Sony says the third in its PlayStation family – of which we typically see one every six years - is "future proof". The firm has a 10-year lifespan mapped out for the system.
Xbox 360 – the first device to market in the latest "generation" of consoles, back in November, 2006 – has been available in Europe for more than four years, with its manufacturer Microsoft promising that its finest moments are still to come. Its predecessor managed just three years, eight months before being replaced by its powerful younger brother. While Nintendo is tight-lipped about plans for a new Wii console, it gave its existing machine a shot in the arm last year with a super-sensitive controller.
For the first time in video games history, online system updates and cutting-edge accessories are allowing these companies to refresh their systems in new ways – and extend their lifespan way beyond that of their ancestors.