My take on the next gen consoles

Well, E3 is done and all three console manufacturers have had the chance to show off their feathers. I must admit I haven't read up on the specs of each machine. I don't really feel I need to, since the dominant console in any generation isn't determined by technical power. It's all about the games, and fan loyalty. The Sega Dreamcast is a perfect case-example.

Microsoft has shown that they are brilliant marketing strategists. Their Xbox was the last man out on the last generation, which guaranteed them the "best graphics" crown, then they made sure they're first out on the next gen to set up a "1-2-punch". Many people scoffed when they learned that Microsoft was breaking into the console business. Myself included. This tactic has guaranteed them a considerable spot in the next generation market, as well as in the generation after that.

I still believe that Sony will dominate the next gen. Three generations of games on one machine will most likely be too much for Playstation fans to resist, but the real wildcard will be Nintendo. Sony might be able to offer games from the PS1 and on, but even that game library pales in comparison to the entire history of non-portable Nintendo games. Many Playstation fans probably have a soft spot for really old Nintendo games they played when they were kids. How the global idea of downloading Nes, Snes, and N64 games onto your Revolution ends up being implemented will be a great factor in determining Nintendo's future in the console business.

Of course, there ARE a shitload of unknowns for all three consoles, which may tip the scales before even the 360 sees the light of day. But since everyone else is speculating away, why can't I?