The Current Generation: 3 consoles, or just 2?

As the three current systems were all in development, and upon their release, the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii were all touted as "next-generation systems." After their arrival, we have seen this to be hard to judge. While the 360 and PS3 show graphics that are far superior to their predecessors, the Wii displays graphics that are about on par with the previous generation. However, despite the Wii's lack of advance in graphics, it does feature the new revolutionary control system of its motion-sensitive Wii-mote and peripherals.

While the PS3 and Xbox both were released with higher price points, generally ranging above $300 for even the most basic package, the Wii was released for $250, and still maintains that price (unlike the other two). And despite its late release date, the Wii has far outsold the Xbox and PS3, with sales for the three to be 29.6, 20.3 and 14.4 million worldwide, respectively.

Combined with its low price point and appeal to more than just the standard gamers,' the Wii has built huge momentum throughout its lifespan, and is predicted to be the eventual winner of the seventh-generation console race. But does the Wii really compete against the 360 and PS3? The Wii has done remarkably well by luring in consumers who probably wouldn't have bought Microsoft's or Sony's products. But when a standard gamer buys a Wii, are they less likely to buy a PS3? If there were statistics on this subject, would they show that someone who buys a PS3 is more likely to buy a Wii rather than not? How does it compare with someone who buys all three of the consoles currently on the market? I'm curious what a study on the subject would reveal, and as to what your opinions on it might be.

Another part to consider is if the Wii is really part of this seventh-generation, or just a late release of the sixth. Do the Wii's motion-sensitive controls place it on par with the Xbox 360 and PS3? If not, then the sixth generation of consoles will have the largest time-span for release dates, pushing it to almost 8 years. If so, then how does the Wii really compete with its brethren of the seventh generation?

And in final closing... what consoles do you have? I merely have an Xbox 360.

Edit: added the poll.

No, there really is 3, I know the Wii is difficult to find, but it does exist, it IS a current generation console.ONLYDOD

this

Own all three, most of my gaming i do on my xbox... because of two things, controller, and LIVE.

PS3 is my entertainment senter... with a game or two on the side, LBP, KZ2... please make my PS3 into a gaming machine also.

Wii is for my GF and friends.

If people feel that the weakest console of a generation shouldn't count then the PS2 shouldn't count as it was the weakest. kakkarott23

Wii is sadly part of this gen, despite last gen specs.

Wii is sadly part of this gen, despite last gen specs.

-General_Ram-

why is it "sadly"part of this gen ?

There are 6 systems this generation:

PS3

360

Wii

PSP

DS

PC.

There are 6 systems this generation:

PS3

360

Wii

PSP

DS

PC.

sneslover

the topic said CONSOLES.

PC and handhelds are not consoles.......or are they? no......they arent.

[QUOTE="sneslover"]

There are 6 systems this generation:

PS3

360

Wii

PSP

DS

PC.

-General_Ram-

the topic said CONSOLES.

PC and handhelds are not consoles.......or are they? no......they arent.

they're all current gen systems. and yes Wii counts too

as for me I only own a ps3 and 360 this gen.

To me, there are only two (360 and PS3). But to my wife, there's only one (Wii). So, it's a pretty academic question, as in the end, personal preference is more important than "generation".

A much more interesting question would be "what generation was the Dreamcast?"

[QUOTE="sneslover"]

There are 6 systems this generation:

PS3

360

Wii

PSP

DS

PC.

-General_Ram-

the topic said CONSOLES.

PC and handhelds are not consoles.......or are they? no......they arent.

I agree PC is not a console but it's part of the generation nontheless.

DS and PSP ARE consoles, handheld consoles. Game and Watch is not a console, DS is. See the difference?

Maybe you're used to calling home consoles just consoles but to me there are HOME consoles and HANDHELD consoles.

[QUOTE="kakkarott23"]If people feel that the weakest console of a generation shouldn't count then the PS2 shouldn't count as it was the weakest. SuperNecro

A generation is a set that came out in roughly the same time period.

So, there are three game consoles in the current generation, and two handhelds.