[Generation 8] So it’s 2012 now, and if we were to follow the video gaming model of the past we would be firmly within the next generation of gaming consoles by now. The Xbox 360 launched in 2005, following the 5-year model we would have had a 720 for over a year and a half now. The PS4 would also be on its way by, too.
As it instead stands, with 2012′s first quarter already almost over, it is all but guaranteed that the only next-gen console that will be released this year is the Wii U, which isn’t exactly a mega-jump from current-gen capabilities. Many rumors even stick to the idea that we WONT see the Xbox 720 this year, and Sony has pretty much confirmed that PS4 will be a no-show.
This means systems that make huge leaps and bounds, graphically, are still quite a ways off. This almost leads me to believe that Nintendo’s strategy is nothing less than pure genius, almost, if I believed the company could actually pull off a short-cycle followed by a high-end replacement.
4 year life span?that wouldn't look too good with many gamers.
While I agree it wouldn't look too good, it wouldn't be the first time a 4 year life was carried out. The original Xbox launched in 2001 and the 360 arrived just four years later in 2005. Despite a short life-cycle, there are at least some gamers that remember the original fondly (like myself).
Short doesn't necessarily mean it will anger the fans, if the launch is handled right. That being said, this was just speculation, considering Nintendo's by-the-book history of about 5-6 life cycles, it probably would never happen. :)
WiiU was twice that graphically of rumoured 720 a year ago enough said.
its gone about 4x that since so it eclipses the 720 graohics of a huge leap are here when WiiU hits town.
Huh? Can we get a translator in here??
Ot: The more I read about the Wii U the more I am interested in it. Not saying that I'm sold just yet, but I do really miss some of those Nintendo games.....
That depends on how much they retail the wii u for and how powerful it is, with so many current gen ports in development it looks like another in between generations system than anything else.
We will find out definitively when it launches and someone does a tear down on it.
A 5 yr lifespan @$299 sounds reasonable, any shorter than 5 yrs or above $299 with a short lifespan, is asking for trouble from gamers.
I figure most gamers would want 5-6 yrs to get the most content out of a system.
Till third party devs are ready to jump on board, the next gens(ps4/720) are not coming out.