Weekend Hot Topic, Part 2: Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4

Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here

Still just the games

With Nintendo about to show off their new console in the next few weeks, I really hope Sony and Microsoft hold off on releasing a new system in the next two years at least. I just feel that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are just reaching their peak, and I don’t feel the need for an upgrade any time soon.

I can understand Nintendo wanting to upgrade their hardware, as the Wii is looking really long in the tooth now, and even some smartphone games look better graphically. But the HD consoles games still look good, and with releases like L.A. Noire showing what can still be done with the ageing platforms, the need to upgrade seems unnecessary.

There is also the fact that Microsoft and Sony are only now starting to make a profit from their games divisions, so surely they wouldn’t want to upset their bottom line by pouring billions of pounds into bringing out a new console at a financial loss? There is also the spiralling cost of games development to consider, at this tender post-recession age.

When they do upgrade the console line, I’d hope that the PlayStation 4/Xbox 720 would be able to play the previous generations’ games, including online, with seamless PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 friends lists, that would enable you to still contact and play with mates on the older platform. I’d hate online to become fractured with some friends on PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 and others on the newer console.

Obviously the graphics will be improved, and I think photorealism should be the aim, as we’re nearly there as it is, and any slight improvement just wouldn’t be worth releasing a new system for. I also hope they stick with physical media, as any download-only console will be dead in the water, as far as I’m concerned.

I’m intrigued by the rumours that Project Cafe will have controllers with screens to enable you to play your console games on the move, and I think this will be the next evolution of the home console, that you can play it while you’re away from the TV, and perhaps even your home.

Whatever the next gen gives us, the main thing is the games, as without new experiences new hardware is irrelevant.

Cubes (PSN ID)/Cubes73 (Steam Game Center ID)

Body scanner

I have to admit I am starting to get a little restless with the restrictions of the current generation and its graphics. Ironically it’s L.A. Noire that I think is the biggest advertisement for starting the next generation now, even though it’s a real technical milestone on the current systems.

But imagine what the game would look like if they’d been using that MotionScan technology on a more powerful console. They could’ve scanned a whole body and had faces that were even more realistic (and less ugly). Maybe they could’ve even got the noses right.

I think five years is about right for a console’s lifespan and I for one would vote with my wallet if new machines came out (not that I think they really will for a while).

Blasto

Pie in the sky

I thought there wasn’t going to be any more consoles after this generation? Wasn’t the idea that cloud computing was going to take over and things like OnLive would mean all you needed was a controller and an Internet connection and they could update the hardware whenever they liked at their end, and it wasn’t anything to do with you. That way it’d be like getting a new console every day, kind of.

My understanding is they’re already testing OnLive in the U.S. and it’s coming here soon so the technology is obviously out there and working to some degree. If Sony and Microsoft just stick to their 10 year promise for the current consoles, then by the time they’re used up it should be cloud computing all the way.

Now if only I could work out whether that was a good thing or not…

Tim James

Motion against

I don’t see that there’s any need for a new console from anyone except Nintendo. The Wii is getting old and you can see an obvious need for new graphics. But that’s what should be driving the decision, not because some arbitrary five year time limit is up.

The Xbox 360 has already expanded its horizons with Kinect and, well… Sony sort of tried with the half-assed Move. It’s ideas like that and… you know, good games, that can keep the current HD consoles going for years without the need to buy new ones.

I’d much rather see them concentrate on more 3D games and making proper use of motion controls than just randomly making a new console with slightly better graphics.

Finbarr

Who dares wins

I’d like to be the sensible one and say that the graphics are good enough, and it’s going to be too expensive to make games for new consoles and blah, blah, blah. But let’s face it everyone loves a new console really and I love things to get really crazy with how realistic they look. Besides it might be the only way to convince Activision to make Call Of Duty with a new graphics engine.

I say bring on the next generation, there’s nothing ever to be gained by being a coward and all those reports about EA and Ubisoft and what not setting up next gen studios proves it’s all going on anyway.

Pilot

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