For the 6th & 7th gen I got a Nintendo console within 1-2 years of releasing because the classic series, ive never played a mainline Zelda, Metroid, Mario, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Star Fox, F-Zero game I didnt like. Also they usually have some 3rd party exclusives that are great like Resident Evil Remake/Zero, Tales of Symphonia, Monster Hunter Tri etc.
After that I get a Sony console 1-2 years before the gen ends. Like you said they have great diversity and 3rd party support. Jak, Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid, God of War, Shadow of the Colossus etc. and great 3rd party support.
In the 6th gen I didnt get an Xbox until after the gen ended, I played a few of its top exclusives, Halo, Ninja Gaiden, Oddworld, Knights of the Old Republic. Ill probably do the same for 360 once its $100-150 so I can play Halo, Gears, Fable, and a few others.
Going into the 8th gen I plan on getting a Wii U this holiday if I can find a good deal or maybe wait til next year, ill probably get a PS4 a few years after that when its under $300 and has an established library, wont be getting One anytime soon, probably 5 years from now or when its $200.
When the herd loses its way, the shepard must kill the bull that leads them astray.
