Barkley said:
An "industry-wide console generation" (note this is different to specific manufacturers generations) is defined by it's life in relation to it's peers. Which is why if Nintendo went "Feck the Switch" cancelled it and released another Nintendo console to replace it in 2019, that console in 2019 wouldn't be a 10th generation machine. There's a good chance the Switch will be considered a 9th generation device in hindsight, that doesn't mean it's impossible it'll be considered an 8th generation device. There may very well be more reasons to group it with ps4/xbo than ps5/xbo2. It all depends on when the ps5/xbo2 release, and how long the switch's lifespan is. It is not a fact that the Switch is a 9th generation device as the reasons for it being so have yet to be set in stone. Like schrodinger's cat it could be considered both an 8th and 9th generation device until the "box" is opened. That box will open at a later date. But it isn't wrong to consider it a 9th generation machine, however you just shouldn't make arguments based on that, nor should you insist upon it at this time, and neither should those saying it's an 8th gen device. |
Did nintendo cancel wii u and released the switch in 2015? No? Then your scenario bears no relevance to the discussion. Switch came 4 years after the 8th gen. A little sooner than usual but nothing unheard of. Again, the generation is defined the moment it releases (read the x360 example).
It doesn't matter if/when ps5/xbox something releases, they will only define their own gen. A 2019 system would be a late 9th gen but in the very unlikely scenario it takes untill 2020 for the next home console to release, it will be 10th gen while the switch remains as the only 9th gen ever.
That is how generations work.
