Future of video game consoles (eighth generation)
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The eighth generation in the history of video game consoles will begin at the end of the seventh generation, probably somewhere between 2010[1] and 2014. It will include the successors to the current generation of consoles, which are the Wii, the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have all mentioned their eighth generation consoles, which are unofficially referred as "Wii 2," "Xbox 720," and "PlayStation 4" respectively until the official names are revealed.[2][3][4] There is also speculation that Apple may re-enter the console market, however they have not yet made any statement concerning these speculations.[5][6].
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[edit] Wii 2
The successor to Nintendo's Wii is commonly called "Wii 2" and "Super Wii." Shigeru Miyamoto mentioned at E3 2006 that the successor to the Wii would include high-definition capabilities.[2]
[edit] Xbox 720
The successor to Microsoft's Xbox 360 is commonly called "Xbox 3" and "Xbox 720." Although Microsoft is thinking about the Xbox 720, their chief concern at this time is to lower the cost of the Xbox 360 and have not started on the Xbox 720's development.[3] It has been speculated that the Xbox 720 will include a camera capable of tracking the movement of its users and not just the controller.[7] Microsoft may also include other aspects of the TouchLight if not completely incorporating the TouchLight into the Xbox 3.[8] This claim is, however, highly unlikely given the cost of the TouchLight which will initially cost upwards of $60,000.[9] It is far more likely that this technology will be included in the ninth or tenth generation of video game consoles.
[edit] PlayStation 4
Sony has stated that there will definitely be a PlayStation 4.[4] At this point they are the only company to announce that they will be involved in the eighth generation. Nevertheless, no information or theories have yet surfaced concerning what Sony will do with the PS4; however, they have stated that it will be released after 2010.
[edit] Apple Pippin 2
Apple has recently begun hiring game designers which has lead some people to speculate that Apple is trying to enter the video game market.[5][6] They may decide that it is too risky to let Microsoft become a dominant gaming company and release their own video gaming system so as to prevent this. At this time no official word has been released concerning these speculations, and even if Apple does create a Pippin2 it may not be for the Eighth Generation.
[edit] References and notes
- ^ Paul Miller (2006-12-4). Don't bother picking up a PS3, PS4 is right around the corner. Engadget. Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
- ^ a b Daemon Hatfield. E3 2006: Miyamoto: Successor to Wii HD.
- ^ a b Bach talks Xbox 720, PS3.
- ^ a b There will be a PS4 - Sony.
- ^ a b She's apples.
- ^ a b Apple to Take on Wii, PS3?.
- ^ Microsoft patents motion-sensing technology.
- ^ "Video: Microsoft's TouchLight makes 3D hands-on".
- ^ Microsoft Licenses 3D TouchLight IP.
