With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 and reports surrounding PlayStation and Xbox, the tenth generation of gaming consoles is right around the corner. Like any new generation, the next generation is expected to improve on hardware performance and efficiency, 4K gaming, cloud gaming integration, cross-platform multiplayer and libraries, broader game libraries in general, and AI integration like Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which can be used to upscale lower resolution images as if they are rendered as higher resolution images.
The focus will continue to shift towards Unique Selling Points (USP) and playing anywhere, anytime, and on anything. Nintendo can be expected to keep the focus on hybrid gaming, affordability, and on brand-safe, family-friendly content. Microsoft will seemingly double down on Game Pass, cloud gaming, integrating more platforms for their games and services. Sony will focus on visuals, VR, and exclusive titles as already seen with the PS5 Pro, PSVR2 and their acclaimed singleplayer games. Lastly, both Xbox and Playstation are reportedly working on handheld consoles.
Nintendo's future
In January Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2, scheduled for release later this year. The console retains the hybrid design, featuring a larger touchscreen and redesigned Joy-Cons that attach magnetically. In terms of hardware, the Switch 2 is rumored to house an Nvidia chip comparable to that of the PlayStation 4 Pro, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, possible DLSS and ray tracing support, and an LCD display instead of OLED. Overall, the estimated costs of producing the Switch 2 are around 300 dollar, while retail price is rumoured to be around 400 dollar (excluding tax).
Nintendo has announced a series of hands-on events in April and May for fans to play around with the Switch 2. This likely means the Switch 2 is a finished product ready to be shipped out in order to meet a summer release, allowing enough time to get supply in order and prevent scalping issues. Additionally, with Grand Theft Auto VI releasing later this year, it could take a attention away from the Switch 2. Nintendo's 10th generation console will be backwards compatible with most original Switch games, and is expected to launch with Mario Kart 10 and the 10th Gen Pokemon games.
The future of Xbox
During Microsoft's acquisition of Actvision Blizzard, the investigation revealed that the next Xbox console is not expected to launch before fall 2028, and that Microsoft's focus will be on cloud hybrid technology, machine learning, and AI integration. Although no new console has offically been announced, the next Xbox could thus be designed to be optimized for digital and cloud gaming. Microsoft is also rumoured to be developing a handheld operating system that combines elements of Xbox and PC, possibly resembling a device similar to the Nintendo Switch or Steamdeck.
Microsoft Gaming has emphasized -as part of their "This is an Xbox" strategy- that Game Pass will be accessible across platforms like PCs, smart TVs, mobile devices, and other devices. Moreover, CEO Phil Spencer indicated Microsoft will release Xbox games on other consoles, meaning Microsoft will continue to evolve into a third-party developer and Switch and Playstation gamers could soon see the Xbox logo on those consoles too. This multiplatform strategy is the complete opposite of the Xbox One "all-in-one entertainment device" strategy, and is already working based on the latest numbers.
What's next for Playstation
Recently, it was reported that Sony is testing chips for the PlayStation 6, indicating early development. In 2022, Sony revealed the next Playstation will be released after they have lost access to Activision titles, which at the time that was reported as 2027. Combined with industry patterns of releasing new consoles every seven years and an upgrade halfway into a generation, it could mean the next Playstation is slated for 2028. A handheld based around the Portal's original purpose of being stand-alone is also reportedly in the works, but it is unknown which generation it will be a part of.
Finally, Sony's recent endeavors into live-service games have seen multiple setbacks. Projects like a Last of Us multiplayer, the infamous Concord, a God of War live-service game, and a live-service game from Bend Studios have all been cancelled. The company is now seemingly shifting its focus back to delivering exclusive, narrative-driven, single-player experiences, and will do so under the new leadership of Hiroki Totoki and Hideaki Nishino. As such, Playstation's USP will be singleplayer exclusives, while Nintendo's fun for the whole family, and Xbox' making gaming accessible on anything.