NEWS  Games  February 18, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Sony Group Corporation's recent revelation of its Q3 FY2023 financial results has sparked discussions within the gaming community. Chief Operating Officer Hiroki Totoki's commentary on the performance of PlayStation 5 (PS5) sheds light on the challenges faced by Sony in maintaining profitability amidst evolving hardware technologies.

Sony's Financial Report and Totoki's Statement

In the Q3 FY2023 financial report, Hiroki Totoki expressed slight disappointment regarding the sales performance of PS5. He highlighted the increasing production costs of the console compared to its predecessors, attributing this challenge to the rising costs of aging components. Totoki's observation underscores a significant shift in the dynamics of console manufacturing, where previous cost-saving measures are no longer applicable.

Insights from Hardware Experts

Industry expert and leaker Kepler, known for accurate hardware predictions, offered valuable insights into the future of gaming consoles. Kepler's analysis suggests that the transition from FinFETs to GAAFETs/CFETs in transistor technology will lead to a notable increase in production costs. While GAAFETs/CFETs offer enhanced capabilities and downsizing potential, they come with a price tag that manufacturers cannot ignore.

Implications for PS6 and Next-Gen Xbox

Kepler's predictions raise important considerations for the upcoming PS6 and next-generation Xbox consoles. The anticipated shift to advanced transistor technologies signifies a departure from the era of significant performance gains at minimal cost.

As manufacturers seek to balance performance and affordability, consumers may face higher price points for consoles offering substantial advancements in capabilities.

Looking Ahead

While rumors surrounding the next Microsoft consoles hint at varying performance tiers to cater to different consumer segments, official announcements from Sony and Microsoft are awaited to provide clarity on the future of gaming consoles. The industry is at a critical juncture where technological advancements intersect with financial realities, shaping the trajectory of gaming experiences for years to come.

 IMAGES CREDITS FOR PS6 CONCEPT DESIGN: JUNWOO KIM, HYEON JEONG RA, EUN KYUNG SHIN, KIM JIWOONG, GAEUN KANG, LFD OFFICIAL