If you were hoping to see a budget PS6 release, you might need to change your thinking. An ex-PlayStation executive is saying that a better approach is to instead release a second budget PS5 console than to try and put out a pricier next-gen console. Because that's the right way to innovate. What's wrong with the traditional approach of one expensive console every so often?
Former executive argues budget console is better innovation than expensive next-gen hardware
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden at Sony Interactive Entertainment said during an appearance on The Trophy Room podcast that it isn't the right approach to make a $1,200 PS6. Layden says a better approach is to offer a second PS5 for $300 instead. It would be a better way to innovate for the market.
Word of Layden's stance on the matter began to pick up steam thanks to a post on Reddit. The topic led to over 2,700 comments. People started voicing concern over what sort of cuts and sacrifices might have to happen to make a budget console. It's akin to the discussion that comes up around the Xbox Series S or even streaming-only consoles.
Rumor has it the PlayStation 6 is aiming for 4K 120 FPS with advanced ray-tracing capabilities. That's usually a recipe for expensive components that bump the price of manufacturing up. Of course, it isn't coming out until at least 2028, so Sony still has plenty of time to change their thinking.
Sony itself hasn't said anything in response to Layden's stance or the speculation regarding the price tag. Sony is busy with the current life cycle of the PlayStation 5 right now. Consumers can likely expect just a high-end console as usual once the next generation does arrive.
Source: NotebookCheck
Layden is wrong. Innovation means pushing boundaries, not diluting the brand with lower tier options. A $300 PS5 just splits the install base for no real gain.
Does anyone actually want a second PS5 variant? I would rather wait for the PS6 in 2028 and pay a fair price for proper 4K 120 FPS performance.
The market for budget consoles is huge. Look at the Series S sales. It lowers the barrier to entry and keeps the ecosystem growing. That is the real innovation here.