Unproven Technology:
Like anything, the first generation technology is relatively unproven. Yes, these consoles have been stress tested and yes they’ve been put through their paces before they are shipped out into the world. The problem is it’s impossible to test every single instance where people will be using their consoles.
Even worse, sometimes companies cut corners to beat the competition to the market (I’m looking at you, Microsoft.) There were rashes of first-gen 360’s that would get the red ring of death, needing to be shipped back for repair multiple times. The beginning of a new console’s life can be a pretty tumultuous one. It may be a good idea to wait until some of the kinks are ironed out.
Plenty of Great Current Gen Titles:
Right now there are some great titles available for the current generation of consoles. More of them than most of us actually know about. There is no reason to race to the next console when there are so many unplayed games as it is. The indie titles that can be found in the PSN store or in Xbox live arcade. They have some great titles that plenty of people haven’t even heard of.
The bright side about having to wait so long for new hardware to come from Sony and Microsoft is that there has been plenty of extra time for these titles to build up. Both PS3 and 360 have some great exclusives that most people haven’t had the chance to fully explore, so take advantage of this.
Cheap Used Consoles:
While everyone is scrambling to get their hands on the new hardware with new games you could be comfortably relaxing and playing Metal Gear Rising, or Halo 4, especially since people will be abandoning their current generation hardware and games to spring for the new ones.
Just because there is new hardware coming doesn’t mean the old hardware suddenly becomes completely useless. It’s all about the experience that makes a memorable game. If you only have one of the consoles, pick up the other at a great price, used. There are more than enough games to keep you busy until the next generation of consoles as it is.
Final Thoughts
There is really no reason to rush. Plenty of folks are still going to be playing their “old” consoles after launch, even the people that have pre-ordered the new tech. The longer you wait the easier it should be to get the hardware you want, and at a cheaper price too. Come November there’s going to be nothing wrong with a gamer who’s playing a good cross-generation title or just an old favorite while many of us are just waiting in line, or waiting very impatiently for the package to be delivered.
In fact the gamers that wait may be the smart ones, letting others test the hardware and discover the problems that inevitably comes with new hardware. It’s not like they are going to be getting phased out any time soon; especially if the lifespan of our current generation hardware is any indication of how long the PS4 and Xbox One will be around.
