No new systems before '13?

[Exodyus]

Analyst: Hi-def Wii in 2010, next-gen won't start until 2013

Not thrilled with the current crop of game consoles? Looks like you better get used to it.


Pachter says next gen is a long way off. Assuming, that is, you believe leading industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities, who predicts that we won't be seeing the next generation of home game consoles for about four more years.

"We do not expect the 'next' generation to begin before 2013, if at all," he said in a newsletter. "We remain convinced that the publishers will resist the introduction of any video game hardware technology that requires a refresh of software, as the publishers have as yet to capitalize on the immense investments made in being competitive in the current cycle."

However, Pachter makes one rather large exception: the long-awaited HD version of the Nintendo Wii, which he believes could hit shelves in 2010. Despite its runaway success, the Wii is relatively underpowered compared to the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 and remains the only one of the three that doesn't support HDTVs (clarification: the Wii works fine with hi-def sets, but does not output in true HD). While it might not change the system's power limitations, the ability to output in HD would at least close the technical gap a bit.

If you think one analyst's claims don’t mean much, you should probably take a look at Pachter's track record, which is actually pretty impressive.

Supposedly, we're not getting anymore - which I think will actually be refreshing. It will give companies time to come out with a good, solid product that doesn't end up burning people...

Also, sounds good for the Wii that it's getting an over-haul. I think they should boost a little performance while they have the system open, but that's just me.



Remember ... when consoles were consoles? Not computers?

[Kitey]

the publishers have as yet to capitalize on the immense investments made in being competitive in the current cycle.

Hm. A good thing.

Also, there may be a change in how game development works--I'm looking for the article but I can't find it. I'll post it when I do. Right now, game developers need to count on a once-in-a-million blockbuster hit to carry the company. The problem is that almost every game requires massive resources--artists, storywriters, marketing. To make its numbers, every company MUST have a GTA, or a Halo, or a WoW to make sure that it stays afloat (much less turns a profit). If it sucks, it represents a HUGE loss.

Games are currently produced similarly to movies--huge hit to balance many smaller, suckier projects. But that formula doesn't work for the industry--it exposes it to too much risk.

Instead, there's a thought (and I swear I'll find it) that we need to return to smaller, independently developed games to capitalize on widespread genius. We'll have more games, and they won't be quite as flashy, but they'll be like Portal--pure genius in a smaller package.

[Exodyus]

Hi honey! I missed you! Wall me!

As far as disagreeing with you, I can't. Lol. You're completely right. I honestly prefer independent games because they have added value to them and depth that most other big-name companies would drop because of the lacking funds or the scare that they might not reap what they've sown.

I loved XenoSaga 1 and 2, and then announcing that they wouldn't make the 8th, they packed 3 with a ton of stupid **** and then bailed on the project.

I <3 KOS MOS.

[jakncoke]

Pachter is moron and has been wrong plenty over the past 2-3 years, I would take his word with a grain of salt. imo it won't wait till 2013 to get the new Xbox/PS and I also don't think that Wii will get and HD shot in 2010. imo i think they'll all land around winter 2011/spring 2012

[Jjjet1]

I personally like this crop of 'next gen' consoles. I don't see how you could make any better ones unless they some how had screens on them and could create their own power.

[jakncoke]

well I like them as well, but they aren't the end all be all, there is plenty of areas that could use an improvement here and there

[hidekipooj]

It's not a next-gen console but the "PSP Go" will be coming out probably at the end of this year.

[jakncoke]

speaking of PSP, I wonder how long Sony will throw these improvements on the system, i mean hell there was what? the phat, 2000, 3000, and now GO? Will they ever release a official #2?

[Exodyus]

PSP is pretty crappy, I think. I'm not really a fan of that hand held.

And I wouldn't mind a break from the console wars. Give them time to get their heads screwed on facing the front.

[jakncoke]

PSP is pretty crappy, I think. I'm not really a fan of that hand held.

And I wouldn't mind a break from the console wars. Give them time to get their heads screwed on facing the front.

Will never end, there's an endless supply of console warriors