Im sure both console makers have a plan set in motion at this moment for their next console. I honestly do think, however that we will see some of the most unique consoles with this upcoming gen. I also think you are seeing some of the new inovations from each of the companies as we speak. I do think they will both incorporate kinect and move into their next platforms. Here are my thoughts on the next consoles:
Xbox 720:
I think with this next console they will continue to focus on having an all around entertainment device with Netflix, hulu, ESPN, Zune, Last.fm, facebook, twitter, ect. But I think they will incorporate the xbox tv service to allow users to pay a tv subscription service to watch televsion on the next console. It is also evident they are trying to implement that now with Xbox 360. It is evident they are trying to currently make the X360 the ultimate entertainment device to allow for everything. Im sure they will continue this trend. I also do not believe they will incorporate blu ray into their next gen console due to the fact that they don't want to give any assistance to Sony's platform. We have the issue however of the DVDs not having enough capacity, and games are getting larger, not smaller. Mark my words that MS will introduce some new format that will incorporate such things as maybe cloud gaming, online game purchases through code entry, or some new physical data format. Remember that our world is going deeper and deeper into digital streaming, and online gaming. However, a part of me still thinks there will be some type of physical data format, because not everyone still uses internet in their home.
As far as hardware I think Xbox720 will stick with the same concepts of easy porting to their system with some changes and upgrades. I do think there will be a sizeable graphics jump from X360 to X720, but perhaps not as big of a jump from Xbox to Xbox 360. I also think They will incorporate Kinect with all packages either somehow installed within the console or seperate hardware form the console that is attached. As far as exclusive titles I think they will continue their main franchises such as Halo, Forza, and likely Gears. I think will also create some new ones with the release of their new console. They will have their work cut out for them however as I believe Sony will really push exclusives with their next console.
PS4:
I think the PS3 going to PS4 will not likely see any huge new inovations besides better hardware, more focus on exclusives, more online features, and better game porting to their system. PS3 when it first started really didnt have a huge push for their online capabilities. It was mainly pushed as a gaming console. Now PS3 has much better online features and is adopting a model thats similar to XBL. I think PS4 will continue with the Blu Ray drive for the majority of their game sales. I do not see Sony ever giving up the fight on Blu Ray. I do not however think that Blu Ray will ever get to the height that DVDs were since we are going much more digital streaming now, but they will still be a viable source of entertainment for some years to come. I also think they will continue with Move functionality either incorporated into the console or as a standalone device that automatically comes with the PS4. I think the PS4 in hardware terms will have a similar jump that Xbox 360 will have to Xbox 720. This will allow for their system to not be initially so high priced. I think Sony is going to do its heavy push in exclusives and easy game portability to their system to correct some mistakes they made in creating the PS3.
All in all I think the PS4 will basically fill in gaps made in the PS3 and have a decent upgrade in performance to make it a very attractive piece of gaming hardware. They will also likely make some improvements to their online features, but I think MS will still have more to offer in the online realm. I do however think the PS4 may make a huge jump in game popularity and some big hit exclusives.
So there you have it on my thoughts for the two systems. I think both systems will release in 2013 to compete witht the new Nintendo threat. I am not sure how to guage on the Wii U as of yet. To many people the name almost sounds like an add-on to the Wii and not a full new Wii console. Its hard to say if the public will see the Wii U as gimicky or not. Either way, depending on how Nintendo advertises and releases this product it could be a huge success, or a huge failure. There is the problem though of Apple just recently coming out with technology to virtually do the same thing with the Ipad and an Apple TV, but I think the price may shy people away from this. It will all be interesting to see. As more information comes out from Nintendo regarding their new system I think we will start to see more signs of new consoles from MS and Sony. MS and Sony know they can't afford to let the threat of a new Nintendo console hinder their install bases. This is truly shaping up to be a fun and exciting next gen.
