Poof.
There was a time when the incentive to buy a new console was evident straight away. Whether it was the jump from 8-bit to 16-bit or 2D to 3D, you knew why you’re buying a whole new, expensive console. Something happened in 2013 though; the Xbox One and PS4 came out.
TAKE ME BACK
In my opinion, that’s when the line between console generations started getting blurrier. Looking at the early games in the libraries of those consoles, you won’t find anything that would wow you as much as say, looking at Resident Evil 4 for the first time after experiencing the first 3 games with PS1/N64 graphics. It’s that wow factor, that magic feeling that is gone. After all, graphics can only get so much better on the outside. The latest gaming consoles focus on higher resolution, bigger maps and nicer effects, all of which might not be easily understood without actually playing the game or appreciating the tech behind it.
A BORING PROPHECY
Anyone can essentially predict what the PS5 and Project Scarlett (Xbox Two?) will be about; more modern PC architecture in a big box, 4K capability, same controller with a few changes and a focus on Netflix-like subscription gaming. Are you feeling the excitement yet? Yeah, me neither. If consoles continue down this road then at some point their audiences will start moving away to cheaper alternatives like actual PCs where they can get games cheaper and better looking.
SUPER XBOXSTATION 7
The point is, exclusive games can only get you so far. The components needed to buy or build a good gaming PC will get cheaper as the years go by and at some point they will become much cheaper than a brand new console. Gaming consoles should bring something new to the table, something exciting. Some of the best-looking games of this generation are about as interactive as Pong and that trend will undoubtedly continue once more power if available to developers. We will end up with beautiful yet “empty” games.
R&D IS GOOD FOR ME
The answer to this problem? Nintendo. Love them or hate them, Nintendo is the answer to the stagnation that has plagued console gaming the last 5 years. Why do you think they keep exploring new ways to play? It keeps them different, keeps them relevant. They know their franchises will only get them so far. They know that a more powerful console is not as attractive as a new way to play your games. Sony and Microsoft have essentially trapped themselves in a future of non-innovation by focusing too much on power and teraflops.
BRING IT BACK
Don’t get me wrong, I love my Xbox One X and gaming in 4K. But even I can see that producing a more powerful gaming console every 5-6 years is not a business model that will last long enough for you to survive an industry as unforgiving as this. Nintendo gave us the Switch and the ability to play home consoles on the go. That magic made me buy the console. Will Sony and Microsoft wow us with their new consoles or continue down the path of no imagination and eventual implosion? Only time will tell.
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