Alright now everyone here is in the new generation mode. Gamers are only now settling into the new generation but it isn't really all that new.  Infact is it almost over, yes it very well might be and Microsoft might be doing worse way worse then last generation. Your likely thinking "JoelCool7 must be a freaking crack head" but logically the end of this generation is supposed to take place in 2009 according to Microsoft's current strategy.

 Last generation Microsoft made a few prominent announcements including one that said Microsoft was going to buck the 5-year lifecycle of consoles. Microsoft's X-Box consoles are going to have a four year life cycle, well the X-Box 360 was released two years ago. Now you may come to the conclusion that maybe Microsoft won't have hardware ready... wrong infact at E3 last year I believe it was Microsoft opennly stated even if X-Box 360 completely bombed Microsoft would still release a third console. Many more referances have been made to Microsofts 3 stage marketing plan for breaking into the games console market. That third console under the 4-year life cycle should see release in 2009.

 So how fast will the next generation start?, well if we go by past normalities then we should be seeing Microsoft's new hardware unvieled in slight detail at E3 2008. The hype machine should begin and Microsoft should be preparing the Beta kits for developers to be distributed shortly afterwards (Summer 2008)  This is bound to completely screw up the industry and throw things totally out of whack.

What is going to happen, Microsofts disruptive strategy is going to mean that just as soon as Sony and Nintendo's consoles are beginning to lift off Microsoft will deal a crushing blow. Microsoft is known for using its immense power to monopolize industries think about it again a second Nintendo Wii and PS3 are supposed to be replaced in 2011 and then the next set should be over in 2016. But if Microsoft's third X-Box is successful it should recieve another unit in 2012 which would infact enable Microsoft to force an end to the five year life cycle if exacuted properly.

 Is this good or bad. I never even thought about the impact a 4-year life cycle for the X-Box consoles could have. The disruptive abilities of such a life cycle would enable Microsoft to get a two year headstart next generation. Do you want to see the next generation start off in 2009? , Do you think Microsoft will stick to its 4-year life cycle despite the 360 not having the same sales success as the past X-Box did at the end of its four year cycle? 

What are your thoughts on the four year life cycle (Disruptive strategy)? 

... Xenon = 360 video card and Xenos = processor.

You got it backwards ssj  

Either way I only used the name because I remember that was the code name many used for the 360. Not to mention who has any idea what the hell the next X-Box's name will be. If Microsoft was really smart it would be big and green called X-Box-Wasabi or something. I mean its bombing so bad in Japan Microsoft needs a new strategy?

But back to topic 2009 will it be or will it not be the beginning of the next generation? Is this generation already over? Can Sony and Nintendo continue to have 5-year life cycles if Microsoft maintains the four year life cycles of the X-Box line of consoles?

 ... same difference.. lol

I can't see them releasing a console in 2009 because basically they'd end up killing the Xbox brand by making people think that all their consoles will have 4 year shelf lives. It will also likely be more profitable for them with the 360 later on when the installed base has grown and component costs for the system have come down.

They wanted to gain marketshare with this strategy and they have significantly but i think it was a onetime thing, they wanted to be the first to launch in this gen, i think they will also want to be the first to launch next gen, but that only means coming out 1 year before the competition. I think the 4 year thing was only meant to be with the original xbox. besides i think this gen will last longer than 5 years anyway.

Nothing to argue, just thought this line was interesting...

"What is going to happen, Microsofts disruptive strategy is going to mean that just as soon as Sony and Nintendo's consoles are beginning to lift off Microsoft will deal a crushing blow. "

Check the front page.

TheX360 is selling better than the first Xbox, and 2008 will be a great year for it.

The X360 will reach a minimum of 37 million consoles sold by the end of 2010, which is the earliest time for an Xbox 3. The first Xbox sold 24 million, so forget about the X360 bombing.

 BTW, the Playstation has had 6 year life cycles, not 5 year.

It would make more troubles for themselves than it would for Sony. As for Nintendo, I don't think they would be effected at all. Especially not if they go for the "higher performance with old controller" approach again.

And MS is keen on making a profit on X360, the Xbox1 was cut short due to their inability to profit from hardware price reductions (due to tough/stupid contracts).