I don't think half generations and backward compatibility are "quick and dirty fix/hotfixes" at all. Considering that the major players in console are Sony and Microsoft, they both have a great deal of understanding of all industries surrounding gaming.

Sony in particular is making those same TVs and VR that are taking the industry further ahead, while microsoft is still the premier operating system to run PC gaming. I very much agree with Michael Pachter insofar that the console makers are preparing for a console-less future.

Because you're right. The technology gets better, but the experience can be amazing without remotely taxing that tech at all. Nintendo and phone game manufacturers still make money. The future could look very different if Apple and/or Amazon initiate turning their TV products into gaming devices that boast a bevy of classics and a controller so you can dive in a play without having to buy anything else. What will happen when Activision decides to let people play Call of Duty on their tablets by purchasing directly from them? No more splitting costs with Xbox or Microsoft to play online on their servers or ship boxes to stores.

These guys are planning for this stuff years in advance. Whenever Sony thinks they can sell a Playstation TV, they'll offer it, just like microsoft is integrating their PC and Xbox games and accounts. They're all doing their best to stay ahead of the curve.

Consoles work because they're easy. And as long as people have more money than time and ingenuity then there will always be a place for consoles. I definitely agree with you that these flame wars aren't going anywhere, but as I finally find myself forced to use a PC to play and use my mouse to control my character I can see more and more the appeal of playing PC, but as soon as I can get a controller and a PS4 , I'll be a lot happier. I'm enjoying the hell out of Torchlight 2 though.