As the PlayStation 5 approaches the end of its sixth year, many players may see little reason to replace it. The PS5 Pro offers performance improvements, but rising hardware costs make an upgrade harder to justify. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida believes Sony should extend the current console generation for as long as possible.
In a recent interview with The Verge, Yoshida suggested that Sony and Nintendo may delay their next hardware launches after selling substantial numbers of current-generation systems.
His view is that owners are already comfortable with the PS5 and Switch 2, and that keeping those platforms active could benefit both players and manufacturers.
People have finite budgets, while the specialised components used in PCs and consoles have become much more expensive than many other forms of entertainment. Players with a PS5, Switch 2 or capable PC may be satisfied with what they already own rather than rushing to replace it.
I don’t think lots of people are asking for more power, and I’m not sure developers are demanding dramatically stronger hardware either. That could allow the current Sony and Nintendo generations to perform well for many years.
The idea reflects a broader change in how upgrades are perceived. Owners of older PlayStation systems faced clearer reasons to move on: PS2 disc lasers could fail, the PS3’s limited storage became restrictive, and the PS4’s famously loud cooling system was difficult to ignore by the time the PS5 arrived.
The PS5 has not created the same immediate pressure to upgrade. That matters if future consoles approach a $1,000 price point, as Yoshida suggested companies could then explore smartphone-style payment arrangements.
If the hardware costs more than $1,000 and comes with services, perhaps it could be offered at $300 or $400 per year. A $50 monthly subscription could be one possible model.
That would still represent a significant commitment, so the next generation will need to offer more than a routine graphics boost. New features must give players a genuine reason to upgrade rather than relying mainly on exclusives to push people away from older consoles.
Nintendo’s original Switch also demonstrated that strong games do not require the most powerful hardware available. With backlogs continuing to grow on current systems, only the most dedicated early adopters may feel compelled to buy a PS6 at launch.
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