PS6 and Project Helix cost $1,000, analysts expect sales to drop as much as 38%

According to a new report from Ampere Analytics, it’s possible PlayStation 6 and Project Helix launch at $1,000The name of Microsoft’s next-generation console could have a significant impact on adoption of the new console. The forecast assumes that parts shortages related to growing demand from the AI ​​industry will keep hardware costs high.

Ampere estimates that within the first five years of being on the market, Overall PS6 and Project Helix sales could drop 38% Compared to what the current generation has recorded. Slowing hardware sales will also have an impact on the games and services market: Analysts say consumer spending could fall by about 12%, equivalent to $3.4 billion, compared with more affordable consoles.

Big deal

To solve this problem, Ampere determined Three possible strategies for Sony and Microsoft. The first is to delay a new generation while recommending incremental updates to current hardware. The second option plans to maintain the assumed launch window of 2028 and adopt greater subsidies to control public prices in the hope that parts supply will improve. In this case, companies should rely on “larger hardware subsidies, new monetization models, more aggressive digital content strategies and optimized sales channels.”

The third possibility pointed out by Ampere is more related to console design. The company said Sony and Microsoft could try to differentiate themselves by introducing specific hardware innovations, rather than simply improving graphics capabilities and quality. Technology that truly differentiates new platforms allows us to focus on cheaper, less powerful hardware, lowering prices and expanding the potential audience.

Analysis cites cases as precedents Nintendo Wii. In 2006, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 focused on enhancing the performance of the PS2 and Xbox, while the Wii used hardware with comparable performance to the GameCube and focused on motion-based controls. This strategy proved particularly effective, making the Wii one of the best-selling home consoles of all time.

However, it should be noted that Ampere’s forecast for the $1,000 price point and resulting sales decline is Based on what-if scenarios. The final price, release date, and final features of the PS6 and Project Helix have yet to be officially announced.