Does anyone still believe in a major turnaround this gen?

[MikeB]

@ Squilliam

Theres no doubt that Sony developers are oozing with talent and that the PS3 is a powerful machine, however there are three things I caution about this. Firstly, the PS3 isn't significantly more powerful than the Xbox 360, not enough to matter longer term.

I think it is and it does for the long run.

If a rival releases a console with better graphics capabilities, IMO better AA, higher max FPS and higher max resolution than the PS3 is capable of isn't that big of a deal. As long as the PS3 can deliver high quality graphics and audio (Blu-Ray storage streaming, harddrive caching), solid 30 FPS (more frames than movies) high definition graphics with few aliasing issues, etc. I actually prefer BioShock on the PS3 (suboptimal PC/360 orientated UT game engine) over playing a higher res/fps PC version for many different for me far more obvious reasons.

What's IMO more important at this point is really flexible processing power and the Cell may well top even a new XBox in this regard. The PS3 can probably keep up technically with regard to potential on screen activity and game complexity for many years to come.

I think once the PS3 hits the right pricing geared towards teens and later maybe even preteens I don't think the powerful PS3 specs matters as much, IMO the Nintendo Wii's success underlines this. I think it will rather be sequals to games like Jak & Daxter, Ape Escape, Sly Cooper, etc combined with the right pricing which will attract a younger audience.