Before there were just the Big 3, video game consoles were quite unique among the competition and from generation to generation. And even once Sega exited hardware as Microsoft arrived, the new Big 3 were quite distinct from each other.
Right now, we have Nintendo on track to release a Switch 2 that will be very similar to Switch (unless the leaks and rumors are all wrong).
PS5 may have some unique aspects from PS4 (different OS, very different console appearance, DualSense) but is less of a shake-up than PS2 to PS3 and PS3 to PS4.
And Xbox? I think you all know this already. Xbox Series X/S uses the same OS as Xbox One, has Smart Delivery, interchangeable controllers between the gens, and just feels very similar to Xbox One. Even with Microsoft claiming Xbox 5 will be the biggest generational leap ever, it will probably be another box similar in appearance to One and X/S with a very similar controller. The OS might be preserved yet again or a new one that is very similar.
For a console to be viable, are the days of unique consoles on their way out? Switch 2 will be unique from PlayStation and Xbox but perhaps not from Switch.
Lifetime Sales Predictions
Switch: 161 million (was 73 million, then 96 million, then 113 million, then 125 million, then 144 million, then 151 million, then 156 million)
PS5: 115 million (was 105 million) Xbox Series S/X: 48 million (was 60 million, then 67 million, then 57 million)
PS4: 120 mil (was 100 then 130 million, then 122 million) Xbox One: 51 mil (was 50 then 55 mil)
3DS: 75.5 mil (was 73, then 77 million)
"Let go your earthly tether, enter the void, empty and become wind." - Guru Laghima
