dying is a strong word, but it is severely contracting. and it's doing so to a rather large detriment if companies don't take steps now to stop it from happening. sony seems to care in their attempts to foster a base with kids, funding games like knack, lbp3, tearaway unfolded, and the new ratchet reboot/movie. microsoft at least tried to reach a larger userbase by severely discounting their latest console. whether they're bringing in existing last gen people or reaching out to new ones too, it's yet to be seen.
calling the wii an anomaly is another strong word. it discounts what happened and what is happening with the wave of a hand, similar to calling the shrinking console market a dying one. the wii wasn't one userbase, but several, and those are all being eaten up by the same market. whether it's in japan, families, or among people who casually enjoy games, mobile is a massive force that's only growing. traditionally, a new generation starts and it brings in people who were traditionally not gamers before. that's how the gaming market has always grown (otherwise how do you get new customers?). this is the first generation that the box/retail market is shrinking, and on several fronts. it's something to be considerate about, for sure.
