Is it time for the next console generation?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Conza
  • 45 comments
  • 2,115 views

IS it time for the next console generation?

  • Yes

    Votes: 15 30.6%

  • No

    Votes: 34 69.4%
  • Total voters
    49
Most people I know who have a console also own a laptop, to fill in the gap of functionality that the console doesn't cater for. If the laptop cost them around £400 and the Console, with accessories, cost them £250-300, then they spent just as much on their devices as I did on my gaming PC, and my PC does it better.

A good move by Sony would be to incorporate or develop a decent word processor into their next generation console, and support for third party printers. Microsoft probably wouldn't do this as it would eat into PC sales (Though it would probably do wonders for MS office sales) but Sony could gain sales with this as parents would be more inclined to spend money on it as it would double as a computer. Let's be honest here, the majority of PC owners only use their computer for word processing, email, facebook etc. and the PS3 already has a web browser, they just need to add a word processor, improve the browser and add some driver support for third party printers, scanners and keyboards (Actually don't USB keyboards already work with it? Little point at the moment) etc.

The games console is not dead, they just need a new approach. We've already seen MS and Sony expand the abilities of the console with media capabilities, like online streaming services, but they need to expand more into the realms of what a PC can do.
 
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Joey

I have a 3 year old laptop that still satisfies all my computing needs. Also have a console that satisfies my gaming needs. How can I justify building a PC for gaming now when my needs are already satisfied? I can't disagree that if a person could only have one then the obvious choice would be to go with the PC but like I said before, most people have both or at least have access to a computer so this isn't really a problem. Also don't forget that some people like having a portable computer like a laptop as well so building a gaming tower isn't what they want.

Don't get me wrong either, I've done my fair share of gaming on a PC since I first started with the original Diablo however I like the convenience of my setup, even if it means having two machines. The laptop does what I want and goes where ever I want and the PS3 lets me play games without having to worry about if my drivers are up to date or my system specs are adequate or if it's going to install some sort of DRM that monitors everything or whatever.
 
I'm ready for a new console from Sony to be announced this year at E3, with release late 2013.

I've had a PS3 since July of 2007 and have thousands of hours on it since then. Its a great device, I've loved
every second of it, but I'm ready to see what's next, what else can be done. I do think developers like Naughty Dog can find a little more out of the PS3 but it seems as if most developers have plateaued.

If they really don't have plans to announce anything soon, that is okay too, but color me happy if and when they do.
 
While I agree with you Joey on Some Points not all People use their Rigs for other non gaming stuff like you.I think alot will also have to Buy a Lap Top as well for Portability .
 
sems4arsenal
While I agree with you Joey on Some Points not all People use their Rigs for other non gaming stuff like you.I think alot will also have to Buy a Lap Top as well for Portability .
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The thing is, it makes perfect economic sense to either have a gaming pc or a console and an average laptop.

The debate is unlike the Xbox 360/PS3 debate in that personal preference does have a big impact on your choice because a console and a PC cater for different needs (Whilst the former are both very similar gaming systems). If you need a computer for applications other than gaming it would be better to invest more in a computer that can also be used for gaming, rather than splitting your funds into two seperate devices. But If you need the portability and you perhaps don't have anywhere to put a PC (It's inadvisable to hook your PC up the the TV in your living room for example) then you might be better off getting a laptop for your computing needs and a console for your gaming needs. But then, as I always say to people, it is far more economical to get a cheap netbook for portability, and a halfway decent PC than spend significant amounts on a high end laptop as laptops are disproportionately expensive compared to PCs for the performance they provide. I would advise people get a low-mid range PC, a cheap, portable netbook or even a tablet and also a console if they want one.

I think perhaps an upgrade is needed from the current generation of consoles, mainly for added memory. But as I stated in my previous post, Sony and Microsoft should innovate their consoles so that they can stand up to traditional computers by adding more non-gaming functionality. I don't know about anyone here, but i've never used my PS3 for anything other than gaming because my laptop did it better. I have barely touched my PS3 since I upgraded to a gaming PC as it's only redeeming function (Playing games) has been surpassed by another device.
 
pay2021
I vote no, definitely the past, present and future is PC.
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You need to take a look at some sales numbers. Past was pc, present and future are dominated by consoles.

Seismica
The thing is, it makes perfect economic sense to either have a gaming pc or a console and an average laptop.
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How does that make perfect economic sense? Not for a lot of people and definitely not me.
 
We don't need new consoles yet. The graphics are not falling behind and games might get a little bit better in graphics. The PS4 IMO should come out around late 2013 at the earliest.
 
CMvan46
How does that make perfect economic sense? Not for a lot of people and definitely not me.
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Did you miss the part where I said it depends on your individual needs? Sorry to be blunt but it seems like you skimmed over the rest of my post which explained my initial statement. I'll go over it one more time though.

As I stated in my second to last post, getting a console and a laptop can come up to the same price as a mid-high end gaming PC:

Seismica
Most people I know who have a console also own a laptop, to fill in the gap of functionality that the console doesn't cater for. If the laptop cost them around £400 and the Console, with accessories, cost them £250-300, then they spent just as much on their devices as I did on my gaming PC, and my PC does it better.
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I was highlighting that the best choice for individuals is based on their personal needs. For example, I don't needs the portability as my smartphone covers my computing needs on the go, so hence a PC catered more for my needs than a console/laptop combination.

On the other hand, some people required portability:

slims
I have a 3 year old laptop that still satisfies all my computing needs. Also have a console that satisfies my gaming needs. How can I justify building a PC for gaming now when my needs are already satisfied? I can't disagree that if a person could only have one then the obvious choice would be to go with the PC but like I said before, most people have both or at least have access to a computer so this isn't really a problem. Also don't forget that some people like having a portable computer like a laptop as well so building a gaming tower isn't what they want.
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The quote highlights how a users choice comes down to their own needs. In my view if something caters more for your needs (i.e. ticks more of the boxes/requirements) then it is better value economically. As the price of a PC and the price of a Laptop+console is very similar then I deemed that whichever one caters for your needs more is better value therefore makes more economic sense.

So where you say it does not make perfect economic sense for you, well I agree with that; If a gaming PC doesn't suit your needs then by all means don't buy one, it wouldn't make sense to pay out so much money for something that you don't need. I on the other hand am studying engineering and need my PC for various CAD and simulation programs (Such as CFD/FEA) and various other programs that wouldn't be able to run as effectively on a laptop or at all on a console.

You might think i'm hypocritical that I omitted the smartphone I included for my portable computing needs from my brief cost analysis, but my handset cost me nothing and my monthly cost on contract is cheaper than my previous phone was on pay as you go, so I thought it was unnecessary to include it.
 
I'm primarily a PC gamer these days, so I do want to say it's time for a new generation, but I have a GTX 580 running at 900MHz with 1.5GB and there's plenty of multiplatform games that still don't run properly on it. I don't think a new generation of consoles would really help, I mean if you don't do much PC gaming you're not going to care as much about graphics (because if you did you'd have a PC), and if you are a PC gamer you're probably more worried about similarly poorly optimised games that require even more resources... I might be off the mark here but I do worry that the next generation of consoles will just make the problem worse. Of course there are some games that are very well optimised (DXHR being one, which was hamstrung by consoles (graphics were great but cutscenes looked like VHS!)), but on balance I wouldn't mind if console makers waited for higher end PC hardware to get just a little bit cheaper before the next generation.
 
No, no, no, no, NO.
Sony and Microsoft BOTH agree that its too early, heck even Nintendo is having some second thoughts on developing the Wii U this early, the fact is.....we just can't afford it, both gamers and the industry can't afford it, maybe in 3 or 4 more years we should consider.
 
Give the PS3 a bit more time. Most consumers aren't going to want to trade in a new PS3 for a new system that costs $1000. That PS3 is easily going to last another 10 years. Look at the PS2. That thing is well over 10 years old. And they are still making games for it. And Sony says they will continue to support it as long as the demand is there. That demand isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In this economy, people aren't going to be fishing out that kind of money for the latest technological advances.
 
Slashfan
Give the PS3 a bit more time. Most consumers aren't going to want to trade in a new PS3 for a new system that costs $1000. That PS3 is easily going to last another 10 years. Look at the PS2. That thing is well over 10 years old. And they are still making games for it. And Sony says they will continue to support it as long as the demand is there. That demand isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In this economy, people aren't going to be fishing out that kind of money for the latest technological advances.
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*facepalm*=everytime I read something like this. Right now this thing is over 5 years old, which is stoneage old in computer terms. Next year six, this should be the latest point, where next-generation technology is certainly aviable, and needed. Gamers want it (for better and more realistic games), developers need it for the same reasons.

So, what do you think Kaz wants? If he could, he would take a super computer for development, so yes, he definatly also wants new hardware to play with.
 
Watt2159
No, no, no, no, NO.
Sony and Microsoft BOTH agree that its too early, heck even Nintendo is having some second thoughts on developing the Wii U this early, the fact is.....we just can't afford it, both gamers and the industry can't afford it, maybe in 3 or 4 more years we should consider.
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In 4 years you would be playing on hardware that is 11 years old (xbox). I'm sorry but to me that just seems ridiculous, imo consoles should have a lifespan of 5-6 years tops.
 
Enigma
In 4 years you would be playing on hardware that is 11 years old (xbox). I'm sorry but to me that just seems ridiculous, imo consoles should have a lifespan of 5-6 years tops.
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This, THIS.
 

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