This year marked the beginning of 8th generation video game consoles. The first to be released was the Nintendo 3DS on February 26th which will probably meet its Sony counterpart, the Playstation Vita, towards the end of 2011. Nintendo has been on the roll and also announced the Wii U at E3 2011 which will be the first eight generation home video game console. Sony will not be releasing a new home system as soon, due to the ten year life cycle given to the Playstation 3.
It’s hard to believe that video games have come so far and some can’t seem to fathom their continuation. Gamers worldwide however still await the newest games, consoles, and technology with each coming generation regardless of the sometimes dizzying price tags. While most 7th generation consoles come with wireless capabilities to allow internet connection enabling new realms of game play, new consoles are still being developed with even better abilities.
So what exactly is new about the eight generation consoles coming our way? Let’s start with the Nintendo 3DS. The latest version of this popular line of portable game console, it projects stereoscopic three-dimensional effects without the use of additional accessories. It is backward compatible with the Nintendo DS series software and is available in Japan, Europe, North American, and Australia. Nintendo has been experimenting with 3D technology for almost three decades but this is the first 3D console that has experienced success.
The Wii U on the other hand is under much speculation since it will be the first home console released in 2012. It will be Nintendo’s sixth home console and features 1080p HD graphics. The system comes with several impressive features including a controller with an embedded touch-screen. With the Wii user being mostly casual video game players, Nintendo is hoping to lure those hardcore gamers back in with the Wii U by offering a wider range of games including a new Super Smash Bros. Game. Shareholders are still pretty skeptical about Nintendo’s goals for the new console and after the unveiling at E3 shares took a ten percent fall. However, perhaps the new features and killer resolution will attract the core gamer population and reel a loyal amount of customers in.
