As we wrap up 2019 and look forward to a new year of gaming; the release of new systems by Microsoft and Sony will certainly be hot topics as the year unfolds. Microsoft has already announced their new system and people are looking ahead to E3 for when more details of the system include launch date and pricing will possibly be announced.
Sony has let some details of the new system out and a Streaming event is expected in February 2020 to formally announce the system with a likely return to E3 to provide more details as consumers look forward to launch.
With that in mind, here are five things that Sony must do in order to maintain their top spot in the hotly contested console market.
- Launch at an affordable price.
Many people I spoke with have said that $499.99 while on the higher end would be manageable if the system truly rocks cutting edge hardware and will give users a gaming experience unlike anything they have experienced on a console before and provides significant improvements over the Playstation 4 Pro.
Sony does not need the sticker shock many had with the Playstation 3 which was also loaded with cutting edge tech and hindered many early purchasers.
- Have quality exclusives at launch.
For me and many other gamers; the key to selecting a console is largely in part due to the number of exclusives available for it. With a high-end PC; I look for games that I want to play and cannot play on any other platform and Sony has done a wonderful job of this in years past.
There have been some rumblings that the system may not have a big exclusive at launch and I was reminded of the limited selection the Playstation 3 had at launch and how Resistance: Fall of Man was the biggest exclusive they had.
- Quality online experience
Assuming that Playstation Plus will remain the platform for online play; Sony must continue to build and improve the network as they cannot have a new system, new games, and the same online experience as people will expect a better experience.
- Backwards Compatibility must be there at launch.
This has been a heavily-rumored feature of the new system and gamers do not need this to be shoved aside at the 11th hour to meet a launch date. If it is indeed announced as part of the system; it needs to be there from the start or not patched in at some later date or require online streaming for an additional fee.
- Do not forget Playstation V.R. and the apps. Sony has already said the new system would work with the PSVR and that a new generation of VR would follow perhaps as soon as 2021. Sony needs to continue to drive home their market leadership in V.R. and let the power of the new system continue to guide the way and also engage those who have yet to take the leap.
Sony must also remember to have full App support for services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and others at launch. Ask Nintendo Switch users how their streaming services are as an example.
I am sure Sony has learned from mistakes of the past and will hopefully continue to build on the success of the Playstation 4 as the big concern is that they will play it safe or think that they are destined to remain the top selling console due to name and market share. It will be very interesting to see what is to come down the road.
