the 360 ever since 2008.

2) WHATEVER NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT SONY DECIDES TO PUSH NEXT GENERATION.

This is important because it affects the entry price. This generation Sony decided to push HDTV's, and multi-core processing. Therefore, they put Cell and Blu-Ray in PS3. Therefore, the PS3 cost $600US at launch.

Will Sony decide that they don't want to push anything new and simply go with a bigger PS3 (bigger, faster Cell; bigger, faster blu-ray; and bigger, faster RAM? If they do that, then the PS4 will be the same price as the next Xbox, and it will have guaranteed backwards compatibility, and there will be no new learning curve. That will leave the systems basically equal on hardware but Sony has a better game making apparatus, which means that the tide will swing back in Sony's direction.

If Sony decides to push some new space-age technology then they will released another more expensive machine and will lose more market share again next generation.

[Legion]

"...but Sony has a better game making apparatus" what rock have you been living under??? It's system and it's closed 'members only' mentality with game production makes it the least favorable system to create a game for.

[ilovemyps3]

why do you think sony bought cell plants?
i could bet one million(if i had it) next ps4 will be multi cell based.

just make a 3-4 cell with 32 spu, a big graphic chip and 2gb of ram, and a faster blu-ray player, that's all developpers need: they just need to adapt the code for the multi cell, and they are ready to make uncharted games easily.
remember, 6 years after ps3 release, everybody masters it now. studios know how to code for cell, now, so it's not a problem anymore.

[EasilyTheBest]

What a stupid question "Why you'll remain loyal to either Sony or Microsoft next gen"
People saying they be loyal to one company such as Sony are just being stupid. What if Sony does a Nintendo? Like from Gamecube to Wii, just a little bit more powerful and at the same time Microsoft gos way way more powerfull, what happens to your loyalties then?

[2v1]

if that happens then i still dont pay for a friends list..

[AKS]

I play my PS3 much more than my 360 because of Sony's collection of incredible developers, especially Naughty Dog. I also am much more receptive to Sony's free online gaming and more open platform, including the ability to use non-Sony upgrades (cheap, high capacity laptop HDD, for example).

I buy most of the multiplatform games on PC/Steam. I really don't care much about the brand names themselves. I bought all of the consoles, but I've found myself mostly playing on my PC and PS3.

[princejb134]

i have no loyalty either
i pick who ever has the best features such as games

[colonel179]

I am loyal to the company that releases the games I like the most. Last gen was Xbox, this gen was Playstation; and I will always like Nintendo as long as they keep reeasing Mario, Zelda, Metroid, etc

[Intentions]

I don't care which one I get, cos eventually I'll have both.

:D

[tickticktick]

PS2 owners sure weren't that loyal to Sony since most left to buy 360's and Wii's. If they were loyal then the PS3 would be at 100 million consoles by now.

Nintendo
GC 20+ million
Wii 70+

Xbox
Xbox 25+
350 60+

Playstation
PS2 120+
PS3 58+

Sony lost most of their market share. So much for loyal. Maybe on N4G but the rest of world has ditched the Playstation.

[slaton24]

ashame xbox isnt american and ps3 and wii arent japanese.....all were made in china....on topic i will wait to many problems with newly released systems wait till bugs are fixed buy ps4,maybe WiiU than later on new xbox

[Vortex3D]

Need to ask the real question. Out of the total consoles sold, how many active console being played.

For myself, I play 0.1% of my Wii while I played my PS3 and X360 about equally. So, technically my Wii doesn't even count as one in the market.

[awi5951]

No i dont trust either company they have gotten more and more restrictive. And dlc prices and digital games prices keep rising. I also wont support the death of mods and player created map packs that are superior on PC than over priced crap or maps that we are forced to buy again and again with just a few changes. PC gaming has to stay alive or free multiplayer and mods will die forever and once that market is dead watch prices go through the roof.

Also look at the Christmas sales on steam, Skyrim 40 dollars,Batman Arkham city 24 dollars, Saintsrow 3 19 dollars,killing floor 5 dollars,bastion 5 dollars, and alot more so why pay 60 dollars for games. There are few console exclusives left i bought gears 3 and uncharted 3 and beat them both then sold my consoles for PC upgrades. This gen is officially over for me the new consoles start commming out next year so i think the consoles have jumped the shark now and im a full pc gamer now.

[morkendo23]

Im loyal to the console who gives the GREATEST experience in my choosing of gaming.

[bunt-custardly]

Loyal smoyal - I'll go where the best games and experiences are, and as with this gen, that proves to be multi-console focused. I can't do without my Uncharted's or my Gears of War's, and with the likes of The Last of Us and The Last Guardian on the horizon on PS3 these are gaming occassions I dare not miss.

As for Xbox, MS started strong on the exclusive front, and they'll no doubt need to do the same again with new IPs and sequels to established 'exclusives' going into next-gen, and not be so focused specifically on Kinect.

[PirateThom]

Backwards compatibility for software isn't really as important as people make out, I don't buy a new console to play old games, if I have the games, I'll likely have the console... now, on the flip side, hardware cross compatibility is more important. I want to be able to use my current controllers with the new console, especially since I can't imagine Sony and Microsoft will change too much on the controllers next gen.

[RaidensRising]

This might be true to a certain degree Thom, but when faced with a large initial investment of new hardware, and are left with one or two games. Having backwards compatibility can validate the early purchase a bit more.

I agree, over time it becomes way less important.

[B1663r]

Its not that important right now... Here 5-6 year on in a generation... But that first year, when there are only like 10 games for the console, it is huge...

[miyamoto]

Sony's HD Collection initiative is a million times better than any backwards compatibility crap anti-Playstation whiners whine about as you can get these old games remastered in full HD glory that does not hurt the eyes on big flat panels.

ICO
Shadow of Colossus
God of War 1,2, Chain of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta
MGS 2.3. Peace Walker
Resident Evil 4, Code Veronica
Silent Hill 2, 3
Monster Hunter 3rd Portable HD
Devil May Cry 1,2,3
Sly Cooper 1,2,3
Jak & Daxter
Resident Evil Umbrella & Darkside Chronicles

[baodeus]

@axelstone

u mean the games that they added the name "HD" at the end?

Sony or other 3rd party developers should only consider HD when they truly remaster their games like 434 did with Halo CE (that is the only true HD remake i have seen).

Even with that, i still prefer playing off the disc i already own instead of ditching more money again for game i already played. I only care if the game is good and graphic is irrelevant.

And why would u be loyal to console corporate if u call yourself a gamer.

[ShadesMoolah]

For me its the launch games which affect my decision. If ps4 had Metal gear solid 5 at launch then im sold. However if it's a year or more away, I can wait.

[pr0digyZA]

True, thats one of the reasons why im getting vita on launch day. It has uncharted and if that wasn't out at the same time then I would probably wait instead.

[D3mons0ul]

Loyalty has nothing to do with it. Microsoft has nothing to offer me.

[D3mons0ul]

9 people think they know what Microsoft can offer me personally. So funny.

[Legion]

I think it is more to the fact that your comment insinuated that in not having anything to offer you that it has nothing to offer at all.

When in fact MS does have something to offer to you but you choose not to take the offer. Just as Sony has something to offer everyone too.

Each system has a marketing plan that will put their foot firmly in the door. The question is which system will end up getting past the door and into your house?

Currently in Japan it is all about Sony and in Americas it is all about MS. As for the rest of the world... it is tit for tat from area to area.

What will we see drive the next generation...? My thoughts are that it won't be the titles as much as it will be the connectivity across the world wide web. Who ever can garnish the industry and make their next generation system speak with all your other devices will have the balance leaning in their direction.

[ape007]

im loyal for great games

[Hellsvacancy]

Yea, i shall buy a PS4 aswel

[ape007]

yeah but in the END, nobody can deny the emotional attachment for a gaming brand, we are humans, it's in our blood

[Cocozero]

80% of gamers don't a have loyalty to one company, you can tell by simply looking at the install base of the Xbox, Gamecube and PS2 and now look at the install base of the 360, Wii and PS3. Positions swapped completely.

Gamers go to where the best games and services that appeal to them are, not to who made them.

[DragonKnight]

No. Gamers go to what's out first and what's the cheapest. Later on when that's not a big deal, it then becomes about games and services. It's clear to see that price and availability is the highest priority for people in choosing which console to get. If the PS3, Wii, and 360 were all released at the same time but at the same launch prices, Wii would still be in first place.

[-EvoAnubis-]

Some gamers might go with what's first and cheapest, but that's not rue for everyone. I sure didn't. The 360 came out too early for me; I was still having fun playing the PS2. Later, I got a PS3, because it seemed to be the best hardware with the least problems and the most first party support. The fact that it doubled as a fairly inexpensive multimedia center helped too.

[DragonKnight]

@DK: If there was ever a doubt that you are too pro-360 to be objective about anything it's the comment you just made. No one anywhere brought up the 360's success at all and here you are defending it as though it's your infant child.

Dreamcast was a failure of marketing, plain and simple. Sony put incredible support behind the PS2's advertising. The Dreamcast was a failure not because of games or price but because of obscurity. The 360 wasn't the cheapest, the Wii was so that still works for my argument. Cheapest will win the sales first, but if there is only one product out for a year then it's an irrelevant factor. The Wii came out a year later and over one hundred dollars cheaper than the 360 and it flew off the shelves because of it. Were it the same price as the 360, it couldn't compete.

But whatever, you want to defend the 360 when no attack against it was made, that's your prerogative. Doesn't mean I have to continue to listen to it. If you're interested in an actual discussion, untainted by your bias, PM me. Otherwise, good day.

[RaidensRising]

People do have loyalty to certain manufacturers across many consumer products. That said, in terms of gaming if you're only able to buy one console (especially if next gen machines launch close to each other), then I would stick with what is familiar and suited my needs more.

[Euthanasia78]

I'll buy both day one. No question about it.

[dragon82]

I will buy all three on day one just like every other generation.

[Euthanasia78]

@Dragon.....Yes yes yes. I agree. Although, Idk about the Wii U. I need to see more

[Spenok]

When it comes to the Wii U. I'm glad it's starting to get support from the devs. With the likes of DarkSiders 2, Ghost Recon Future Soldier (possibly Bioshock Infinite) and several others. It appears to be everything you either hated or loved about the wii (gotta love that double edged sword lol) AND everything you wished the Wii would be:

HD
Online support
Better hardcore games support

Oh, and for me.... Zelda DEMANDS a purchase lol. So ill have to buy all 3 as well xD

[Asgaro]

I will buy 5 of each, day one.

[hazelamy]

i won't, i'm not loyal to them now.

[Matrix2k]

loyalty is the best exclusives and third party eexclusives and that is always without fail sony and nintendo

[gamernova]

PC gaming all the way :)

[Hicken]

I can't understand why people always hate on PC. I mean, PC gamers are always so nice, and they don't comment on PC when it's not relevant.

Oh, wait...

[gamernova]

The PC is a gaming platform just like the PS3 and the 360. I will not change to any of the future platforms (PS4 or 720) so I believe I wasn't properly represented in this article thus I am making my presence known in the article comments. I am a nice PC gamer though but dislike the noobs that believe that loyalty to platforms are only limited to the Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft platforms.

[Hicken]

If you weren't "properly represented" in the article, that's because it wasn't about you. It wasn't even about Nintendo, though they did briefly mention the Wii U.

It was about why people who are loyal to either Sony or Microsoft this generation will mostly likely remain loyal to that company come next generation.

Nothing about PC. Nothing about smartphones. Almost nothing about Nintendo. Not even anything about handhelds.

Sony vs. Microsoft.

Your comment was and is off-topic and irrelevant.

[hellvaguy]

^^^what hicken said. Bubble up!

[vikingland1]

I am not loyal to one company I will get all three next gen.Plus a vita not too big on 3ds . I have a 3d tv.

[Rageanitus]

I am not loyal to a specific company when it comes to electronics.... but one thing for sure is Sony has not let me down YET..

If MS next gen continues the same TREND i.e. focus on multiplatform games and kinect like controller I can assure it is gonna be a secondary machine just like my current xbox.

[hellvaguy]

I guess u haven't bought an overpriced, underperforming Sony tv yet.

[ShadesMoolah]

People do have expectations from console manufacturers. You hear them all the time.

Nintendo - kiddie
Xbox - fps
Pc - mature gaming
Ps3 - rpg/action.

Whether these hold true or are stereo types, the perception exists all the same.

[gunnerforlife]

the PS3 does kind of have all 4, its got kids games defo! got fps and mature gaming as well as rpg and action sonys lineup is so diverse its all you need unless you want to play a certain game on another console.

[D3mons0ul]

What is...mature gaming?

Really...

[DragonKnight]

Well, according to the popular games on PC, mature gaming is WoW type games, RTS's, and then mods. Because really that's all that sets PC games apart, and even then only in quantity. Consoles have had their share of MMO's and RTS games, just
not in large numbers.

I personally would define mature gaming as gaming not meant to be played by anyone under the age of 18.

[Asgaro]

Games that are played in competitions, so games where skill is involved.

[Legion]

PC mature gaming must mean... Angry Bird, The SIMS, Farmville, Solitaire and any other meaningless games as that is the MAJORITY of game types that are being played on the PC. Very few other games are being played in comparison.

As for the comment by Asgro about competitive gaming. Welcome to the new world were competitive gaming is all about the consoles.

PCs have been allocated as the stepping stone to consoles now. We make our games on the PC and then bring them to the consoles where people are playing the majority of real games.

[CKsquid]

What decent Fps does xbox have which ps3 dosnt?

Only halo comes to mind, but......lol.

[Legion]

Not the point of the reference to Xbox 360 being FPS friendly. Basically Xbox 360 just has more gamers that are interested in FPS titles. Being a main reason why you see a lot more COD games being played on it then other systems.

Many people think it has to do with the controller and how it functions within the FPS realm. (though many Sony die-hards can't fathom a difference between the controllers in FPS games)

[miyamoto]

LOL at PC=mature games

i play DS & Wii games on my PC LOL!

but kidding aside PC can replace most of the Xbox 360 multi-plats anytime and do a better job.

[yabhero]

I do think it sucks how if a game has bright color and no gunshots its kiddie... Skyward Sword and Twilight princess aren't kiddie. Super Smash isn't kiddie.

[hellvaguy]

Half right, but the burp + fart jokes, along with girlish squeeling noises whenever something physical (like swinging a sword or punching) do make them kiddie games.

[TheFirstClassic]

Somehow some people think blood and gore=mature. Also, not quite sure what hellvaguy is talking about, I don't remember any burp or fart jokes in any of those games. O.o And Link doesn't sound like a girl to me...oh well. Let him troll.

[Megaton]

If I get a console at all next gen, it'll be Sony's. I imagine most of Microsoft's "exclusives" will also be on PC, where I do 90% of my gaming today. Sony has too many in-house studios pumping out too many good games to ignore.

[DigitalRaptor]

Same.

Sony have never let me down as far as proving games and experiences that are to my taste. Microsoft's "exclusives" either don't interest me enough OR they are also available on PC and Steam so I can play them without owning an extra console.

With Microsoft's direction with Kinect, and the fact that Xbox Live costs and will continue to cost in the future is one of the strongest reasons I have to NEVER provide any sort of loyalty to that company. Remember when Microsoft raised the XBL cost from $50 to $60? What's gonna stop them doing that again in the future? Nothing. It's a kind of ransom - nothing more and nothing less. I'm not gonna be a part of that problem! I feel sorry for people who are hooked on Xbox Live.

[Godmars290]

Think its going to be a while before I get a new console, so anything's possible.

[TopDudeMan]

I've always bought consoles by sony and have never been disappointed. I also prefer their controller shape, too. It's gonna piss me off that microsoft will buy lots of timed exclusivity deals, but I'll stick to what I know.

[Coach_McGuirk]

because fanboys are fanboys

[NBT91]

If things carry on as they have been, I have no reason not to choose to get a PS4 over Xbox 3.

What I want out of a games console is one, the best gaming experiences which IMO is on the PS3. But also the best additional services, which I will admit could be better on PS3, but there is still enough there. Lets face it, these days a games console does in fact need to do more than just play games if it wants to be taken seriously.

[DARK WITNESS]

so far my only loyalty is to MS controller, lol.

[kcuthbertson]

I'll be loyal to whoever gives me the best experience, at the best prices. Whomever that may be. This gen, it was Sony. Next gen, it could be MS, Sony, or hell, the Wii U might surprise the socks off of everyone.

[SpecialK]

A lot of people will stay with the same brand but not for those reasons. Most of my friends have all got ps3's instead of xbox's and so they'll want to carry on their online identities next gen and I'll want to keep playing games online with them.

Though I'll probably get both if I can, after the latest update the 360 is really starting to steam ahead in its user face, and with the new pc's and tablets using a similar inter face its guaranteed that the 360 will work flawlessly with windows pc's as usual but now with smartphones and tablets

Thats pretty exciting imo

[Legion]

I would beg to differ with that analogy as PS3 doesn't give you a sense of a single identity with it's system as it is so easy to create multiple identities and to not even share an identity from game to game. Majority of owners I would think have at least 2 identities if not more. (mainly due to the free creation of profiles)

The only point I would accept is the continuance of their Trophies being carried over to the next system if possible. (if they create a new beginning to Trophy system for the next generation then that will be mute)

Now MS has a single identity that carries all of their gaming stats with it. Being not so easy to change your identity without paying to do so and then it still keeping your data in tact with the single profile. (wondering too if they will keep the achievements from Xbox 360 to next gen or start a new achievement grouping for next gen?)

[SpecialK]

I see what you mean with the ps3. Apart from trophies theres no reason to switch to a new identity unlike with the 360, where after investing so much money into your online profile switching would be undesirable.

They will almost certainly keep trophies and achievements net gen, as you said a big reason for keeping your online profile is for your trophy count/gamerscore and so by letting these carry over there will be more incentive for gamers to stay with the same console to keep that identity. Throwing that away would just be throwing away a loyal fanbase.

[eARThRiot]

Hopefully both next gen. consoles are backwards compatible. I hope Nintendo develops an awesome next gen. as well. I just hope these consoles don't start out at ridiculous prices (long-shot I know).

[GTRrocker]

I have been with Sony since I first played my PS1. I've never been disappointed with the quality of their products. I had a 360 for a while, but sold it off.

[MaximusPrime]

same here. i sold xb360 6 months before PS3 released. never regretted since.

[FlashXIII]

I started the current gen a huge fan of Microsoft and at one point borderline fanboy however I can say with 100 certainty if they keep up the casual BS and don't start showing their real gamer audience some loving, I won't be buying their console.

[BDSE]

Next gen I'm not going to buy all systems as living standards are being squeezed, I'll make my choice based on the following;

1) Number and variety of quality exclusives
2) Ability to play a variety of formats of movie
3) Free online or if no online is free, the lowest cost
4) Ability to use third party peripherals and hardware to upgrade
5) Reliability based up last generations efforts.
6) A focus on core gaming, I don't mind the system catering for casuals but I need to know the type of gaming isn't relegated to an afterthought.

The system that ticks the most boxes wins.

[Half-Mafia]

So a PS4 then.

[smashcrashbash]

Sony is going in the direction I like with games.They have been doing so since the PS1 and PS2. Only Sony is left making games that have any echo of the imagination and 'outside the box' thinking games once had.They are still willing to take a chance with new IPs. The only other people still keeping this attitude are indie developers.Microsoft doesn't do any of those things. So as long as they keep that attitude then a Microsoft console will never be in my home. They have nothing I want.

[DaPrintz]

For me its always been Sony as leader as far as my go to system. 360 with Gears and Halo is my second this gen. Without knowing nintendo's plans for a network/multiplayer, they can't be taken seriously yet. If nintendo doesn't deliver a comparable online system and multi-media machine, it may be the gamecube all over again. Here's hoping that we see and learn more about all 3 come E3.

[00000000000000000001]

I purchased a PS3 for all the great RPGs I thought would be coming out, like the PS2 had, boy was I wrong. Won't make that mistake next Gen.

[ForROME]

3 parts to a system now days

Hardware
Software
Online

And we know next gen who will have the better long-term strategy and not be playing catch up

[CGI-Quality]

I'd ask who might that be, but your bubbles don't allow any further elaboration.

OT: I can admit that the majority of my heart is with Sony, but mainly because when it comes to games, they have yet to really let me down. I mean sure, the PS3's opening had me worried, more so for them than ever before, but since 2009, they've shown me that I was right to invest in PlayStation.

Next gen, I'll backing the PS4 & next Xbox (the Wii U really hasn't impressed me all that much at this point and the Wii really wasn't for me as much as past Nintendo consoles were), but right now, Sony is leading, for me, with games and experiences that are much like what I grew up with.

[MadMen]

I will be going XBOX if I have learned anything; its that MS gets the online community much more so than SONY. SONY innovates in software/games I love that; however they do not innovate in the market place or media areas other than hardware. Exclusives aren't near as many as they once were and 80% of my collection are cross platform so I want them on the system that has the most robust online\UI area, and MS has a commanding understanding over SONY on this.

MS is a software company they get it; they are leagues ahead of SONY and I wont even mention Nin as they are going to be a joke this next round.

[MizTv]

after having 6 rrods i think ill wait on the next xbox

[bessy67]

I don't really get the fuss over rrod. I've personally had 5 but since each time you send it in they give you a new warranty, I've never had to pay for any of them.

[uc3nyc32]

Best variety of games and killa exclusive!!! In my eyes ps3 exclusives are untouchable!!!! And contrary to what ppl say I enjoy my exclusives more then the multi plats!!! Killzone, Uncharted, Gran turismo, resistance, and Demon Souls are my fav games and of course some multis like Dark souls but I'm in it for the next gen like exclusives. Not to mention it seems like every two months Sony is dishing out a new ip or exclusive. And I wnt even go into all the other perks ps3 offers!!!

[Half-Mafia]

I got a 360 and PS3 first day. At first I played alot of 360 and some PS3. Then I started playing PS3 alot more and not playing the 360 much at all. My xbox live gold ran out in NOV 2010 and cause i barely play the 360 it wasnt worth me renewing. In early 2011 I bought a few games for the 360, about 2 months after that I got a RROD. So i havent had a working 360 since about April and im not going to spend £70+ to get it repaired. In May I built a new gaming PC and now use that for most of my games and the PS3 for console only games. For the next gen there is no reason for me to get the next xbox but I will probably get a PS4 when there is a game i want that is not on PC.

[Tarantino_Life]

Always been Sony and always will be Sony.. They have not disappointed a single gen with lots of amazing games. Can not say the same is true for all other competetors.. They just have tooo many franchises I have fallen in love with for me to back out from them next gen...

[sdplisken]

this 4 me as well

[RyuCloudStrife]

PS4 4 life

[Shane Kim]

I hate everyone who tries to be "politically correct" here. Lets not joke around for one damn min and set things straight. What does xbox have that PS doesn't? All I can think of is Gears 2 and 3, (I played the first on PC). Sorry but two games won't justify a console pursache.

[Euthanasia78]

Xbox has an unbroken version of Skyrim.

[yesmynameissumo]

Correction - Xbox has a less broken version of Skyrim.

[Half-Mafia]

and PC has a better version of Skyrim

[uc3nyc32]

Who lied to you? Lol xbox skyrim has had bugs tht have also been spoken about extensively. You knw what xbox has had though? The highest system failure rate this gen lol and an inquiry into microsoft and they basically sayung thy knwingly sold gaulkty hardware to consumers to beat sony out the gate to net gen. Really? You really support a company tht knowingly sold consumers and children faulty systems? Thts grimey and thts why I def wnt be getting a xbox next gen.

[Euthanasia78]

He asked what the Xbox had that the PS3 didn't. I am saying it has a better version of Skyrim. I don't even mention the PC when comparing consoles. The PC smokes it. Of course Skyrim is best on PC. I know that. It is better on Xbox than Ps3 tho. Thats what He asked. I'm just telling Him.

[MeNoRasta]

@ uc3nyc32

Ok xbox has the highest failure rate this gen but the ps3 also has the crappiest security this gen so it works both ways really.

[CGI-Quality]

Who's problem is more of an issue though? The RRoD is an on going (albeit, much reduced) issue, whereas the PSN fiasco lasted a little over a month and is now one for the history books. Not trying to minimize either situation, but let's be realistic here.

[CKsquid]

Eventually, I will get all the consoles, beside the Wii U. (sorry nintendo)

The deciding factor for me will be, what releases first, the price point and weather Microsoft continue to charge for there online service.
Fanboys can argue for days that the price is justified, but to be honest. It really isn't you only stick up for it because you've already paid for it, just as you would defend a new $3000 dollar sofa even if it was the worst investment you have ever made.

Then I look at launch titles, they can sway anyone one way or another. And depending on which one releases first, if they are within a 6 months of each other I will happily wait the 6 months if the later one looks more promising.

[Euthanasia78]

I can say one thing 100%. I am all set with the WII U. All set. I haven't turned my Wii on in so long, the standby button shut off, and I had to hard reset it. LOL. It was almost a year. I'm sorry, but in 2012 graphics, physics, animations, and lighting matters. That's the reason I didn't buy MW2.5. Same game as 2005. MW is the Millhouse of gaming. It's always there, but You don't want it to be. LOL

[ginsunuva]

Achievements. Kids will obviously stay with their imaginary numbers.

[hazardman]

I stay true to GAMING! My loyalty is to MS,Sony and Nintendo
They all have games I like to play!

[duplissi]

doesnt matter to me as i will get both, although i feel that the next playstation will again be my go to system. i think that sony has learned from their mistakes with the ps3 and psn this gen and wont let microsoft be the only one to run with a full featured online service from the get go.

[Half-Mafia]

Yeh i think Sony main force has been working on PSN for PS4. Thats why there hasnt been a big update/feature for the PS3 for a while now. But saying all that, as PSN and LIVE stands now ill rather have free online gaming then paying £30+ for online gaming, ADs everywhere and other features im paying for that i dont even use.

[Detoxx]

I will just get the one thats better, and if microsoft is gonna charge money to play online again i will buy a ps

[thehusbo]

Been loyal to Sony since the ps1 days and they have never let me down. Always bringing out great games and have amazing franchises which Microsoft can't touch.

[Jdrm03]

They are corporations....I have no loyalty to any corporation....i buy products I like. it's that simple.

[Nelson M]

Yes i will remain loyal to Sony

[guitar_nerd_23]

I'm not too fussed about backwards compatibility (although its a nice bonus) because I keep my old machines.

I have a lot of history with PlayStation and they've always served me well so I'll deffo want one of those.

I like my Xbox particuly in terms of firmware (user interface, being able to install discs etc) so I will also want one of those.

I've got like 4 or so Wii games that are great and the rest are very average so I'm not too fused about WiiU unless it ends up with some good exclusives preferably new IPs.

If they all release at the same time and the Ps4 still has a dual shock and free online then I'll get that first.

If Microsoft release first with a controller that has a proper usable d-pad then I'll get that first.

[danielle007]

I have no loyalty. I go where the good games are.

[kuro2010]

i rather own a pc then a xbox..if want me to choose i take sony.

[JonnyBigBoss]

I'm loyal to the PS3 and PC because they are by far the best FOR ME.

[STIKUP ARTIST]

As long as I can afford to game this hard, I will get all the major consoles. I never liked missing out on good games.

[mamotte]

Because, if you're loyal, that's what loyalty are about. In my case, I'll wait about a year, will see how things go on the games aspect, for some games to come out, and then will make my choice. I'm loyal to fun.

[Les-Grossman]

I have no problems buying more then one system. But if Sony or Nintendo ever started charging for online play then the XBOX will always be that one system I pay for online

[ME1989]

I'm not loyal to anyone. Whichever system has good games, I will have that system. Even if I have to get all 3 consoles to do that, eventually I'll get them all.

[delosisland]

Omg...I didn't think it was this bad on N4g. In nearly every single comment there is an attack on xbox along with preferred next gen system. I didn't think it would be 100% ps3 holy f$%#. I'll say it then, I will eventually (never get systems right away) get the nextbox. Xbox live rocks and I don't analyze exclusive lists. I play games for fun and xbox and live provide me with TONS of fun through big name games and DEMOS for nearly every single game on there. I love downloadable games as much as AAA games and xbl provides big time. I prefer xbox to ps4 and WiiU. And I swear if I get disagrees you guys are f#$%ing pathetic.

[DFresh]

Sorry it was too easy to troll you.
XD

[remanutd55]

lol where were you in 2006 , 2007 , 2008 ? at that time playstation 3 fans had balls to come to this site , they were attacked just to write ps3 lol , how things have changed uh ?

[DFresh]

I'm leaning towards Playstation for the following reasons.
-Free Online.
-Best Exclusive Developers.
(IMO.)
-Lots of Indie Game Support.
-Prefer that console controller.
(Even though I can adapt to anything cuz I'm a pro.)
-Always the best technology when it comes to powerful console development.
etc.

Not saying Xbox or Nintendo are bad there great consoles with their own respectable franchises but you can easily get them on PC through emulation with better graphics.
(Yeah it maybe pirating but so what I support games industry in different ways by supporting Playstation consoles and games for those platforms. Also buy a lot of PC games on Steam/Origin.)

Let the disagrees...begin.
>.<

[delosisland]

Dude, u said u prefer Sony...ur kidding that u thought there would be disagrees right. Notice how I AM NOT DISAGREEING AS IT'S HIS PREFERENCE. ARRRRRR N4G BLOWS

[bessy67]

The controller is one thing that keeps me from trying PS3. To me, it's really no contest that the xbox controller is far superior to playstation's. And you point out free online, but I think that most people who have both will tell you that while PSN is good, XBL is a better service. For these reasons I'm leaning towards staying in Microsoft's camp unless it becomes apparent that they're focusing too much on kinect and abandoning the traditional gaming experience. Then I'd switch over to Sony.

[ilovemyps3]

Since the beginning people accepted buying a flawed console with a know flaw.people accepted the fact that the console would break,sooner or later.they lived with the idea rrod would appear to them as well.
People got used to being f-ucked with that hardware.they accepted 2,3,4 consoles all dying with rrod.

People accepted to pay to play online,when This should be free.look at ps3.

After all these dead consoles ,which gave microsoft 10 or maybe 20 extra million "sold" consoles ,people needed to justify their investment on 360.there came the "live is better because we pay for it".

Honestly,microsoft never needed the money from live gold subscriptions,but seeing how silly many people were,people that kept seeing their console dying,and kept buying another one and another one,microsoft just laughed big,and said "lets see if people are really that silly,let's see if they will pay to play online".
He was right :)

After all,if people had enough money to keep buying consoles,some extra cash,its not the end of life.just let's make them pay,pay,pay

Lol

Please,don't disagree,accept the truth,that hurts, I know...

[mayberry]

@bessy67^^^ You say..."unless it becomes apparent that they're focusing too much on kinect and abandoning the traditional gaming experience." That ship has sailed bessy. less than 4 notable, non-kinect exclusives ALL year! And tons of kinect titles released and pending...
Have you seen any "StarHawk" trailers in HD? nuff said....

[remanutd55]

Nintendo Wii U better bring Zelda and a attractive new IP ( mature would be even better) and i will buy their system .

Sony well as soon as they say Motorstorm Worldwide Festival will be coming to the system that thing will be pre order it and paid off before ps4 even come out lol , anyways i think God of War 4 , Gran Turismo 6 and Metal Gear Solid 5 will be released on the ps4 so its a no brainer for me

microsoft they almost made me buy their system this gen , i was very interested in Alan Wake but then i tried it and thought it was good but not enough to get the system for so if they can come out with some new original IP ( thats not a shooter ) i think i will get their system next gen , will see

[isarai]

I have no loyalties whatsoever, but Sony so far has maintained a library of exclusives through each generation that i prefer, plus i don't agree with having to play to play online

[retro]

Yawn.

I currently own all major/relevant hardware except a high end gaming PC...

... and I'll just buy any console. I don't care about fanbois: I'm a true multi-consolero gamer.

[Nexy]

I am personally more inclined to buy a future Sony console. We know for sure that Uncharted, Motorsorm and other exclusives will remain exclusies for Sony platforms.

MS screwed it all up giving up on internal studios imho.

[Dno]

As always i will buy each new system day one... just hope they are good because i did not play wii a lot.

[TheLastGuardian]

You better believe I'll remain loyal to Sony. PlayStation 4 Life!

[etownthree]

This gen,
If you stayed loyal to Sony... You paid over $600 and most of the exclusives went multiplat and it took a couple years for new exclusives to come out and shine

If you stayed loyal to MS.... Chances are you experienced RROD.

Whoever launches first next gen, is the one I'm buying. And then buy the other one when I think it is worth the investment.

[tigertron]

No loyalty from me, I'll be getting both the PS4 and the Nextbox.

[kaveti6616]

I'm not sure if I'll buy any of the next gen consoles.

I certainly won't get any of them "day one" because I'm not an idiot. Perhaps I'll wait for a year or two to see which console is getting the most support, and combined with the price drop and a hardware revision to increase reliability, I might get one. Or not.

This gen, the biggest disappointment for me was looking over at PC games and seeing just how much better they looked, even the small indie titles. I was also bothered by how much more games cost on consoles than on PC. People argue that the initial investment in consoles is cheaper than for a gaming PC so that's the reason why people aren't bothered by paying 20 bucks more per game. But the problem is that I'm not a complete, brainwashed idiot about it. If you can see that in the long run you're going to save more money by purchasing a PC, and are also going to get higher resolution games with higher polygon counts for a cheaper price, why would you choose to buy an inferior machine to get gimped games?

I know there are games like God of War and Uncharted and Gears and Halo, but there are a lot of games on PC that I think are equally fantastic that I haven't been able to play because I spent most of my cash on consoles.

A console lover will say, "PC only players miss out on Uncharted." It's true, but PS3 only players miss out on the superior version of Skyrim, they miss out on amazingly fun games like Minecraft (the PC version craps on the whatever 360 version will be coming out), and other exclusives that will never reach consoles or will reach consoles in a highly inferior form.

The part of the media that focuses on gaming is heavily biased towards consoles. You have PS3 fanatics and 360 fanatics bickering about which console the media favors, but at the end of day it's clear that the media favors consoles over PC.

So you get a bunch of people pointing out high Metacritic scores for their favorite console exclusives and saying, "these games aren't on PC, hahaha." Yeah, we know, but do you honestly think that the games on PS3 and 360 are really all that better from PC games? It's likely the media and review sites focus more on consoles than on PC and thus you gamers focus more on console games than on PC games.

[Saleem101]

Playstation fan can't wait for ps4 it's going be nuts!!!

[NeloAnjelo]

My loyalty goes to whoever offers the following:

1) Value for money out of the box. No point being cheaper when the add ons for the full experience cost more.
2) Variety and quality of games.
3) Good on-line service at the lower cost.
4) Core games consistently
5) Reliability
6) Exclusives
7) Not just a console, but offers hub features for the home

So this gen there has been one in particular that does this. I think we all know the answer.

[stragomccloud]

Loyalty is stupid.
I own all the systems this generation as well as PC capable of running Battlefield 3 on Ultra @ 60fps. I like having the freedom to choose a game for my console of choice depending on which version is better. Be it Xbox, PS3, Wii, or PC~

[AliTheBrit420]

Loyalty? to a Corporation? you poor capatalized media slaves

I'll just play which ever I enjoy more, I dont particularly like Microsoft, at all, but I play on the Xbox 360 because I find XBL Gold far superior to PSN and most of my friends are on XBL too.

Fucking fanboys, its actually fully repulsive to see, and I say this once being a hardcore sony fanboy, luckily I grew up and actually became aware of reality and what matters.

[dmixwell]

Why are you shit bags all in our business . The fuck dose it matter to you if i like to buy all sony shit?

[TheMutator]

im only loyal to Sega!!!!

[--Onilink--]

i have all consoles and PC this gen and dont regret it, dont see why i would choose just one for next gen. The only thing that could change would be the order on which they are bought

[bessy67]

I'll have to wait and see how kinect-focused the next xbox is. If microsoft chooses to push out shallow gimmicky games built for kinect and stops making exclusive titles that I want to play, I may have to switch to playstation. I'm sure that MS sees the kinect sales figures and is extremely happy, but they need to realize that if people know from the console launch that they are dedicated to producing stupid, mindless, crappy kiinect games they will loose a lot of more traditional gamers, which make up the vast majority of xbox consumers.

[romancer]

Either/or...either/or.... what a limited way of thinking.

Those who truly love all that video games have to offer say: Both/and...

personally i expect that services such as OnLive to have an impact upon how
well future consoles will do in the marketplace. Gaming, like so much else, is changing ...

[KILLERAPP]

I am hardcore I buy all consoles of each generation...

[iNFAMOUZ1]

who approved this stupid article? dumb dumb dumb. Just trying to keep the flame wars alive next gen, this article should be blocked.

[GraveLord]

If a PS4 comes out before an Xbox 720 I can see lots of people switching over. Same goes the other way around.

[Platinum_k]

I will always be loyal to Sony, as long as they keep up their hard work and put out awesome reliable technology of course.

I was never loyal to Microsoft

[TheDivine]

People who are loyal to one usually dont know better. I planned on getting a vita and couldnt give a hoot about the 3ds. Once i got one though i realized its the sickest handheld ive ever played, the games look amazing, and mario/mario kart is still fun. I thought i would never play a mario game again, thought it was stale. That was me ignoring one brand to focus on another. Ps3 fanboys focus on gears ad halo and ignore the hundred other games. 360 fanboys focus on psn and ignore the killer exclusives it has. Wii fanboys ignore everything HD and focus on last gen. (joke son its a joke)

Il go whever the games are which means il get every console. I usually get the first based on a franchise like mgs, ff, alan wake, uncharted, or whatever. New ip's like gears could sway me but price also factors in. Last gen i wanted the ps3 and didnt care about the 360, ps3 was too expensive without a single game i wanted so i passed.

[RAVEN81]

SONY

[bit-crusherrrr]

I had all 3 the previous gen, I have all 3 this gen and ill have most likely have all 3 next gen. Though after the wii and looking at the wii u so far i doubt ill get one...till i fold and get weak.

[caffman]

If you stay loyal to one console, you miss out on some great exclusives

[Oner]

That really depends on which console you get. With a 360 you will miss out on the most because the lack of exclusives it offers on its own console but also what is available on a PS3. Whereas if you own a PS3 you will only miss out an a small handful not having a 360 because there aren't that many exclusives to be had on the reverse.

Best combo hands down is a PS3/PC (with Dolphin) so you don't really need them all to get a high percentage of playing great exclusives. Plus its much less expensive because you can also use original discs (if you have a compatible drive) thus still supporting the devs!

[urwifeminder]

Ill saty with ms as their games appeal to me more plus my achieves friends and solid online service,but will be mostly on pc.

[deno]

I'll remain loyal to quality games.

[Dzpool]

Backwards compatibility and price are going to be my determining factors
probably xbox though had a better experience with the hardware and online component

[Buzz7S]

I went from the PS2 to the Xbox 360. Maybe because the 360 was released first, but that change did not hurt at all.

At the moment, now that I am sitting on 4 consoles (3DS, PC, 360 and PS3), it would be hard to decide which one I'd jump on for the next gen.

Heck, I may even just upgrade my CPU and GPU and stick to PC gaming.

[videoxgamexfanboy]

if u are a GAMER and chose to limit ur xp then i gotta question what being a gamer means. as a GAMER one should remain loyal to GAMES not the system its played on. i can understand liking one system over another but why cheat yourself by limiting yourself to one console? Show me someone who only games on one system because of loyalty and ill show u someone whos NOT a GAMER!

[madjedi]

Why because some random "true gamer" says so wtf ever, i looked at ms's exclusives wasn't impressed or interested beyond crackdown 1 and that's not worth the cost to me.

The 360 has too many issues i find annoying, old technology, severe lack of exclusives overpriced hardware, bloated interface ect.

When your systems fans battle cry goes from look at all the awesome exclusives to fuck exclusives look at all these amazing multiplatform titles and magical features xbox live has.

You go from real competition to a competitor how said screw the hardcore audience and lets get nintendo's crowd and if our console losses it's identity in the process oh well.

Next gen will only be sony for me, nintendo is rehash central and ms is running full steam into casual territory.

I laugh at all you wannabe "true gamer" who are egotistical enough to presume your a "better" gamer because you own all consoles. My opinion the wii and 360 are old and boring with their priorities wrong, well at least the wii is getting a replacement soon.

By all means continue to hype up average multiplatform titles as though they are exclusive 1st party titles 360 owners, when ms does finally release an exclusive the hypocrisy will be all the more hilarious.

I'd rather be honest about being a fanboy than some of you bullshit undercover or playing both sides of the fences ones. And yeah the ps3 is old as well, but i am not waiting half a yr for a relevant exclusive to be released.

[videoxgamexfanboy]

@madjedi... u seem pretty angry...are u ok? done with ur rant? i dont know where to start with u. how bout here...1st i never said owning all the systems makes u "better" than anyone what i said was owning one systems limits you, dont put words in my mouth. Second a true gamer is someone who can like any game on any system not just exclusives. im not sure what u mean by "hype" for multiplat games because in my post i didnt mention any game by name so again dont put words in my mouth. u dont need to state ur a fanboy because it shines right through u. so enjoy ur ps3 while i enjoy all those ps3 games ur waiting on plus all the wii and 360 games i can handle. maybe if u get out ur moms basement and get a job u to can afford more systems...

[Coolmanrico]

I don't need to be loyal, I'm going to end up with both anyway. Which one I get first is the only question I'm going to be asking myself.

[Jazz4108]

Another great n4g article to show what side its bread it buttered. And people still say that n4g is not a home for sony fans? Unbelievable. Play games not consoles.

[mixelon]

I'll get the Sony console first, and wait on the others until they're proven to be reliable and there have been price drops. Generally you cn rely on Sony to have some of the weirder, more experimental titles and exclusives, and that's what I love most.

If i had more limited space and money I'd get whichever suited my needs once all three companies have released their consoles. If, like this generation there are killer apps on each platform i'd have to find a way to play all of them though. :)

Brand loyalty is fine so long as people don't look down on others for making different choices.

[Donnywho]

I have a Ps3, 360 and a Wii.

[NoobJobz]

Last gen I didn't prefer one system over another. I highly enjoyed my Xbox and PS2 equally. This gen, I've made more of a shift to one console. I still have both but I don't know if it will be that way again. This may have been the last gen that I buy both consoles. It's nice to have both but it's not worth paying for a console that you don't play. I would take one if I got it as a gift but I don't know if I'd pay for it myself.

[griffy]

For me its whoever offers the best value package. I got a ps3 because at the time I wanted blu ray and it was cheaper to buy a ps3 then a standalone player. They both have great games

[WiiStation_360]

Lol I'm just gonna get both PS4 AND the next Xbox. Fun to be had on both systems :D

[banner]

Im sure i will have all 3 before that gen is over...

[blaze22-qwerty]

Well.. I own every sony console out there (PS1,PS2,PS3,PSP) and i will pick up the vita when its released, and of course i will pick up the PS4 when it releases. I guess i'm loyal to sony then..

[kornbeaner]

I started off playing with the NES and I have had all Nintendo systems since then (with a few of their handhelds), but even at a young age there has never been any loyalty, I wanted a Genesis because of the games it had, stayed with Sega during the Saturn days but switched over to Playstation because of the Games and guess what? nothing will change, if I see a manufacture deliver on the gaming front that is where I will spend my money. Don't care if it's Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo or even on the PC front if that is where I will have the most fun, F*CK Loyalty.

[Old McGroin]

Both Microsoft and Sony have great consoles right now,I can see myself owning both of their next gen consoles eventually,not straight away though,can't see either new console being cheap investments! Nintendo lost me with the Wii,they're still airing ads for Marion Kart Wii about 4 years after it's release for crying out loud!

[Kahvipannu]

Well, if Sony could actually plan the product ready before putting it out, I would propably go for PS4..

For MS, don't know.. If it's stable, and it has good games maybe.

I might stay quite long with just PC tought, money well spent.

[kasser]

So far I have owned all of Sony and Microsoft consoles. But I always preferred Sony's exclusives (Metal Gear Solid and Sony's first party games) so I am always excited to see what Sony has to offer in the future.

Microsoft did had interesting exclusives in the past. However, they are not as many as Sony's and we cannot predict what kind of games will they offer next (other than Halo and Fable). We seen how MS turned studios focus to Kinect and how MS is interested more into exclusive DLCs for multi-platform games. This trend is not comfortable for hardcore gamers.

[zero_cool]

I own the gaming systems that offer the most of what im looking for & how much i can afford to spend.

Cheers Gamers & Happy Gaming!

[TBONEJF]

A friend of mind introduce me the PS2 back in 01' never knew Sony have a gaming console after that I was hook and support Sony ever since and I also support Nintendo since the age of 8yrs old

[bayport]

I feel as though i will end up getting a nice PC. I currently use my PS3 as my main gaming hub. I have a gaming laptop which i occasionally use. But they run really hot, and i don't want to end up burning up the only computer that I have while im in college.

[Optical_Matrix]

A few of us, have no such loyalty. I have a PS3, 360, Wii, 3DS, PSP,DS and I'll soon have a PS Vita. I will buy WIi U, PS4 and 720 on Day one if money permits it. If theres anything I'm loyal to, its gaming and the upholding of said hobby.

[ZeV]

For me,it'll be the PS4 for SURE ! Microsoft with her poor xbox can go to hell ! I've got 5 replacements for the shitty 360...Causes ? RROD ! And all MS exclusives are far behind of Sony in terms of graphics or overall quality !

[Baka-akaB]

Everyone that didnt just started console gaming this gen , jumped ship whenever needed or when they felt like it . No one had qualm dropping nintendo for the playstation 1 etc .

So that loyalty is a pipe dream and misplaced , except for the most stubborn ones .

Doesnt mean you'll be buying all consoles , you might as well still choose a primary one , but dont be so dead certain about Sony , nintendo or MS . The games that decide it

[gnothe1]

if the next xbox an the ps4 release on the same day i'd buy the next xbox FIRST...between me an my kids we have 3 xbox 360 2 ps3's an 2 wii's in this house..the only thing they use the Ps3's for is uncharted an DC universe online..we do 90 percent of our gaming on the 360...so its xbox for this family...i been on XBL for 9 years now...

[Mastarace]

Probably sony,i mainly play on PC but they have the uncharted and god of war series.

[alb1899]

I have the 3 consoles.......... is posible next time i buy 360 and ps3 not Nintendo.

[doctorspakles]

Currently I will be likely supporting Microsoft. Why? Because of the three companies only MS opposes SOPA. The other two actually are supporting it with Nintendo being a major sponsor. Nintendo is dead to me.

[Nunchez]

Since I bought the 360 first this gen I'm gonna buy Sony's next first. But eventually I'll have both man it's gonna be awesome! Luckily my 360 hasn't got the RROD in almost 4 1/2 years i have it so I don't have any problem with MS.

[gcolley]

i don't click on articles from this site

[Bolts]

Loyalty is for fanboys. I'm buying the best system with best games period. The brand means nothing to me because none of them met my expectations for this gen.

[ilovemyps3]

All I want is:
What we have now *3
-3 times more content in games,every boxed game should last at least 30 hours,and this without the multiplayer content. A black ops 5 hours like game would automatically see its score lowered to 6-7/10.
- textures in game 3 times bigger,better,less compressed
- aliasing reduced 3 times.use whatever 32 or 128x algorithm,don't even show me a game that has little aliasing
- all games with 7.1 uncompressed sound: too big? I don't care, just use the right media(big blu ray,big sdxc card,etc)
- 3 times more quality: first games released should look 3 times better than a god of war 3 or uncharted 3, at least. These new consoles will be multi multi cpu/gpu with tons of ram.therefore,I want games with perfect crisp uncompressed textures
- I want every game to be in 1080p resolution,at least 30fps
- the use of 3d should not lower the graphics quality in 2d.I bet uncharted 3 graphics and all the effects could have been at least 20-40% better.with 3d in mind,they needed to output twice the frames.only God knows how much quality and content they had to reduce to make a good 3d.
- multiplayer games will always allow 16 people to play,at least,in games like fps
- all games with multiplayer should have video-audio chat features
- while waiting for a game to start,people should be able to see video from people that allowed sending video,instead of the avatar.16 people? No problem to the CPU to show all those video avatars at the same time.
- Sony,microsoft: please make some skype/msn/icq/aim like application,where people can chat with friends,up to 6 videos at once.at 720p if one person,or VGA if 6(internet bandwidth dependence )
- Microsoft,please release some good hardware,this time,with NO know bugs and flaws,and I will give you my money
- please decode all video and audio formats.
- allow 4K output. This will be the next big thing, within 3-4 years,once 3d technology is mastered.don't force me to buy another player that will support 4k,because you didn't want to spend a couple of dollars on the decoding chip and output.av onkyos amplifiers like 809 already upscale content to 4k,the tech already exists
- Sony,please release grand turismo 6 with 3 million polygons for each car,along with perfect photorealistic tracks :)

[annus]

It will be quite a while until the 'x3' will come into play. Regardless of hardware, cost is a major factor, as is time. You know those CGI movies you see? They take years to create, and a good year to render with hundreds of computers rendering them, as well as a fairly high budget to produce it. And that is for a non interactive, 1-2 hour story. Imagine a 30 hour game + multiplayer like this, mankind simply doesn't have an efficient way of producing this at a normal cost of money/time, and definitely not the hardware capabilities for rendering such as of yet.

[jalen247]

Sony already has my money for PS4. The question is whether I will buy the Wii-U or not.

I have bought all PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. But I was disappointed with Nintendo this gen.

I do not want to buy a Wii-U and have it collect dust like my Wii.

Microsoft will have to really do some amazing things to convince me to purchase an XBOX 720 next gen

I have no interest in any Microsoft owned franchises so I really have no compelling reason to purchase a future XBOX over a future PlayStation console.

[chadachada123]

I..er...I think that the main reason people will stay loyal to one or the other is because of money. I can't buy both and play games on both in this day and age. The article brought this up, but I'm guessing that that's going to be the main clincher here.

[Bladesfist]

I also will just stick with PC, The consoles launch prices are probably going to be quite high and it will probably cost less to buy a £300 card which will also most likely out perform the consoles. And as we have seen with the consoles they dont really like being backwards compatible and I dont want to say goodbye to any games. Steam is keeping all my games safe for me to use whenever :D

[kingslayer1000]

sony by far, xbox has no games

[Tzuno]

For this gen Sony died for me because all i wanted was to play my old ps2 games on ps3. Leaving aside the 60gb version of ps3 that could run ps2 games where the hell is the backward compatibility for ps2 games Sony? Maybe next gen you change your ways until then i enjoy my Xbox360. And stop with stupid fan-boy war on my comment if anyone intends to. Merry X-mas(360) :) everyone.

[mayberry]

I got a little flack for paying $600+ for my 60g (still running smooth, 6+ hours a day!), but I still play games like the old burnouts, ico, shadow of the collosus, star wars battlefront 1/2, etc... and my son plays alot of ps2 games on it as well.
got a 360 recently and think it is great, now that the reliability is in check!
Played on psn online since "socom" on my fat ps2 with the screw in "network adapter". Still have my same screen name too! duh! :)
sony has had "psn" for a while now, and next ps, I assume, will rival anything that wants to compete. IMHO.

[maverick40]

You are totally right about psn being up to scratch with live but it will prob cost the same as livd tbh.

[PixL]

Loyalty is not for fanboys. When you're about to spend a considerable amount of money on a system and a bunch of games, you need to trust a brand to do that. Sadly you can't rely on any reviews today.

[maverick40]

Sony will be my company of choice for both handheld and home consoles.

[ozstar]

Sounds like people are scared of change as usual.

The Xbox wouldn't have existed without it. Believe it or not, it wasn't just price that did it.

[NYC_Gamer]

i am not loyal to some multi billion dollar company/machine.i'll buy w/e console offers me the games i enjoy....

[gnothe1]

i always go where i have the most fun...last gen it was the PS2..i had an xbox 1 but i enjoyed my PS2 much more...this gen i bought a 360 at launch an couldnt wait for the PS3..i paid 600 bucks for it..after playing the 360 then playing the ps3 it was a step back...sony failed to capture me at launch..as i gave the xbox more an more time me an all my friends all started to realize how weak the PS3 was playing online an the experience just wasnt there...so for ME its next xbox...if your the type of gamer where online dont matter or you like single player games then the PS3 is your machine...but if you really like online gaming theres no way you choose the PS3 over the 360...

[FunAndGun]

I don't get it, I can play online just like you can, and for free on PS3.

what is this extra experience you talk about? Cross game chat?

I have over 100 hours on Battlefield 3, I love online play. The online play is EXACTLY the same on both consoles, besides the cross chat thing. The only thing different with the ONLINE PLAY (thats playing a game online) is that you paid over $300 extra to play online with the 360 over the years.

I agree that 360 is definitely the more social platform.

[gnothe1]

@funangun...no you cant play online on ps3 just like you do on the 360...of course the BASE online game play is the same but its the exacution of how its done that makes it different...to make this easy...lets just say the 360 is a much more SOCIAL console...i can connect with my friends in a few button presses reguardless what there doing an set games up...we're in a time where everything is about being social connecting with friends an having fun...the ps3...not so much..i dont even feel im even online when I boot up my ps3..but hey..to each its own..you like what you like an I like what I like..therefore neither one is wrong about our CHOICE...

[FunAndGun]

OK, so you ARE talking about the social aspect of Live, not actually playing games online then.

If you need to pay more money to get the 'feeling' that you are online, then like you said, that is your choice.

I am talking about PLAYING the games online, not how connected you are to your friends.

[Hallow]

I hate the term "brand loyalty". I work next to a fanboy every day. We talk about games but only Xbox games, FYI , he can afford a second console (PS3) and I've given him countless reasons why he should get one, you know all the Exclusives he's missing out on. His best response is "I guess I'm just loyal to Xbox. Really?! They already have your money, is he afraid he will offend his plastic machine by getting a PS3? I swear once he said the reason he doesn't like the PS3 is because it has free online, What the hell!!!! Fanboys are like brick walls you just can't reason with them. He's only 18 and his first console was a 360 he got at launch, I'm a bit older my first console was an Atari 2600 change is good, variety is good and as a gamer you would think you would want to play the best games out there on both platforms but not for fanboys. Ridiculous!!

[OllieBoy]

Sony will always be my first choice. They have been for 15 years and I haven't been let down yet.

Plus their path is pretty clear: focus on hardcore gaming. I have no idea what MS's path is. If it's just Kinect, Halo and CoD...then count me out.

[Jacobite]

I myself prefer Sony over MS, don't hate MS or even dislike them they just don't offer me anything of interest so far, and I am feeling that Sony are going the same way.
Xbox live offers better online experience than Sony if you care for cross game chat and play Halo COD GEOW etc but at a price small maybe. Sony in the other hand OK but are starting or going to start separate subscriptions for some games online even with playstation plus started to feel a two tear system.
I used to be a PC gamer when PC was at its peak a few years ago even though I had consoles as well, I would like to thank Sony\MS for me discovering the joys of PC gaming again and Steam, after Uncharted 3 and Batman Arkham City it might be a while before any of the consoles get played by me so being loyal not really.

[Vortex3D]

Out of all the arguments, why is the value of being loyal to one brand console company? There is no such thing as one console brand has everything. Even you don't count exclusives, the non-exclusive or cross platform games aren't equal in quality on each console. Why limit yourself to not able to choose the best version? Price, in end, you are spending just as much on each one after all the extra controller and add-ons.

Reading a lot of forums and debates, on the need to be a fanboy. It's the need of human being to feel special being part of a group. If you are a PS3 fanboy and other gamers you are talking to is also PS3 fanboys, then you already found similar loyality like a gang. Now it's easy to criticize X360 and Wii are all bad. Ignore anything good from X360 and Wii. You just don't talk about it. If a really cool exclusive that came out on PS3 only, the fanboys feel special because X360 and Wii gamers can't play the game. (I'm not picking PS3 here, could be the same if I pick X360 or Wii).

But if you aren't loyal to any console brand, then everything gets equal chance now. There's no need to say my "loyal" console brand doesn't have exclusive game X. You just play game X on the X compatible console. If it's cross platform console, game Y happens to be the best in graphics on console Y. You just play the game Y on console Y. etc. As for fanboy, now you are fanboy/not fanboy of every console brand. Makes no difference. There is nothing to feel special about the exclusive game Z that just came out because you already have a compatible console to play game Z. To a console loyalist, he can brag about other console loyalist console brand can't play game Z.

To Microsoft, Nintendo or Sony, they don't care who you are as long they make profits. It's like being a fanboy meeting his "hero", ie. singer, actor, etc. Seriously, does his "hero" know about you or care after the brief meeting? Even the fanboy bought a lot more products, it's just extra profit for the "hero". Doesn't matter because the fanboy already felt so special being "loyal".