E3 2012: The New Xbox And PlayStation Consoles Are Still Far Away. (Image via E3)

The E3 2012 expo, probably the most important event in the gaming world is coming to an end, and it’s quite clear that both Sony and Microsoft are still far to launch next-generation consoles. What is strange is the fact that things seem to go on without them.

About a year ago, media was roaring with rumors, according to which E3 2012 will be the launch of the next-generation gaming consoles – PlayStation (possibly Orbis) and Xbox (Durango). These rumors were stopped after a while by officials of the two companies, who were stressing that we will not have any surprises in terms of hardware in 2012, and they seem to have kept their word because besides Nintendo Wii U, which is not a next-generation console, this category has been missing from the E3 expo.

Reasons are divided; from the economic – it is obvious to everyone that the global economy does not make the sparks fly right now – to those related to market strategy. As long as gamers are still satisfied with the offer and spend money on hardware and games, major changes can take a delay. Manufacturers prefer to go for safe, obvious fact if we look at the E3 games releases: everything revolves around major franchises (Call of Duty, Halo and God of War), and innovations are on second place (Watch Dogs, Beyond: Two Souls).

Another way to prolong the life of the current consoles was the launch of a complementary technology. Microsoft unveiled SmartGlass, an application for devices with Windows Phone or Windows 8 that connects your phone, tablet or PC with the Xbox 360 console.

Sony, on the other hand, is trying to diversify how to use Move technology by launching Wonderbook, a system that tries to wake to life storybooks using augmented reality and the Move controller. The company also found a new use for the portable console PlayStation Vita system, used as a special controller for the PS3 dubbed as the Cross-Controller. The advantage for the gamer is that he will be able to use touch panel on Vita and its cameras as well.

Both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are still in position, and the purchase of a console of this generation is not such a bad idea even now.

More details about the games and the technologies presented by Sony and Microsoft at the E3 2012 are available here and here.

About Laurentiu Stan

Laurentiu is a young writer, who seeks to become a big name in the news field. He discovers his passion for writing in primary school and starts with short essays in his mother tongue. In college he begins writing essays in English as a freelancer, being attracted by news reporting. Now he’s the one who brings you the latest news as soon as they happen! He’s a soccer fan, music enthusiast and loves to travel.