Do You Need a Next-Gen Console? Probably Not

Do you need a next-gen console on day one?

There’s a short answer and a long answer to this question. Short answer:

No – but why?

It has been roughly seven years since we’ve seen a new console. This, by far is the longest console generation we have ever seen. It has gotten us console gamers thirsty as we crawl through the seemingly endless desert of technology; searching for a proverbial drop of liquid sustenance to quench our game-y thirst. But that’s no reason to run out and buy a new console on day one.

**Funny but true.**

Updates, Updates and More Updates

I don’t know if anyone remembers the launch of the original iPhone: It was a disaster. The stupid thing worked about as well as one of those candy cell phones in Wal-Mart that you buy to appease screaming children. This is actually how most new tech works out of the box.

Yes – these things are extensively tested for months. However, when they are released into the wild the volume of use is far magnified, leading to the heavy use of servers and a plethora of unforeseen bugs in the software. Of course these are generally fixed quickly via patches and whatnot, but if one were to wait six months they likely wouldn’t have to deal with any of the headaches.

Take a look at the Wii U: On day one the damn thing had an update that infamously took hours to complete. Since then the update has ben scaled down to take way less time and have the system function regularly with more efficiency. Obviously the Wii U is a terrible example because it is generally regarded as being terrible either way – but an example it is nonetheless.

Where Are My Games?

Alright – are you sitting down? There are no games. Now, now; dry your tears and let me spin you a tale of hardware launches.

The launch lineup for the upcoming generation (nearly all console launches, really) is sadly lacking. There is no “killer app” coming with these consoles on launch day. Yes, the PS4 has InFamous: Second Son coming around February, and the Xbox One will see Titanfall sometime in the future, but in terms of launch day payoff you really wont see all that many exclusive AAA titles.

For those of you saying, “Wait a second Max – what about Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed V? Aren’t they going to be on the new systems?” Yep, they are. However what many people are forgetting is that they will also be available on the PS3 and 360 – albeit in a scaled down form. 

The support for the current generation will last for another two years at least (Max Jay original prediction, or MJOP for short) given the massive install base.  Microsoft and Sony are not going to forsake the millions all over the world who have the current systems: At this point they’re essentially money printing machines seeing as they’re relatively inexpensive to make and everyone still wants games for them.

**Enough Nintendo. Enough.**

Hardware Revisions Aplenty

Do you remember when the original DS came out? And then the DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL? There will obviously be similar hardware revisions over time, as they have become a staple of the industry. Take a look at the PS3 Slim and then the other PS3 Slim. Even the Xbox got in on the goods with the S model and then that more recent model that no one cares about.

At least a couple of years after the release of the new consoles there will (MJOP) be a hardware redesign – likely including a more refined chipset that will encourage a more smooth gameplay experience and less power use.

**What a saussage fest, amirite? Guys? Where are you going?**

The Golden Question

Can you wait, dear gamer? Can you wait for the horizon of the industry to come at your face at the speed of light? It’s different for everyone.

If you’re a casual gamer there is no rush. If you’re only looking forward to a couple of the tent pole series, a la Call of Duty or Assassin’s Creed there is no reason for you to shell out a wad of cash right away. 

On the other hand, if you’re like me and you wake up, make a cup of coffee and inhale the sweet smell of digital air within whatever game world you happen to be gracing with your heroic presence at the time, it’s all worth it. You long to wait on the lines gilded with your fellow self-proclaimed nerds until you grab your console, run home and make a bunch of videos about how amazing it is to be one of the first people opening the box. Then day one is for you.

Just keep in mind: It may not always be worth it, as the beautiful boxes are never perfect from the get go.

So tell me: Who of you brave souls are going to be braving the urban wilderness to purchase a new console on day one? Sound off in the comments down below and maybe I’ll take your gamertag so we can play Shadowfall  and Watch Dogs on day one!