It was being first that probably gave Xbox 360 this generation anyway, and people are jonesing for a new console more than ever.
Well... That's not exactly true. The Xbox 360 had a clear advantage over the PS3 in the US, but the PS3 has over taken the Xbox 360 in World Wide sales. http://www.destructo...dc-242222.phtml
When you look at the sales of the Xbox 360 and PS3 they seem to do better/worse in different regions. The Xbox 360 did much better in the US. The PS3 did much better in Japan and the PS3 did slightly better in Europe and Canada.
Although, the Wii still dominated them all.

To be honest, I'm not sure what Sony can do to convince me to buy a new console. As it stands right now, the PS3 meets my needs. I doubt a PS4 will be more powerful than my PC and the gains that can be had on my TV are limited.
Personally, I think this is the challenge that both Sony and Microsoft have in the next generation. Nintendo decided to answer this with their gamepad, and it is unknown how well that ultimately will work out for them. What will the other guys do to convince us we need a new console?
Yeah, my biggest fear is that the PS4 and 3rd Xbox are going to be too similar. The PS3 and Xbox 360 are virtually the same in terms of their capabilities and games. They are going to have to do something to distinguish themselves from the competition.
The Wii U is the family console, the OUYA is the indie console and it's going to be interesting how the 3rd Xbox and PS4 market themselves.