Reader believes they have inside knowledge of PS6 and Xbox's plans for the next generation of consoles.

Do Sony and Microsoft have the same strategy in mind? A reader has a theory on what their plans are for the PS6 and Project Helix. While everyone else is eagerly anticipating GTA 6, I'm more intrigued by what the next generation of gaming holds for these two giants.

We've received some clues, and the biggest one was dropped by Microsoft this week when they revealed that Project Helix is not just one console. It's puzzling why Microsoft would even bother making a new console, especially since their last two didn't sell well. But they've been talking about it so much that if they were to cancel it now, it would damage their reputation even more.

It's clear that they have a lot of money, so nothing really affects them. Personally, I'm not too invested in Xbox, but what caught my attention is that their plan for the next generation is similar to Sony's. Both companies seem to be working on multiple devices, one of which is a portable console.

While nothing has been officially confirmed, there have been enough hints from Sony and Microsoft about a portable console that it's hard to doubt its existence. The question is, why? The Switch 1 and 2 have been successful, but creating a portable or hybrid console that is more powerful than the PlayStation 5 would make it incredibly expensive.

So, the portables can't be next-gen. They must be based on current-gen or earlier technology. This makes sense when you consider that Sony has a technology that downscales graphics to "save power." But it's obvious that this feature is meant for a handheld console that is slightly less powerful than the PlayStation 5 but still capable of playing its games.

Expert, exclusive gaming analysis Sign up for the GameCentral newsletter to get a unique perspective on the week in gaming, along with the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. This plan seems to make sense, although it will still be very expensive, probably not much cheaper than a standard PlayStation 5.

But it's not really a PlayStation 6 either. What is likely happening is that both Sony and Microsoft are planning a hyper-expensive next-gen console that will cost a grand or more - just as previously predicted. However, I suspect that it won't have any exclusives.

Instead, all games will be compatible with the PlayStation 5, the portable console, and the PlayStation 6. Microsoft hinted at even more devices than just two, but it's unclear what that could mean, perhaps something in between the two, inspired by the Xbox Series S. In the end, there won't be a traditional next-gen.

Instead, we'll see a repackaging of what we already have in a portable form and a "Super PS5 Pro." But all of these consoles will play the same games. Whatever happens in the next generation, it's unlikely that discs will be involved. It's a realization that there doesn't need to be a next-gen, but Sony and Microsoft still need to sell hardware, so they have to come up with a reason for people to buy their consoles.

However, I'm skeptical about their plan. I'm sure there will be a small group of people who want the most powerful console or a portable version of the PlayStation 5, but not many average consumers. The component crisis will result in high price tags, making it difficult for the average person to afford these consoles.

What we need right now is for consoles to become more affordable. But even this half-generation leap will only lead to higher prices and fewer ordinary people owning consoles. Perhaps there is hope if Sony and Microsoft can release a console that is cheaper than the PlayStation 5.

This could be part of their plan, but if it is, they haven't hinted at it yet. However, if their only goal is to sell even more expensive consoles, it won't work. They must realize this.

By reader Cranston The views expressed in this feature are solely those of the reader and do not represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, and if chosen, it will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us via email or use our Submit Stuff page.