ex-Sony executive Shawn Layden issued a warning to Sony about launching the PlayStation 6 (PS6) at the same time as a new handheld console. He believes that sharing development resources for both home console and handheld consoles could result in both types of consoles being under-served. For consumers, Layden's advice holds relevance because it could mean that development resources being shared could delay launch dates, or limit software availability for both home and handheld consoles.
Shawn Layden argues that developing home and handheld platforms simultaneously is extremely difficult
Layden, a former PlayStation executive, expressed his concerns in a recent interview with Trophy Room podcast. Layden believes that Sony's chances for success may be better if they solely focus the next generation on a new handheld console. Layden believes that if Sony launches a new PS6 home console and also launches a handheld console at the same time, it's going to fail.
Essentially, Layden's points revolve around the complications of trying to handle two different types of hardware ecosystems at the same time. He points out that usually, the marketing resources focus more on home consoles and the handheld consoles are under-served and lack attention. This resource conflict has been a common thread in the past. For example, when the PS3 didn't perform well sales wise, but the PSP did.
In the past, we've also covered news about the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 6060 being delayed until 2029. It may be behind the Sony PS6 GPU. This highlights the strategic challenges Sony faces as it decides what it's going to do. There's plenty of interest as to how Sony will handle the balance between its various products as it moves past the current generation of consoles.
Layden's words offer some perspective on a possible launch plan for the PS6 that Sony could adopt. Though, nothing's officially announced yet about a possible simultaneous launch. However, it's clear that there's some complexities involved with modern console development. Consumers will want to watch for official announcements about Sony's plans for home and handheld gaming devices.
Source: IXBT
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