I think there is still a decent amount not known yet of the Wii U capabilities. We mainly know what we saw at E3 2011. They are saying it is "considerably" more powerful than X360, and PS3. We don't know for sure how games will look on the Wii U yet. Im sure both MS and Sony have at least a game plan of their next console move, but Im sure they are wanting to see what the consesus is of the Wii U. I think Sony will likely try to release around the same time as MS so they are not considered the last console to release by a decent amount of time.
My other thoughts are that the PS3 is really hitting a chord now with gamers like the OP mentioned. Also MS is really trying to focus on Kinect right now. They are both in good positions and are beating out the Wii. Just last year both console makers had some of their best years in this console gen. Thats impressive this late in the game. its hard to see them moving on now. It will be interesting to see if consumers see the Wii U as a fully new Gen console or something that directly competes with X360 and PS3 as an HD console. I personally think MS and Sony are wanting to see how Consumers react to it. If they act too early or even to late in their next console they will shoot themselves in the foot. So their next move is a tricky one. But be sure that if either MS or Sony announce a next gen console the other will follow suite as quickly as possible.
If MS or Sony are planning a new console release I don't see it happening until late 2013 at the earliest. Both console makers are still doing very well with their current consoles. The question they are asking themselves; "Will the Wii U be a game changer, or an equal performer?". Im leaning to the latter but we will see. I will say however that MS and Sony will release their next gen product absolutely no later than 2015. I think next gen consoles will make a much larger use of "Steam", "Cloud" type functionality. games will be more widely downloaded to the gaming system rather than using physical media.
