Might Sony go with a two-SKU strategy next-gen (like Microsoft did with Series S)?

[DonFerrari]

Chazore said:

SvennoJ said:

A weaker console from launch is just not a good idea. Let's see how the Series S holds up in 2025...
The only reason I can see for Pro consoles this gen is a ray trace model to be able to hit 60 fps in ray trace mode.

At launch different storage options are the best way to offer cheaper alternatives. Next gen SSD prices should be a lot more affordable not to have to charge a huge premium for 2tb at launch. So likely a bigger difference next gen between the premium disc model and the cheaper digital edition.

The PS5 still isn't readily available, demand remains high despite the price having gone up. So why shoot yourself in the foot by adding a different spec SKU doubling QA work, optimization efforts etc.

Yeah, and honestly, the pro versions worked for them before. 

While the Series S is alright, it starting weaker right outta the gate isn't going to help it later on down the line. It makes much more sense to just start out the gate with something decent, then releasing a slightly better one a year or 3 later, when the parts are cheaper and slightly better chips are available. 

It's more or less the same sort of philosophy I roll with when it comes to building a PC, like why start out with a very minimal weaker build, when I could go for a mid-range to high build and simply add slightly better parts later on. Starting out with weaker parts just means I'd have to replace them more sooner and often, which means more money spent over time. 

This is also why I wish Nintendo just followed Sony in terms of making a bolstered console for a new gen release, then making a slightly better one later (instead of now, where they purposefully chose 1st gen Nvidia mobile chips to save on money and not sell at a loss, and I can already see the Switch's graphical/perf limitations in their 1st party games). 

Whenever I make a PC that is my mindset, pick up the middle ground where I can have the best performance per cost to hold 5 years at decent level, and if I have a surplus of money perhaps upgrade midway, but to get the very best and hold over 5 years without upgrade would be to costly and without that big of an impact (cost benefit for me).