We’re in a weird transitory stage of consoles right now. The Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 have been kicking around for almost half a decade, a lifetime in the traditional cycle of these home entertainment devices. The solution? Not a successor console, but rather a mid-cycle upgrade that keeps familiar architecture firm while introducing some decent upgrades to that foundation.
That’s the PlayStation Pro for you right there, although I’m still utterly convinced that the Xbox Scorpio is that sequel console to the Xbox One that just so happens to be backwards compatible. If you’d read my conspiracy theory website you’d know this. Also, lizard-people from the center of the Hollow-Earth secretly run our governmentssssssss.
Anyway, the PlayStation 4 is still solid, the PlayStation 4 Pro is solid…er. A PlayStation 5 won’t be seen for a while, right? NOPE! Because according to at least one reliable analyst who’s managed to predict Sony Hardware with uncanny accuracy, a PlayStation 5 is coming sooner than you’d expect, the actual date will shock you like my attempts at clickbait.
2018.
Vague but I’ll take it. That’s the word according to Macquarie Capital Securities analyst Damian Thong over on the Wall Street Journal, the fella who correctly predicted the PS4 Pro and PS Slim according to VG247. It’s a bit of a bizarre situation with the PS4 Pro still being a newborn console. My current prediction for that scenario is that PlayStation will pull off an eco-system similar to Microsoft: An entry-level PS4 Slim, a slightly pricier PS4 Pro for the 4K market not yet sold on going balls-deep on next-gen and the PS5 itself for the fans. Simple.
I’d wager a few coins that E3 this year will see some hint as to whether or not the future of the PlayStation brand is in development.
Last Updated: May 3, 2017
Ottokie
May 3, 2017 at 09:01
If it’s true, then the PS4 has upgraded and cycled out faster than my PC. So there goes that argument xD
Admiral Chief
May 3, 2017 at 11:38
^^^
Steffmeister
May 3, 2017 at 09:09
I like that console upgrades are becoming more regular and gradual. Otherwise they fall too far behind PC’s, and because most of my favorite games are PS4 exclusives, I would never be able to have JUST a PC.
I will get expensive though….
Praise KEK
May 3, 2017 at 09:13
I’m still on PS3. oh well
Ottokie
May 3, 2017 at 09:13
Feels bad man
Original Heretic
May 3, 2017 at 09:18
Well now I’m really glad I didn’t but a PS Pro.
But now please, Sony, make it backward compatible…
Kikmi
May 3, 2017 at 09:56
If Sony did this, all theyve worked up to from e3 2013 will be utterly ruined and gamers will again view the blue and black box as nothing more than a money grab. It would be very very very stupid to release a brand new console next year, both for Sony financially and would certainly tarnish their reputation. If anything they should look at doing something similar to the Switch or Ps Vita successor (if THAT could have output to HDMI/DP, then we’re talking a whole different situation)
MacDoodle
May 3, 2017 at 10:06
I think its quite clever, just as people have money to splash on the scorpio along comes an even more powerful console and hence less chance of Sony losing out to Microsoft
Kikmi
May 3, 2017 at 11:13
It doesnt make sense, not very many people do a 20k upgrade to their pc every two/three years, so no I cant agree to the model youre proposing. Sure for the 1%’s its a non issue but most people only swap out a gpu every few years and thats more along the tune of maybe 2-4k. Complete systems are generally done every 5-7 years (at least for me and a few friends) and sure yeah that can be about 15k or so. But to do this every 3 years will kill the console market. Theres already backlash against the scorpio because the rumoured price and lack of solid 4k power seems a stupid upgrade since a pc thats much more powerful can be attained at the same price. I dont agree with the new business model for either sony or ms but sony definitely has the most to lose since theyre market leader.
MacDoodle
May 3, 2017 at 11:31
I agree especially from a financial POV, but if Sony can pull off a true 4K HDR @ 60fps console that has full backwards compatability then they can still be a market leader with that 1%, without isolating their core players on the older systems.
Kikmi
May 3, 2017 at 13:42
Considering even the Titan Xp’s can’t even cope with that, it’d have to be some real next level tech which, considering the past, is very unlikely. I mean hell the current gen has 8 year old GPU’s in them. (albeit modified, sure)
Well, theres always a possibility that Sony could pull another Cell Processor derivative but I’d rather wait for flying elephants before holding my breath on that one
MacDoodle
May 3, 2017 at 14:22
Time as always will tell, a Cell Processor derivative would be very interesting but its difficult to program for so would probably cut out any chance of backwards compatibility.
Guild
May 3, 2017 at 12:05
Maybe they will reveal some detail of development but really PS5 by next year? Nah. It’s too soon. Maybe 2019 or 2020. The Pro hasn’t even been out a year. It would kill any potential sales if they announce PS5 release for next year.
schitsophrenic-toothbrush
May 3, 2017 at 12:54
Ok well now i need to hold off on getting a PS4 Pro. Will stick with my PS4 but it will kind of be a kick in the face, might as well spend the money on a PC and it will last longer.
Pieter Kruger
May 3, 2017 at 13:28
They’ll have to…..they screwed up with the Pro and it’s not selling as they anticipated unfortunately. Hopefully they can also bring a 4K Backwards Compatible beast to market (at the right price) in a year or so.
Garvin
May 3, 2017 at 13:59
I don’t believe it. If he said 2019 then maybe. But its too soon after the Pro
Allykhat
May 4, 2017 at 08:05
I Just bought my pro 2 weeks ago. If they announce a new PS at E3, I’ll be pissed. I’m also willing to wager that even the Sony fanboys will be pissed if they do a newer, stronger console a year and some change after the last one launched.
Peter Pan
May 4, 2017 at 09:38
If they do release a PS5 next year, I would love to understand the business strategy behind his. The PS4 still has at least 2 – 3 years of life left in it, especially with the PS4 Pro, IMHO!
Avithar
May 8, 2017 at 14:54
It would seem the console companies are trying to tap into the moblie celluar relam, with so many upgardes/new consoles in such a short space of time…