When you hear ‘video game console’ what comes to mind?  If you ask today’s generations they would probably think Xbox, PS3 or the Nintendo Wii.  If you ask the older generation, they would probably think Atari.  So yeah, game consoles will certainly tell your age, but it’s quite amazing how video gaming has evolved from pixelized graphics to life-like animations, and now 3D.  The rising mobile marketplace proves a true competitor to the traditional video game console, urging companies like Sony and Sega to incorporate platforms like iOS and Android into their long-term strategy, but the consoles of yore are still hanging on, and even thriving this holiday season.

During Black Friday and until Cyber Monday, video game consoles were one of the top picks for buyers.  According to AllThingsD, Microsoft sold more than 960,000 consoles, Nintendo sold more than 500,000 Wii consoles and Sony, though no numbers were released, is believed to have also benefited greatly especially from their $50 price cut.

Though sales are quite impressive, the Xbox, PS3 and Wii will soon be replaced with newer versions.  By 2012, the Wii U will be released and by 2013, it is expected that Microsoft and Sony will be releasing their next generation video game consoles.  But the question is, what will these new game consoles offer that would make gamers buy them?

The Wii U offers a touch-based game pad to control the game but the thing is, other touch-based devices can also be used as game controllers – now, not next year, but now as in the present.  So why would gamers buy another game console if they already have a device that does the same thing?

Video games are the only salvation for these game consoles.  Though most people are into apps in their mobile devices, hard core gamers still prefer playing their games on larger screens.  Look at Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which reached $775 million in sales just 5 days after its release.

This also holds true for video game consoles.  Super Mario 3D Land sold more than 500,000 copies in the first two weeks after its release, somewhat reviving sales for the Nintendo 3DS.

Next year more games will be coming out, like South Park: The Game, by Obsidian Entertainment which will be a role-playing adventure.  The game will be available for PS3, Xbox and PC.