I predict the 3 new consoles will have almost the same power: something like 4-12 cores Intel chips, custom ATI 4870x2 gpu's, probably 2 GB RAM, blu-ray except for Wii 2 who actually will use improved wii optical discs (HD-DVD?). The huge difference between then will be controllers and architecture.

PS3 fool.

Give us proof or go to hell.... fanboy ...

I think it will probably be MS. Nintendo has learned in previous generations that its a waste to by the most powerful. Sony has learned that this gen (or one would hope they've learned that). MS hasn't had this lesson beat into them yet.

No no, to be honest, I think the PS3 will be again be the most powerfull console of next-gen.

Maybe the XBOX1440 will have a chance to beat the PS3...

Don't forget that one CELL CPU is the equivalent of 36  INTEL 16 core in parallel coupled with 1600 gigas of RAM and supra-intelligent conductive aluminium.

(I was sarcastic  about the "thread" of RED53DEVILS of course).

"Yep stopped reading here to. There is no proof of this. Dont speal off Cell figures either. It's the entire system as a whole that eminates the final production. And if you believe the statement you made, then why is the 360 having no trouble keeping with it, and currently (of games that are available to buy) have the most impressive technical and visual game?"

Because it doesn't have the most impressive technical and visual game. Metal Gear Solid 4 is still just as high. One thing about the 360 though that limits it off the bat is disc space. You see they can choose to have a visually impressive game, but by making it too visually impressive, they limit other features such as story or gameplay elements to the simplistic side of things. Gears I is a good example. It is take cover, peak out, shoot, take cover, peek out, throw a grenade, etc, and it doesn't give you a 20+ hour game with rich cinemas. On the other hand in Uncharted you have these game mechanics, many more, and a very rich, long story making it the better all around game instead of the diva darling of the pundits.

"Microsoft will (most likely) try to merge the Wii with the XBox 360, and will produce a high performance system with a more advanced Wiimote which is heavily focused on shooter games."

Well, that is the only reason that I would hope some of these games in other genres do well on the 360 and Wii because if my choices in the next gen are limited to a party game console or a heavily focused shooter console, then I don't think I'll buy either one.

I think it depends on the timing. I think Sony is likely to have the most powerful system again, and here's why:

Sony has talked repeatedly about their 10 year plan for the PS3. Microsoft will certainly release a new console within the next 3-4 years, which will land in year 5/6 of the PS3. This would almost certainly bump up Sony's time-line, but as their system would still likely come out a year or two later, it would likely be the most powerful.

Now, if Sony/MS wind up putting out systems around the same time, there's no question in my mind that MS will put out the most powerful one. Sony has learned the lesson of charging people for what they don't want - but MS is more concerned with winning the living room, so they're likely to be the most willing to take the losses on the console next generation. This is especially the case since by the end of this generation, the 360 is likely to double the Xbox's lifetime sales. They're going into the next generation with more momentum, a brand name this time, and as always, the deepest pockets. Only a much later release will give Sony the opportunity to release the more powerful system.

Ok euh ... I don't know how to ask this politely, but, are you all guys in a f*cking denial ... or back from a long tripe in the center of Africa ??? 

PS3, the most powerful system ? Ms more concerned about the living room ?

This generation has proven that the offer made the difference over the power... and you are still talking about this as a reference ?

Microsoft has had the most powerful system both generations they've been on the market so I think we'll see a repeat of that.