So, we've all heard the hooplah of this console lifespan thing and I've got some things to say, but before we begin lets look at the facts shall we?

Microsoft Xbox360

Released: November 22, 2005.- Approximately 28 million units sold worldwide.

Current Position: With last years price drop spurring bigger sales, Microsoft has largely acheived what it set out to do with the release of the system: Make the 360 a significant force in the console landscape and capture the online mind share with Xbox Live, Given this it is unlikely that the company would cash its chips in early and release another system before the 360 fully runs its course. However, the wildcard in this thinking could be the console's hardware failure rate. The red ring of death could literally kill the 360 if gone unchecked.

The Company Plan: Microsoft expects this console to last longer than the tradional five-year span, and the company beileves that regular updates to the 360 will push its life past that of the original Xbox and past the five-year mark. "Our consumers have made it clear" says Albert Penello, Xbox senior director of global marketing, "They dont want to buy a new device for several hundred dollars every five years in order to get the best gaming and entertainment experiences. They want one device that can do everything well and grow with them as their needs change. We're not even halfway through the Xbox 360 lifecycle, and we've been able to constantly update the system...somthing that benefits all of us."

My Opinion: To be honest, I was the last to jump on the Xbox ban wagon last gen, when all of my friends were drooling over Halo I was perfectly content to stay with my Gamcube. It wasnt until the release of Star Wars KOTOR that pushed me to buy an Xbox in the first place. Same thing this gen, my first purchase after the wars started was my PS3, and it wasnt until the release of Mass Effect and BioShock that I picked up my 360, so the way I see it is that Microsoft has Bioware to thank for both of my purchases.

Nintendo Wii

Released: November 19, 2005.- Approximately 50 million units sold worldwide.

Current Position: As the undisputed leader of this hardware generation Nintendo would seemingly be in no hurry to make a successor to the Wii. However, given that the console has considerable graphical ground to make up on its competitors, it's not inconceivable that Nintendo would put out a Wii 1.5 capable of HD graphics. Rumors have already circulated about such a device coming in 2011 . Moreover, although the Wii is a phenomenal sales success, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently revealed during a speech to the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan his belief that in Japan in particular, fans might tire of the Wii sooner rather than later. "The speed with which people get tired of any new entertainment is faster in Japan than in overseas markets."

The Company Plan: Nintendo officials did not talk to GameInformer for this article, but in 2007, president Iwata stated that manufacturers come out with new consoles because they need a "new weapon in the fight against other consoles." He then added, "But today's situation is such that we are not desperate for any new weapons at all."

My Opinion: When it comes to Nintendo I'll be the first to admit that I have an obscenely large chip on my shoulder, I have a bad history with the company. Gaming was really the first hobby I dove into headlong way back when my parents bought me a Gameboy (thats original the big gray one that could stop a bullet) back when I was six years old and I havent come up for air since. Back when the PS2 was still the dominating force in the industry and Xbox was coming on to the scene I stayed loyal to Nintendo as said before when all my friends were wetting themselves over Master Cheif I was still happy to see Star Fox back on the screen. Then the Wii came out, and I know alot of people who felt the same way I did, that we were basically betrayed by Nintendo, after we had stood under the mock and ridicule of people bashing the Gamecube, sometimes in a fanboyish way and somtimes deservedly, we stood loyal still. Then this Wii came out which has been since release ignoring its "hardcore gamer" fanbase, shame on you Nintendo. Thats why I ran back to Sony who welcomed me with open arms.

Sony Playstation 3

Released November 17, 2006.- Approximately 22 million units sold worldwide.

Current Position: Out of all the console manufacturers, Sony is in the most delicate situation. With the PS3 in last place in sales, yet arguably the most powerful of the bunch, there are arguments both for and against coming out with a new Playstation and starting the next console generation sooner rather than later. A price cut and continued first- and third-party software support would only give the system more shelf life.

The Company Plan: Sony has expressed its firm commitment to a 10-year cycle for the PS3, and it believes that the continuing sales of the almost nine-year-old PS2 is the model to follow. Whether or not this means there is overlap between the PS3 and the next system within the PS3's lifetime (such as there currently exists between the PS3 and PS2. and a model Sony has always followed) Sony head of marketing John Koller wouldn't say. When Koller was asked if being second out of the gate next time around scares them. he was confident. "You have to loo at what the competition is doing, but does it dictate the decisions we're making? No."

My Opinion: I've been called a Sony fanboy, but I'm rather pulling for the next gen to start a bit later rather than sooner, the PS3 has only been picking up steam since the launch and I feel that it will only get stronger with more time and more third-party support. That and I really cant afford to shell out another $600 for the next system.

(statistics and plans taken from GameInformer magazine)