Sony Boss Thinks Low-Powered Console Versions are Problematic
Now that we have complete pricing and availability information of both Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 Standard/Digital editions, the question remains which one is the best for an average consumer. Both gaming giants went with different approaches regarding different SKUs of the consoles. Both PlayStation 5 editions support similar hardware with the exception of a disc drive while the Xbox consoles have a stark difference in hardware.
The Xbox Series S surely is the gateway to the next-gen gaming as it supports all features like Ray-Tracing, quick resume, and velocity architecture but with less overall power at its disposal. Microsoft had to sacrifice a lot of performance to make it small and cheap but are these sacrifices beneficial in the long run? Jim Ryan, the CEO of Sony, believes that the low-powered console SKU approach is problematic.
In an interview with the Japanese site, AV Watch, Jim Ryan said, “One thing that can be said is that if you look at the history of the game business, creating a special low priced, reduced spec console is something that has not had great results in the past.” He explained that they too pondered on the idea of a lower-powered version of the PlayStation 5 and discovered how problematic it is before deciding to scrap the idea. Earlier he talked about how PS5 will only be backwards compatible with the PS4 and they will support PS4 for the next 3 to 4 years. More on it here.
Console buyers usually keep their console for as much as seven years, which is the reason why they would want to make sure that the device is future proof. He did not explicitly criticize Microsoft’s approach as he already said that he respects the philosophies of competitors.
