I’ve been thinking lately about this current generation and both Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo used to spout that their consoles were next gen (meaning this current gen) for their own reasons. Microsoft used to say that motion controls were not next gen n that online play, downloads and graphics were. Nintendo said we need to change the way we play by introducing motion controls and Sony tried to give themselves the elite status by saying their system was the true HD system and offered the true next generation gaming experience.

So I was wondering, now that were in the next generation and we’ve seen what the masses are choosing as their console of choice its obvious that Sony and even Microsoft to a lesser extent got a lot of things wrong with their concept of what a “next generation” console needs. As we all know they focused on what worked for them last generation and failed to invent or take gaming to a new playing field, and this concept of invention seems to be the driving force behind this current generation. Even games are being pushed to new levels of creativity in regards to concept and play constructs.

What I feel is that Sony has kind of made themselves redundant by offering us more of what we already had in a prettier package instead of giving us things we’ve never had before. Its like hot chips, you can get bigger and bigger and bigger serves of them but the moment some one chucks them in an edible cup its like “wow man I get to eat the cup to!” The sales statistics seem to say that gamers today want edible cups if you know what I mean.

So my question is what do you think defines this generation, is it inventive player input equipment like the wii remote and that wii fit balance detector thingy or are graphics and fancy multimedia enhancements the defining aspect of this next generation? Or is it both?

I agree with your point that that this generation is about increasing interactivity rather than power, and I think also they're physically in the last generation because they are using slowly and inevitably declining PS2 and PSP revenue to subsidise the PS3 before the expected PS3 gains.

One day, PS2 and PSP revenue will drop off and seeing as an amazing 3rd to 1st place comeback has never happened regardless of great exclusive games (see also: Gamecube), the PS3 will never be able to make them enough money to justify its existence in the first place.

WOW, a hard question in the end.
I believe this generation is "Graphics vs. Gameplay."
As to say thay this generation is that one inventive gamplay console (Wii) vs two graphical consoles. (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360).

I'm fine with this, I don't think anybody wants 3 wii-like consoles on the market, one is enough. Not sure if Sony and Microsoft are fine with it though =)

Yeah, exactly, another thing i was thinking about sonys position right now. They really seem to have missed the next gen band wagon, even the sony fan boys seem to fall back on the ps2's current sales as a defence for a console thats strugling to maintain the constant sales rate of the 360

I still don't see how 360 is any more advanced though...

And there is nothing last generation about their new cell and acrhitecture, along with the new high-def technology Blu-ray. The PS Eye has potential (I don't like it though), and other online components are slowly coming along.

You may claim it is the same thing being updated, but with the same argrument a person could call the Wiimote an upgraded Power Glove.

"The sales statistics seem to say that gamers today want edible cups if you know what I mean."


You know what? I don't actually have a comment on this topic. But I don't care. This is the best statement I have ever read. Ever.

Gamers want edible cups. Brilliant! I'm tempted to make a sig or avatar based on this idea. Unfortunately, I'm lazy. Anyone want to do the work for me?

I often feel as though when I'm playing on my PS3 that it is just a superpowered PS2

Well the 360 isnt, the ps3 does have more advanced technology in it but that’s not what this is about. Sony seem to have alienated themselves from a massive majority of this current generation of console buyers by giving them obviously everything they don’t really want as opposed to Nintendo seeming to have given a lot more people exactly what they want. So is it up to the big wigs to decide what’s next gen? Is it up to the people? Is it fair to say one console isn’t next gen as Sony n MS implied towards the wii? Could it be that graphics were last gen and advanced player input devices are current gen?

hahahah make sure u quote me melissa! i remembered the first time i ate an edible cup when i wrote that! what an experience!