What's Next?

'What's next' is always a fun question and has been one I've been asking myself lately.  While I think the Wii has a great deal of gaming life left (*), it's certainly hit the sunset in terms of new development.  I know new games are being released, though I don't see a ton of content that's appealing.

(*) Gaming life as in titles I've yet to complete, previously released games I haven't purchased and unique WiiWare titles that somehow squeak through.  For example I've been going through Liight this month and it's been a great deal of fun.  For $5 it's a no brainer.  (released in March'2011)

While I have been thinking about this for some time now, some extra funds in the way of birthday gift cards put a new spin on price.  Some of these costs, yes even the 3DS, don't seem so bad when they can be offset or eliminated.  :)

It's pretty clear what the options are and here are some brief thoughts:

Wii U

  On one hand it's kind of exciting that a Nintendo console will [hopefully] be able to compete with Microsoft and Sony for AAA titles that we've been missing out on.  On another it's not clear if they are going to implement storage and online well or if it's going to be a system that surges ahead horsepower-wise, but continues to be two generations behind with connectivity, social aspects and downloadable content.

  As for timeframe I don't see it being an issue to wait for another 6-12 months, it's more a factor of them providing a solid alternative to the PS3 or 360.

3DS

  I've had mixed feelings on the 3DS and even contradicted myself over the past 7 months or so.  The range of perspectives has gone from not seeing a use for a DS on the go (just use a laptop, gosh I'm not a kid!), to playing some games on my android phone to considering a more robust gaming experience in a small form factor.  Some of my other motivations are to be able to game without leaving the living room to go to where my Wii is hooked up.  Whether or not the Wii U satisfies that last item via the use of the tablet is yet to be seen.

Potential Pros: 

• Very nice looking and crisp display.
• Backwards compatibility with DS titles.  (though I hear they may be a bit blurry)
• Being able to play the latest and greatest games.
• Downloadable content and access to virtual console titles.
• Much richer experience than with phone games.  (i'll hold my rovio/angry birds rant for another post)
• Mobile and/or flexible gaming where I'm not attached to a tv.
• Price - $250 was waaaayyyy too steep, but I can probably go for $169.
• [edit]  Forgot about the AR card games.  I didn't quite get it at first, but they do seem cool.

Potential cons:

• Fairly sparse game selection up to this point.  The next three months should be interesting as some of the E3 announcements looked very cool.  (kid icarus, luigi's mansion 2, mk7, starfox, etc.)
• eShop - Seems cool, though I hear it's still cumbersome and sort of last-gen.
• 3D - I currently don't care about the 3D "effect".  I know I'm going to need time to adjust to it, though my brief demos in Best Buy left me with a headache for a few hours and a slightly odd feeling in my stomach.
• Will there be a redesign in 2012 for another circle pad?
• Friend codes:  They haven't died yet have they?  I guess it's better with not having per-game FC's right?  Is there anything you can really do now as far as easily communicating with friends?
• [edit] Battery life.
• [edit] Screen scratching due to each side vibrating / rubbing against another?  (link)

PS3

  While I feel a Wii U or 3DS is an easier "fit", I often think about how a PS3 would factor into my gaming schedule, the associated costs and it's lifespan.  With sony dropping the 250GB base unit to $249, 320GB at $299 and move bundle at $349 it starts to bring it to a price point I'm more comfortable with.

  I think this and the 360 is really based on how the Wii U turns out as I would like some modern gaming without having to get a good PC at some point in the future.

PS Vita

Looked very cool from what I saw at E3 and it should be interesting to see the price point now that the 3DS has dropped.  I'd probably be missing something without a PS3, but I don't really know about the integration at this point.

XBOX 360

There's a pretty slim chance I'd get a 360 right now in all honesty.  I have no problem with the 360 itself, but am not too keen with the online subscription part of it.  I don't have a core group of friends that are all online with their 360's fragging away, so there's no immediate reason (D00D- gears 3!!) for me to get one.

Conclusion

"Gee, based on the amount of text you typed in each section, which one are you leaning towards?"  I know, it's laid on a bit heavy for the 3DS right now.  I'm still trying to balance out the features vs potential issues, but in all honesty it might be the best option at this time.  I probably wouldn't get a Wii U until 2014 and this would fit right in between while I can use my Wii and laptop for years to come.

I didn't include PC gaming since I don't see myself putting that kind of money into a larger desktop or gaming rig at this time.  Though another consideration is just putting the gift money directly into Wii and PC games (amazon).  With my kind of deal hunting I can get quite a few games if I don't sink it into a console...

What console or gaming systems are you looking at next or planning for down the road?