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Topics: PlayStation, Tech, Xbox, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Topics: PlayStation, Tech, Xbox, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
It really does feel like such a long time ago that we could just look forward to the arrival of a new console generation and know roughly how much we were going to pay for it as well as roughly what we were going to get.
It seems like those days are clearly behind us now, with the market for hardware arguably more in flux than it has ever been.
The arrival of the Steam Machine into the market has confused things somewhat, with fans speculating on exactly how much that's going to cost, given that it isn't particularly powerful when compared with the specs of the current generation of consoles.
At the same time, Xbox is supposedly planning to make its next hardware release super premium, possibly pushing the price above a thousand dollars for the first time, with the idea being that this would further integrate the PC and console markets, something they have been trying to do for several years now.
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Equally, the price of components like RAM have thrown the future into even further doubt with record prices caused by the increased use of AI, leading many to believe that affordable consoles in the next generation simply won't be practical.
That applies to the potential future of the PlayStation 6 and players really aren't happy with the direction they think that the entire industry is traveling in.
Over on Reddit, one user shared a new financial report claiming that the PlayStation 6 is likely to cost $600, which is a lot cheaper than some might have expected given recent price fluctuations.
The comments are filled with people disagreeing on whether that's the right approach, or even if launching another console in the next few years is a good idea in the first place.
"I don’t know why Sony and Microsoft are looking to launch new consoles. The current gen systems are expensive and increasing. Their 'pro' variants are facing similar issues. I’m not hearing any real demand from devs or players asking for more power. I’m hearing demand for more games for what people already have," one comment read.
"I expect it. What with the RAM prices and all. AI will keep growing and drive the cost of components up. I know Sony and Nintendo's main focus is selling consoles at a loss to recoup those losses with software sales but they can only do so much to keep the costs down. So I expect the PS6 to probably approach the PS5 Pro in cost," another added.
"Hot take but I’m looking forward to the next console generation. Why? They’re still releasing modern titles on the XB1/PS4, I almost got the X when covid hit supply but never have afterward, so if they can release a $600-$700 console, one that has Frame Gen tech and AI upscale etc, you essentially have a 15 year machine on your hands," a third said.
For me, at least, the chaos around component prices and potential futures really has sucked all of the excitement out of the proverbial room. Here's hoping that takes a back seat as we move closer to a potential launch.