As 2011 comes closer and closer the idea of one of the three if not all of three launching new platforms loom. Now we can all specualte who will launch the next generation. But who would benefit most from starting the next generation? Who is likely to kick start the next generation?

Nintendo - Nintendo has prided itself on the five year life cycle. Several times Nintendo execs have said that Nintendo would launch a new platform every five years. Will Nintendo stick to its life cycle and is it in Nintendo's best interest to do so, or is it in their best interest to allow the competition to do so?

Microsoft - Microsoft did something nobody expected, they launched the 360 only four years into the X-Box's life span. Now Microsoft said at the time they planned on having a four year life cycle for X-Box consoles. However it is now on year five and no new console has been released. Is it in Microsoft's best interest to launch the next generation by producing the NexBox at the next E3, or is it in their best interest to wait it out.

Sony - Sony was first to market with the PSOne and PS2. Both generations where they launched first the PlayStation brand flourished. With Microsoft leading the market also launching first. Is it in Sony's best interest to launch PS4 before the competition. Is it likely Sony will take the lead?

Now many argue that this generation won't end till 2012-2014. But if it ends then will this be a waiting game? Nintendo has rarely been first to the market , Microsoft has Kinect and while they did kick start this gen will they do so next? Sony has always benefitted by early launches, will they do so again?

Does it really matter?

The next generation doesn't begin until SONY says it begins so whoever starts won't have started the nex-gen until PS4 arrives.

PS 4 Life!

we are only 3-4 years into a gen, Sony states will be longer than the past ones. PS2 lasted around 7 years, so i suggest a PS4 around 2014-15.

Nintendo will release an new console around 2012-13 first that could be a HD wii or 3DWii what ever and follow up by sony and Microsoft's consoles. 

Microsft because most probably I'll have no interest on the console and then I can enjoy my 3DS without being rushed to buy a new next gen home system that would be the next Nintendo console and probably Sony's( depending on the line up.)

to jump start the next generation it wont be sony sony has already said their next console they wont launch first they suggest one of their competitors will launch first and i think it will be microsoft again to launch first out of the gate once again

PS2 launched late 2000, PS3 launched late 2006 --> 6 years my friend.

So if there is no new Xbox in 2011, the Xbox 360 lasted longer than the PS2 without a successor. Who would have thought?

I think we will see a Xbox 3 and a Wii 2 in 2012. Sony will jump in 2013, just because they have to make some money with the PS3 first. The bad thing is, that all consoles will focus on 3D. And I refuse to use 3D with glasses. 2D defense force leader has spoken.

me...

I will release a plague upon the world like none have ever seen. I will be so power and will have games so awsome that addiction will bring civilisation to it's knees. 

Release date 12-21-2012

actually we are coming up on 5 years in a couple months, 6 if we go by the launch of the DS/PSP. 

The next generation is already starting on PC, so I guess that means Microsoft did it.

i think nintendo will be the fist, with a new console on early 2012. (maybe february - march, like the 3ds).

ms and sony will try to last as much as they can, but it really depends on the success of move and kinect. if kinect fails i see ms launching a new xbox for 2012 holydays, if not sometimes in 2013. sony will try to last until 2014 but they could end up releasing the ps4 in 2013.