08-21-2006, 12:17 PM
On the matter of graphics I believe we've reached the peak. We do not need to go any further with graphics than the current gen systems are capable of, which is quite stunning already. In no way would I advocate Nintendo going backwards in graphical capacity, but maintaining near-stasis for the next generation, the transitional period from Analog to Digital televisions, will make it easier to optimize the graphical performance and focus on making the games over the graphics.
To be fair, the only problem with Nintendo using cartridges (mind you, PS2 load times can take as long at this point as PS1 games) was the cost of a cartridge when compared to a CD. It's not that different from what I think will happen in the next gen -- Sony sets the high price, Sony has high priced games, and so: good as they may be, they don't sell as well as the cheaper Wii and 360 games, which hurts the profit of the PS3. Sony may call it quits if the PS3 flops more than last night's dinner catch, and I don't expect this thing to thrive outside of a hypothetical market where branding means a LOT more than money.
To be fair, the only problem with Nintendo using cartridges (mind you, PS2 load times can take as long at this point as PS1 games) was the cost of a cartridge when compared to a CD. It's not that different from what I think will happen in the next gen -- Sony sets the high price, Sony has high priced games, and so: good as they may be, they don't sell as well as the cheaper Wii and 360 games, which hurts the profit of the PS3. Sony may call it quits if the PS3 flops more than last night's dinner catch, and I don't expect this thing to thrive outside of a hypothetical market where branding means a LOT more than money.