Next Generation Gameplan

It’s been in the news recently that Sony will be focusing on an affordable power efficient PS6 offering. A traditional console that is matched up with the ambitions that Sony has with a handheld that’s going to be far more powerful than the Nintendo Switch 2. Is any of this sounding familiar? Of course, it is what we’ve been discussing here as just one of the ambitions Sony will have going into the next generation. As well as their ambitions with new Chinese game projects. Which is also something we established and talked about.

Microsoft is now playing in an entirely different league than Sony because they’ve gone in a different direction. What that means is that Sony will look to bring the best content to their platform. They will also look to boost that magnitude of innovation across their entire devices so they are streamlined experiences ‘that just work better’.

Matching Nintendo at a time where after that recent Nintendo Direct. Nintendo are starting to up the ante in terms of their third-party support. Sony is keenly aware of Nintendo’s intentions and they want to exceed expectations in this area. At a time when Nintendo are looking to increase their ambitions in this area.

At least, it’s looking that way. You could say Sony is looking at Nintendo more as competitors in that regard. Even if some of us don’t think that’s the case. There are things happening that are contradictory to that.

If you look at Microsoft and the cost expectations of their next hardware. That’s going to far exceed many people’s budgets typically. However, there are going to be options that provide differing power arrangements that combat this. This will allow Microsoft to still compete while giving players the ultimate power to match the value and ambitions of what the PS6 will be.

If we look at how the industry matches their competitors. That’s something that might just happen as well. It’s well established that in previous generations there are ways in which each company responds to each other. I don’t see that changing no matter what sort of consoles they bring out. Because they still need to be competitive regarding their current player bases anyway.

There has been a lot of disappointment around the fact that exclusives are kind of losing their shine. I think what is happening is the industry is moving forward to recoup an ever increasing game development cost that simply ‘one platform’ cannot sustain itself anymore and there is an ever increasing demand for more players to play these studios games. When that demand is in place.

Who actually cares what the average joe thinks because it doesn’t fit their narrative or how the industry doesn’t work for them? These are grown up companies wanting to maximise revenue. Sony is looking at what Microsoft are doing and just how much money they’re making.

As always, money talks. Even if in fact Sony will still have exclusives. You will see more movement around these platforms. To what extent. Nobody truly knows, but what we do know is that Sony likes money and they’re going to want to keep you on the PS6. Offering a console that is done at a value that comes in lower and then upping the ante with the PS6 Pro is something they will do.

I think we’re maximizing what consoles are truly capable of. That’s why it’s going to be so interesting how Microsoft extends its ambitions. Especially when they know they’re going to have the power advantage there. While also, seemingly the backwards compatible advantage as well.

The next generation is going to be about ‘choice’. But I also think it’s going to be about value as per what it means to the consumer. Our expectations are that it’s going to be more expensive than past console generations, but at the same time, it’s really going to be about making sure the next generation is truly in line with the expectations of their fans.

I certainly feel as though these next consoles are going to get the job done for most no matter which you choose. I mean, just how more powerful can consoles actually get without becoming something else entirely? If we think about it, consoles in their evolutions are changing and giving consumers more choice than ever before.

It’s just going to be about what product is right for you and at an affordability that’s right for you. It’s also about how Sony and Microsoft sell it to you. I think for the most part, we are already seeing moves in this area with everything coming out about the advantages of each.

Whether it be third-party store-fronts or PSVR. Ultimately, it’s going to play games at high-end and maximized levels and more people are going to be able to play more games that are on the other platform. It’s a win for gamers and a win for Sony and Microsoft. All of which will be loving every reaction to this and their bank balances come the end of it.