November 18th 2024.
Can you believe it? The current generation of video game consoles is only four years old, but their replacements are already in the works. This raises the question of what form these new consoles will take and why they are being released so soon.
It's incredible to think that video game consoles have been a mass market commodity for over 50 years. Initially dismissed as a passing fad, they are now the most profitable form of mainstream entertainment in the world. Throughout these 50 years, there has been a consistent and predictable pattern of release for new consoles...until recently.
Typically, a video game console lasts for around six to seven years before being replaced by a new format from the same manufacturer, unless it's a complete failure. It's common for companies like Sony and Microsoft to release their new consoles at the same time, as neither wants to give the other a head start in a new generation. Even Nintendo, known for their unpredictability, usually follows this pattern, with the exception of the Switch, which was released due to the failure of the Wii U at the beginning of the previous generation. However, the changes that the new generation of consoles will bring in the next several years will be unlike anything gaming has ever seen.
According to the common reckoning, we are currently in the ninth generation of video game consoles. There is some disagreement over whether the Switch belongs to the eighth or ninth generation, but it's clear that the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 are considered Generation IX. What comes after is unlikely to be a smooth transition of power.
In terms of current console sales, Xbox has been trailing behind PlayStation for the last two generations. The demand for the Xbox Series X/S plummeted last Christmas, leading Microsoft to focus on releasing games for PlayStation 5 and the Switch. This means that Xbox is the only one talking about a next generation so far, with Sony remaining silent on the issue.
Surprisingly, Microsoft has already announced its plans for a next generation console, although they have yet to reveal any details or showcase it publicly. There have also been hints at a handheld console, but it's unclear if it will be a next generation device or based on the Xbox Series X/S. The only thing Microsoft has revealed is that it will deliver "the biggest technological leap ever in a generation," which seems like a questionable claim given the diminishing graphical improvements with each generation. Either Microsoft is setting themselves up for disappointment or they know something that we, and more importantly, Sony, don't know. Some speculate that it could have something to do with AI, an area where Microsoft has an advantage. It's hard to say for sure, but it's clear that the new generation of consoles will bring significant changes.
Xbox hardware sales have been on a downward trend, leading many to believe that Microsoft may eventually stop producing consoles altogether. However, thanks to their recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, they are now the biggest game publisher in the West, and they have a clear advantage in the technology that will eventually make consoles obsolete: game streaming. Unfortunately, streaming is not yet practical, as it heavily relies on the quality and reliability of the Wi-Fi connection. This has led to a confusing marketing campaign from Microsoft, encouraging players to use Xbox on other devices, while also insisting that they will continue making consoles.
As for the rumored Xbox handheld console, all we know for certain is that it's still a few years away and will likely be a next generation device. Rumors of a 2026 release have been debunked, but it's possible that Microsoft is trying to throw Sony off their trail. It's unclear what they plan to do in the meantime, as the Xbox Series X/S sales will likely slow down without any other major releases. This doesn't seem like an attractive option for Xbox.
Interestingly, the most reliable predictions for the next generation come from Nintendo. Their new console, tentatively called the Switch 2, is expected to be unveiled before April next year, as the original Switch is nearly eight years old. This means that it will likely be released in late spring or early autumn of 2025. There is currently no official information about the Switch 2, except that it will be backwards compatible with the original Switch. Leaks suggest that it will have a similar design and functionality, but nothing has been confirmed by Nintendo.
Overall, it's unclear when the next generation of consoles will officially begin, as there are numerous rumors and hints from all three companies. However, it's not just Xbox's hardware sales that are struggling; PlayStation 5 sales have also fallen faster than expected. Only time will tell when the next generation will truly begin.
It's hard to believe, but the current generation of video game consoles is only four years old, and yet its replacements are already in the works. As technology advances at a rapid pace, the world of gaming is constantly evolving, and the next generation of consoles is just around the corner. But what can we expect from these new consoles and why are they arriving so early?
For over 50 years, video game consoles have been a popular form of entertainment. Initially dismissed as a trend for children, they have now become the most profitable form of mainstream entertainment globally. And in those 50 years, a pattern has emerged for the release of new consoles that has been surprisingly consistent and predictable... until now.
Typically, a video game console lasts for about six to seven years before it is replaced by a newer model from the same manufacturer, unless it is deemed a complete failure. While there is no rule stating that companies like Sony and Microsoft must release their consoles at the same time, they both want to ensure they are not giving their rival a head start. This is why they tend to launch their new consoles around the same time, creating a new generation of hardware.
Even Nintendo, known for their unpredictable strategies, usually follows this pattern. However, with the failure of the Wii U at the beginning of the previous generation, their latest console, the Switch, is out of synch. But the changes that the next generation of consoles will bring over the next several years will be unlike anything gaming has seen before.
Currently, we are in the ninth generation of video game consoles, although there is some debate over whether the Switch belongs to the eighth or ninth generation. The Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 are definitely part of the ninth generation. But what happens after that is likely to be a tumultuous transition of power.
In terms of sales, Xbox has been lagging behind PlayStation for the last two generations. The demand for the Xbox Series X/S was so low last Christmas that Microsoft has shifted their focus to releasing games on PlayStation and Nintendo's Switch as well. This means that Xbox is the only company openly discussing their plans for the next generation, with Sony remaining quiet on the matter.
Surprisingly, Microsoft has already announced their intention to release a new console, although they have not revealed any details or shown it to the public. There have also been hints at a handheld console, but it is unclear whether this will be a next generation device or an extension of the Xbox Series X/S. The only thing Microsoft has revealed is that their new console will offer "the biggest technological leap ever in a generation." This seems like a bold claim, considering the diminishing differences in graphics between each generation. Either Microsoft is setting themselves up for failure, or they have a secret that even Sony is not aware of.
There is speculation that Microsoft's new console may focus on artificial intelligence, an area in which they have a natural advantage. However, it is difficult to predict what they may be alluding to and what level of success they expect, given the poor sales of the Xbox Series X/S.
In fact, Xbox hardware sales have been so low that there were rumors of Microsoft abandoning the console market altogether. However, with their recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, they are now the biggest games publisher in the Western market. Additionally, they have an advantage in the technology of game streaming, which will eventually render consoles obsolete. But for now, streaming is not practical due to the reliance on strong WiFi connections. This has led to a confusing marketing campaign from Microsoft, as they promote playing Xbox on other devices while also reassuring fans that they will continue to make consoles.
There is very little information available about the rumored Xbox handheld console, except that it is still a few years away. This suggests that it will be a next generation device, and rumors of a 2026 release are likely incorrect. However, Microsoft has a history of being vague and secretive, so they could just be trying to throw Sony off their trail.
One thing is for sure - without any other major releases to boost sales, the Xbox Series X/S will likely see a significant decline, making it a less appealing option for a next generation device.
Unusually, the most reliable information about the next generation of consoles comes from rumors surrounding Nintendo's new console, currently referred to as the "Switch 2." Nintendo is known for their secrecy, but with the Switch nearing eight years old, and an official announcement that its successor will be revealed before April 2025, it is safe to assume that the new console will be released relatively soon - possibly in late spring or early fall 2025.
At the moment, there is no official information about the Switch 2, other than it will be backwards compatible with the current Switch. Leaks suggest that it will have a similar design and functionality, but until Nintendo makes an official statement, nothing can be confirmed.
It is anyone's guess when the next generation of consoles will officially begin. Despite various rumors and hints from the companies, there is no concrete information about their plans. However, it is not just Xbox that is struggling with hardware sales - PlayStation 5 sales have also fallen more quickly than expected. Only time will tell what the future holds for the world of gaming.
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