Why Microsoft won't launch their new console in 2012

[HappySqurriel]

archbrix said:

HappySqurriel said:
Right now Nintendo will be launching as the successor to the market leading console, potentially with a significant price advantage, and if they have 12+ months to build a user-base and game library it could be very bad for Sony and Microsoft. Essentially, consider how much more difficult it will be to sell the "XBox 1080" if there is a system that is $100+ less expensive, has an established library of games, most big "XBox 1080" are cross platform and released to this system, and most of the benefit of the "XBox 1080" are difficult to notice enhancements or require you to buy a new TV.

True, but will Wii U be able to court many of the Xbox/PS fanbase within a years time, when they can get all of the same cross-platform games on the systems they already own?  Yes, the Wii U versions will be better, but most could likely make due until 2013 knowing that the Xbox 1080 is just around the corner.  And I believe that the Wii U will be very successful; again, great for Nintendo and their fans, but not necessarily spelling instant doom for Microsoft if they wait a year and thrive off of the 360 in the meantime.

I highly doubt that Nintendo will attempt to attract anyone with cross-platform third party games that are also released on the HD consoles ... The Wii U's success will depend on Nintendo playing to their strengths, which is producing very accessable high quality first party games in new or re-imagined genres. I don't expect third party releases to drive adoption of the Wii U (especially early on) but, if Nintendo can make the Wii U a success, could prevent the adoption of other platforms.

After all, one of the unique features of this generation was the growth of multi-console ownership but, if Nintendo can get people to adopt to them first and limits the value of buying an additional system, that trend could be reversed in the next generation.