Well what's the point in upgrading from PS5 Pro to PS6 if there's not a large enough gap? Same thing as why upgrade from PS5 to Pro if there's not a large enough gap? Why upgrade if it's flat out too expensive?

SNY can't launch a $699 PS5 Pro at 17TF, 4 years into the gen, and then like a 30TF PS6 at $699 4 years later. The only way that works is in inflation halts or drops a considerable amount over that period so the PS6 can launch at a reasonable price.

Otherwise we'd end up with something like a 20TF PS6 for $499. How would PS5 Pro buyers feel at that point? That or maybe a 10 year PS5 gen.

Eventually you'd have to ask yourself, would that mid gen Pro console investment be better spent elsewhere?

A lot depends on inflation calming down.

Just as a quick preview, assuming the PS6 has a 300 mm² APU just like the PS5 and it's manufactured on N3, that alone would add some $100 to the console's manufacturing costs if other all factors remain the same and TSMC doesn't cut their wafer prices in 4 years' time.

It's the same thing with the Switch 2, their Orin APU vs. the Switch's Tegra might be adding up to $100 to their manufacturing costs.

As far as “PS5 Pro setting the stage for PS6” is concerned, it should be noted that PS4 Pro launched at around $400 with PS5 at $500. Of course, b/c it only happened once, it’s hard to say with good faith that “there exists precedent”, though following a similar trend would suggest PS6 will launch around $700-1000…which I can only imagine the higher-ups at Sony salivating over.

Reading the rest of your comment, am I wrong to interpret your response as one which intends to defend Sony’s anti-consumer practice of raising prices this gen? For instance, we all know *why* game prices are rising, it’s b/c development has ballooned in cost in recent years (and game companies know they can get away with raising prices)…so I struggle to understand why you explain this fact unless your intention was to justify Sony’s decision? Similarly, you described Sony’s aggressive pricing strategy of their consoles as an “industry-wide problem”…again, contextualizing for the sake of justifying. We all know the context, so the purpose of context here isn’t to inform us, but rather to provide an excuse. I hope you see where I’m coming from?

PS4 also launched at $400, and the PS5 technically had a $400 digital model, even though it was barely available and it also went up in price.

I'm not saying that these things are good. But rather that they're inevitable with the current scheme, regardless of Sony/MS/Nintendo.

To be clear about the console pricing, I wasn't talking about the gaming industry, but the chip industry. We're not getting chips that are cheaper and faster and smaller, every couple of years like we used to.

One issue is that you're viewing this exclusively through the lens of the GPU. 

PS5 Pro is almost entirely aimed at having better GPU performance. But that's not what a new generation necessarily brings. The PS5 brought big advantages with CPU, and massive advantages with I/O over the PS4. Despite the cross gen period, it's still capable of playing games that weren't possible on PS4.

Another issue, is that performance can still get better. We're just not seeing the same systems get cheaper anymore. We're also seeing more specialized hardware to effectively boost performance in specific ways, like we're seeing ray tracing hardware and AI.  

Generations also seem to be trending towards getting longer. This gen is likely to be at least 8 years, whereas they used to be closer to 5 or 6.  

Just finished Astro Bot. My best gaming experience in several years.

Oh boy just saw the first "The PS PRO won't run GTA6 at 60fps" lol.

I don't know if it's because I'm a software developers but its amusing to me how some people believe consoles are just magical boxes that do all the job meanwhile the developers just relax because they already did their part that was making the game. The opinion was made based in the history of Rockstar use of the CPU and yes there is a big chance that it won't run at 60 fps unless ... Rockstar wants to. That's the whole point of optimization, consoles are just tools and it's up to the developer how to use them, specific optimization for the PRO will take time and time means money so it's not a guarantee many developers will take the time unless Sony pays them. PS Studios will because they are part of Sony and that's enough for me if I ever get the ps5 pro (still not sure if it's going to release at the same time in my country).

The good news (for me) is that i can't give less fucks about GTA6 so I can check that in the list of another thing I don't need to worry about  lol and let's be honest by the time that game is out people won't need to worry about the pro because the 6 will be just around the corner. Anyway I know GTA is important to get clicks so it's time for a break from gaming sites at least until people finish talking about their 2026 game lol

So, I can get a Slim for $513 (equivalent) or Pro for $819.

As much as I want the pro I'll probably lean towards going with the Slim. I've been gaming at 1080P for so long now, so guess will just continue with performance mode haha

Ultimately, the stuff I buy is not high-end models, and while I could afford the Pro with little trouble, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with $800+. 

but might change my mind by December.

Dunno if you had the PS4 Pro or not, but I got my Slim right after it and the Pro released, never felf any single bit of regret on that decision, and the price gap was much smaller and quality boost much higher back then.

I'm very happy with my OG PS5.

Thanks man, I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I'll def take them into account. 

:)