The Internet has been buzzing recently with news of a ‘leaked' announcement that suggests Xbox 2 is due to be launched in November 2005. Not really all that much to be shocked about. An Xbox 2 November launch has long been pencilled in all our diaries. The whole story stinks of idle gossip and dare I say it, artistic license, but in an industry that has more leaks than a plumbers' convention, you can never completely dismiss a rumour. With no hint of an ‘official' announcement as of yet, maybe we shouldn't get the indelible ink out for the diary just yet.

Despite the lack of firm Microsoft clout behind the industry headlines, I must say I'm excited at the prospect. It had all seemed so far away and now all of a sudden we are entering the build-up to the countdown. The rumour mill is getting its gears in motion and we have the beginnings of yet another console war on our hands.

And don't we just love it.

Here we are on the cusp of the next generation of consoles. This is bad news for gamers because it means everyone's holding back their best stuff. All the big sequels have come and gone. We can't really complain because 2004 is going to be a year that goes down in history. It's so easy to forget the bumper crop of incredible games those games wizards sent our way last year.

From San Andreas to Halo2, Half-Life 2, Harvest Moon, Otogi"phew. And some of those weren't even sequels and one of those was Fable, which came second only to Halo 2 in my book. This year we've already had Resident Evil 4 and here in Europe those that care are eagerly awaiting Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

Despite a few gems set to come our way, every gamer knows that publishers and developers are going to be pulling their punches. We all know where the real energy is going and we ain't going to see any of it this side of October.

The expectation of the next big thing is taunting us, but will we be satisfied when it arrives. We're a fickle bunch and hard to please, so Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have got their work cut out for them.

There are a few things on our wish list and lets hope they're going to sit up and take note.

First of all let's tackle the Xbox:

Now, in my opinion it's the coolest machine out there. Ah, ah, aaah – now, this is why it's called an ‘opinion column', so now whining when I don't pander to whatever fanperson fanaticism floats your particular boat.

As I was saying – the Xbox, being the coolest machine of the three, needs to look, er"cool.

Now I know it's an American machine and in America you have to make things big. We know your cars are big so they look good on big roads and your people are big so they don't put the mumu stores out of business, but there was really no reason to inflict this gigantism on all our living-rooms.

So, yes, I want Xbox 2 to be smaller. Let's make it slinky and stylish and silver while we're at it too. Keep the hard drive and add backwards compatibility and I'll be a very happy bunny. What would DOA volleyball be without my own soundtrack!? Let's face it when it comes to the internal workings of a machine Microsoft know what they're doing and don't need any help from me, so I'll just wait and enjoy.

The next generation of Sony console could do with adding a face-lift to the list of improvements on the PS2. The third machine from Sony should definitely lose the 80s fan heater look. They've got slinky down to a tee, now we just want stylish too.

But when it comes down to the machine itself, let's lose the shaky graphics the PS2 has always given us. The flickering has to go. Other than that I'm keen to see what Sony has got up its sleeve to give Microsoft a run for its money.

Sony should be worried. They'll never admit it of course, but I think they are. Sony is like the industry's answer to J-Lo – making all kinds of outrageous demands and never quite being as good as Beyonce. I have the feeling the industry is tired of the monster it has created. A swell of support is going Microsoft's way – time to move over Sony.

Then there's Nintendo; still dancing to the beat of its own merry drum. When it comes to dinky, cute and desirable good old Ninty's an expert. I just hope their next machine is any good. Let's face it the Cube is not all that. It's had some good games, but the fact is we're all wishing was on Xbox. But Nintendo will do what it pleases and we'll have to just deal and that's the way of this crazy gaming world.

Bring on the rumours, the lies, the hype, and the leaks and meanwhile at least we've got time to enjoy every inch of the games 2004 dealt us.

Most played: City of Heroes

Most wanted: Viewtiful Joe 2