Historically, microprocessor-based electronics were much more expensive (and difficult) to manufacture than they are now, so every device had to be designed with a very specific purpose in mind. Thus, PCs were designed around monochromatic text-based systems such as DOS, making gaming nearly impossible. It wasn't until the advent of the mouse and GUI that computer hardware became capable of matching dedicated gaming hardware. Fast forward to 2013, PCs are not only stronger in terms of raw power to consoles that aren't even out yet, but the internal architecture of pretty much every electronic out there is so similar that one even begins to question the necessity for dedicated devices for anything... I mean, why even bother with a game console, a TV subscription, and all of these other expensive machines when a PC will do the job for just a bit more?



Now, having said that... It's all in the games. The only reason I even have an Xbox is because of Calibur and Third Strike Online; I can play pretty much everything else that interests me from that system on my $800 laptop... with better visuals, mods, and the ability to take my games with me anywhere I go (plus fucking MUGEN). I'm not even sure about the so called "next gen" systems, which are just about as powerful as my PC and can't play any of the games I already have. Sure, games like KI and GGX aren't coming out on Steam just yet , but the internal architecture of the PS4 and Xbone is so similar to that of my PC that I wouldn't be surprised to see ports of all the good games coming on Steam just months after their original releases.



The only reasons consoles still exist are hype, brand loyalty/nostalgia, and the fact that we all grew up with them. But this new generation of kids is playing with their shitty tablets and phones more than they do with real game consoles, so the future of dedicated gaming devices is becoming less clear as time goes on.



As for the poll, I voted Wii. The reason why is that this next generation we're gonna see the PS4 and the Xbone become more and more like PCs -both in terms of games and overall experience- so I feel like I'd be wasting my money buying one. Nintendo's Wii U will be the only console with unique experiences you just won't find anywhere else. And I mean, Nintendo is doing so bad in terms of sales that they have no option left but to make awesome games until they lure us all in. Rayman Legends, W101, the new Sonic, Xenogears, Bayonetta 2, Smash... all of these games look absolutely amazing and have more than convinced me to buy the system (plus I finally get to enjoy all the amazing Wii games I missed like Tatsunoko and Last Story). So unless SCVI remains a PS4 exclusive a year after release, I'll just turn to my laptop for my shooter, fighting, and AssCreed needs.



Not that I have that much time for games anymore though...