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?

Do we really need next gen????

when you see it you will want it