How many years should a console last before they release the next version?

5-6 years

but they should still support the previous platforms though like ps2 for example still has great support

but consoelsl ike xbox, and gamecube got killed after the WII and 360 came out

No less than 6.MGS9150

I'd say around 5 or 6 at the most.

Technology changes and upgrades so fast. If you had a system like the PS3 for example which is supposed to last like. what, 10 years?

other companies will be getting rid of their old console, learning from it, and releasing a newer console for better technology and better everything. And it will be more efficient, cost effective, better in pretty much all ways despite how "Advanced" the old technology was in the prior consoles.

Technology gets better all the time at an amazingly fast rate. No matter how amazing something is now, in a few years it will be upgraded and be made better.

2-3. Should keep up with PC hardware so games at the end of the generation don't look so outdated.foxhound_fox

DUDE are you joking, I just spent $600, i'm not planning on buying another console for 5 or 6 years even if one comes out in 3-4 years time.

2-3. Should keep up with PC hardware so games at the end of the generation don't look so outdated.foxhound_fox

so just when the general public (the vast majority of sales) gets used to the new systems and are ready to buy a system...a new one comes out? :|

DUDE are you joking, I just spent $600, i'm not planning on buying another console for 5 or 6 years even if one comes out in 3-4 years time.MGS9150

Considering Valkyrie Profile 2 still looks pretty darn impressive to my eyes,

I'd say 10 years.

5 years is too short for console life. PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube all can still make impressive looking and fun games without much trouble and developers would've enjoyed more of low budget developments due to them getting used to programming for the system, meaning more games for us.

They can last 10 years if the consoles were able to be gradually upgraded.Nintendo_Man

yeah, consoles can have slight upgrades via online services. But not upgrades that really matter.

I wish they could send a new graphics card through my ethernet cable :'(

2-3. Should keep up with PC hardware so games at the end of the generation don't look so outdated. Seeing as how this generation's consoles are trying to be more like PC's then they are consoles.foxhound_fox

6-8 years. Seriously.

6 years = minimum

8 years = maximum.

Game developement takes too much time and 4-5 year lifespans for consoles just isn't enough to milk every power out of a console.

6 3/4 yrs
EPaul

It takes 2-3 years before 3rd party companies even figure out how to use the hardware of a system to produce what they intend for the most part. A half-life less than 6-7 years lends itself to extensive droughts and puts the pinch on 3rd party developers.

If you want quality games you have to wait for the golden years of a machines life-cycle (ie look at ps2's latest games compared to the orginal releases) 6+ years especially with the 400$+ price tags systems sport now adays.

6-8 years. Seriously.

6 years = minimum

8 years = maximum.

Game developement takes too much time and 4-5 year lifespans for consoles just isn't enough to milk every power out of a console.

KingsofQueens

5