Why the PS4, Xbox 720, and Wii 2 will all be identical
Although we’re probably at least two years away from any next-gen console seeing the light of day, it’s important to keep an eye on where the industry is headed from time to time. Unfortunately, I’ve got a nasty feeling that the PS4, Xbox 720, and Wii 2 (or whatever they end up being called) will all turn out to be almost identical to each other.
This generation of video game consoles is, to my mind at least, one of the best ever. I know many people disagree with that, and will likely tell me why they do in the comments section of this article. But it’s my opinion and it’s based on a few different factors.
First there are the games, some of which have blown me away over the last two years. Maybe I’m a sucker for graphics and that has definitely helped, but genres are being pushed, game play is being tweaked, and gaming as a whole is becoming more and more diverse.
The diversity of the games, however, is nothing compared to the diversity amongst the consoles. In order of how they are selling, here’s why. The Wii is out there on its own, catering to the mainstream, providing cheap thrills for casuals everywhere; the Xbox 360 is the machine of the hardcore, with gamers dedicated to putting in the hours getting rewarded heavily; the PS3 sits between the two, but also offers more features and functions than any console ever has before.
This diversity means absolutely everyone is catered for. From young kids to OAPs, gaming is now a hobby open to and enjoyed by all. But I have a fear that the next-gen consoles are going to head in the same direction, and it came while reading an article on Venture Beat.
In amongst talk of graphics chips and company collaborations, Dean Takahashi says:
Nintendo is the one company with a clear mission for its next console. It has to develop a system that can do high-definition graphics. The other two have to do something with a cool user interface that matches the Wii’s motion-sensing control scheme.
Woah, back up a minute, not because the author is wrong or anything but let’s be clear on the full ramifications if that statement rings true.
Nintendo is highly likely to basically develop a new, souped-up, more accurate-to-control version of the Wii, but with high-def graphics. Fine, I think that’s a given. While Sony and Microsoft are highly likely to want a piece of the action the Wii has been getting for the last two years and seek to mimic the control system to some extent. Again, almost a certainty in my view.
In this scenario, we’ll end up with three consoles offering state-of-the-art graphics alongside a motion-sensing control system. There will still be subtle differences between the three, of course, but for all intents and purposes, the Wii 2, Xbox 720, and Playstation 4 could be brothers conceived by the same parents. I’m really not too enamored with this idea.
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14 Responses to “Why the PS4, Xbox 720, and Wii 2 will all be identical”
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February 15th, 2009
Sony will probably try to use some of the technology in their other electronic products to make a sale, like really low energy consumption and zero watt standby etc given how the world is going green crazy.
Both features of which are certainly not prevalent in the PS3.
February 16th, 2009
When will people learn. IT”S NOT THE CONTOLS THAT MAKES THE WII A FAMILY CONSOL! IT’S THE GAMES!!!!!!!!!!
Gees, you people are retarded!
I got the wii because Nintendo makes games for kids and lots of them.
The Xbox has one or two kid games. That does not warrant spending any money on.
The PS3 will have more but no were near the Wii. I hate the controls on the Wii but like the games. The PS2 had many kid games and that makes me think there will be more for the PS3.
Anyone that like the wii controls is an idiot. Unfortunately there are a lot of idiots in this world.
February 16th, 2009
IMO the article’s premise is dumb. These 3 companies hate each other and will do whatever they can to differentiate.
I have to agree with the comment about “it’s the games, stupid”. There are a COUPLE fun casual games games for PS3 but far from enough to move consoles. If Sony could get off their high horse and get devs to pump out a large number of fun casual games they could pick up enough sales steam to move enough consoles to give us the price cut it needs to survive. Until then, they will wallow in 3rd place.
Hey SONY, nit everyone wants to play MGS. The GT5 delays are ridiculous. Give us more fun stuff like Pain (alongside the bug titles) and you’ll sell some consoles!
February 16th, 2009
The wii did kinda of hurt its ‘hardcore prospects’ with the controller tho. Sheesh to play old N64 game I require a last generation controller… (to play most of the snes catalogue too infact)
February 16th, 2009
“These 3 companies hate each other and will do whatever they can to differentiate. ”
MS, Big N and Sony have spent the last few months ripping off others ideas; miitars, online video stores, trophies, in game XMB etc etc.
I still think the “greenness” factor of the hardware will count for a lot next gen…Sony at least are well aware that people like me don’t appreciate the gigawatts of power the PS3 sucks from the socket.
That said, the main task list for MS and Sony is obvious isn’t it? The former needs to build something without rampant hardware gremlins, and the latter needs to build something that doesn’t require diamonds to purchase.
Big N? Who knows what they’ll do.
February 16th, 2009
My only hope is that XM or Sirius Radio gets incorporated into the console experience.
February 16th, 2009
Those who say the Wii controls are really bad for hardcore gamers obviously haven’t played Metroid Prime 3: Corruption or Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition. They work brilliantly, but they are the minority. It has more to do with lazy developers who don’t utilise the controls as well.
I hope, however, that there is something innovative in the next generation. I’m not sure what it could be, but I’m sure somebody will come up with it. It’d probably be Nintendo, but let’s see what they come up with. Yet I do fear this article is correct; Nintendo may get slightly complacent and just develop HD graphics, although some online innovations are also necessary. The PS4 will just be more powerful with more functions because that’s how Sony work, and the Xbox 720 will be less error prone (hopefully) and again, more powerful. And hopefully, more quiet.
I guess we’ll begin to see what’s around the corner about this time next year when certainly Nintendo at least will probably showcase a prototype.
February 16th, 2009
“Those who say the Wii controls are really bad for hardcore gamers obviously haven’t played Metroid Prime 3: Corruption or Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition.”
I agree with you (I think resi 4 on wii whoops all other resi’s) BUT both require heavy amounts of aiming which is the controllers strong point. In fact, anything that relies on aiming is generally really good on wii.
My opinion that they limited themselves is based off the odd positioning/lack of buttons on the controller itself and the ‘waggle’ component really isn’t good (motion+ could change this).
There is a very good reason nintendo has included multiple control schemes in most of its big name releases over the past few years such as mario kart, SSBM, etc.
February 16th, 2009
I think you nailed it there, SW. The motion sensitive controls are brilliant for shoot em up games but function largely as a gimmick for many other games. I think they’re brilliant for shoot em ups and, having played halo 3 and resistance and pretty much every good console FPS you can name, I think Metroid 3 and Resi evil 4 (both on wii) have some of the best control schemes. However, the graphics are the huge drawback. They’re really good games, but coming from a PS3 or 360 game, the difference in graphics quality is a huge bugbear.
A combination would be good, but I think its time people stopped dissing the wii control scheme entirely as they do: it does have its merits, and for the hardcore gamers moreso than the casual gamers as it has been shown to complement FPS games. Its a pity developers haven’t really taken advantage of this: developing a hardcore market on the Wii would only be possible if developers made more games that pushed the boundaries of the wii, like MPC: 3 and Resi Evil 4 as opposed to making rubbish child games for easy money.
However, I think its too late now: they’ve missed their opportunity to create this market as most ‘hardcore’ gamers have now totally dismissed the wii. Which is a shame really.
February 17th, 2009
“I’m really not too enamored with this idea.”
relax dave…you’re the only one with this idea…
it’s yours. and yours alone.
February 17th, 2009
My prediction for next gen:
After seeing the missive success of the Wii, M$, Sony, and Nintendo all release cheaply made consoles. None push the limits of technology at all. They will all have meager improvements of there prior models. Nintendo’s console will have some sort gimmick. M$’s console will have a massive amount of hardware failure.
February 19th, 2009
Sony’s will have a massive amount of “potential” and wind up taking out BC due to cost constraints.
March 1st, 2009
I have to sort of agree with Barnabe Jones because when you can make a cheap, crappy console and make a lot of money, why not. But i think that only Microsoft and Nintendo will do this. Sony has always made higher quality products and even though their quality has been lessened of late, I believe the ps4 will be the first system to incorporate life-like graphics. I don’t mean the 1080p like on the 360 and ps3 but literally it looks like your watching a movie. I dont know though who knows what will happen.
July 27th, 2009
@ ncaissie: im not an idiot for liking the wii controls. you are an idiot for not knowing where to put your fingers. its actually not that hard. so easy a caveman could do it (XD)thumb on a, pointer finger on b. move the thumb around to press other buttons. duh.