So PS4 Is Basically Going To Win This Gen, Right?

[Mr Khan]

Gamerace said:
Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

Common thinking back in 2006 was PS3 was sure to dominate the next generation, even with a $599 price tag, that MS would do 'okay' and that Wii would be Nintendo's last system as it was doomed for failure.

In hindsight clearly that was way off base, but at the time all the analysts and 'experts' and fanboys predicted it.

From a short-sighted viewpoint, PS4 has this one in the bag, but it's not about launch price or launch line-ups.

Having Kinect on every XB1 will allow for gameplay that while possible (with Move) won't be supported on PS4. Currently that's limited to some voice commands but as the generation goes we might see some amazing uses of Kinect with subtle face or finger recognition affecting gameplay in major 'core' games and sports titles. If it's compelling (ie: fun) it'll make the XB1 version the definitive version for these games. That's a game changer.

Nintendo's early launch may have been wasted on one hand, but on the other, it gives them a chance to ditch the misguided WiiU quickly and launch another system within this gen. If they go back to their 'blue ocean' strategy they can come back with both a system on par with PS4/XB1 (or a little better) and gameplay mechanics that they can't match - along with mass market accessibility (like Wii) for a reasonable price. Despite a late launch, if it has both Wii's mass appeal and ease of porting all games it'll be a must have system for all and will be able to overtake the lead of PS4/XB1 (similar to Wii overtaking 360's year lead)

The other factor here is the growth of mobile gaming and now Android/iOS home systems. This cannot be ignored as this market already dwarfs the handheld market and is probably close to par with home consoles if not bigger - and growing. While they can't match the graphics and processing power of PS4 at the start of the gen, they will certainly have surpassed it by the end of the gen. While it's split up among so many players it's hard to gauge, but if someone (probably Google/Apple themselves) gets it 'right' and becomes the go to system for home Android/iOS games, it could also beat out PS4 by the end of the gen. Or even if no one system does it, mobile/home based Android/iOS system might erode the console market away making PS4 the winner of a lost cause.

Nintendo is not going to eliminate the Wii U early. The system will get its 5 years at the least.