In order to run gamecube/wii, you need a pretty powerful computer. I figured that if I am going to do this, I might as well go all the way and get a full gaming pc. It would allow me to run games from pretty much any generation.
Eh, not really. You can run Dolphin with much stability using a 3xxx i3 and a 750 (not ti) with fairly decent settings. (settings being upgrades to the original, antialiasing and "higher than ever existed then" resolutions etc etc)
and plan on also getting a laptop soon since I am a .Net developer
Try a mechanical keyboard. I hear devs like mechs.
This PC would be connected to the TV at all times. It would basically act as a super console. I know a lot of games can be used with a controller, but those that can't I feel will be tough to play, and I would be laying in bed when I play. The Razer Turret seems like a good solution, but it isn't out yet and doesn't seem to have a release date.
There are a lot of lapkeyboards, cushion blocks and things like that. I think Corsair is releasing a good quality "lapboard" soon along with their bulldog barebones kit.
In 6 years, I would have to probably spend another $350 for a graphics card, or even more for a complete PC overhaul just to play the current games of the time at high settings and high framerates. If I stick with a PS4, I won't have to upgrade anything, I know the PS4 will play those games, and they will still look really good as devs are able to optimize the games to the specific ps4 hardware.
Overclocking will avert those problems. GPU overclocking is laughably easy (download a certified software from manufacturer, move slider along a couple hundred, ez graphix) and CPU overclocking is relatively easy too. All you need is a little common sense and little knowledge of how the CPU works. I also do think that PS4 games will graphically deteriorate more severely then last gen, but that's just me. I know you don't plan on OCing, but it is really damn easy.
I don't buy very many new games. On average I buy about 4 new games a year, sometimes less. This year I am only interested in Arkham Knight, MGSV, Fallout 4, Battlefront 3, and Division. People always say PC games are cheaper, but from what I have seen, they seem to be the same price $59.99. I know there are yearly sales, but how often do the AAA titles go on sale? I can buy the PS4 versions at a used video game store in a few months for the same discount, and I also have the benefit of selling the games after I beat them.
The indie game market is kinda huge here. There are so many great shooters and adventure games, both by small single-man studios and big dev companies. Also, can you deny 100 games for $59.99? During the sales (which happen on almost every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends) games go for less than 1$. $17 games drop to $2 or $3 during the major sales. And yes, PC games are generally cheaper, especially when on the physical disc. I think Project CARS was a good example of this. Sometimes AAA takes longer though, Battlefield 4 did take a while to get on sale.
Most of this may be unrelated, I haven't been rereading but eh, it could help.