You argued sensible points, but what are the benefit for me as a gamer and what are the benefit for game console developers? I am sorry for coming back to this often, but while I can fully understand why it makes financial sense or at least looks promising enough to try for MS and Sony, but I think that the industry (gamers and developers) are better served by console generations with smooth transitions, see PS3 to PS4.
I understand why Sony wants forward compatibility for PS4 and backward compatibility (the latter which you can still have in the current generations model), but it is not a consumer concern that poor hardware manufacturers cannot force us into a platform lock in we have trouble getting out and where the benefits for consumers seem so hand wavy.
Benefits for consumer:
- if you want the best performance you can upgrade without having to wait 6-7 years. Especially useful for early adopters.
- if you are price conscious you can skip the update and buy into the next one, keeping the traditional generational gap if you prefer.
- if you are buying into the platform after a few years, you don't need to worry about it losing support quickly
- if you update to the next console, you can choose to keep your previous console as it will still play the new games through forward compatibility* (* only one generation)
- full backward compatibility ensuring your digital and physical purchases will work on new consoles in the future
- keep your existing online identity and features - friends list, trophies etc.
- all the features from previous consoles will be there immediately, without having to wait months for software updates - catchup services, media streaming etc.
- 4K streaming services from Netflix etc
Benefits for publisher (devs don't matter ultimately, it's the publishers paying the bills. Obviously some devs *are* the publisher too):
- no sudden uptick in performance requiring significant reworking of tool chains, processes and asset creation. Can evolve gradually using PC as a base target
- reduces risk inherent in normal generational transitions. No need to gamble on an unknown user base for a new console because your investment is spread across the existing console with the same product.
- maintains and sustains existing certification processes with minor updates, rather than needing to understate entirely new set
- existing tools for platform holder will continue to work with new console, providing continuity of service and planning.
- common online community allows for online game populations at launch bolstered by previous console.