Life in the Old Dogs Yet!

Editorial by: Agent Smith

As the months pass by, more and more speculation is dug up concerning release dates for Microsoft and Sony’s next generation consoles.

I have observed that many people believe (probably late) 2005 is the likely release date. While that may be possibility, I find myself questioning the need for these next generation consoles to actually make an appearance at this stage. The power junkies out there talk about duel processors and how next generation games being run on these systems will “r0×0r their b0×0rz!” I am inclined to agree with this, although I am not certain if I have ever had my b0×0rz r0×0rzed

There is also speculation concerning multi-media hubs, with consoles performing a variety of functions beyond mere game playing. The all-in-one home entertainment system is a concept I have been a fan of for many years so this definitely gets my all-powerful seal of approval!

Naturally if one manufacturer releases their console, the others will follow suit; such is the nature of a highly competitive business. However, with games still being developed for release on the current generation systems in 2005, it would seem illogical to release a new system unless it offers backward compatibility.

Anyway, back to the real issue here… necessity. “Is next generation console technology necessary at this time?”

To answer my own rhetorical question, no. A big no with an even bigger capital ‘N’. You may think I’m mad for believing the next generation should be kept at bay for another two years, but consider my reasoning for this. Here are two great examples of why both the Playstation2 and Xbox have not yet reached the end of their respective lives:

Cast your eyes over the forthcoming PS2 title Cold Winter. Now when I first saw this game, I actually thought I was looking at coming attractions for PC games. As you can imagine, I was quite shocked to see it listed as a PS2 game. I emphasise PS2 here, a console that has fanboys administering the last rites at every opportunity on a variety of forums.

And now on to a highly anticipated Xbox title. Forza Motorsport, the next big thing in video game racing is due for release within the next two months and should have the competition struggling to find 5th gear.

I hope I have been able to demonstrate my reasoning as to why a Playstation3 and Xbox2 are not required at this time. There is obviously still much potential to be tapped from these two ‘ageing’ machines and I personally believe every ounce of power should be extracted before moving on.

On a final note, and just to contradict myself for good measure, there is a valid reason for a technology upgrade among consoles, and that is to give them the ability to compete with PC games.

Filed under: Editorials

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