No we couldn’t. Look at PS4 pro and how big it is. The console with such power would have been even more bigger and less power efficient in 2013 because the original 2013 consoles had 28nm transistors while the new ones use 14nm. And if you just imagine the size and power consumption of that thing then it should be pretty clear that this would be console for no one. Those who want power would rather build a PC because there won’t be almost any difference in size and power consumption

The PS4 Pro wasn't built on new tech though, the GPU is essentially the same chip in the PS4 but with a mirror copy and overclocked. "That’s why the Pro incorporates an identical GPU. Because the new console has "the old GPU next to a mirror version of itself," Equally the CPU is exactly the same but at a higher. clock.

The PS4 Pro could technically have been released in 2013, though it would have been priced at a minimum of $599.

edit: wasn't aware the Pro used 14nm as opposed to the original 28nm.

It already has, because I believe traditional console gens are done.

X2 and PS5 will be the new premium console, Pro and X1X will be the new standard console, the OG consoles will get phased out. This cycle will rinse and repeat.

I expect the Switch to follow suit too (sorry, but it exists in the real world). They will follow a similar method that they used with the "New" 3DS. It will play all the same games, and IF a game can be released on the base model, it will. However, mainly for 3rd parties, the Switch 2 will be beefy enough to run multiplat games on the go that are geared toward the PS5 and X2, at around the level of the new standard consoles (Pro and X1X).

It is at this point where we will see games that will be released for the Switch 2 that cannot be run on the OG Switch (similar to Xenoblade 3D on the 3DS) or games at higher setting and framerates (similar to Hyrule Warriors Legends for 3DS). This seems like the most logical step for Nintendo moving forward as they will be able to keep up with new hardware with versions on the go without "abandoning" the base models.

It would not suprise me if Nvidia is already working on a new chipset for this.

Yes, PS4 pro has just a cluster of two ps 4 gpus with higher clocks. Full hardware compatibility. Though just imagine the SoC size with 28nm. It would have been enormous. 

So, the answer to the question about premium launch model is simple. So if we assume that there are only two options: either mid-gen upgrades or launch premium models which one would you prefer: PS4 pro type of upgrade but with bigger size and power consumption at the start of gen or Xbox One X type of upgrade a few years later. I think that obviously the latter is a way better option. 

1. 720p - 1080p is HD. Do you think the average consumer knows the resolution running? At best they just know when it looks bad but effects can make it look better.

2. Even if a game is running the native resolution it can look bad without post processing effects to clean it up. Hence, this is where X1X and PS4 Pro helps make games look better even on a 1080p screen.

3. Same resolution doesn't mean same presentation. Aside from superior assets, the effects can give a much more polished presentation.

4. You're making an argument on my side. Even at launch we saw games struggling to hit ideal resolutions and performance. Hence, there was room for a Premium console.

5. Agree and disagree. They're very capable machines at $399-499. At that price all you can really expect a is mid range gaming PC. Which ain't bad considering X1X in particular delivers 4K fairly regularly with high visual fidelity.

Then the premium version would be outdated after a year and we'd be stuck again. What we need are continuous iterations and not some "generations" bullshit that gives manufacturers an excuse to shit on backwards compatibility and sell us the same games multiple times.

I was talking more about the power, not the size and power efficiency...

I mean those things are nice, but the primary reason people are buying premium hardware is power.

Again... there are clearly people who want more powerful consoles without making the leap into PC gaming. These are still very different experiences and why consoles are still popular platforms.

Depends on how big of an upgrade the Premium would be.

Like I said before, I believe we could have had a Premium console at par with PS4 Pro in 2013 for $499-599. A machine that easily achieves 1080p and more stable performance. While the X1X is better taking advantage of coming years later.

If the 9th gen really wants to really aim for 4K on a regular basis with improved graphics, I think its gonna have be at a premium price like $599. Our current 4K consoles already struggle to hit 4K in many cases.

You don't know everyone's preference. If I wanted a X1X or Pro. I'd run it in 1080 at 60fps. I don't care about resolution HDR etc. anymore. But I care about FPS.

Gens are dead