Sony Interactive Entertainment has been successful the past year, selling more than 5.6 million PS4 and PS4 Pro only over the holidays. It sold more than 90 units worldwide, not to mention the software sales.
Even though it’s so successful, discussion about the PS5 is well underway. But when will Sony announce the next-gen console?
The rumors hint towards 2020, but will it be a good strategy for Sony? Let’s check out the next facts and hopefully come to a conclusion.
Why Should Sony Release PS5 Faster
First of all, Sony won’t destroy the current success when huge titles like The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, and Death Stranding are to be released this year.
Beginning with the 2016 sales when during the holidays it had 6.2 million, sales kept doing down to 5.9 million in 2017 and now 5.6 million. The holiday season in 2019 will likely go down, even though anticipated exclusives like Call of Duty will be released this fall.
Even though they’re not going to show up at E3, Sony might hold their PS5 announcement event whenever the time is right for them. Moreover, Sony must also take into consideration what the direct competitor, Microsoft, will do with the next Xbox. Microsoft has already bought several studios to make sure they arm themselves with exclusives for the next consoles.
Why Should Sony Release PS5 Later
Considering the lineup of exclusives for this year is lighter than last year’s awesome Spiderman, Detroit: Become Human, and God of War, Sony will still have three giant exclusives – The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, and Death Stranding which should debut before PS5.
Sony will surely not want to hurry the release of PS5 and let the three titles enough time in the spotlight.
Additionally, nobody would want to buy a PS4 for the holidays if the PS5 will be released a few months later in 2020.
An early announcement might hurt PS4’s life, and there is still life in the PS4 considering the sales so far.
If Microsoft announces the next Xbox at E3, Sony will know how to respond too.
The best strategy should be for Microsoft and Sony to announce their consoles in 2020 close to the fall. I was a good decision for PS4 when it was announced in February 2013 and got promoted until it got released in November.
In conclusion, 2020 seems to be the best time to have the next-gen consoles announced, from both Microsoft and Sony, but we will surely learn more about them this year.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.
