Here's what i think will happen:
Each of the 3 console manufacturers will build their machine in a way that is reactionary to the way in which this generations gaming consumers "treated" their product.
Sony wants a return to glory and will make a huge push towards a new image.
Sony will build the look and functionality of their console in a way that resembles an apple product. It will be more refined and more evolved. Powerful ? of course- but not the most powerful. They will continue to offer a ton of content for the core gamer.
Nintendo is tired of being treated like a little kid. They want respect from gamers and gaming journalism and will do whatever they have to- to get it, even if that means abandoning a winning strategy. They are choosing to target the core gamer as well as the casual but may not realize how this will negatively affect sales, they also have a ton of work and R&D to achieve to compete in this competitive space. Powerful? Yes, more so than many will expect- but it may be hard for people to notice.
Sony and Nintendo are easier to predict because both saw dramatic shifts in sales reception from last generation to this one.
The Xbox brand has continued to grow but they have never led the market- ever. They are still the newest of the 3 companies even though this will now be their 3rd console. I believe they will try to evolve every aspect of the 360. Their console will be the most powerful of the 3. They will continue to push with Kinect 2.0 and may make some key acquisitions to bolster their comparatively small first party lineup. What will end up being by far the most expensive console to produce will strangely become the smallest gamble of the 3.
So long story short- 720/Nextbox will be the most powerful console imo.
̶3̶R̶D̶ 2ND! Place has never been so sweet.
