I didn't say they
were going to release it in 2012, I just said it would be an excellent time to do so. Look at it like this:
The Wii "brand" is pretty soft. Wii sales have been on a very clear decline the last couple of years, while the Xbox "brand" is stronger right now than it's ever been. Last week was actually the 360's best week of sales ever at 970,000 units. Some would point to this as evidence that Microsoft isn't going to want to release a new console anytime soon, but I see it more like Microsoft needs to strike while the iron is red hot.
So the Wii is down, and despite whatever your personal feelings on the Wii U might be, I feel like it's going to be a hard sell to enthusiasts because it's essentially Nintendo playing catch up with the current consoles rather than a truly next gen machine, and I think it's also going to be a much harder sell to the general public than the Wii was.
And Playstation isn't even a factor since Sony has by far the least to gain from putting out a new console.
In summary, by releasing a new console next year Microsoft has the opportunity to:
- Capitalize on their newfound momentum and mainstream appeal.
- Shoot the Wii U in the foot and damper any momentum it might have gained by making it look old and unappealing next to an actual next gen console.
- Get a year or maybe even two year head start on Sony.
You have to admit, they aren't likely to find a better time to release a new console than that.
And look, I'm not anxious to drop $400 on a new console either, but I must remind you guys as I always do,
you don't have to buy it. I know I certainly don't intend to run out and buy one the moment they're available. No one is going to take your 360 or whatever away from you or put a gun to your head and march you into a store and force you to buy a new console.