What's Wrong with Modern Console Design?

Next Generation is running an article looking at the design of the next-gen consoles. Article author Eric-Jon Rossel-Waugh argues that the new systems have lost their sense of identity, due to high monetary stakes and the need for consoles to 'say something' to the consumer. From the article: "In May, I finally saw a PlayStation 3 up-close - and dear lord. It looks like a space ship based on the template of a waffle iron. Whereas the Sega Genesis looked like you could top-load a CD into it, the PS3 looks like you could top-load a side of bacon. It was around this point that I realized, on the surface, none of the forthcoming-generation consoles really strikes me as a game machine. Building on the PS2, both Sony and Microsoft have chosen to outwardly craft their systems to resemble nothing so much as random hunks of pop electronics."

Comments

Zonk Even Anti-Sony Fanboys Are Embarassed By You

[Anonymous Coward]

Honestly guy, sitting around each day looking for some snippet in some web article that you hope will bring down Teh Evil Sony and their Evil PS3 is just fucking pathetic.

Dude, get a life!

At best you've done nothing but embarrass yourself, and at worst you've probably helped Sony with a miniscule bit of positive PR from the backlash from your flood of anti-Sony FUD this year for the relatively small subset of consumers who actually read Slashdot.

NES

[Thad Boyd]

Oh, yeah, the NES was a GREAT design. Please more consoles with contacts that wear out in a few years! (Actually, I think that's Sony's department now.)