True innovation for PlayStation should focus on making a more affordable version of the current console, rather than pushing for an expensive next-generation machine like the PlayStation 6, according to former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden. He believes that the industry has reached a point where the current hardware possesses sufficient power for game development.
Speaking on The Trophy Room podcast, Layden suggested that the trajectory of increasing console prices is unsustainable and contrasts with the past, where older consoles became cheaper towards the end of their life cycles. He pointed to the PS2, which was available for $99 near the end of its run, as an example of affordability.
The PlayStation 5 initially launched in 2020 with a $499 model featuring a disc drive and a $399 Digital Edition. However, subsequent price increases, attributed by Sony to global economic pressures, have raised the cost of new PS5 consoles significantly. A standard PS5 now costs $649, the Digital Edition is $599, and the PS5 Pro is priced at $899, with some third-party retailers listing used units at even higher prices.
Layden advocates for a shift in strategy, proposing that Sony should concentrate on reducing the cost of the existing PS5. "I think if I were in their shoes, that's what I'd be doing. I'd be trying to find a way to get the cost down on the 5," he stated. He elaborated that the focus should be on making the console smaller and cheaper, while acknowledging that the core silicon and operating system are already more than adequate for creating the games players desire.
This perspective comes as Sony has yet to announce a release date or pricing for the PlayStation 6. Reports have suggested a potential delay for the next-generation console, with some speculating a launch in 2028 or 2029, deviating from earlier expectations of 2027. Meanwhile, leaks have hinted at high component costs for the PS6, with RAM and storage alone potentially costing as much as $680. Additionally, patent filings indicate Sony is exploring its own version of frame generation technology for future hardware. The rising costs of consoles and components suggest a challenging future for affordability in the gaming market.