14 DAY TRIAL // What we know
Nintendo has announced that it is designing a new home console, called the Wii U, at the E3 2011 trade event and we are expecting to see full specifications and a list of launch titles at this year’s edition of the show, with the launch set for later during the summer.
Meanwhile both Sony and Microsoft are playing hide-and-seek with the player base and the observers of the industry about whether they plan to announce or introduce new hardware during this year.
Rumors are suggesting that Microsoft is actively working on a new home console, planning to show it off at E3, with integrated Kinect, more capabilities for media playback and a full digital distribution solution.
Meanwhile Sony is thought to be in the initial planning phase for the PlayStation 4, with plans to unveil it later during the year, perhaps at the Tokyo Games Show or Gamescom.
Rumors are talking about an upgrade for the PlayStation 3, with the Move built in and with support for three-dimensional games included.
Why it matters
A new generation of gaming hardware means that almost all developers and publishers enter a period of turmoil, learning to work with the new technology that is introduced and with the extra features (think touch screen, motion tracking and other attachments).
This is both a threat and an opportunity for the average gamer.
New franchises, relying on new and interesting mechanics, are very likely to emerge and the next Halo, Call of Duty or God of War might emerge.
There is also the possibility that for a while the quality of games will go down as the teams struggle to deliver games that use the new tech while also using the same old mechanics.
The full Incoming 2012 series of articles can be read on Softpedia right here.