I think of it not as a completely new system, just an xbox 360 with hugely updated technology. If it's true that is. The Xbox 360 will become the equivelent of the PS2 for Sony. It will be the value offering and the Nextbox would be the PS3 killer. Think all the games the Xbox 360 MAY not be able to handle + a few exclusive/PC ports that the PS3 cant handle + All multiplat games being rendered at 1080p@60 with 4-8xAA. It's all old-hat for a PC gamer.
Hardcore gamers are the ones that would update to the latest and greatest. Who wants to be stuck with the old technology? Microsoft may be a software company but they are also a Computer company, so more frequent updates are the way they do their business. 6 years is TOO long between consoles. You've lost the first few years due to it being too darn expensive with no games anyway so why not cut those out and get to the chase? IF you can buy 2-3 systems, you surely can afford to buy the latest system when it comes out. I argue that the problem is that Sony is a TV company. Too used to long model life. :)
Consider these things also:
1. Fast releases was how Nvidia BURIED 3dfx.
2. More frequent releases allow you to be more flexible to change to market demands and target new areas first.
3. It's not easy being the middle system. You're either not powerful enough or not cheap enough.
4. All is fair, it's not like Sony discontinued the PS2 when the PS3 was released now was it? Think of this in the same way.
5. An Xbox360 today is still just as good if the nextbox is released tomorrow. It's just that if you want a more powerful system the nextbox is better. The value of the 360 doesn't change at all.
6. Mistakes aren't so deadly. You don't have to lament mistakes for 6 years between consoles.
7.The latest and greatest gets all the press. IF the Xbox360 had one year and has done decently with RROD hanging over it. Think of how well the nextbox could do if it had TWO years to establish itself?
8. The PC is Microsofts greatest strength. Why not use it? Frequent releases mean that they can leverage TWO consoles and the PC platform to create a powerful synergy.
Tease.
