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In the [[history of video games]], the '''eighth generation''' of video game consoles is a term to describe the next iteration of [[video game console]]s that are expected to follow the current '''[[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh generation]]'''; Microsoft's [[Xbox 360]], Sony's [[PlayStation 3]], and Nintendo's [[Wii]]. It also describes handheld game units released in the similar timeframe.
In the [[history of video games]], the '''eighth generation''' of video game consoles is a term to describe the next iteration of [[video game console]]s that are expected to follow the current '''[[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh generation]]'''; Microsoft's [[Xbox 360]], Sony's [[PlayStation 3]], and Nintendo's [[Wii]]. It also describes handheld game units released in the similar timeframe.


Presently, only Nintendo has announced its successor, the [[Wii U]], to be released in 2012. Several journalists have classified the system as the first eighth generation system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://singularityhub.com/2011/06/07/nintendos-new-wii-u-wows-at-e3-and-changes-gaming-forever-again/ |title=Nintendo’s New Wii U Wows at E3, and Changes Gaming Forever…Again |publisher=singularityhub.com |date=2011-06-07 |accessdate=2011-06-08 |author=Aaron Saenz}}</ref><ref name="buzz">{{cite news|title=Nintendo's Project Cafe: Will Gamers Feel The Buzz?|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendos-project-cafe-will-gamers-feel-the-buzz-2011-5|accessdate=11 June 2011|newspaper=Business Insider|author=David Radd}}</ref><ref name="Milestone">{{cite web |url=http://news.brothersoft.com/nindendo-wii-2-project-cafe-the-milestone-of-next-generation-9820.html |title=Nindendo Wii 2, Project Cafe: the Milestone of Next Generation |publisher=brothersoft.com |accessdate=2011-06-08 |author=Derek Dickinson}}</ref> Both Microsoft and Sony have stated they have begun looking at their next iteration of consoles, but considers themselves only halfway through a ten-year lifecycle for their current seventh-generation offerings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/playstation-4-in-the-works-sony-confirms/|title=PlayStation 4 In The Works, Sony Confirms|author=James Brightman|publisher=http://www.industrygamers.com/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.forbes.com/davidewalt/2011/06/17/playstation-chief-jack-tretton-how-to-sell-vita-navigate-clouds-and-debut-the-ps4/|title=PlayStation Chief Jack Tretton: How To Sell Vita, Navigate Clouds, And Debut The PS4|author=David M. Ewalt|publisher=[[Forbes]]}} Interview with Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/microsoft-hiring-engineers-for-next-xbox/|title=Microsoft Hiring Engineers for Next Xbox|author=James Brightman|publisher=http://www.industrygamers.com/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/69053/microsoft-xbox-360-about-halfway|title=Microsoft: Xbox 360 'about halfway' through generation|author=Andrew Yoon|publisher=http://www.shacknews.com}}</ref> The addition of [[motion controllers]] and camera-based controllers like [[Kinect]] and [[PlayStation Move]] are considered to have extended these systems' lifetimes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Martin |url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/991/991485p1.html |title=E3 2009: 360 to Stick Around Until 2015 - Xbox360 News at IGN |publisher=Uk.xbox360.ign.com |date=2009-06-04 |accessdate=2010-11-11}} "The Xbox 360's recently unveiled motion control technology will help extend the console's life span into 2015, according to Microsoft executive Shane Kim."</ref> Journalists{{Who|date=July 2011}} have also qualified the handheld devices of PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS as eighth-generation units.
Presently, only Nintendo has announced its successor, the [[Wii U]], to be released in 2012. Several journalists have classified the system as the first eighth generation system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://singularityhub.com/2011/06/07/nintendos-new-wii-u-wows-at-e3-and-changes-gaming-forever-again/ |title=Nintendo’s New Wii U Wows at E3, and Changes Gaming Forever…Again |publisher=singularityhub.com |date=2011-06-07 |accessdate=2011-06-08 |author=Aaron Saenz}}</ref><ref name="buzz">{{cite news|title=Nintendo's Project Cafe: Will Gamers Feel The Buzz?|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendos-project-cafe-will-gamers-feel-the-buzz-2011-5|accessdate=11 June 2011|newspaper=Business Insider|author=David Radd}}</ref><ref name="Milestone">{{cite web |url=http://news.brothersoft.com/nindendo-wii-2-project-cafe-the-milestone-of-next-generation-9820.html |title=Nindendo Wii 2, Project Cafe: the Milestone of Next Generation |publisher=brothersoft.com |accessdate=2011-06-08 |author=Derek Dickinson}}</ref> Journalists{{Who|date=July 2011}} have also qualified the handheld devices of PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS as eighth-generation units.


Though previous console generations have normally occurred in five year cycles, the transition from seventh to eighth generation units has last more than six years.<ref name="buzz"/> The transition is also unusual in that the previous generation's best-selling unit, the Wii, is the first to be replaced in the eighth generation.<ref name="buzz"/> Both Microsoft and Sony have stated they have begun looking at their next iteration of consoles, but considers themselves only halfway through a ten-year lifecycle for their current seventh-generation offerings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/playstation-4-in-the-works-sony-confirms/|title=PlayStation 4 In The Works, Sony Confirms|author=James Brightman|publisher=http://www.industrygamers.com/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.forbes.com/davidewalt/2011/06/17/playstation-chief-jack-tretton-how-to-sell-vita-navigate-clouds-and-debut-the-ps4/|title=PlayStation Chief Jack Tretton: How To Sell Vita, Navigate Clouds, And Debut The PS4|author=David M. Ewalt|publisher=[[Forbes]]}} Interview with Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/microsoft-hiring-engineers-for-next-xbox/|title=Microsoft Hiring Engineers for Next Xbox|author=James Brightman|publisher=http://www.industrygamers.com/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/69053/microsoft-xbox-360-about-halfway|title=Microsoft: Xbox 360 'about halfway' through generation|author=Andrew Yoon|publisher=http://www.shacknews.com}}</ref> The addition of [[motion controllers]] and camera-based controllers like [[Kinect]] and [[PlayStation Move]] are considered to have extended these systems' lifetimes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Martin |url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/991/991485p1.html |title=E3 2009: 360 to Stick Around Until 2015 - Xbox360 News at IGN |publisher=Uk.xbox360.ign.com |date=2009-06-04 |accessdate=2010-11-11}} "The Xbox 360's recently unveiled motion control technology will help extend the console's life span into 2015, according to Microsoft executive Shane Kim."</ref>
⚫
It is anticipated that the eighth generation of video game consoles will face stiff competition from the [[smartphone]] and [[tablet computer|tablet]] gaming markets, particularly [[Apple Inc.]]'s [[iPhone]] and [[iPad]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-19/nintendo-may-fail-to-replicate-wii-success-as-iphone-games-bloom.html|title=Nintendo May Fail to Replicate Wii Success as IPhone Games Bloom |publisher=Bloomberg.com |date=2011-06-19 |accessdate=2011-06-22 |author=Pavel Alpeyev}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110621-708655.html|title=Sony, Nintendo Place Big Bets On Handhelds |publisher=The Wall Street Journal|date=2011-06-21 |accessdate=2011-06-22 |author=Dan Gallagher }}</ref> The next generation is unusual compared to previous generations in that more than five and a half years had passed before the console manufacturers began to talk about their next systems, and that the leading console of the previous generation (Nintendo's [[Wii]]) was the first one to be replaced.<ref name="buzz"/>

⚫
It is anticipated that the eighth generation of video game consoles will face stiff competition from the [[smartphone]] and [[tablet computer|tablet]] gaming markets, particularly [[Apple Inc.]]'s [[iPhone]] and [[iPad]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-19/nintendo-may-fail-to-replicate-wii-success-as-iphone-games-bloom.html|title=Nintendo May Fail to Replicate Wii Success as IPhone Games Bloom |publisher=Bloomberg.com |date=2011-06-19 |accessdate=2011-06-22 |author=Pavel Alpeyev}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110621-708655.html|title=Sony, Nintendo Place Big Bets On Handhelds |publisher=The Wall Street Journal|date=2011-06-21 |accessdate=2011-06-22 |author=Dan Gallagher }}</ref>


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Revision as of 13:58, 26 July 2011

Part of a series on the
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In the history of video games, the eighth generation of video game consoles is a term to describe the next iteration of video game consoles that are expected to follow the current seventh generation; Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, and Nintendo's Wii. It also describes handheld game units released in the similar timeframe.

Presently, only Nintendo has announced its successor, the Wii U, to be released in 2012. Several journalists have classified the system as the first eighth generation system.[1][2][3] Journalists[who?] have also qualified the handheld devices of PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS as eighth-generation units.

Though previous console generations have normally occurred in five year cycles, the transition from seventh to eighth generation units has last more than six years.[2] The transition is also unusual in that the previous generation's best-selling unit, the Wii, is the first to be replaced in the eighth generation.[2] Both Microsoft and Sony have stated they have begun looking at their next iteration of consoles, but considers themselves only halfway through a ten-year lifecycle for their current seventh-generation offerings.[4][5][6][7] The addition of motion controllers and camera-based controllers like Kinect and PlayStation Move are considered to have extended these systems' lifetimes.[8]

It is anticipated that the eighth generation of video game consoles will face stiff competition from the smartphone and tablet gaming markets, particularly Apple Inc.'s iPhone and iPad.[9][10]

Home consoles

Wii U

Main article: Wii U

In November 2010, Nintendo America’s CEO, Reggie Fils-Aime, claimed that the release of the next generation of Nintendo would be determined by the continued success of the Wii.[11] Nintendo announced their successor to the Wii, the Wii U, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 on June 7, 2011.[12] It is slated for release in 2012.[3]

The Wii U's main controller features an embedded High-Definition touchscreen that can work as an auxiliary interactive screen, in a fashion similar to the Nintendo DS/3DS, or even as the main screen itself, enabling games to be played without the need of an extra screen connected to the console. It will also be compatible with its predecessor's standard controller, the Wii Remote and its upgraded version, the Wii Remote Plus, along all of their peripherals and the Wii Balance Board.

Name Wii U
Console
Release dates 2012
Media Wii U Optical Disc
CPU IBM Power-based multi-core 45 nm microprocessor[13]
GPU Custom-designed AMD Radeon HD[14]
Controller

Handheld systems

Sucessor to the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS was released on February 26, 2011 in Japan.[15] Sony will also launch a sucessor to its Playstation Portable handheld, the PlayStation Vita, which was officially announced on January 27, 2011 and is due to be released towards the end of 2011. [16] It was demoed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011, where the official name and price was revealed.[17] Both handhelds have a similar exterior design as their predecessors, but with improved graphics, interface, and added features.

Handheld comparison

Nintendo 3DS PlayStation Vita
Console



Release dates
  • Worldwide: Late 2011
Launch prices ¥25,000
US$249.99[18]
£/€ - Set by individual retailers[19]
A$349.95[20] 		$249/€249/¥24,980 - WiFi
$299/€299/¥29,980 - WiFi & 3G[21]
Interface

References

  1. ^ Aaron Saenz (2011-06-07). "Nintendo's New Wii U Wows at E3, and Changes Gaming Forever…Again". singularityhub.com. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  2. ^ a b c David Radd. "Nintendo's Project Cafe: Will Gamers Feel The Buzz?". Business Insider. Retrieved 11 June 2011.
  3. ^ a b Derek Dickinson. "Nindendo Wii 2, Project Cafe: the Milestone of Next Generation". brothersoft.com. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  4. ^ James Brightman. "PlayStation 4 In The Works, Sony Confirms". http://www.industrygamers.com/. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ David M. Ewalt. "PlayStation Chief Jack Tretton: How To Sell Vita, Navigate Clouds, And Debut The PS4". Forbes. Interview with Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America.
  6. ^ James Brightman. "Microsoft Hiring Engineers for Next Xbox". http://www.industrygamers.com/. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ Andrew Yoon. "Microsoft: Xbox 360 'about halfway' through generation". http://www.shacknews.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ Robinson, Martin (2009-06-04). "E3 2009: 360 to Stick Around Until 2015 - Xbox360 News at IGN". Uk.xbox360.ign.com. Retrieved 2010-11-11. "The Xbox 360's recently unveiled motion control technology will help extend the console's life span into 2015, according to Microsoft executive Shane Kim."
  9. ^ Pavel Alpeyev (2011-06-19). "Nintendo May Fail to Replicate Wii Success as IPhone Games Bloom". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
  10. ^ Dan Gallagher (2011-06-21). "Sony, Nintendo Place Big Bets On Handhelds". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
  11. ^ Ryan Fleming (2010-11-16). "Nintendo to talk next-gen consoles after selling 15 million more Wii units". digitaltrends.com. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  12. ^ "Official Press Release From Nintendo Details The Wii U And Gives Information On New Titles". http://www.gameon.co.uk. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ "IBM works with Nintendo". nintendoworldreport.com. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  14. ^ "AMD and Nintendo Join Forces in Creating a New Way to Enjoy Console Gaming Entertainment". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  15. ^ Harris, Craig (September 28, 2010). "Nintendo Conference 2010 Details". IGN.
  16. ^ http://www.mcvuk.com/news/43947/NGP-2011-launch-confirmed
  17. ^ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/sonys-playstation-vita-official-3g-available-only-through-atandt/
  18. ^ Kaluszka, Aaron (January 19, 2011). "3DS North American Price, Date, Colors Set". Nintendo World Report.
  19. ^ $250 3DS launching March 27 GameSpot
  20. ^ Nick Vuckovic (February 8, 2011). "Nintendo 3DS launches in Australia on March 31st for $349". Vooks.net. Retrieved 2011-02-08.
  21. ^ Bob Munir (June 6, 2011). "E3: Sony's PlayStation Vita due end of 2011 for $249". destructoid.com. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  22. ^ Nintendo 3DS - Hardware Specifications at Nintendo Nintendo of America Inc.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g Johnny Cullen (January 24, 2011). "Sony outs tech specs for NGP". VG247. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
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