While there are more ways to play video games than ever before, PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino reaffirmed the company's commitment to dedicated console hardware while also stating that future hardware could take many forms. PlayStation has seen some notable non-console hardware launches, including PS Portal services and PS Cloud Games.
As bizarre as it may sound, the industry is already shifting its focus to the next generation of consoles, and all eyes are on Sony to see what it plans to do with the PS6. As of now, Xbox has stated that Project Helix will be a hybrid console that will allow gamers to enjoy their PC library alongside Xbox exclusives. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 has doubled down on the strengths of the first Switch, while Valve is throwing its hat in the ring with a new Steam Machine that could bring console gamers to the PC market. The industry is certainly changing, not only in how to play, but also in rising production costs, leading many to question whether Sony even intends to make the PS6 a dedicated console.
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PlayStation CEO confirms it will continue making consoles, but new ways to play are coming
In a recent interview with Famitsu, PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino was asked if the company would continue to develop consoles as its main business model in the future, and the executive responded by reaffirming that it would, but acknowledged that the industry is changing in how gamers play. Nishino believes that having a console connected to a TV with something ready to play when someone presses the power button is essential to the gaming experience, so that aspect of the business isn't going anywhere. However, not all gamers want to play their console games on a TV, which is why PlayStation is introducing monitors, cloud gaming, and handheld devices like the PS Portal to give players more flexibility in how they play. Nishino states that the company would like to continue exploring these types of products so that gaming can fit into any lifestyle.
“The idea that you need a game console to play a game doesn't change. Also, the reason we make a game machine is because I think it's important to play a game when you turn on the power as an experience. From that point of view, I'd like to continue to provide our own game consoles.” – Hideaki Nishino (Famitsu)
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In recent years, PlayStation has certainly broken away from its traditional console model with varying degrees of success. The 2023 PlayStation Portal was the most notable hit for the company, surpassing Sony's original expectations, with 7% of all PS5 owners owning the portal. Meanwhile, PlayStation cloud streaming on PS Plus Premium remains somewhat of a mixed bag, with many fans on Reddit and Twitter saying they barely use it. Then there's PlayStation's InZone monitors, which have barely made a dent in the small-screen gaming market. How PlayStation intends to expand these markets remains to be seen.
“If you think about a new gaming machine experience in the future using technology that can be used in different shapes and places, I think you can create something interesting.” – Hideaki Nishino (Famitsu)
With the PS6 on the horizon, many fans are worried about what the future holds for the device if it is indeed a dedicated console. Industry trends such as the phasing out of disc drives have caused many fans to worry that the PS6 will have no way to play physical media, especially considering that massive games like GTA 6 currently shipped without discs. Otherwise, fans worry that cloud gaming could become a bigger target for Sony as production costs skyrocket and margins on dedicated gaming hardware begin to shrink.
There's no word yet on what's in store for the PS6, but it doesn't look uncertain just yet. Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has already discussed the PS6, saying that current market conditions will affect the console's launch and the price at which the company intends to sell it, adding to the volatility that comes with technology releases in today's market. What is certain is that Sony still fully intends to launch the PS6 as a dedicated console, but everything else seems to be under wraps for now and at the mercy of current market trends.
