Editorial: Caution: New Console Crossing

Caution: New Console Crossing

This generation has gone on so long, people have forgotten what to expect from next gen!

Now that Microsoft has revealed the Xbox One, the stage is finally set and all the players have taken their places. I already talked about how excited I am at the prospect of a new knockdown, drag out console war, and it’s already begun thanks to some snarky comments by Sony on the big Xbox day. In just a matter of months, gamers will either be voting for their console champion of choice or taking a Switzerland approach and waiting on the sidelines to see who comes out on top. With all of this in mind, I think it’s important to talk about this next generation, and what it means to you as a gamer.

Sure, if you’re a regular visitor to PixlBit it pretty much goes without saying that you know gaming, and you know what to expect during this transition from the 7^th generation to the 8^th. Still, this has been the longest console cycle in gaming history, and it’s likely to continue for a few more years at least. Consider this sobering fact: a kid that got a launch Xbox 360 for Christmas is graduating high school this year. There’s a whole generation of gamers—hardcore gamers like you and I—that haven’t experienced a true console change. I think we all need to take a step back from all the hype, hyperbole, and negativity that’s oh-so prevalent these days and really discuss what’s coming in the very near future.

Before that, it’s worth mentioning that I will be focusing on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in this conversation. Yes, the Wii U is a new console, and it’s technically the first machine of the 8^th generation, but it’s also not an evolutionary step in technology, nor is Nintendo actively out to compete in the same battles as Sony and Microsoft. Nintendo will continue to do what Nintendo does—utilize a strategy that works for them and them alone.

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#Xbox one #Playstation 4 #Wii u #8th generation #Launch #Red ring of death

NSonic79

05/25/2013 at 12:31 AM

So basically we are once again back to where we started when it came to a new gen console release. In a way that is indeed correct. The early adoption, the plus and minuses of the fact and that despite what we buy we best not run into buyers remorse.

But I have to admit I haven't seen a new gen launch that was so all over the place with rumors, contradiction and having them give us what we want by not giving us what we want. but all that is missing to truely make it feel like last gen's console releases is some company give away consoles as prizes like what was done with the original Xbox and pepsi products!

Aboboisdaman

05/25/2013 at 08:42 AM

I'll probably skip this coming generation. I bought a PS3 at launch and it was expensive. I think about 5 or 600$. That PS3 got the YLOD after two years unfortunately. I have a Slim now and so far so good. I'm happy with my PS3, and there's plenty of stuff that I haven't played. If anything I might build a new PC.

The Last Ninja

05/25/2013 at 09:00 PM

I waited in line with my brother and spent the night at Target in 2006 for a new Wii. I got my Wii on launch day and it's still working! Granted, every now and then it will do something wierd or freeze on me, but it's still going. It amazes me that no matter how much technology advances, these systems can still succumb to problems and break down. As for me, I'm gonna have to wait. To be honest, I want to get a Wii U. . . someday. I've got all the Nintendo consoles so far, and I love them all.

Julian Titus Senior Editor

05/26/2013 at 01:13 AM

At this point, Nintendo products are the only ones I truly trust at launch. Even the Wii U issue was a minor one that was quickly fixed. But I'm torn, because I want to get in on the launch excitement, but the Wii U isn't for me. I barely played my Wii, and it'll probably be years before there's enough software on the Wii U that I'm interested in.

I'm probably buying an Xbox or PS4 at launch. But you better believe I'm getting a protection plan. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, I need therapy.

asrealasitgets

05/26/2013 at 02:03 AM

The XBOX ONE reveal and media features only served to make me feel old and scared. The system just seems overly complicated. For the first time I am considering leaving gaming as a hobby all together. I've convinced myself that there is a sea of old games to be enjoyed that I might have missed out on in the past even if old games have jaggie polygons and pixel art.

I own a WiiU and I'm fine with it.

If I had to choose I'd go with PS4, but maybe 1 to 2 years after release. In the mean time, it's Final Fantasy Real Reborn and GT6 on PS3 for me. Have fun duking it out over who has better RAM or whatever kids, cause I ain't gettin involved.

Skairtactic

05/28/2013 at 12:59 AM

I had a PSone, after the ps2 launched, an xbox a year before the 360 launched, and a 360 5 years after it initially released, I'll be grabbing my first console at launch this fall with the Xbox one. I made up my choice, only because I've followed xbox since launch and personally have never had a problem, the ps3 slim I did own for a few months froze on us quite a bit, But to be honest these consoles aren't made like the older ones. I'll possibly grab a PS4 a few months or years after launch. Only because they'll both be doing what I want from them, so no real rush. Like you stated above, We get the consoles we want, that we enjoy, not the ones our friends enjoy. Don't purchase an xbox because your friends like it, if you like playing uncharted but decided not to buy a ps3. Whichever console comes on top this time, won't matter, like the Sony CEO stated months ago, "It doesn't matter who launches first, in a few years we'll just upgrade the specs"

Chunopo

05/31/2013 at 12:05 AM

I m sure (and hope) your right about the console exclusives. Halo and Gears of War are games that I'm becoming seriously bored with now, God of War holds my attention a little longer but i just find it hard to give a damn about these series now. What bugs me is DLC exclusives, I really can't stand being punished for not owning both consoles and the price tag on these things means that I just reasonably cant!

PixlBit