I hope they can scale it down even lower and devs try to maximize performance of Xbox Series X and PS5. Because fuck shitty low end SKU's being a limiting factor after 7 years :P

With the cheaper options for PS5 and XBOXSX i do think this will be one of the more steeper priced generations if you like to buy the best versions.

Most of the PS4 and XBO users still have the base models, NOT the PS4 Pro or the Xbox One X.

For them even the Lockhart would be a generational leap with much better graphics, fast loading times and access to all new games (except the Sony and nintendo exclusives).

If both MS and Sony were selling their consoles for break even or small loss I would be very fine with they putting a budget entry version for 399 and a premium one 999 at the start of the gen as long as they ensure all games of the gen will be workeable on the base unit. Since 999 is a lot of money I would probably hold on buying the budget and after 2 years buy the premium hoping for a discount (when considered I bought base and pro and VR in the end I got near 999 on HW)

Even after Pro and X launched 80% of the sales kept being the baseline.

But will they care, with Lockhart bringing almost nothing new to the table? And that apparently includes exclusive games too.

Thats the point. Without innovation and games, the sales will be similar to the PS4 Pro and X.

It would bring the ability to play all games of the 9th gen for a cheaper entry price.

But when most games will be crossgen, including MS own first party games, will it matter?

For the first 2 years crossgen is the norm anyway, and sure people won`t replace their X1X for Series S on launch, but people that have regular X may do it, and then 2 years after the release there will be people that will look at the only cheap option for 9th gen games and buy Series S.

Well, I don't agree, but I concede that your point has some validation.

I still think that Lockhart is a mistake, only because of MS "all our games is crossgen" policy, but we will see.