"This becomes a serious problem if suddenly Sony and Microsoft are developing games that are “better” on these new systems, either visually or otherwise, as early adopters (ie. the 60+ million people who bought a console in the first three years since launch) will be left thinking they have an inferior product. And that’s exactly what they’ll have.
I’ve heard this console-replacement idea described as the “iPhone model,” which has worked wonders for Apple AAPL +0.11%, but would be a very, very hard sell in the console space, given that consumers have been used to 5-8 year console generations since pretty much the dawn of time. Asking consumers to buy an entirely new box every 2-3 years is going to be a bridge too far for many, and it will upset those who bought the millions who bought a new-gen system thinking they were set for this generation. This is not just a slimmer, quieter console, as we often see released mid-generation. This is something that will directly affect the games it plays, which is something else altogether."
1. "Nintendo has been doing it with handhelds for years." In response to Reply # 0
This is definitely uncharted territory for home consoles, but consoles are like the only consumer electronics that don't upgrade like this.
If the current versions continue to be supported, I think this is fine. If the updated systems just offer 4k and better frame rates for the same games, I have no problem with that and would likely cop. The consoles are a little under powered to last as long as previous gens did, so a refresh could help stretch this cycle out.
If it does end up fracturing the install bases, I do have a problem with that, but I'll still prolly end up coppin anyway.
6. "I'm not sure how it won't fracture the install base." In response to Reply # 1
The only way I think they could do PS4.5/Xbox1.5, in addition to a new SKU, is if you already have a console there's a program that allows you to send it in to get the upgrade.
3. "Several issues with this..." In response to Reply # 0
It fragments developers as makes their job harder. It's not easy to just develop for different console iterations.
Consoles aren't smartphones and the audience is not used to repurchasing hardware so soon. Sega tried this and failed.
Are they counting VR as another console? That's the only way this makes sense. PSVR comes out this year so technically this would match the rumor to the extent that new hardware comes out this fall.
9. "Yeah, I dunno. 4K seems like a reach. " In response to Reply # 0
4K gaming on PC is already a very expensive thing. I can't see a mid-cycle spec bump putting the PS4 in that territory. Seems like more of a thing to hope for with a PS5 a few years down the road.
I'd happily be wrong about this tho. My TV is almost 10 and my next set will be 4K for sure.
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