People are predicting that the next console generation will be the last, often based on the increased popularity of tablets and phones and the gaming to be had on them. When are people going to learn that one doesn't always exclude the other, it's like saying people will stop driving cars because the bus was made. No, consoles are their own thing that will be there for a long time thanks to one basic thing, simplicity.
So, the post-E3 madness has died down, Sony went in and killed Microsoft, who in turn did a 180 on their policies simply to catch up with the trail of dust Sony left soon after all while Nintendo sat around playing with themselves since everyone else seem to be ignoring them. With all the hype for next gen consoles it's looking great actually, seems like home entertainment will continue to go strong, yet many doubt it will last... Because of what, tablets and phones with Angry Birds (Note that I'm aware of the fact that there are better games than that on tablets and phones, just an example)?
Mobile gaming has been around for quite some time, and the PS Vita for one is really powerful, yet people do like sitting on their couch, TV in front of them and controller in their hand. Personally, I'm never as relaxed as when I'm sitting comfortably with the controller in hand, all I have to look at is the TV, there are no extra shit to deal with. I don't have to make out what's on a tiny screen, I don't have to do vague finger movements to accomplish anything, just me and my controller, am I alone in that? Doubt it, so while me and my generation is around I don't think consoles will become redundant.
Of course, it may come in a different shape and size as time goes on, maybe built directly into the tv or with more and more functionalities? All I know is there is a market for consoles, the pre-orders for each respective next-gen consoles should prove that well enough. Perhaps there will be a day when everyone can build their own high-end PC, perhaps there will be a day when a phone is powerful enough to run games like Gta 5, and even via TV's, but it is not this day... I grow tired of hearing how the age of consoles has passed when all evidence indicate otherwise, it's going to take a very good alternative to permanently kill off console gaming, end of discussion.
