Shawn Layden Doubts $1,000 Next-Gen Consoles Will Sell
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says consumers may balk at paying around $1,000 for the PS6 or Xbox Project Helix unless the leap is clear.
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden said in a podcast interview that he is sceptical consumers will pay around $1,000 for next-generation consoles such as the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix if the improvements over current hardware are only marginal, according to gamesradar.com.
Layden argued that adding more ray tracing and teraflops may not resonate with buyers enough to justify a $1,000 price tag. He compared the situation to the jump from the PS1 to the PS2, which he likened to the transition from VHS tapes to DVDs, and said modern console generations offer less noticeable differences between one another.
He also said it is harder for developers to turn a profit when they launch games into Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Current-generation PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles have kept getting more expensive, and many analysts expect next-gen machines could cost around $1,000.
Quick answers
How much could the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix cost?
Many analysts expect next-generation machines could cost around $1,000, though no official price has been announced.
Why is Shawn Layden sceptical about $1,000 consoles?
He said more ray tracing and teraflops may not resonate with consumers enough to justify a $1,000 price if the generational improvements are only marginal.
What did Layden say about Xbox Game Pass?
He said it is harder for developers to turn a profit when launching games into Xbox Game Pass on day one.