The PlayStation 5 Is Still A Ways Off - Jason Schreier Kotaku

[DonFerrari]

twintail said:

Kristof81 said:

... presuming that nothing would change apart from the raw power ... and that'd be exactly the same mistake. Apart from the blu-ray and more FLOPS, PS3 brought nothing new to the table. I mean, why would they? PS2 outsold both of its competitors combined almost 3.5:1! It was truly unprecedented domination, despite the fact that it wasn't the most powerful system of its generation. Yet just four years later, MS came up with cheaper system and excellent online service, where Nintendo went with motion controls. Both offered something different from "just more powah" and both turned up to be very successful, especially when compared to their previous systems.

Apart from MS (and probably Sony), no one knows what their plans are for the next gen system, but if they want to be competitive they need to come up with something really impressive. Just another, beefier XB1 won't cut it and I think they know that. And locking anyone in their ecosystem isn't as big in console world as people make it. MS's been "locking" users since 2002, so where all those people are now?

Please, the PS3s major issue was its price point. MS suffered a similar problem with the X1 not too long ago too. Sure there are other hooks but there really isnt much Sony will have to do. Make PS5 native 4K (which presumably is the idea), integrate VR more into the system (while not being mandatory) and load up on good quality software (obviously will happen) and they are good to go.

And actually, locking people into their ecosystem is pretty important right now. The subscription model hasnt been that effective in keeping people because digital was never that important back in 2002. Likewise, it was still pretty minor during the X360 days. Digital is a lot more important right now and actually making up a huge percentage for of sales for many publishers. To dismiss the ecosystem as unimportant right now would be short sighted.

With digital sales being more popular now than ever for consoles, combined with paying for console online services and the growing rate of "Live" games, being able to get people into your ecosystem and retaining them is incredibly valuable going forward.

Why do you think MS is pushing BC so much: the more purchases a user has with MS (X1, 360 and XB) the more attachment and history they have on the XB brand. Why do you think Sony doesnt budge on cross platform multiplayer? Because they want ppl buying into their increasingly more popular ecosystem instead of having the problem that ppl jump into MS/ Nintendo's and therefore having less users with them when next gen starts. 

The signs are everywhere for the importance of getting customers now and keeping them going forward.

That would be the only real reason for Sony to make PS5 BC, for digital titles so people keep subscribing to PS+