Sony’s upcoming PlayStation aims to expand gaming experiences beyond the living room.
Sony recently hinted during an investor Q&A that the upcoming PlayStation generation will introduce a way to enjoy gaming beyond the confines of your living room. Here’s a key excerpt from the discussion:
> Q: How can you attract back to the PlayStation platform users who shifted to gaming PCs during the COVID period? In pursuing profit growth, are there short-term limitations, or do you foresee more substantial changes with the next-generation platform?
> A: PlayStation has traditionally been linked to living room gaming. However, we’ve noticed a global trend where more users are opting for personal monitors. To address this, we’re offering peripherals like monitors and speakers to challenge the notion that “PlayStation equals the living room” and to expand how our products can be used. For the next-generation platform, we aim to provide unique value that goes beyond being just an alternative to PCs. This will include technological innovations and a broader range of usage styles, allowing for a seamless gaming experience that can be enjoyed outside the living room.
It’s important to note that Sony already enables PS5 gaming on the go through features like Remote Play and the PlayStation Portal streaming handheld. Additionally, reports indicate that Sony is developing a new handheld console and has introduced a Power Saver mode for certain PS5 games, making them more suitable for portable play. With these developments and Sony’s recent comments, it seems likely that the next PlayStation generation will emphasize a more significant handheld experience.
The phrase “beyond the living room” also appeared in a response regarding hardware pricing for the next generation. In this context, Sony stated, “we do not intend to sell hardware at significant losses,” which, considering the already steep prices of devices like the PS5 Pro ($899.99), the Steam Machine ($1,049), and the upcoming Xbox Series X (starting at $749.99), suggests that the next PlayStation could come with a hefty price tag. Here’s what was said:
> Q: Given consumer behavior, can you share your current thoughts on hardware pricing and profitability? For the next-generation platform, should we expect pricing to continue prioritizing hardware profitability as it does now?
> A: We view hardware as the foundation for delivering the gaming experience. By offering products like the PlayStation Portal Remote Player (PS Portal), we aim to create experiences that cater to users’ play styles beyond the traditional living room setting. Regarding pricing, it’s unrealistic for us to absorb all increases in component costs, and we’ve already implemented some price hikes outside Japan. Currently, sales are going as planned, and we don’t believe this has negatively impacted customer demand. As a principle, we do not intend to sell hardware at significant losses. We are closely monitoring the market and continuously evaluating our strategy, ensuring that customers understand the value we provide relative to pricing.
As for the release date of the next-generation PlayStation hardware, Sony hasn’t disclosed any specifics. The PS5 launched in 2020, and historically, new console generations arrive every six to seven years. If this trend continues, we might see a launch this year or next, but reports suggest that the company is considering delaying the next console release until 2028 or 2029 due to ongoing supply chain challenges.
