Is there even a mass market for next genn console's anymore?

[EricHiggin]

CosmicSex said:

EricHiggin said:

I mostly agree, and I hope they're tuned in well enough to know they really need to approach next gen this way.

MS already did this with the Series S/X. They explained back in 2020 that they saw a future coming where this hardware strategy made sense. They were right. They just executed a bit poorly this time around. It would be a bit shocking if MS didn't stick with the low and high tier model for Helix. They could also add a handheld to that strategy if they decided to.

SNY can obviously do the same thing, and I don't see why they wouldn't, given what's happening and what looks to be continuing with RAM and SSD's. They've got a PS6 that's going to be Pro level in terms of cost, plus a handheld, which can only be so powerful since it's mobile. All SNY has to do is use the mobile guts of the handheld and put them in a console and they've got themselves a borderline affordable PS6 model. if they want to make it widely affordable, they can subsidize it if they want to.

This solves the cost problem for the most part. While it would hinder how far next gen can advance to a certain degree, 9th gen already wasn't that large of a leap beyond 8th gen. We're at the point of diminishing returns, so 10th gen will again be a lesser leap overall beyond 9th gen no matter what.

All excellent points.  I think they will lead with the mobile as they can probably tell from Nintendo's approach that it works.  And with the barebones version as well.  I wonder if the PS6 main console is delayed a year.

Might matter how much the 'Pro' model is. Maybe, maybe not. If it's $999 or higher then maybe they wait. Otherwise, even if Pro were say $800, I think they could still launch everything at once from the start. Just let consumers choose. PS5 owners who want a clear upgrade, and a dedicated home console, won't want a PS6 Lite and won't really want to wait long for a Pro model. While they may not be able to afford Pro at launch, at least they would know it's an option and could work to save towards it asap.

I think people may be surprised how many would buy the Pro model at that cost ($800) since it's the start of a new gen. Plus, if the base PS6 hardware is PS5 performance territory, then PS5 owners will want the Pro and not the PS6 Lite. Not like all PS5 owners will necessarily get the Pro as some will upgrade to the Lite, but Pro is what plenty will get at launch or save for to buy years later.

Add at least a few banger AAA/AAAA next gen (only) titles at launch, and SNY could move way more $800 Pro's then you'd think, even if this economy.

While you'd probably see more sales overall for the cheaper base units, logically, I'd guess you'd actually end up with fairly consistent sales throughout the gen for all models in this situaiton.

Last edited by EricHiggin - on 05 July 2026