Why I’m Not Excited About the PS6 or New Xbox Yet
▼ Summary
– Microsoft and Sony are working on next-gen consoles, with a potential 2027 launch, but the author argues it’s too early to focus on them.
– The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, launched in 2020, are still powerful, but COVID-19 delays led to more cross-gen games than expected.
– Current consoles are only now delivering true “next-gen” experiences, with developers still optimizing their potential.
– The author hopes future consoles will focus on innovation (e.g., advanced AI, accessibility) rather than incremental graphical upgrades.
– Pushing current hardware to its limits could better prepare for meaningful advancements in the next console generation.
The gaming world is buzzing with rumors about the next PlayStation and Xbox consoles, but excitement feels premature when current-gen hardware still has untapped potential. While Microsoft and Sony have hinted at future systems, possibly arriving by 2027, there’s little reason to rush toward another hardware refresh. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, launched in 2020, are only now hitting their stride with truly next-gen experiences.
The pandemic disrupted everything, from console availability to game development timelines. Many early titles were cross-gen, blurring the line between old and new hardware. Even now, five years in, developers are still unlocking what these machines can do. Games like Horizon Forbidden West and Forza Horizon 5 showcase stunning visuals, but they don’t feel radically different from their predecessors.
Microsoft’s recent partnership with AMD for future hardware and Sony’s vague nods toward a “next-gen PlayStation” suggest momentum is building. Yet, the current generation has barely scratched the surface of what’s possible. Titles like The Witcher 4 tech demo prove existing consoles can deliver breathtaking performance at 60fps, especially with tools like Unreal Engine 5.
High-end PCs already offer 4K gaming at buttery-smooth frame rates, but consoles have always been about accessibility. The PS5 Pro’s 40fps mode in Horizon Forbidden West shows clever compromises, yet it’s not enough to justify a full generational leap. Instead of chasing incremental upgrades, the industry should focus on innovation, whether through advanced AI, revolutionary controls, or gameplay that breaks traditional molds.
Remember The Last of Us on PS3 or Halo 4 on Xbox 360? Those games squeezed every drop of power from aging hardware, setting benchmarks for the next generation. Today’s consoles, built on AMD architecture, could benefit from similar optimization before moving on.
Graphics have plateaued, crisper textures and smoother animations are nice, but they won’t replicate the jaw-dropping leaps of the early 2000s. Instead of obsessing over specs, why not rethink what consoles can do? Imagine AI-driven narratives that adapt to players or controllers designed for universal accessibility. The Nintendo Switch 2 might innovate, but if it excludes gamers with disabilities, is it really progress?
Until there’s a compelling reason to upgrade, beyond slightly faster load times or marginal visual boosts, it’s smarter to demand more from the hardware we have. Let developers master these systems first. The best games often arrive late in a console’s life, and we’re not there yet.
(Source: techradar)
