 A reader suggests that Sony look to Nintendo and Steam Deck when it comes to inspiration for the PS6 and the rise of game streaming. Since we're starting to get rumours about the PlayStation 6 already, I started to try and think about what it could be, that would make an impact and add some new competition for a resurgent Xbox. Microsoft wants to get to the point where streaming is dominant but I'm not sure we're going to be there in five or so years, which leaves Sony with some interesting decisions to make. It probably won't be until the next-next generation when streaming is standard for everything and so I'm sure there will still be traditional, physical consoles for a while yet. Normally you'd expect these to be boring black slabs of plastic or… whatever the PlayStation 5 is meant to be, but I've got a better idea: make the PlayStation 6 a hybrid console like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. I'm really surprised neither Microsoft or Sony has tried to copy anything about the Switch yet, considering how massively successful it's been, but I think that kind of design makes a lot of sense for Sony in terms of getting ready for the streaming future. It makes a lot of sense for Nintendo too, which is why I'm certain the Switch 2 will still be a hybrid, especially as they've experimented a bit with streaming already. Sony has too but only in terms of the software. Project Q is presumably aimed at being a streaming device as well, although I don't think they've actually said as much. Nobody's going to buy a Project Q though, let's be real. The thing has been a laughing stock from the first moment it was even rumoured and they haven't announced the no-doubt-ridiculous asking price yet. However, a hybrid form for the PlayStation 6 (or even the PlayStation 5, if they were sensible enough to ditch the PS5 Pro in favour of that kind of hardware refresh) would make a lot of sense. You'd have all the portability a){kind=link}
A reader suggests that Sony look to Nintendo and Steam Deck when it comes to inspiration for the PS6 and the rise of game streaming.
Since we’re starting to get rumours about the PlayStation 6 already, I started to try and think about what it could be, that would make an impact and add some new competition for a resurgent Xbox. Microsoft wants to get to the point where streaming is dominant but I’m not sure we’re going to be there in five or so years, which leaves Sony with some interesting decisions to make.
It probably won’t be until the next-next generation when streaming is standard for everything and so I’m sure there will still be traditional, physical consoles for a while yet. Normally you’d expect these to be boring black slabs of plastic or… whatever the PlayStation 5 is meant to be, but I’ve got a better idea: make the PlayStation 6 a hybrid console like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
I’m really surprised neither Microsoft or Sony has tried to copy anything about the Switch yet, considering how massively successful it’s been, but I think that kind of design makes a lot of sense for Sony in terms of getting ready for the streaming future.
It makes a lot of sense for Nintendo too, which is why I’m certain the Switch 2 will still be a hybrid, especially as they’ve experimented a bit with streaming already. Sony has too but only in terms of the software. Project Q is presumably aimed at being a streaming device as well, although I don’t think they’ve actually said as much.