In this generation we have seen the major console manufacturers take a turn towards making their console not just about playing games, but rather about being a complete multimedia package. It seems like this is a trend that will continue into next gen as well with rumours of games consoles become set top boxes for TV service providers, etc.

But all of this made me wonder, can we no longer have consoles like they traditionally used to be 20 years ago, where they only played games and did nothing else? Why do we need to have consoles that attempt to do our laundry and cure diarrhea? Is it simply because the cost of making games has increased so much, that manufacturers have to rely on other multimedia features to break even, or is it just so that they can make even more money?

Just to be clear, I have nothing against multimedia features, but this was something I wanted to get your opinion on just out of curiosity. Although I will say that sometimes I feel that manufacturers tend to invest a lot into these multimedia features leading to first party games taking a hit (I'm looking at Microsoft). So what do you think?

It's possible, but only in Canada.

Its the one thing I want. A console which is pure gaming machine. Nothing wasted on annoying film apps and youtube/facebook crap.

But it will never return, everyone wants a multi-use device apparently.

I miss the old days!

IN CANADA!!!

That should be a new thing. That said: "DARN YOU CANADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

I wonder if that was to test the market.

It should either do the lot, or only be for games. Somewhere in the middle is just annoying. For example, Wii U would be great for multimedia, but without blu ray or a media player it can't be the only thing connected to the tv. So it might as well get rid of the extra TVii stuff as you'll be switching to another box anyway.

I play consoles for the games, but it's nice to watch a film on it or browse the internet occasionally

Canada is the only exception. Which is sad. (For me, not for Canada.)

No.

Playing audio (and video) CDs was a selling point for not only the PS1, but its failed CD-based console competitors as well. The DVD functionality was a big selling point for the PS2. The PS3 is the most used device for Netflix viewers, and it's a big factor for the 360 as well. While all the useless overconnectivity and social networking crap shoved down our throats is annoying, it's fully expected for consoles to have solid features beyond just playing games now.

I don't have a problem with that, frankly, even if it's been going overboard lately. I feel a games-only device would be a huge step backwards as far as console functionality goes.

Just playing games is obsolete. With social and digital media on the rise, so many different things to do in the living room, a gaming console was tailor made to bring all of these things together.