The next generation is seemingly looking like one for the fans. Sony is looking to capitalize on one of Microsoft’s best features in backwards compatibility. We spoke last year about how that would be the case for PS6. There is something distinctly different to the last generation happening here.
Microsoft is not competing with Sony directly any longer and with their hybrid console-PC set to be more powerful than the PS6. The next Xbox is going to be the most expensive but have the most performance. Something we obviously all expected. It will also still be an in-house console.
The tried and tested formula that Sony has used for generations is going to set it up to be a success story, coming in at a lower price opportunity. It will sell a lot of consoles in the long-term because of this.
Microsoft’s console will be more inline with their expectations as they’re going in a different direction. However, I feel that the directions of Sony and Microsoft will cater more to the strength of their fanbases. Microsoft for example, they will have success with grabbing some PC enthusiasts who might want that experience more inline with the console experience which Microsoft are so keen to pin a lot of hope on.
It’s going to be a haven of opportunity for Microsoft to really do what it’s best at. However, Sony is looking to also capitalize on the huge success it’s had this generation and with both aiming for a handheld and living room experience at different price points based on the different specs. It’s going to be interesting how gamers react to that approach.
Ultimately, only time will tell, and software has to be inline with the expectations of what both sets of fans want to see.
It wouldn’t surprise me if we saw some surprises and some long-term franchises coming back by both platform holders. That is an opportunity that’s presenting itself more and more and there is a yearning to see some really successful franchises return. That could really set up the next generation to be one for the fans not just on a technical level with all the bells and whistles but in terms of franchises as well.
It’s going to be a great time to be playing videogames with both sets of fans getting something that really speaks to them as a fan of that platform. It’s no longer about who is going to win. It’s more about catering to the unique experiences that each platform can provide and building on that. And it all starts in 2027.
Written by Craig Clark
From gaming industry headlines to all things Manchester United and entertainment, Craig covers the stories everyone's talking about — alongside his own published works.