Lines Between Console Generations Blur: Why It Makes Sense to Revise Existing Platforms

A wrench has been thrown in the gears of traditional console generation cycles with Sony's PS4 Pro reveal and Microsoft's Xbox Scorpio on the horizon. Both console manufacturers have opted out of perpetuating distinct next-generation hardware, at least for now. This approach is akin to the smart phone model of releasing iterations of the same platform with continual upgrades. While this is new to console gaming, it should be met with open-mindedness but tempered skepticism at the same time.

Pushing the Limits of Visual Fidelity

Arguably, the current generation of consoles were underpowered from the start, but were still able to provide an improvement in visual fidelity. However, 1080p (1920x1080) has been the standard resolution for displays for about 8 years. The PS4 and Xbox One struggle to provide stable frame rates and top-notch visuals at 1080p. As we move forward, 4k (3840x2160) will be increasingly accessible. Thus, consoles are at a crossroads; how do you capitalize on new technology without alienating an already established user base?

As Sony unveiled the PS4 Pro in early September and Microsoft revealed the Scorpio at E3 2016, it made perfect sense. Naturally, the new consoles have to be sold at a higher price point, but those who are in the market to take advantage of the new hardware specs are also the ones who have or are willing to purchase a 4k television. As 4k TVs become more mainstream in the coming years, the more that upgraded consoles (in concept and price point) will appeal to a consumer. Developers of console games will now have more freedom to push their games to higher visual limits.

Diminishing Returns, Backwards Compatibility, and VR

While discussing the next step in graphical quality, it's also important to understand diminishing returns. Games from 5-6 years ago can still look and function like modern games. As a consequence, compatibility across platforms is increasingly important. Sony and Microsoft don't have to worry about leaving a large library behind or making backwards compatibility work by moving towards iterations of the same platform.

Virtual reality gaming needs stronger hardware if it is going to stay relevant in the console market. PSVR will initially be accesible on the original PS4, but it's hard to imagine boundary-pushing VR games of the future working with dated hardware.

Getting Developers On Board

Having different hardware specifications within the same platform will require developers to tweak their games to either take advantage of the extra power or maintain a playable experience on the standard console specs. To what lengths developers will go to satisfy both user bases and to what extent is a gray area at this point since the new consoles are not yet released.

Several games have been announced to support 4k on PS4 Pro's launch such as Deus Ex Mankind Divided, Ratchet and Clank, Uncharted 4, and more. However, it's ultimately up to the developer on how to take advantage of the new hardware. Some may opt for full 4k support, some may opt for higher texture and effects quality at lower resolutions, and some may give you the option to take higher frame rates (as seen in the beta test of Nioh for PS4).

What About Nintendo?

It's arguable that Nintendo lacks wide third-party support due to releasing consoles with hardware specs below its competitors. Maybe unconventional control schemes or underdeveloped social features hurt third-party support. Regardless, the Wii U's struggle to get developers on board limited its ability to compete on the console market. The Nintendo NX may face the same struggle. That's not to say the NX won't innovate or feature generation-defining games, but from a business perspective, third-party support is vital to stay relevant.

The transition from the Wii to the Wii U wasn't exactly clear, and indicates that better hardware alone won't push a platform forward. The NX's portable and home console hybrid functionality might be enough to separate itself from the competition, but software is what will push it beyond being a novelty product.

How Microsoft is Creating What the Steam Box Aimed to Be

Steam Machines (or Steam Boxes) were developed with the objective of bringing PC gaming to living rooms in a more efficient manner. While sales numbers on Steam Boxes aren't concrete, Ars Technica deduced that less than 500,000 Steam Boxes were sold by June of this year, which marked 7 months since release. Ars Technica went as far as calling the concept 'dead in the water.'

Microsoft already fits itself into the living room with Xboxes. With the addition of the upgraded Scorpio model and Windows 10 cross-play for many PC games, Microsoft is filling the niche Steam Boxes were trying to fill; the gamer or family that doesn't want to deal with the ins and outs of a PC but wants PC games with accessibility, simplicity, and higher-end specs.

This is also how Microsoft distinguishes itself from Sony in the console market. With the PS4 having outsold the Xbox One roughly 2 to 1, bringing the Windows PC platform and the Xbox closer together is a logical step to stay competitive.

Pro-Consumer Messaging is a Major Key

The messaging thus far has been all-inclusive. No one on initial versions of the two consoles have to worry about missing out on certain games, other than games that are not cross-platform.

Consumers are in the midst of adjusting to the market. Some will condemn Sony and Microsoft seeing the upgraded consoles as an exploit of initially releasing underpowered hardware. Some will welcome the new consoles as a way to keep up with advancing technology to push the capability of games further. Everyone else is somewhere in the between, still unsure of what it means to them and how to move forward as a consumer.

We have to understand what we are getting ourselves into and determine whether or not the new consoles are for us.