Will the next-gen Wii be more powerful than the PS3?

[Gojimaster]

fazz said:

^ The real question would be: Will Sony and Microsoft go for basic technology or whether they will try to fully compete technologically with the new generation Wii?

My bet is that they will play it safe next generation, no big leaps or anything. They saw the success Nintendo had this generation playing it safe... they took risks, and they were beaten in both console sales and profits by Nintendo with their safe, cheap console.

 

That is an excellent point.  Microsoft is probably going to be much more careful, especially given their whole RROD fiasco-- they lost billions on that deal.  Sony will probably also be slightly more conservative as their whole company is a lot more careful about spending in times of recession.  Sony took an enormous risk with the PS3-- if they hadn't gambled on the Blueray the way they did, then the PS3 probably wouldn't be doing nearly as well as it is right now.  However, there  probably won't be a new disc format war when the PS4 comes out.  Bluerays haven't even been widely adopted by consumers yet-- it may take another 3-5 years for that to happen. 

As I also mentioned above, there is a limit to how far graphics can be pushed.  Developers can only spend so much money making a game.  The whole industry right now is suffering due to the enormous development cost of games and the inherent risk.  I can only imagine how much more expensive it will get once games are made in 1080p with full 3D support, ect.