Is the day of unique consoles mostly over?

[firebush03]

JackHandy said:

firebush03 said:

The industry will completely collapse if console manufacturers cannot come up with unique gimmicks for systems. Furthering this graphical war will only lead to longer dev times, bigger deficits, and priced-out consumers. 

I don't think consoles need gimmicks so much as software needs innovation. That is where the industry is failing... hard. At least when it comes to the big mainstream games, anyway. Indie games have been doing well in that area for years, so they're fine. But if we want the console industry to flourish like it did in the past, you have to bring the types of games that we had in the past, games like SMB, OOT and Halo CE; games that change what we think about gaming and blow our minds the first time we see/play them. If the industry can't do that anymore, then, imo, it's only a matter of time before it all crumbles. 

You make a very good point, JackHandy. I'm just a little unsure abt the future of console gaming is all. I don't believe there is any need to further this graphical race, hence I struggle to see the point of launching new systems? Besides some minor QoL enhancements, I feel like the console industry will have to settle down on one singular system from each manufacturer eventually...but I really have no clue.