One Console to Rule Them All

Without any question, the Xbox 360 has been my console of choice in the current generation. The well conceived online community, ergonomic controller, mass adoption by my friends/family, and vast array of must play exclusives and multiplatforms saw to that. However, that doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed my much more limited time with my two Japanese friends, the PS3 and Wii. As a gaming connoisseur, without them, I would have missed out on some amazing, nay, generation defining classics, such as New Super Mario Brothers, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Uncharted, God of War 3, Ratchet and Clank, and Infamous, just to name a few. This trend also matches my long gaming history, with at least two consoles from every generation.

So as we approach the next generation of hardware, led by the awkward Wii U, it stands to reason I would be looking to purchase all three systems from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Yeah, about that... One of the biggest trends lately for me is my lack of interest in any game off of Xbox 360. I am just too comfortable with my console of choice and miss the achievements, social connection, and familiarity it brings. So how will I cope with the next Gen?

As I've stated before, I think the Wii U is a significant misstep and represents a lack of clear purpose and focus from Nintendo. Although that may be where the next iterations of Zelda and Mario appear, I just don't see a need in my life for more proprietary space consuming hardware with marginal graphics in my home. In short, the payoff is just not there for me. If I need my classic N franchise itch scratched, I'll go with the mobile version on the discount 3DS I just picked up and play while on travel or before hitting the sack.

Sony is even worse off. As I expect the next Sony system to come in at $400, there is simply no game they have that can justify that kind of expense. One of the only reasons I picked up a PS3 was for a BluRay player, which I now have. And as far as their franchises, if I simply miss Uncharted or God of War too much, I'll pickup a PS Vita portable after the first big price break. At least the Vita will have dual sticks and can reasonably compete with a modern system for controls and first person fun.

So somewhat surprisingly, for all my future console needs, I plan to be in line at midnight on release day for the next Microsoft system. I loves my Halo and am confident the only system actually designed for a Western audience will serve me well into the 2000 and teens. With the dominance of Xbox in the U.S., I foresee even fewer quality gaming experiences I care about not available on the Microsoft box.

Besides a savings in expenditures, sticking with one console will offer me simplicity and focus to build a solid library and downsize my media cabinet. In fact, if the next Xbox has a BluRay drive, that may be the only box I need, other than a DVR.

In the end, unless Sony launches a virtual reality console that flies in space or Microsoft lays an absolute egg, I will be a one console man. It will be sad to leave even a few great games unplayed, but it is time to relegate my Japanese experiences to the mobile realm. Redmond, the pressure is on. Please build me the one console to rule them all.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad 3G.