My prediction would be a console interconnected with internet and home computers, the pillars I mentioned ealier; network terminal, media player and gaming should be continued. But a more thorough integration of internet connectivity in both communication and social contact will be key in convincing consumers to switch to the new console.

Backward compatibility will be an issue, but as we’ve seen with the current generation of consoles, it will not stop the masses from adopting the new platform.

Interestingly enough he calls the downfall of Nintendo sales I mentioned earlier a direct result from Nintendo not releasing its bigger titles in the first half of 2009. And the only influence the recession has on the video gaming sales is through the distributors.

Yoichi Wada is quoted to say the following:

Present game machines already have a lot of functions: they are a network terminal, a Blu-ray or DVD player, and a gaming machine. Compared to these three pillars, the [new motion] controllers are quite limited, so the impact may be small. They are an extension of the gaming function,

He does expect Nintendo to also move this way with its new console in 2011, contrary to the Activision Blizzard CEO’s statement who does not believe we will see new consoles within 2 years. I personally believe the new Xbox controller; Natal, will be the next step towards a full motion gaming environment, the last step was made by the Wii’s controller and it remains to be seen what the next step will be. We haven’t seen what the Natal will be able to do in a fully developed game!