I could see Nintendo getting away with launching in 2010, with a new backwards compatible system for a 200 buck pricetag, competive with the PS3 in price and graphics at its launch. The system would also have some new functionality of some sort.
I can see Microsoft putting the 360 behind them at that point as well, but I don't see it making its fanbase too happy. Launching early has the unfortunate downside of having your consumers believe your dropping support too early as well. It would have slower adoption than the 360 launching that early, there is no doubt about that, but I think MS would do it just to put pressure on the PS3.
The PS3 "in it for the long haul 9 year lifespan" line is all well and good. However, Sony will kill its brand if they don't release a new system in the next 9 years. We'll likely be towards the end of the Wii 2 and 720's growth stages at that point, and the Playstation brand might be starting from scratch.
Honestly, I think we'll see new systems at 2010 E3 from Microsoft, maybe a late 2011 launch. The Wii is completely unpredictable, and the Playstation 4 will follow almost exactly on the date of, or 1 year after the 720, whenever that launches.
I don't need your console war.
It feeds the rich while it buries the poor.
You're power hungry, spinnin' stories, and bein' graphics whores.
I don't need your console war.
NO NO, NO NO NO.
