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| History of video games |
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In the history of video games, the eighth generation is termed to include game consoles released between 2011-present. This follows the previous seventh generation: Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, and Nintendo's Wii. It also includes handhelds such as Nintendo 3DS, Sony's PlayStation Vita, & Nvidia Project Shield.
== Transition ==
Transition between 7th & 8th generations has lasted between six to eight years, which is above average for previous generations of four to six years. The Wii was the first home console of the 7th generation to have a successor. Wii U was released in November 2012 with Ouya seeing a June 2013 release. Sony revealed Playstation 4 on February 20, 2013 & is expected to be released Q4 2013. Valve & Nvidia have revealed unique consoles alien to that of traditional ones made by Nintendo, Sony, & Microsoft. Valve will be working with Xi3 in making a PC style gaming console dubbed Steambox which was partially revealed on January 7, 2013. Microsoft is expected to reveal & release Xbox 360's successor by the end of 2013. Nvidia revealed Project Shield in January of 2013. In total this makes eighth generation have five-six home consoles plus three handhelds & numerous smartphones, tablets, & smart tvs.
Home consoles edit
Wii U edit
In November 2010, Nintendo of America CEO Reggie Fils-Aime stated there would be a successor to the Wii should it's sales decline. Wii U was announced by Nintendo on June 7, 2011. Wii U was released between November 18-December 8, 2012. Wii U became the first home console of the eighth generation to be released.
Wii U's main controller is the Wii U Gamepad plus other peripherals such as Wii Remote, Wii Balance Board, Wii Classic Controller, & Wii U Pro Controller.
Ouya edit
Ouya was announced on July 3, 2012. It is intended to have free-to-play contents in it's games. A fundraiser was conducted to fund it's development with a targeted release date of June 2013.
Playstation 4 edit
Sony announced Playstation 4 on February 20, 2013. PS4's main controller is Dualshock4 controller which has a touchpad, share button, & blue bar at the top for motion sensing similar to Playstation Move. Other controller inputs will include Playstation Move & Playstation Vita. Playstation Vita is a part of Sony's remote play as some PS4 games will be able to be played on Vita. Dualshock 4 is an enhanced version of it's series with changes such as a two point touchpad & "share" & "options" buttons replacing "select" & "start".
Project Shield edit
First announced on January 7, 2013 by Nvidia, Project Shield is an Android based handheld/home console that has an Xbox 360 Controller style, 5 inch touchscreen that can be flipped up or down, as well as having certain PC games streamed to it. Release is targeted for Q2 2013.
Steambox edit
Partially revealed on January 7, 2013, Valve has plans to release a PC like gaming console to compete with the traditional console market. Steambox would use Steam's digital downloading service. Software side can be open to modifications such as having the ability to install Microsoft Windows on the Linux based system. Steambox will have the abilities of a PC but the convenience of a home console.
Xbox 720 edit
Having yet to be revealed, Xbox 720 will be the successor to Xbox 360. Xbox 720 is anticipated for release by Q4 2013. Likely changes & improvements made to Xbox 720 from Xbox 360 will include built in Kinect, Skype for Xbox Live communications, blu-ray player, illumiroom feature, & possible touchscreen controller.
Comparison edit
| Name | Wii U | Ouya | Playstation 4 | Project Shield | Steambox | Xbox 720 |
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| Manufacturer | Nintendo | Boxer8 | Sony | Nvidia | Valve | Microsoft |
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console design yet to be revealed
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