Console Re-Releases: Can’t They Just Make ‘Em Right the First Time?

We all know that the console race is tight. The Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 have been constantly vying for the top spot (and the race for the better handheld console, DS or PSP, is fairly intense, too). But in order to gain the top spot, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft seem to be content to re-release new versions of current consoles instead of pushing for the next-gen. Why?

I was always content to accept the glitches in my current console (I, for one, do not have the money to buy a new one every time the next version comes out) and accept that in the next console, those glitches would be fixed. But with today’s competitive market, we apparently can’t wait for the Xbox 720 or Wii 2 in order to get updates on our occasionally faulty consoles. Is it just a way of placating us and our impatience for perfection, or do console makers actually have something here?

Now, the Xbox 360 Elite is just practical. It supposedly fixes the ‘Red Ring of Death,’ which has been the cause of many gamer breakdowns (I once had a RRoD scare; I wanted to cry). It also has more memory (120 GB) and HDMI capabilities which are always welcome. Might I add, I think the Xbox looks much better in black; plus, with the price of the regular 360 going down, having the Elite around is good for Microsoft’s sales (it’s still at $479 for the bundle).

Not to be outdone, Sony has announced upgrades to both the PS3 and PSP. The main criticism that the PS3 has received is a lack of memory and they’ve fixed this in the updated PS3 due out October 31st, though, outdoing Microsoft with a 160 GB system instead of the 120 Elite. So now, if they could get better games for 2009, the PS3 might actually be looking at the title of Console King 2009. It’s all about the competition here and it’s the same with the PSP 3000 (yes, PSP version three). The new version features a built-in mic and a screen with no outside glare. These are pretty minor details, but in a world of re-releases, why not?

And in the spirit of “why not,” let’s also take a look at the new Nintendo DS Lite. Nintendo made the Lite less bulky (it’s slimmer and “sleeker”), the screens slightly brighter and included Wi-Fi capabilities…without increasing the price. The design is meant to compete with the gorgeous PSP, as is every other upgrade to the original DS. Would I race out to grab the Lite? No, because I’m content with my perfectly functioning phat DS. But again, for the same price, why not go for looks and a slightly better version?

But why? Really, the idea of “why not” works, but only so far. Gamers love to spend money on the latest toys, but even the most hardcore of gamers must have some limits. But Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony are all competing for the top spot in the console wars (or handheld wars), and can’t wait until 2011 or 2012 for the next-gen consoles to come out. So they need to step it up, to keep gamers buying and keep the competition alive.