Next generation of console

[sieanr]

I bet Sony will approach the market very differently than this gen, unless PS3 sales pick up significantly. Even then, I still expect them to avoid many of the design choices of the PS3, and instead aim for a (mostly) game machine.

Basically, it will be like Sega attempting to reinvent themselves with the DC. So, I see Sony making some of the same choices - an easy to develop for system that has as much power as the simplicity and cost will allow. They'll aim squarly for the mainstream and launch as early as they can get away with, at the very least ahead of their competitors. Similarly, you'll see an attempt to change their brand and avoid some of the bad things consumers may associate with the PS3 from this gen (likely not being named PS4, and maybe dropping the PS moniker all together)

Of course the above assumes that this gen continues on its current course - Wii dominating, PS3 severly lagging. It also assumes that Sony isn't/won't be happy with where the PS3 is and ends up, and that the managment decides to produce a profitable gaming machine. However, if they are content with the PS3 hitting ~20-40mil and think the ability to push content and proprietary tech is more important, then it wont be terribly different than this gen. Minus the obscene cost and emphasis on technology, mind you.

I think MS depends on how the wiimote takes off, and how the 360 continues to sell. If they see their sales drop and the "hardcore" come around to the motion controls, along with said controls become predominate in the industry (read, 3rd party AAA Wii titles), then expect them to mimick the Wii controls atleast.

If the 360 continues to do well, or even exceptional, then they'll do largly the same as this gen, but focus on adding feature that push MS software and content (this is one of the big reasons their in the biz). They wil also add some sort of motion control, although how radically different this is from their current controller depends on the Wiis success.

Ninty - Refine the wii controls as much as possibly, possibly making it slightly more complex. HD and likely adding more features and software to via the "channels" to make the system seem like a more multifunction gaming machine than just a console. Also, vastly improved internal storage with GC and likely even Wii titles on VC.

I really dont expect them to do that much different with the controller. It will be more of a refinement and consolodation of what they pulled off with the Wii. I expect them to change things up with the successor to the "Wii 2", but this will be largly dependant on future market developments.