The next generation of PlayStation and Xbox consoles may face technical and pricing hurdles to deliver the performance gains gamers expect, based on insights from industry experts and Sony’s recent financial reports.
In recent years, Sony and Microsoft have released impressive leaps in processing power with each new console generation. However, emerging trends in the semiconductor industry indicate sustaining these advances could prove difficult for future systems.
Chip Shortages Could Limit Next-Gen Console Performance Gains or Lead to Higher Prices
Recent statements from Sony and hardware insiders indicate that semiconductor constraints may impact next-generation consoles.
Sony lowered its 2023 PlayStation 5 sales forecast partly due to high hardware costs. This suggests producing new consoles is becoming more expensive over time rather than cheaper.
Hardware tipster Kepler_L2 claimed transistor cost reductions have stalled with advanced manufacturing. Without cheaper transistors, performance gains or price cuts will be limited for future consoles.
This implies upcoming next-gen consoles may only provide minor performance improvements over current models unless prices increase sharply.
The PS5 already launched at a record $499, limiting how much more Sony can charge. Weak generational leaps could disappoint gamers.
Microsoft faces similar tradeoffs with its next Xbox. More modest technical gains may be inevitable given the challenging semiconductor market.
Both companies must balance performance, pricing, and profitability considerations with their next-gen hardware. Less dramatic leaps may signal the console model is strained.
Nevertheless, some gains over current consoles seem assured. The challenge is managing consumer expectations amid a complex components market.