Sony and Microsoft are already preparing the next consoles behind the scenes. However, former Xbox boss Peter Moore claims that many people will no longer buy a console. This is because their needs have changed, and a stationary console is no longer a priority. The market has simply changed.
Currently, almost every living room has a game console. With Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, there are three manufacturers vying for the favor of players. But this could change in the future. Former Xbox boss Peter Moore explained in a conversation with IGN that the interests of users have changed significantly.
This could also pose problems for console manufacturers. Because consoles seem to be less relevant now than they were 10 or 15 years ago.
Gen Z is into YouTube and TikTok, not console gaming
What is the problem? Moore explains that habits have changed drastically in recent years. Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) tends to prefer “snack-sized” content like TikTok videos, according to his theory, or they mainly use the possibilities of streaming services.
Entertainment has shifted from the living room to the bedroom, Moore says, and gamers are more likely to use their smartphones or PCs. Because there are now enough good games available on phones that one no longer necessarily needs a console. Neither an Xbox nor a PlayStation:
And what do we do? Well, we are no longer in the living room. We are back in the bedroom with our YouTube influencers, our TikTok creators, and it’s all about on-demand content… Generation Z comes along and asks themselves, ‘Why do I have to spend four or 500 dollars on a custom piece of gaming hardware when I have my smartphone or my PC or my Mac and can play with a pretty decent controller there?’
When the next consoles hit the market, players might say, ‘I don’t need that; times are tough.’
Peter Moore, former Xbox Chief (via pcgamer.com)
Streaming is also set to play a much larger role in the future. At some point, people will just turn on their TV, start one of their favorite games, and jump right in—without even giving their console a glance:
I think that’s what we are facing. Especially Microsoft with Azure is thinking: Are we finally ready for cloud gaming? Are we finally ready to just turn on our 8K TV and call up our game menu with 10,000 available games? Who is playing what at that moment? Click, get started, play.
The PlayStation Portal as a pure streaming device may have failed with critics, but it still enjoys some popularity among loyal fans.
PS5 Pro and new Xbox reportedly in development
What’s next for the consoles? Allegedly, both Microsoft and Sony are working on a new console. However, when the next PlayStation or the next Xbox will arrive is still unknown. Some speculate that the PS5 Pro could come in September 2024. Sony has remained tight-lipped about it so far.
With Nintendo, it looks similar to Microsoft and Sony: a console is also expected here, but nothing is known about a date. The release of the next Switch has reportedly been postponed quite a bit, according to insiders.
PS5 or Xbox: With PS5 and Xbox Series X, you can purchase two powerful consoles. But which console should I buy if I have to choose one? MeinMMO explains the similarities and differences between PS5 and Xbox Series X:
