Wednesday, December 11, 2013

I think I'm going to pass on the PS4, the Xbox One and even the Wii U for the time being

With "the time being" potentially extending through the end of next year (2014). Oh, and it's extremely possible I'll also pass on the Vita during the same period.

The funny thing is, I actually want two of those systems--the Wii U and the Vita--quite a bit at the moment. What I don't want so much is to support them with games in the coming 12 or so months.

There are a number of reasons for that, of course. One of them: I'm just not interested in shelling out $60 per game when it comes to the Wii U or $40 per game for the Vita.


I know that's not always the case and that some of the games released for these systems carry more agreeable price tags, but in general those are the prices I'm going to be forced to pay if I want to own and play the marquee titles that come out for them.

Another reason I'm not so interested in picking up a Wii U or Vita or any other system anytime soon is that my gaming backlog is pretty insane right now. Not only do I have 3DS games that have yet to be played (or that have been played just a smidge), but the same is true when it comes to my DS, PSP and Wii, too.


And then there are all of the retro systems--the PC Engine, Famicom, GameBoy, Game Gear, and WonderSwan, especially--I own and continue to support.

Actually, I'm as likely to want to buy a game for one of the above-mentioned consoles and handhelds as I am for my 3DS, DS or PSP these days, which only adds weight to this most "first world" of problems.


So, there you have it: I think I've come to the conclusion that unless something monumental happens within the next 12 months (such as the Wii U version of Dragon Quest X earning a North American release or Mario Kart 8 blowing me away to an enormous degree), I'm likely going to forgo the Wii U and Vita next year and focus my attention--and spending cash--on the DS, 3DS, PSP and retro systems I already own instead.

Are any of you considering doing the same--sticking with consoles and handhelds you own rather than buying a "next-gen" one--in 2014?

50 comments:

Nightmare Bruce said...

As of now, I don't have any plans to get the PS4 or Xbone period. I'm sure I'll get one of em eventually, but I'd rather wait for a price drop (or at least a good crop of games) first. The only PS4 game that sounds interesting to me at the moment is Capcom's Deep Down, and to be honest I don't really know anything about Xbox One's lineup.



Mostly I hope Wii U can get its act together in 2014! I really want to like it more, and Mario 3D World is EXCELLENT. In any case, there are still enough Famicom and Master System games out there to get me through another year.

Justin Difazzio said...

I'm so glad the PS4 came out and maybe not so much will be coming out on the PS3 in the near future. That means I can spend my money on Wii U and 3DS games I haven't gotten yet. Getting fired puts a damper on video game buying...as does Christmas.

James Fletcher said...

I'm pretty much the same way this generation. There's just not enough on the PS4, Xbone, or Vita to justify buying the hardware. I will freely admit to buying a Wii U, but that was largely because I really wanted to play Pikmin 3, which I finished so at least it's not on my backlog.

thegaygamer.com said...

Sounds like you and I are somewhat similar in this regard, Jeremy--although you already have a Wii U. And believe me, I'm interested in SM3DW. More than that, I WANT it. Badly. But at the moment I don't want to pay for it and a Wii U, etc.


I'm not sure what I'll do long-term RE: the PS4, by the way. Part of me thinks I'll skip it altogether, although there's always a chance I'll have a change of heart down the line.


For the moment, though, I'm just losing interest in consoles (current/new ones especially) in general. I'd rather play handhelds and retro games and I'm not sure if and when that'll change.


Actually, that mindset has gotten me thinking about, "What if the next round of handhelds completely fails? What will I do?" I guess it's possible I could walk away from current-gen/modern gaming altogether for a while, like I did at the dawn of the PS2/GC era. I have no idea.


Like you, though, I'll always be interested in retro games, especially ones for certain systems, so at least I'll have that :)

thegaygamer.com said...

I hear ya, Justin--on all counts! Regardless, it's nice that you can focus on the Wii U and 3DS in the coming months.


I can't remember--do you have any interest in either the PS4 or the Xbone, or are you happy with the PS3, Wii U and 3DS at the moment?

thegaygamer.com said...

You don't have to feel ashamed about buying the Wii U, James. I love the system and really do want one myself ... I'm just not interested in paying for one or supporting one right now, especially given my current gaming backlog.


Anyway, it'll be interesting to whether folks like you and I are total outliers this generation or not in the coming months. Despite the fact that the PS4 and Xbone have seen strong initial sales in most territories, I have a tough time believing they'll continue to sell so well after the holidays and after the early adopters have had their fill. Who knows, though?

Retro Nick said...

I'm with you. There is almost nothing I'm interested in playing this generation and my damned backlog could choke a mule at present. Actually considering skipping this generation all together unless something comes along that utterly blows my mind.

James Fletcher said...

Thanks. I felt a little self-conscious when I first got it, because I wasn't sure if I should be spending money on a new system, but I've really enjoyed it. I don't even mind the relative lack of games since the ones we do get are the ones I'm more likely to play.

Next year is definitely going to be interesting. System launch numbers are always a bit deceptive, since they don't always reflect a system's long-term history. Like how I remember the PS3 selling out at launch, but the next few years were disastrous until they dropped the price and beefed up their library. The same could happen to the PS4 and Xbone depending on how their lineup next year is.

TonySadowski said...

Loving my Wii U, but I can't foresee buying any of the others on your list. Ever. Didn't feel like I suffered very much not having a PS3, don't really feel the need to own a PS4. The types of games being pushed by Sony & Microsoft - indies aside - just don't appeal to me anymore. And enough key indies are popping up on Wii U that I'm not sweating it.

I'm a Wii U, 3DS & mobile guy from here on out, and don't really know if I continue with console gaming beyond Wii U. Kind of jumping the shark for me, and it's no fault of Nintendo's. They've put some stellar games out this year.

thegaygamer.com said...

You know what's the funny thing with me and the Wii U, James? I want quite a few games for it, even at this early-ish juncture--including NSMBU/NSLU, Pikmin 3, SM3DW, Wii Sports Club, Wii Fit U and Wonderful 101. That's actually part of the problem, though, as buying a Wii U and all of those games right now (or early next year, as I'd originally planned) would wipe out my gaming budget for a good chunk of the year, and I'm just not willing to do that right now.


As for the immediate futures of the PS4 and the Xbone: I think it's going to be interesting to see how everything unfolds, whether it's good or bad or somewhere in the middle.

thegaygamer.com said...

I hear you, Nick, although it's way too early for me to even consider "skipping the generation altogether."


You know what's funny? A few months ago, I nearly convinced myself to stop buying retro games and systems in 2014 and just focus on current ones! And now it seems like the opposite is what's going to happen.


What a difference a few months can make, I guess...

thegaygamer.com said...

Hey there, Tony!


I actually kind of wish I'd gotten a PS3, and I may still get one in the future when the price really gets slashed on that sucker (and you know it will).


That said, I don't feel I've suffered as a result of not having one. The DS, PSP and Wii (I'm ignoring my 360, as I've barely bought anything for it( were more than enough for me last gen, and the 3DS has grabbed so much of my attention that I think I could focus on just it for the next year or two and be perfectly happy.


I'm with you when it comes to not quite knowing where I'll go (in terms of consoles) after the Wii U/this gen. Which is weird, as I used to be all about the consoles, with handhelds just being a sometimes-pleasant diversion. Today, though, handhelds are my main focus (by a big margin) and consoles hold a lot less interest for me.


Will that change in the next few years? I kind of doubt it, but who knows?

michaelstearns said...

You already know I bought a WiiU! :) But that aside I don't really see myself buying anything else for quite a while. I never bought a PS3 and if I hadn't bought an Xbox 360 I am honestly not sure it would have made that big a difference to me--most of the games I bought for it were either not very good or became available on PC shortly later. (I'm sure there are good games that are exclusive but chances are I'm not interested in them.) I pretty much expect this generation to be more of the same, and although I felt I waited until a "smart" time to buy a WiiU, I can't deny that part of me just wants to support Nintendo (something I can't say for Sony and MS--sorry guys!)


I can't help notice your own use of the term "support" regarding older systems! It almost seems anarchic to say it in that sense, very "anti-console war!" The only people benefiting from that "support" are used game retailers (and, of course, yourself).

thegaygamer.com said...

Other than the fact that you already own a PS3 and I don't, Michael, I think we're pretty similar in how we view the last two generations (the current one and the 360/PS3/Wii one).


For me, I honestly wish I hadn't wasted my money on the 360 and the few games I bought for it. I mean, I liked most of the digital games I bought for it, but they weren't worth the price of admission for me. Plus, I hate the 360 controller's d-pad with a passion, which makes me dislike the system overall even more.


As for me saying I want to continue to "support" my retro systems: I didn't mean it in the way you think. Basically, I just meant that I plan to and want to continue buying games for those systems. I know none of the original devs/publishers benefit from that kind of thing, and I didn't really mean for it to come of as some sort of anti-console war gesture (although I have to admit I like the ring of that!).

Marcus Estrada said...

You pretty much hit the nail on the head, Bryan! There is fun to be had with "new tech" but that wears off incredibly fast. Personally, although I did grab all next-gen systems (to keep up with review work), there are no games out now or coming out that are particularly alluring! Well, Super Mario 3D World looks nice but beyond that...


Interestingly, both systems are also really sparse on indie games as well. PS4 is starting to add some in but they're not particularly good. It really seems like Sony just put out a call that whoever could produce a game first would get them on the storefront now. It really shows with the indies ont here now that are glitchy and feel half-finished :(.

michaelstearns said...

I didn't really think you meant support in a "political" sense, but I just thought it was kind of interesting. :)

And I didn't buy a PS3 either! There are still a couple games on it I'd like to try but I've gone so long without that I don't really even care anymore. (I have played some at friends' houses, though.)

thegaygamer.com said...

Hello to you, too, Marcus!


Yeah, I'm definitely someone who likes new tech and is intrigued by it, but not so much that it prompts me to go out and buy it (esp. at these costs!) before enough intriguing games have been released for it as well.


In the case of the Wii U and Vita, I'm interested in enough games to warrant buying the systems, but I fear doing so would put me in a situation similar to the one I'm in with the 3DS right now--where I have more games than I can play.


In the case of the PS4 and Xbone, although I find the tech interesting, very few of the games that have been released or even announced for those systems intrigue me right now, so I don't have any regrets in ignoring them for the time being.


I'm sad to hear about the state of indie releases on PS4 and Xbone, by the way. I thought both companies were trumpeting their indie support in advance of release? I guess they were talking about further down the road?

thegaygamer.com said...

Yeah, it's almost getting to the point with me that getting a PS3 would seem pointless. Which is weird, as I bought both the GC and PS2 well after their particular gen was over.


I have a feeling my hesitation RE: getting a PS3 at this point is that I'd rather spend that money on a Wii U or Vita--or more 3DS or retro games...

michaelstearns said...

Yeah. Why buy something you'd probably like but are less excited about than that other thing? :)

Marcus Estrada said...

Yeeeees, everything is quite expensive! Also, I feel that the 500 GB hard drives that both PS4/Xbox One have will prove to be too little for long-term use. Every game installs (not just digital ones) so anything is sapping away at the space - and neither have helpful ways of browsing your installed data! As such, I'd personally suggest waiting for systems with larger hard drives which shouldn't be too far off


The Vita has been seeing a lot of neat games lately, but yeah, it's super easy to get overwhelmed by them. I don't even want to look at how many I've yet to finish! Are there any 3DS games in particular you're targeting next?


Yup, the big push for indies seems to be a long term goal. Aside from the Flower re-release I don't think anything Sony has shown off indie-wise is out yet. As for Microsoft... I actually don't even know how to browse the storefront. D: It's messy.

thegaygamer.com said...

Yes, that's it exactly :)

Bodo Elsel said...

Still haven't got myself a PS3 I will not buy a X1, PS4 or WiiU in the near future. Until then I will play my huge backlog for XBOX360, Nintendo DS, GBA etc.

thegaygamer.com said...

You know we've come a long way when a 500 gig hard drive isn't enough space for a console gamer!


As for the 3DS games currently in my crosshairs: Bravely Default, of course, but also A Link Between Worlds. And then there are recently released and soon-to-be-released Japanese games like Project Mirai 2 and Kirby Triple Deluxe. (I'm considering a few older import-only 3DS titles, too, like Taiko no Tatsujin and Zoo Keeper 3D.)

thegaygamer.com said...

Hey there, Bodo! Sounds like you've got backlog issues, too, eh? Sigh.


Also, I hear you RE: having a DS backlog. I think my DS backlog is bigger than my 3DS backlog--and that's saying something!


All of which just cements my decision to stick with the systems I've already got for the time being...

Zaphod65 said...

If the PS4 was backwards-compatible with my PS3 library, I probably would've bought one at launch. I plan to buy the PS4 eventually, but I'm in no hurry. The only game coming for it that interests me now is Infamous: Second Son, so I might use my tax refund to buy the bundle.

Either way, I have enough PS3, Vita, Wii U and 3DS games to keep me busy a looooooong time.

thegaygamer.com said...

Ah, yes, Terry, I'm in the same boat RE: backwards compatibility. I know some gamers don't care if it's offered or not, but these days I care about it very much. So, if PS4 allowed owners to play their PS3 discs, I'd definitely be more likely to consider buying one in the future. As it stands, though, I'm not considering the PS4 at all, and I'm only kind of considering the PS3.

Kensloth said...

I admire your restraint! I definitely play my 3DS more than any of my other consoles at the moment, with the WiiU coming in second. Pikmin 3 gets a LOT of play with my wife and son and I on the WiiU :)


I plan on picking up a PS4 eventually, and I *do* have a Vita, but it doesn't get a ton of play at the moment. I play my PSP more, to be honest.



I am really looking forward to getting a copy of Super Mario 3D World, but other than that I am 100% happy with what I currently have (which is more than I probably deserve anyways!).

thegaygamer.com said...

Thanks, Ken, although I think you're being too kind in suggesting that I'm showing restraint--esp. given the fact that I now own three 3DSes (one of which was stupidly expensive) and more games, in general, than I can play.


Still, I'll take it :)


Anyway, it's interesting to hear that the 3DS is getting most of your attention, too. I wonder how many gamers can say that these days?


I'm also still loving my PSP, by the way. Which is pretty cool when you consider for most folks it's been dead for years (if not forever) outside of Japen.

Zaphod65 said...

The Wii U has backwards compatibility, at least. That part of your backlog would be intact. lol

thegaygamer.com said...

Yep, and I love that it offers that, Terry. Surprisingly, my Wii backlog isn't too bad and mainly consists of a small handful of games I picked pup late last year/earlier this year.

Bodo Elsel said...

As my DS backlog includes Kirby Mass Attack, Etrian Odyssey 2&3, Chrono Trigger, Magical Starsign, Golden Sun and several other JRPGs it will take quite a long time to play everything. Nextgen has to wait :-)

Kensloth said...

I still love my PSP too, though if I am able to, I will transfer the PSP game to my Vita to play. Right now, I cannot WAIT for the second installation of Legend of Heroes : Trails in the Sky. I'm close to finishing the first, and I would easily put it near the top of my favorite JRPG's. Have you played that one?

thegaygamer.com said...

Ah, yes, the "curse" of the JRPG! I know it well :) Also, you reminded me that I have to get back to Mass Attack at some point...

thegaygamer.com said...

Nope, I've heard of it, but not played it. For whatever reason, it's yet to make it onto my PSP wish list--despite all the praise it's received.

Matt said...

My backlog is rather sizable too, but I'll pick up a Vita if the revised model receives a US release. Outside of that, I don't see myself buying any of the consoles you listed either; I'm ready to make a permanent shift to handhelds, and the new consoles are too great an investment. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to justify gaming in general, so a $400 console with $60 games isn't on the table.


Yakuza 5 or Ishin would definitely make me buy a PS4 though, and Dragon Quest X would have me strongly consider a Wii U, so my resolve isn't too strong! For better or worse though, I don't see any of the above actually happening.

thegaygamer.com said...

This comment of yours--"I'm ready to make a permanent shift to handhelds, and the new consoles are too great an investment"--basically sums up my feelings on the matter, too, Matt ... at least for the time being.


Also, although I had high hopes that the Wii U version of DQX would be released outside of Japan when it was first announced, I've now all but given up on it. I guess SE or Nintendo could surprise us, but every day that passes without an announcement makes that less likely, I think.

apricotsushi said...

Is a PS3 something you'd still pick up, or you gonna wait that one out, too? I know you had a big wishlist of games to play on it!


As for me, I was quite close to requesting a Wii U for my birthday, actually, but guess what turned me off it? I played some of the new Mario and realized I really don't care about Mario, haha. At least that saved me spending a few hundred bucks on a device with very few game! I'm in the same boat as you, I've got tons of older stuff to catch up on!

RetroKingSimon said...

I actually became tempted by the Wii U recently, mainly thanks to Super Mario 3D World, but then looked through all the other titles available and there's less then five that appeal to me. I couldn't give a crap about the PS4 or Xbone (chortle) (>.<)

Retro Nick said...

Yikes! Kudos to you for making the choice to stick with "good" games XD. If I do play anything new it's probably going to be through Steam. All the current AAA titles seem to be either sandboxes, shooters, or shooter sandboxes.


There used to be a time when a console would launch that they would actually TRY to impress you. I feel like that ended when the PS2 succeeded on its name alone, because it sure as hell wasn't any of their launch titles (Who's up for some Madden 2000 or Fantavision?!). The last great console launch-I feel, was probably the Dreamcast. There's no reason to buy at launch anymore and-with the direction everything's headed, almost no reason to buy at all.

thegaygamer.com said...

Don't get me wrong, Nick--I wasn't planning to stop buying retro systems and games because I've lost interest in them. On the contrary! No, I was thinking of doing that because I've failed to play many of the retro games I've bought in the last year or two, and it doesn't make sense to me to keep buying them if I'm not going to play them right away.


Thankfully, I've been playing a lot of them as of late, so now I feel much better in my decision to kind of turn my nose up at the current gen for the time being and focus on older games--along with the 3DS, of course.


I hear you about console makers not trying hard enough to impress the game-buying public with their console launches these days, although I would argue that has been the case, at least to a point, for a long time now. Look at the Japanese Super Famicom launch.


I think a lot of this is due to both console makers and game makers knowing that the folks who buy their wares will only buy a couple of games at launch, so why bother flooding the market with 20 games at that point? Sure, it benefits us as the consumer to have more options, but I can see why the people making the consoles and games do what they do.

thegaygamer.com said...

I'm completely unsure what I'm going to do about the PS3, Anne. I want one, no question, and a good number of its games, too, but right now it's kind of fitting in with the PS4, Xbone and Wii U in my mind--as in, buying one is going to cost me a lot in the end (on the system + games--although obviously a lot less than I would on current-gen systems), and I'm just not sure I want to do that right now.


Really, the 3DS and my old systems (including DS and PSP) are keeping me plenty happy these days, so why rush out and buy anything if I don't really want it? Even the PS3 and most of its games will still be there should I decide to pick up one of them in 2015, and most of them will be cheaper then (although a few games will be expensive or hard to find, I'm sure), so I'm not feeling any particular rush right now.


As for you and the Wii U: I didn't realize SM3DW was the game that was making you consider the system! I thought you've always kind of been disinterested in Mario? What made you even consider SM3DW? Did you get caught up in the hype? Did you like the screenshots of it that you saw?


I still like Mario a lot myself and I really want that game, but at the moment I'm just not willing to spend $360 or so to get it.


BTW, I have a feeling your view of Mario is like my view of Zelda. I used to like Zelda games a lot (esp. Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time), but these days I can barely be bothered to give Link or his games a second glance. I'm not even sure why!


That said, I'm planning on buying A Link Between Worlds early next year, just to see if that game can rekindle a bit of the old love. If not, I may be done with that series completely.

thegaygamer.com said...

It's interesting that SM3DW prompted you to consider the Wii U, Simon! Also, do you generally need to be interested in or intrigued by five or more games before you'll buy a system? If so, that's a good "rule," if you ask me. I pretty much live by the same rule. My problem is that it's rare for me to be interested in less than five games for a system :| The only recent examples would be the Xbox 360 (which I bought anyway and now regret--doh!) and the Xbox One and PS4. Sigh.

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

I've plenty of 3DS games I need to get. I can't even remember the last time I bought an eshop only game on it. I also still have Shin Megami Tensei IV and Pandora's tower to finish. I need to start Radiant Historia or really start it because I kid of started it but I do so to get feel of whether or not I'd enjoy it. Also I still need to get a PS3 because I'm going to play Ni No Kuni and I don't really know much about the PS3 on PS4 situation. Plus the only thing on PS4 that interest me are Final fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III. I'm also sort of interested in Knack but I've heard mixed things about that title. Plus I'm helping my parents with financial problems so buying a new console is not a top priority for me.

thegaygamer.com said...

Sounds like you've got it all worked out, Sam!


BTW, as far as I'm aware, the "PS3 on PS4" situation is that some PS3 games may be made available for PS4 owners digitally at some point, but that's about it. PS3 discs certainly won't play on PS4, that's for sure.

Retro Nick said...

Admittedly, I'm being small-minded and only considering American launches. The Japanese Dreamcast launch was a disaster, yet the US launch will go down in history as one of the industry's finest moments. The SNES also had a pretty decent launch as well as far as I can remember. I'm not looking for 20 - 30 games at launch, but perhaps some variety or-god forbid, something decent that wasn't from the previous generation. Something that makes the new hardware stand out at least a little would be nice. Resogun looks good... That's about it.


I hear ya on not playing stuff you pick up. I bought Tempo about 2 years ago and still haven't breached the shrink wrap (more than one dilemma obviously).


I also don't like that stuff is glitchier than ever now, and most of it gets fixed AFTER it's released (if at all). I know that's a sign of the times with games becoming more complex, but it simply doesn't endear itself to me. I don't need hyper-realistic, cinematic bullshit. I just need something fun that challenges me on a mechanical and intellectual level that's-most importantly, entertaining. If they announce something (ANYTHING) that looks like it'll scratch that itch I'll bite, otherwise I'm content to just play things on the PC and stop supporting what has become a pointless console war of near-identical hardware and bought exclusives to sway consumer loyalty.

thegaygamer.com said...

Ah, I hear ya, Nick--especially that last part! I often think I must be the only gamer on the face of the planet who doesn't care about hyper-realistic graphics and settings. Don't get me wrong, I think it's cool that such things can be produced, but I have no real interest in playing them. Give me a game with a good/interesting/weird art style with gameplay that challenges and/or entertains me, and I'm set.

diaglyph said...

That's fair enough.
Though don't forget, Wii U is backwards compat with Wii. So you can play Wii games within the Wii U (and it looks better too!).
It's funny, I'm not really fussed on MK8 ;)
My "big" games that I'm waiting for are Bayonetta 2 and X. Hopefully we will find out about the SMTxFE game soon as well.

thegaygamer.com said...

Well, I'll get one eventually, Igor. That I am sure about. I'm just not planning to get a Wii U in 2014, that's all. And even then I'm not "promising" that I won't get one within the next 12 months. I'd say there's a 75 percent chance I won't get one and a 25 percent chance I will get one.


(On the other hand, there's a 0 percent chance I'll get a PS4 or Xbone, and about a 10 or 15 percent chance I'll get a Vita.)


I'm looking forward to Bayonetta 2 and X, too, by the way. The question is: will either or both of them come out in 2014? I would imagine they will, but who knows?


I'm also looking forward to seeing more of Yarn Yoshi and I'd also like to hear about Animal Crossing Wii U (or whatever it'll be called) sometime next year.

diaglyph said...

My hopeful wish is Bayonetta 2 for mid year (probably around similar time that Wonderful 101 came out) and X to be out by the end of the year

adeceku said...

Well, since Santa Claus is bringing a Wii U to my little brother I don't have to worry about buying one, also I have to start or finish some games too some even when the GBA was still around ha ha ha! But I always try to finish a game that I have already started. Cheers!