Is 2005 too soon for the next generation consoles?

Over the past 6 months we've all heard the rumors about the next Playstation and Xbox consoles arriving in 2005. I for one think it's too soon. Sure the PSX and N64 had solid 5 year runs, but the hardware was fairly limited and software developers peaked the hardware a good 3 years into their shelf life.


I feel that this generation of consoles, has so much more potential. Online console gaming is still in the early stages and with the introduction of newer hardware just a year and a half away, most people will give up on the idea of investing in current console online gaming, when they know that it will most likely be dead in 2 years. As soon as these newer consoles start reaching time to hit retail, the current consoles will start to see a drop in software production and innovative titles. What's the rush?

I've been doing shorter posts lately, I've noticed, but in this case I think it's justified-

Yes, 2005 probably is too early for the new consoles.

James

Consider the age of the PS2 (the current definition of the present generation) and then tell me that 2005 is too soon. IMHO the PS2 is all ready looking out dated and is bordering on obsolete (and was doing so over a year ago). The dreaded jaggies appear in even new, innovative titles and really begin to show the age of the market leader.

Sony has already started the hype machine. Soon it will be in sixth gear and running marvelously. The same punters who bought into the PS2 hype will contribute to the success of the PS3 along with the help of the hundreds of thousands of other happy PS2 owners willing to take the leap to "The Next Level"! I wonder if there will be problems with production of *THIS* generation of Sony consoles...

One could argue that no console ever really realized it's full potential due to hardware upgrades. It's a curse/blessing of the industry.

#6

I think the PS2 badly needs an update, but the Xbox and Gamecube both still look great to me. I thought the plan was for a 2005 Japan/2006 US release anyway...?

Edit: I should clarify that. I think the PS2 needs progressive and at least DPL II in most of their games. The graphics themselves don't bother me at all.

2005 is just the right time to launch the new consoles. The PS2's limits are starting to show, well, moreso than they were even at launch. The GC and Xbox haven't really hit their strides yet, late-2003 into 2004 will be a telling time for those consoles. Right now, Sony is just resting on their laurels with the PS2, while their competition innovates. This will catch up to them in the next generation, hopefully.

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Originally posted by Schlep
I thought the plan was for a 2005 Japan/2006 US release anyway...?

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It is, but it will affect what comes to the North American market, as key developers switch their resources to the newer consoles.

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Xbox and Gamecube are just now hitting stride!

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Just goes to show ya how much Sony is actually controlling the industry right now. At least when it comes to hardware.

well, 5 years is pretty much how long a system life cycle is (as far as having consistent sales go). PS3 coming out in 2005 is your average time. i don't see what all the complaining is about there.

as for Nintendo and Microsoft, it's unfortunate to say that their current consoles are gonna lose a solid year due to times changing.

It is saddening, but there's only so much slacking that Sony can do before fans get upset. The only problem is that Sony did have an amazing first three months with games like Xenosaga, Tenchu 3, Dark Cloud 2, War of the Monsters, etc.

Also, if it IS 2005, then it will probably be more like 2006 minus 7 days. Usually people pick up their consoles around Christmas because they're usually released around Christmas, right? So there's still like two years for the games to hit.

If Nintendo's e3 booth is any indication, they seem to be planning a butt-load of games to be released before that in these two years, and they're looking good. X-Box is going to have a stellar 2004 with Halo 2 and Fable alone (if they aren't delayed again) because I think one will come out in early 2004 and one will make it to Summer - Christmas.

I voted for: Yes, there's a lot to be done with the current consoles. I'd like to see them run their course and the market not be whored down with a lot of next-gen consoles.

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Originally posted by Six

One could argue that no console ever really realized it's full potential due to hardware upgrades. It's a curse/blessing of the industry.

#6

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Indeed. It's really disapointing to be hearing about the next version of the console that you JUST brought brand new.

It's like wrestling and their Pay Per Views - before they are even 30 minutes into the current PPV, they are already hyping up the next one.