Kyuu said:
The past, without studying the circumstances, is literally irrelevant. X360 was a powerful console that launched cheap in a time where generations meant something. It was the better designed system than the overpriced PS3 with its complicated architecture and trash GPU, and had a more or less equally strong library of exclusives including 1st party titles. PS2 was still selling extremely well, and Sony's playerbase was divided between 3 consoles (PS2, PS3 and PSP). Kinect also gave X360 a temprary boost in late years. Did the headstart contribute to its success? Absolutely, but it was one of multiple factors that helped it gain popularity and momentum. Dreamcast had a 16 month headstart and look how that went. Every console has their unique circumstances, and current Xbox doesn't really have much going for it. Truth be told, even Sony may struggle to convince PS5 gamers to upgrade quickly to PS6. Generations are inerhently weaker now. In the past, consoles got mutiple pricerops going as low as 40%~ of the original price, whereas nowadays prices are going up. In the past, Microsoft was open to losing hundreds of dollars per console sold, now they're making it known that they have no intention to do the same going forward. A 2026 Xbox with no exclusives will generate no excitement whatsoever, it is evident that Microsoft is primarily a 3rd party publisher now.
Switch 2 won't be of much more relevance to Sony than the Switch 1 was outside Japan. PS6 won't be digital only. But yes, they obviously can't do whatever they want. If they conclude that PC support hurts their hardware sales, they can choose to pull the plug. Hardware is their bread and butter, and their own 1st party software only serves to help sustain the popularity of the platform. |
I did not say 2026 but 2027. PS2 was also not damaged by an early start because according to this theory the PS2 should have been a desaster wich it certenly wasn't.
I highly doubt Sony "does not care" about 150 million+ Switch users simply calling them a "different audience".
From all the happenings more facts contradict a physical PS6:
1.) BD production discontinued this month by Sony
2.) 70%+ games are sold digital- you can check their earnings report here (i know this includes digital only but still they are not availible physical).
3.) Sony only produces PS5 without DD. PS5Pro never even had a bundle.
4.) PS5 BD Drive is produced only in limited quantities- see scalper prices. Nobody can tell me that Sony has difficulties producing them. (If so i officially apply to a Job at this factory and i promise under my command you'll get millions of DDs if necessary!!) Its made out of purpus because Sony want to move us to digital only. If physical was so important for them they would at least produce more DDs, maybe even sell the Pro with a DD. There would be more DDs around.
In our stores you see the same picture overall: No Xbox SX- you need to order them and it takes over a week to get them. There are only XSS sold. PS5 is only availible in digital form. You want a DD? The same: Order it! It takes a week or even longer to get it. As someone working in a store selling games i can confirm this. The only availible system wich plays physical games is the Switch family of systems. PS4 and Xbox (Series/one) are lumoed together in the Playstation area, the PS4 section is about te same, maybe even smaller. The PS5 represents about 75% of this ara. The only really big area we got is Nintendo. The Switch games take a bit less space that Xbox and Playstation together. 6 Store shelves have been dwarfed to 4. And let me tell you: 2 of them are Nintendo only.
Last edited by killer7 - on 16 February 2025
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