It seems like every generation, consoles are becoming more like Computers. It seems like every Windows version; Computers are becoming more like entertainment systems. Consoles now have networking and internet access. Computers now have Dolby 5.1 and HDTV tuners.
The console’s ability to make this adaptation is limited by its standardized platform. Consoles are adapting the latest hardware available every generation. However, computers are adapting the latest hardware available at the rate of Moore’s Law. Therefore, six months after a console’s release, the computer’s technology makes it just short of leading edge.
The Computer’s ability to make its adaptation is limited by the Operating Systems’ support of new hardware. Computers can only use the latest hardware if the software supports it. And even then, it must be tested with so many current available configurations before it’s released. Audio and Video equipment manufactures do not involve computer software companies in their development process. They develop at their own rate. This effect trickles down to consoles because their limitation is directly dependant to what the computer hardware world can provide them.
The console’s standardized platform is also its main advantage. The standardized platform allows a cheaper manufacturing cost and faster development cycles. The single hardware set gives the manufacturer the ability to buy in bulk and produce in bulk. This lowers the consumer’s price. The standardized platform also gives developers one set of hardware to develop for and one set of hardware to test against. This reduces lines of code and testing. Computers cannot do this due to the large number of hardware devices available.
The Operating Systems’ support of new hardware is also its chief benefit. The ability to support new hardware allows computers to upgrade faster. As soon as the new hardware is available computer owners can upgrade/buy. This allows computers to stay current with the latest technology. Consoles cannot do this has they are not upgradeable.
Because of each hardware platform’s limitations, non-interfering integration infrastructure (NI3) is needed. A hardware platform that allows upgradeability, and at the same time, the aptitude to run on a standardized hardware platform is what is required to allow hardware to evolve. This is not a new concept. The Sega CD, SNES Mouse and the Turbo Grafx PC card were attempts at trying to do exactly this. However, these are simply peripherals. They did not affect the interaction of the game with the system.
Microsoft’s DirectX is a great start to creating a true NI3. This allows hardware vendors to manufacture to a single standard and game developers to program to a single standard. The PS2 hard drive is a notable, but not big, improvement as well. It will allow the overall system to perform stronger while not interfering with the standardized platform.
As we go into the next generation of console and operating systems, I expect some truly remarkable integration between the customizing spirit of the computer and standardized simplicity of the console.
