The problem with "next gen"

news.com had a good review of the 360 pull-back-the-curtain show that was given to some press.

You can read it here.

WHile it reads well, it expresses some opinion that I fear will be a very common theme through all the next-gen launches (yes, including nintendo's)

"The problem is that current-generation console games are already damned slick. Are these new ultra-ultra-impressive graphics really necessary?

It's true that looking at an arena filled with tens of thousands of fans--each of whom is rendered individually--sounds good. But does it make for a better game? I think the jury's still out on that. "
...
"Yet in the end, I came back once again to wondering if it's all really necessary. When it comes to enjoying a video game basketball experience, just how real does the sweat have to be?"