I know this is super early for this topic, but something really interesting came up. Apparently, the next Xbox and PS4 will be at E3!!! This puts a ton of pressure on Nintendo now, as if the WiiU under performs, bad things will happen.

C3 E3 IRC

Timings

Microsoft - Monday 4 June 2012, 6pm BST
Sony - Tuesday 5 June 2012, 2am BST
Nintendo - Tuesday 5 June 2012 5pm BST

I'm curious, does anyone on C3 even want new consoles?

I'm fine with the ones I have now and there's still lots of games I need to catch up on. It'll be a few years before I buy any of these new consoles, since the current ones still have plenty of life in them for me.

Also, when you're a child, it's not so bad, since you have all the time in the world to play games. Being an adult now though and wanting to concentrate on more important things I don't play games as much as I used to. I think this is the first time in my life where I'm actually not excited for the next-gen consoles, I'm more annoyed I spent so much money on the current ones and it feels like they're ending them so soon.

( Edited 06.01.2012 18:42 by Marzy )

Marzy said:
I'm curious, does anyone on C3 even want new consoles?

I don't think it's too soon, 6 years is long enough for one console life cycle. Well for me it is but that's because I've had all 3 consoles since launch.

Probably not too soon, but I can still do without new consoles for some time yet. As Marzy said, there's not only new games still coming out, there's also a massive amount of older games which you can go back to.

I guess people thinking the next generation has come too soon is both due to the fact that gaming's never been this good, and because they're growing up and realising that they'll have to pay for everything themselves, rather than their parents buying things for them. In fact, money restrictions are probably the No.1 reason that people don't want a new console.

But that's ok, I mean no-one really has to buy anything at launch, they can still sit on their current console(s) and get the most out of them while they still have them. The massive backlog helps a lot.

But the hardware really does need to move forward, there will eventually be a point where everyone might as well just have a PC; I mean, they're the best all in one devices. But until that time comes, there's no point in current outdated hardware holding games back.

As for the announcements, when I saw that article on IGN this morning, and that it was from MCV with an unnamed source, I'm not too sure, but then it wouldn't be surprising if Microsoft and Sony show something. What would surprise me even less is if Apple show off something like the iGame or integrate games into their T.Vs, I mean, they're trying to monopolise technology with their limited products and stuff.

( Edited 08.01.2012 19:23 by Stulaw )

I'm not too bothered either way. I've started to shift more towards PC gaming anyway, picking up some new kit for that, so in that regard, generations don't matter anymore. I think I'll pick up one of the future consoles, but not sure which based on how readily xbox exclusives will end up on PC. I may opt for a shift and get a backwards compatible PS4 so I can play all the brilliant titles that came out on PS3 + I haven't had a sony console since the Playstation X days.

What will sway me the most is which friends pick up what etc, but also how future proof the consoles will be. The PC market is going through a huge graphical shift right now with DX11 and a host of new engines around, and is likely to progress further at a faster rate now because PC gaming seems to be making a comeback with titles like BF3, Crysis 2 etc etc and really pushing graphics as we know it.

If I'm honest, I could probably stick to PC gaming for a long while and be happy until I wait for the price to drop of the consoles. It will be a while before we get exclusives on said systems, and any third party titles are generally single player and come to the PC regardless.

For xbox its not too soon, for PS3, I think its definitely too soon. They would be shooting themselves in the foot slightly because its just come into its prime, and if I'm honest, the games look stunning (first party titles) compared to what you get on the xbox. My mate was playing Heavy Rain the other day and it looked immense and made me want the console. Developers are getting much better with the system compared to xbox which is basically DX architecture, similar to PC and therefore easier to develop for. Dev's such as Naughty Dog have stated that they don't want another Sony console because of the work it involves and also the fact that they are now pushing the system hard.

Xbox looks dated, and the Wii, don't even get me started, you only have to look at dolphin comparison shots to know how much better it could look if only it could process at higher resolutions. The fact that they are making it 1080p compatible is good with what appears to be the equivalent of a HD4850 card is good (though a little dated) but they need to go the whole hog and allow for 3D usage and keep a little extra power locked away for any future developments in viewing technology. I don't want it to be a .5 gen. If it manages that, I may just pick up the Wii U and be done with it as I've always felt the best of both worlds with a Nintendo console and a PC (before my PC was crap anyway) as I could play nearly everything.

What's this?!?!?! There's rumors going around that one of the major video game companies (most likely Sony or Microsoft) is gonna stop making consoles! There's no way that either is gonna straight up quit. What I'm thinking is that it has something to do with cloud gaming.

I bet Xbox will be like Wii

I don't want any new consoles. Will be putting money into a good PC in future. Best graphics, free games. Win.

I need new consoles

Plz give the Vita and WiiU some nice original titles before throwing out even more consoles kthx.

Still I can't help but feel things are increasingly dry for Microsoft so who knows.

I’d be interested to see what Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles offer, but I’m probably going to hold off even if they do hit next year. I presume they’re going to be pretty expensive, I’d rather wait for the quality games to pile up before investing myself.

Also, ideally I only want one console next time round, or maybe a Wii U + PS4/720 combo that many of us C3ers adopt. I’m not saying I regret getting a 360 over a PS3 this generation, but as an overall media package, looking back I always wish I’d gone with Sony because of the blu-ray player. And so if I sense that Sony and Microsoft are gambling with certain components of their next gen systems, I think I’ll probably let them slug it out for a couple years.

If Sony and MS do create a similar situation this year Nintendo would have a real opportunity in my opinion: I think HD cinematic Zelda/Mario/Metroid games that are up-to-scratch and beyond of what 360/PS3 is doing now, they could easily convince a lot of gamers to get a Wii U and wait a while before picking between the PS4 and 720. Makes sense especially if they seem rushed.

And of course, like many have said, if the Wii U doesn’t meet those expectations, there’s always PC gaming to fill the gap. I think there’s plenty of life left in this generation. I’m still very tempted to get a PS3 for Uncharted and what not. Plus I need a blu-ray player.


( Edited 09.02.2012 13:50 by The Strat Man )

Next Xbox

Xbox World Magazine:
The next Xbox will be a matt-black media hub with a mission to bring games to life in your living room with augmented reality, directional sound, and a four-player finger-tracking Kinect. We told you all that last month. This month, our sources tell us it will have a touchscreen, too.

Microsoft are experimenting with a tablet-like controller with a shape closer to Sony's sleek Vita handheld / Apple's iPad than Wii U's bulky unit - it's an HD screen surrounded by the traditional 360 buttons and sticks.

On 360 that touchscreen will be second only to Kinect in how you operate your console. It could be a remote control when you're watching TV, a browser when you're on the internet, extra buttons and information when playing a game or a portable display when you want to take your game with you.

..

Expect to see the next Xbox at E3 this June.

Hey C3. Just curious, but what is the site's plans for E3? Like does anyone in the staff actually go to LA or anything?

jb has a private jet and drinks champers on his way there, and proceeds to spend as long as he wants playing each game in the company of some babes wearing C3 bikinis.

Yup, that's the plan!

...unfortunately not. We do the UK circuit of events, but none of the main C3 team have been.

It varies from year to year actually, sometimes we are able to get a freelance correspondent there, others not unfortunately. However we do a tonne of coverage - sometimes it is better not to go to the show as we'd be one of the first to post news/get screens up etc.

When Nintendo bring the E3 show to the UK (last few years it's been a few weeks later in London) most of us attend We do have a good relationship with Nintendo, Ubi, Sega etc - so events are quite often, though I'm guilty of being too busy to attend most!

Remember though a year in C3 - I think 2004 - we barged past a big queue of people - James (Mr T), Karn (Spydarlee), Nick (Sharpshot) and Lee proclaiming "we're press, let us through". Got a huge frown from various Nintendo staff and were reluctantly ushered in to play the likes of Donkey Konga and the pre-Wii version of Twilight Princess. We've learnt our lesson since!

jb said:

Remember though a year in C3 - I think 2004 - we barged past a big queue of people - James (Mr T), Karn (Spydarlee), Nick (Sharpshot) and Lee proclaiming "we're press, let us through". Got a huge frown from various Nintendo staff and were reluctantly ushered in to play the likes of Donkey Konga and the pre-Wii version of Twilight Princess. We've learnt our lesson since!

That's unfortunate I may be going to California for a little bit this summer, not sure yet.

Remember though a year in C3 - I think 2004 - we barged past a big queue of people - James (Mr T), Karn (Spydarlee), Nick (Sharpshot) and Lee proclaiming "we're press, let us through". Got a huge frown from various Nintendo staff and were reluctantly ushered in to play the likes of Donkey Konga and the pre-Wii version of Twilight Princess. We've learnt our lesson since!

lol, well at least it worked.

( Edited 22.04.2012 20:59 by Mr James2t3 )

With E3 coming up fast (around 5 weeks left!), I've edited the first post to add the usual IRC channel and also space for conference times/dates. I also added a header image just to make it look pretty.

( Edited 30.04.2012 13:03 by Marzy )

Added the time and dates for Sony and MS in British Summer Time, Nintendo hasn't released theirs yet.


( Edited 02.05.2012 00:00 by Stulaw )

Stolen from Neogaf since Nintendo confirmed their time and date (added above).

Sorry for Double posting.

Hmm, finish work at 5. Wonder if I can blag my way out of leaving an hour early..?

Luckily enough, I don't have an exam that day so I should be good for watching it live.

Interesting, so it seems that Nintendo's conference is going to be last again this year. I'd like to watch all three conferences like I did last year but...Sony's is going to be at 3am for me, so I'm not sure if it will be worth staying up for it.

Anyone else going to watch all three, so I won't be bored in the C3 IRC chat while watching them?