So, in the future, will there be a single universal console where all games come to? Who would be the maker? Would it be a collaboration between the big 3 or will an outside party like Apple make it? Would this not be possible? Maybe the first step is total and complete domination by one console so it forces the others to go third party. Maybe, it's some kind of change in the industry. What are your thoughts and ideas on how this could happen? Maybe, you don't think it will, why?

Not at all. As long as Microsoft continues to have an enormous business outside of the game industry, they will continue to push their video game hardware as a product, even if it is losing them money. Similar situation with Sony. And as long as Nintendo continues to profit from making their own consoles (which they certainly are), they'll never go third-party.

We'll never get there I think, lately wa have seen many new companies trying to conquer the Videogames sector, and the competition between the Big 3 is on fire now with the next gen. so no just no.

It's been tried before a few times (msx comes to mind).

It won't work as a universal console won't be sold at a loss and can't compete with one that's subsidized by publish fees, first party games, peripherals, and nowadays subscriptions. See blu-ray, the first players were a thousand dollars, ps3 was the cheapest blu-ray player for a long time.

wouldnt antitrust laws prevent this?

It depends........a lot of small console makers that only get 100,000 sales are still considered console providers, so I would say no.

lol, I completely forgot about those like the ouya.

Definitely not right now or anytime soon. Each of the Big Three are too big to be stuffed into one console controlled by one company. They each need their own ecosystem, or there will most likely be big corporate problems.

Why do you bring this up? Do you think it's going to happen or something?

I personally don't think so for various reasons already stated in this thread. I was more interested on how people would back up the counter argument.

I think we are going to see more consoles instead of less. I have a feeling that Apple is looking into a TV/game console that would be connected with iOS for portable gaming options. Smart phone gaming is already huge, linking it directly to a TV offering "Apple Game App Store" would eliminate the need for retail stores and make it easy for people to purchase on a whim. If Apple wants to continue growing, this seems to be a very good fit.