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!

THE PITFALLS OF BEING AN EARLY ADOPTER

I bought the PlayStation about six months after it launched. It was actually the first thing I purchased after I got my first job. I ended up buying two more PSXs, because it was a poorly made console that was notorious for breaking down. It was also about six months after launch that I bought the PS2, right around the time that Zone of the Enders came out. I also ended up buying two more PS2s, because it was a poorly made console that was notorious for breaking down. I learned my lesson, so this generation, I decided to go for the Xbox 360.

I’ll pause for laughter here.

Yes, I’m on my third Xbox 360, because it’s a poorly made console that is notorious for breaking down. This is one of the new dangers with buying launch systems. Back in the days of cartridges, things like the Red Ring of Death were unheard of. I still play the NES I bought back in 1991, but I have little faith that the PS2 I purchased in 2005 will last half as long. If you really want to be in that launch line and play that new machine on day one, realize that you’re taking a risk that the first batches of machines just might be lemons. Getting a protection plan may be a good idea, actually. Even Nintendo isn’t immune from the woes of launch problems. The Wii U famously bricked on many early adopters during its initial update, but at least in that situation the system was still under warranty. Buyer beware, and you’ll probably want to follow me on Twitter or listen to Nerds Without Pants and pick the opposite of whatever console I ultimately go with.

It also should be noted that you're not going to have a ton of games to choose from at the outset. Remember that the Xbox One and PS4 are not backwards compatible, and this includes games that were purchased on XBLA or PSN. If you have a huge library of titles and don't absolutely have to trade in your older console to afford the new one, you'll probably want to hang onto it. Additionally, after that two month launch window things generally quiet down for a few months. This is normal, but people always seem to forget this when new machines debut. Now, the Wii U is a slightly abnormal situation simply because it isn't getting as many multiplatform games as it should be, but this will change with time. Just know that if you commit to a new system on launch day you're going to have a small pool of games to choose from for a good six to nine months.

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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