Everyone I have talked to seems intent to stay with their current brand. I haven't had a Playstation since the original model, but I am planning to wait no less than six months, preferably longer, to see what games come out, and whether either console becomes the next Sega Dreamcast (unlikely as that may be). It wasn't discussed much, but when Sony was asked about PSN remaining free, the company answer talked about adding content, and did not actually state that there would not be a price. I'm seeing two nearly identical consoles, with two very similar gaming models.Chemistian

Personally I have always been a huge fan of Xbox. I bought four of each generation, but now im just waiting for MS to confirm the rumours before making my final decision.

In a nutshell, here is what the next Xbox sounds like:

- Watermarked discs, blocking used games.

- Always online.

- Partnership with EA (strengthens the blocking rumours even more)

- Must have Kinect to function

- No BC on this console as well.

I don`t know about you guys, but the PS4 rumours were pretty spot on.

I dont mind the "No used games" portion, but if it requires an internet connection, even to just play single player games, I'll probably skip out on it and just stick with a PS4. My fiance and I are to have our own apartment soon (Living with my mother right now), so we're not even going to be able to have money for internet for a while. Ohwell. Spartan_N7

[QUOTE="BuldozerX"]

PC already blocks used games, but yeah, if they are treating the console like a PC, why not? Games are cheaper there.

Grammaton-Cleric

Consoles enjoy different types of games than PC's.

If I can't play games like Uncharted, God of War, or the vast majority of fighters, then the PC really isn't a viable alternative.

Also, since I don't buy used, none of this will have any major bearing on me as a consumer. I don't agree with the decision (assuming it is true) but I'm not going to miss out on quality software because I can't resell my games or purchase used software.

If anything, such restrictions will simply make me more judicious about what I purchase given the permanence of the goods.

I think at this point there's no question some sort of anti-used game system will be implemented, the only question will be how draconian it will be.

But let's look at it from an economic standpoint: if this comes to pass, it's a given that MS (and Sony, if they go this route) will immediately lose a significant percentage of their userbase.  It's just a question of how much can they afford to lose while at the same time remaining profitable from all of that $$$ that previously went to used game sales but are now being spent on new games.  Let's say if next gen systems install base drops from 100% to 50% if/when used game sales are eradicated.  Would the revenue from only new game purchases on a no-used games console that sells half as much bring in more revenue than a console that sells twice that but allows used game to be bought/sold?

I mean, how big is the used-games market?  In the billions?  They way I see it, it's simply a matter of sacrificing and alienating a large number of people which, if the sales numbers are to be believed, may not be enough to negate that previously enormous used game revenue stream that's now being brought in by forcing those to always buy new.  And like it or not, there will be people that will support no-used consoles, it's only a matter of how many are needed to adopt such a thing that would allow these companies to remain profitable. I've seen many on this board say they don't care, they always buy new, etc.  Perhaps MS and maybe Sony are counting on this.  If you lose a large portion of your consumer base but force the remaining from that point on to purchase at a premium everytime, wouldn't that balance out?  

MirkoS77

My concerned about what happens the day this console dies... I want to keep my games and consoles for years to come. And one day (15-20 years) later I would rather buy used games to build my collection.

[QUOTE="Bigboi500"]

You'd think Microsoft wouldn't decline to comment on these rumors if it wasn't true, because these things tend to build up and have a lasting negative effect. One of the many things that is so ridiculous with that whole strategy is what if people's 720 RROD and the watermark is burnt off the disc already? Will folks have to pony up for another brand new copy? :x

Ghost_Face

It's not surprising that MS hasn't comment against this. Their standard reply to speculation/rumors is, "Microsoft does not comment about rumours or speculation." They are well aware of the numbers of 360s they have sold in comparison to the subscriptions to Xbox Live Silver and Gold accounts. Any movement to effectively cut off that differential, from even having the ability of playing their games, is idiotic to say the least.

I have to hear this straight from the horse's mouth. A CEO stating they could block this is very careless.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-26-playstation-diablo-3-may-not-connect-to-battle-net-at-all

Diablo is confirmed to play offline on next gen, and now it looks like you dont have to connect to something at all in order to play it.

Thoughts?

[QUOTE="CastieI"]The Wii U is starting to look better, all of a sudden.Grammaton-Cleric

How so?

The system is still underpowered tech circa 2006, the current library is a joke, the multiplatform support is abysmal, and the future prospects for software look hazy and distant at best.

Other than Nintendo exclusives, what does the Wii U have to offer?

Haha, I bet the day the PS4 dies, all of your PS4 games you bought will die, and you have to buy them on cloude PS5 and pay for them again in order to function.