Former PlayStation exec: PS5 and Switch 2 should last as long as possible, but not Xbox

More performance alone is currently not a compelling reason for a new console generation in Shuhei Yoshida's view. Speaking on The Vergecast podcast, the former PlayStation executive, who was involved with major titles such as Gran Turismo and Crash Bandicoot for many years, expressed optimism about the future of the Switch 2 and PS5. In his view, both platforms could remain successful for many more years. Yoshida recommends that Nintendo and Sony keep the current generation going for as long as possible. He bases his recommendation on two arguments: what he sees as little need for more performance and significantly higher hardware prices.

“And I think they should try to keep the current generation as long as possible, because I think people are very happy using PS5 and Switch 2,” Yoshida explains. He sees little demand for a major performance leap anytime soon, either from a large portion of gamers or from developers: “I don't think lots of people are asking for more power. We need more power or even developer. I don't think developers asking, ‘We need better hardware,’ or like that.”

Then there is the question of cost. Gamers have limited budgets, while prices for the specialized components used in PCs and consoles have risen sharply. Anyone who already owns a PS5, Switch 2 (currently $663 on Amazon) or a sufficiently powerful PC may be more inclined to skip a new console generation or delay purchasing one for a long time. Yoshida also knows from personal experience how rising prices can discourage an upgrade. He had considered replacing his roughly five-year-old gaming PC but waited too long. “I wish I had made that decision a year ago,” he says. He expects other gamers to face similar considerations.

Xbox needs new hardware

Yoshida sees the situation differently for Xbox. Microsoft plans to change the competitive landscape and therefore has a more concrete reason to bring new hardware to market. With Project Helix, the company is pursuing a hybrid approach: The next Xbox is expected to run both Xbox and PC games, further blurring the lines between consoles and gaming PCs. His outlook for Sony and Nintendo, however, remains optimistic: “So I think that means that the current generation, Sony and Nintendo, are going to do pretty well for many years to come still.”