You mean this?

This is the graphics pusher, but it's hardly a console.

So the future of gaming is finally here and the "8th" gen has started

so in what area we see improvements over the "7th" gen systems?

Sounds like this is more of a matter of opinion.

Technically, there have been separate generations for handheld gaming devices and home game consoles.

It gets a little fuzzy because while some would peg the original Gameboy as the 1st Gen in portable gaming, it was actually predated by Nintendo's own Game and Watch series of handheld video games. And even those were predated by Mattel's LED based sports game series of handheld video games.

But if the Gameboy is considered a proper 1st Gen handheld gaming device (as defined by what; swappable games?), then it actually corresponds with the NES and the rest of the 3rd Gen home video game consoles.

Regardless, both the 3DS and the NGP are "Next Gen" gaming devices. They're just not 8th Gen consoles.

Generations are strictly historical terms, referring only to the time they were released.  The 7th generation started with the DS, and included the PSP, XBox 360, Wii, PS3, iPhone, n-Gage, Gizmodo, Wu, Vii, and maybe even Facebook as a gaming platform.

The 8th gen just started with the 3DS.

Seriously, arguing these terms is like saying "I think the 80s started in 1975 because I feel it in my gut."

Online everywhere with NGP is pretty awesome for portable system.

why yes it has.

Id say it has arrived. However people look at it in many different ways and really it doesnt matter anyways.

The next generation doesn't begin until Bobby Kotick says it begins!

Seriously though I'd say no....maybe for Japan. But here most people won't get into NEX-GENZ HYPEZ mode till PS4, Xbox 720 or Pii (I kid...Super Wii) are announced

The next generation of handhelds has started. Not the next generation of consoles.