I don't see what the problem is, all the features you state are entirely optional. I often see the 360 panned for such features but the reality is it works fine disconnected from the internet, just put in the game disc and play. I quite like the music and video abilities though, as if the console didn't do them I'd have a box there for it anyway.

yep, i'm perfectly fine with a traditional console, considering i always go back to them.

I don't care for the apps, there are a million and better places to update your meaningless Twitter status. If consoles were cheaper without all that shit, I'd be more than happy to have a dedicated gaming console.

The multimedia features come almost for free with the better hardware new console have to have anyway, so not letting the customer actually use them is simply a mistake.

Getting more use of a single device is a good thing for the manufacturers and the users.

I'd be perfectly fine without all the unneeded stuff. I mean I do use netflix on my PS3 quite often but I could just as easily use it on my phone, TV, or Computer.

As technology advances and more things become available to consumers, consoles are needing to find more ways to win people over who perhaps might be on the edge about owning one. As longs as consoles focus on gaming first with the whole media center thing second, then i'm cool with that.

I'm going to compare consoles to cars. It might not be the ideal comparison, but I think it is valid here in Southern California.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that people like their cars to do more than just take them from A to B. Sure, you don't need power windows/locks, automatic transmission, air-conditioning, abs breaks, radio, stability control, airbags, etc., but over the years, the increase in automotive manufacturing cost is partly do to implanted standards that gives your ride a few more gadgets (not to mention the R&D that went to implimenting them correctly). You may not like paying for more, but I'm sure you hold some expectations on what you want your car to do for you. I can bet you that your expectations are higher than a person of your age 10 years ago, or even 20 to 30 years ago.

Some of you may think that consoles should only play video games, while others cannot play video games if they can't play with other people. Would any of you remove the multi-player aspect of your games. Would any Xbox 360 owner here be willing to give up on their Xbox live multi-player experience now that you have experienced it? How about the Trophies/MS points, or digital downloads, Would any of you be indifferent if they stopped offering them?

In order for an idea to continue being popular, it must adapt to the changing times & different demographics. (like religion) Consoles need to follow this path. They can't just satisfy the hard core base because it's a finite source of income. They need to appeal to as many people as possible in order to not run the risk of becoming obselite by merging technologies & unforeseen competition.

I wanted my PS3 to do everything, but in my opinion it still lacking in the internet/streaming video/streaming music department. I will add that they fixed the Youtube app recently. That brought a smile to my face.

It's possible. I'm just not sure why you would want one.

We will never have a game only console ever again (from MS, Sony, or Nintendo at least).

I never used my consoles for anything else than playing games, except for the convenience of being able to watch youtube on my TV without needing to make the HDMI cable of my PC go through my entire house.

I'm pretty sure that the Wii U would be able to pull decent sales numbers even without all the Miiverse features and stuff like Netflix. Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, 3D Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Wii Play and a shitload of other best selling Nintendo games are the actual reasons that people buy their consoles. Multimedia features are simply bonuses.

We all already have computers and other multimedia devices anyway.