Hey guys what do you believe will be the critical features of next generation console systems?

My list of critical features include:

1. Improved online: more downloadable content, multimedia streaming/synchronisation with other devices.

2. cloud storage system: leading to unlimited storage capacity and more choice for gamers not needing to buy bigger HDDs.

3. backwards compatibility: automatically increases the games library of the launch system that have few games available in its first year on the market.

4. third party developer support: exclusive games will become more and more rare as developers see potential of multi-plats and selling more and boosting their profits.

5. controls: touch controls as well as Kinect style fully body interactive motion controls.

I think we can take it as a given that the biggest emphasis will be on online features (though that thought makes me cringe) and methods of interaction with the games.

Games.
I'm not going to rush in again just because it is HD, plays blu-ray or has a new control gimmick. I'm waiting for games I can't resist this time. All 3 had a pretty lousy line up this gen (I should have played twilight princess on GC, motion control wasn't worth the loss of camera control).

I guess for core gamers it will be critical that there is a seamless transition of friend lists, achievements and your whole download library when upgrading. Thus backwards compatibility is a must.

What I would like to see is improved online co-op play. The demon's / dark souls model is pretty good. Drop in / drop out online co-op whenever you want, wherever you are in the game, will be nice.

always connected to internet for DRM :(

* Great games. The whole kinect/move thing just isn't my thing. I can't play those games for more than a half an hour before I get bored.
* Free online
* Backwards compatibility would be a huge plus.

I would love for achievments/trophies to transfer to the next gen, and for Nintendo to finally add them (which I suspect they will do when they launch their online support).

Also, while I love achievments I understand that most think they are pointless. Developers are already realizing that trophies/achievs can sell even horrible games (Avatar, Hannah Montanna) so I am surprised that achievements/trophies are not evolving and becoming more relevant. Maybe for every 10000 gamerscore you get 400 microsoft points ... this would encourage people to play a wider variety of games (possibly even enjoying and buying them in the process) while creating loyalty to the brand since you are developing your profile and getting a reward which you will just reinvest into Xbox live anyways.

Even if they just added more semi useful stuff like they did with Avatar awards; it would be a great for the players and the developers themselves who would get more sales.

Lastly, to all those who think achievements are pointless, Sony must have felt that achievements made enough of an impact as a feature that they chose to develop trophies. They realized that people enjoy them, and they decided to invest in their own system.

It depends on console. Some general examples:

-Games (3rd and 1st party support)

-A complete online store for games and apps

-The ability to organize online communities and events directly from the console.

-Increased ability to share content with other devices, mainly Smatphones and PCs

-Better web browsing abilities

-Dedicated apps for Skype, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and the likes

-Retro compatibility

-The ability to recive content while the console is turned off, something like WiiConnect24, this time implemented in an effective way.

-DVD / Blu-ray / Movie streaming support

Improved online services, better integration etc. Doesn't really matter if there is a monthly fee, as long as it's not too high.

Definitely backwards compatibility, it's a big selling point and initiative to upgrade;

3rd party support - more companies possibly going 3rd party and offering the games to wider audiences.

More integration between smartphones and the consoles.

Even less variation in features, to stop all the stupid fanboyism that has been bred this generation ;_;

I'm a hardcore Wii/PC gamer so i want to see a vast array of improvements.

All consoles running 1080p, smoothly, with plenty of AA.
3rd party content mostly spread across ALL 3 consoles.
Vastly improved online services (especially for Nintendo)
A really good WiiU app store for running games exlusively on the WiiUPad like Angry Birds and Infinity Blade 2.
The ability to easily play Virtual Console and WiiWare games on that portable screen.
A "Nintendo Account" similar to Steam where all purchases are tied to 1 login which can be used the same time on 1 3DS and 1 WiiU.
Transferable purchases and save content from Wii to WiiU.
Move included with Ps4 along with Dual-Shock 3.
Blu-Ray playback in Nextbox.
Cross-game chat becoming more robust and accessible.

1st party will become more important since 3rd party games will be released on all consoles