don't worry- I was thinking of rewording the title, because that thought came into my head too :P

It is going to be much different than this gen. I believe in the traditional sense it is going to shrink (Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft). However, I think we will see a massive increase with set top boxes from Apple, Samsung, LG, and more that are capable of running ports of the next gen games.

If Apple puts out an iTV set top box, and iTV that are equal to or more powerful than the WiiU it is going to be a major game changer. They can sell something like that in the 10's of millions per Q at much higher prices than people will pay for the current 3. They can integrate iPhone, iPad, iPod, and iMac in to a way the big three are still far behind. Add community driven tools to an already massive fan base, and it is a scary thing for the big three.
With that in place look to the rest, Samsung, LG, Vizio, and mabye some of the smart phone/tablet makers to jump on board with set top boxes or TV's running Android, with the same capabilities.

So will the market grow?

Yes.

I think that it will nearly get to the point wear every device you buy to connect to your TV, and every future TV will be capable of running games at some level. The platform will switch back to OS's with hardware getting stronger year after year.

Is it going to boom for the big 3?

Very unlikely. Consoles were originally developed for ease of use, and to maximize weak hardware. The days of confusing OS's, compatibility issues, and weak hardware are at an end. $300 8in tablets are nearly on par with current gen systems, and run on much more advanced OS's than any of the current gen systems.

The days of platform game hardware are nearly over, and the idea behind them is archaic, and bad for games as a whole. Time to move forward to a bigger market, and invite all people to play all games, on all systems.

Well I think that eventually we'll see all 3 next gen consoles start offering cloud based gaming through their online networks. They must be getting scared that smart tv's and google tv are showing Gaikai/OnLive apps(?). Should that be the case will there be no need for more advanced hardware for 'locally rendering'.

Oh I like this. Would you like to make a bet concerning the sales of hardware by the big three in the coming generation?

Innovation is stagnating. If the consumer has such ill judgement as to buy 3 new consoles that fail to greatly differentiate themselves from their predecessors then sure, the market will stay as it is if not expand.

You basically just described every single iterative generational leap. First to second, third to fourth, fifth to sixth. One generation sets a standard, the next expands on it. This is part of a continuing cycle. And the iterative generation, the one that refines what came before? Those always sell more when looking at the market as a whole.

But then every generation has been bigger than the last, so I guess that's a moot point.

The NES and SNES outselling the N64 and GC makes me question your statement. I'm assuming you mean the industry as a whole.

Y...yes, hence why I said "when looking at the market as a whole".

Sorry about that, I suffer from internet user syndrome, I only read what I wish to read if it supports my argument.

Is that a joke ? VG market will grow massively, this gen cycle drop was so small compared to the previous gens, VG never been so popular !