Next Gen-graphics?

[The Halloween Captain]

I'm a little confused about the current generation of graphics. I keep hearing the current generation being described as "next-gen," which confuses me, because a game can never have "next-gen" graphics, as the graphics of current games must be the current generation, by the mere definition of the term. So how are the graphics still "next-gen?"

 

[SinkingHigher]

Meh. Technicalities.

As of yet there has been little (if any) official mention of the "next-gen" consoles. This of course means that Wii, PS3 and 360 are at the top of the game, unchallenged. Relatively speaking, they're considered "new" consoles and get compared to their somewhat recent predecessors. Until we hear of the Uss, PS4 and 720 (or whatever they'll be called) being announced, our consoles are going to be considered "next-gen".

K?

Edit:

I'm not saying it's right, I'm just explaining why it is how it is.

 

[The Halloween Captain]

How bizzare.

I was thinking that after two and a half long years into the console cycle, gamers would be used to the fact that we are in the "current gen" so to speak.

I wonder if the current hardware generation came too soon? After all, if it's all still next gen two and a half years after it came out, I would think that indicates the current generation of gamers didn't need it yet. After all, we are still not used to the newest generation of graphics in spite of it being around for years, else we would be calling it something else. If we were used to the graphics, then they might be impressive graphics, but not next-gen.

 

[Scott!]

Firstly, Uss is brilliant, and Nintendo should call it that.

On topic: It is a bit silly though, that people still do this. And if it sticks, what will they cal the next gen's graphics? Next-next-gen? Or will that gen be next-gen until the one after that? People are silly like that.

 

[Da-D-Mon-109]

:flame:
The Super Nintendo is my brother. It is my Generation. I was born within its time. Everything after it is Next Generation to me.

You guys know you're just being silly, right? And a game's good looks aren't the most important thing (although it does help quite a bit). It has to actually be playable. Trying out new ways of play is how Nintendo is still surviving, despite not having .... whatever frigging number Generation the 360 and PS3 have... Graphics.

WE NEED A TIME LINE FOR THIS GENERATION CRAP! NOW I'M CONFUSED! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT MY GENERATION IS! ;.;
:flame:

 

[kr3wman]

We're on the seventh generation now.

The SNES is fourth generation.

 

[Da-D-Mon-109]

We're on the seventh generation now.

The SNES is fourth generation.

:flame:
Thank you. Now I know.
:flame:

 

[Jimnymebob]

Saying that something is "next-gen" adds more appeal in my opinion- it's marketing hype really, people will more likely be interested in something that is advertised with next gen graphics rather than current gen ones.

However, if you're like me you play for the gameplay, not the graphics.

 

[UberMario]

When will the graphics capacities cap out? We're only about four years away from them being as realistic as possible.

 

[TurtleFreak]

Consoles are sooo last-gen. You want real next-gen graphics, get a PC.